Similipal
Additional information may please be sent as messages to the |
Contents |
Similipal
Thick and green forests, extensive grassy lands and meadows, cloud kissing peaks, precipitous and sparkling waterfalls, meandering rivers, roaring tigers and trumpeting tuskers, fleeing deer and flying squirrels, talking myna and dancing peacocks et al make Similipal a dreamland of Nature in the wilderness and an irresistible destination.
Covering a vast are of 2750 sq. km out of which 303 sq. km from the core area, thick biosphere reserve is a sanctuary and one of the Tiger Projects and National parks of India. With wide range of rain falls and edaphic variations, range from dry deciduous to moist green forests, it is suitable to different species of flora and fauna. About 1076 species of mammals, 29 types of reptiles and 231 species of birds are the proud possession of this plateau.
Average mean elevation of Similipal is 900 meters. Tall and luxuriant Sal Trees in large numbers stand like sentries. The handsome peaks of Khairiburu (1178 meters), Meghasani (1158 meters) and others welcome like smiling receptionists from the emerald heights. Sweet scented Champak flowers freshen the air. The richly hued orchids on the green foliage are soothing to the eyes. In the midst of the dense forests, the summer stands humbled and the sun gets lost.
Several rivers like Budhabalanga, Khairi, salandi, Palpala, etc. originate from the hills and meander through the forest like veins and arteries in the body. many of them have formed cascading rapids and foaming falls before leaving for the plains. The panoramic view of the waterfalls at Barehipani (400 meters) and Joranda(150 meters) are simply enchanting of fish, is found in abundance in most of the rivers.
The silence of Similipal is occasionally broken by the chirping of the birds to an avian delight.
The dense forest and riverine system serve as an excellent home to some of the most beautiful creatures of the World. To stay with them, even for a while, is a thrilling experience. Herds of elephants majestically walking across the roads and rivulets could be a regular sight. While you are moving on the hilly tracts, predators like Tiger and Leopards might be obliviously lulling under the shade with their own thoughts. If lucky, you could spot them there, or else see them around the saltlicks at places like Chahala. Forget the apprehensive dear at Similipal is at its natural best.
The crocodile rearing centre at Ramtirtha near Jashipur is an additional attraction.
An epitome of fascinating beauties, Similipal beckons you for a sojourn of its mind boggling interiors. it will fill your lungs with cool and clean air, your nose with fresh and free fragrance, your eyes with soothing sights, your ears with sonorous sounds and your heart with a hypnotic throb. After trip, your body is sure to feel rejuvenated.
Similipal also provides succor to thousands of tribal people living on the fringe. A glimpse of the tribal culture will therefore be a bonus at no extra cost.
Entry Points, Permits and Timings
You can enter into Similipal through Pithabata (22 km from Baripada). Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Officer, Pithabata check gate or the Assistant Conservator of Forest, Jashipur on payment of prescribed fees.
Day visitors can enter between 6 AM & 9. AM and visitors with reservation between 6 AM & 12.00 Noon.
Similipal remains open from 1st November to 15th June only.
Best time to visit
Similipal is usually open for visitors from the beginning of November till the onset of the monsoons.
Road - Baripada, the district headquaters of Mayurbhanj, on the junction of NH 5 and 6, is 270 km from Bhubaneswar, 240 from Kolkata and 60 km from Balasore and 22 km from Pithabata, which is an entry point. The other entry point Jashipur is 94 km from Baripada on N.H. 6. Both the places are well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are available. Rail - Nearest railhead is Baripada (22 km from Baripada), direct trains from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata are available. Air - Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 kms) and Kolkata (240 km)
Tiger, melanistic (dark)
As in 2024
Riyan Ramanath V, February 5, 2024: The Times of India
Bhubaneswar: A camera trap has captured a young melanistic tiger, aged around two and a half years, killing a sambar in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). Wildlife authorities said it was the big cat’s first independent kill after it got separated from its mother.
Tigers, till the age of two or two and a half years, hunt with the help of their mothers or the mother hunts alone and brings the kill for her cubs.
Officials said this also indicates that adult melanistic tigers are healthy, contrary to the belief they are weak due to repetitive in-breeding, a reason why they develop black stripes.Susanta Nanda, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), posted on ‘X’, “A pseudo melanistic tiger with its sambar kill.”
Tigers in the wild are identified by number tags (based on their stripes). Once they attain adulthood, they are numbered. This time, the wildlife authorities have not mentioned the number of the young melanistic tiger hunting the sambar.
Similipal is the only reserve in the world to have melanistic tigers.
Recently, a melanistic adult tiger was caught in the camera trap roaming with its mother and two siblings, generating excitement among wildlife lovers. Anup Nayak, former member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, said, “The Similipal eco-system seems to be thriving as a young big cat is able to kill a large ungulate, which weighs about 250 kg. It is a good indication of flourishing prey population and predators.”
In December, a camera trap captured fierce fighting between two adult male Royal Bengal Tigers in Similipal for establishing territory.
Melanistic tigers in Similipal are born due to genetic repetition and a single mutation in the gene trans-membrane aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep). They have black stripes and distinct patterns, but there is no research on their strength compared to Royal Bengal Tigers. A tiger died after being hit by a car near Mandakalli village on Mysuru-Nanjangud national highway. The incident happened near Mysuru airport. The tiger sustained serious head injuries. Forest department officials seized the car for investigation.
The tiger keeping villagers jittery in Eluru district is on its way to the reserve forest area. The forest department has seen pugmarks and collected the animal's hair stuck on fences. There may be two big cats on the prowl in Eluru and East Godavari districts.
