Baripada: Good news for nature lovers. The world-famous Similipal National Park has opened for tourists from November 1 for the 2026-27 tourist season. Tourists can now enjoy the natural beauty, greenery, waterfalls and wildlife of Similipal.
As per regulations issued by Similipal authorities, a maximum of 60 four-wheelers will be allowed entry daily. Only vehicles with ground clearance of 180 mm or more will be permitted. Of the 60 vehicles, 35 can enter through Kaliani gate at Jashipur and 25 through Pithabata (Lulung) checkpoint at Baripada. Entry will be allowed between 5 AM and 9 AM at Jashipur gate and between 8 AM and 9 AM at Pithabata gate. All tourists must exit before 6 PM.
Advance online booking is mandatory through website www.simlipal.org. Taking a guide with each vehicle is also mandatory. Tourists visiting main attractions Joranda and Barehipani waterfalls will have to leave the spot by 4 PM.For experiencing wilderness up close, the department is also offering open jeep wildlife safari with night stay facility at Kumari, Gudgudia, Jamuani, Barehipani and Kumari.
Bookings for cottages have to be done through www.ecotourodisha.com.The regulations have been framed to provide a safe experience to tourists while protecting biodiversity of Similipal, informed Regional Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Baripada.
Enthusiasm was seen among tourists who visited the park on the first day, with many hoping to sight black tigers and other wildlife
