Baripada: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district, which remained out of bounds for tourists since June 15, reopened today for visitors.
The reserve was closed to tourists as the hilly roads were washed due to heavy rains during the monsoon. The visitors can enter the national park through Kaliani and Pithabata gates, officials said.
Entry tickets will be available at the booking counters at two gates. Entry fee per tourist has been fixed at Rs 100.Tourists need to keep the sanctuary clean by following the guidelines.
At least 25-35 vehicles will be allowed inside the park daily.
Tourists can enter STR using two gates — Kaliani and Pithabata — between 6am and 9am and will have to leave using Barehipani and Jaranda gates by 3pm and Chahala gate by 4 pm. All tourists will have to leave the park latest by 5pm, STR guidelines said.
If the car of a tourist develops any mechanical snag inside the park, they will have to pay Rs 4,000 and avail vehicles provided by the STR, the guidelines said.
Cooking has been restricted in the national park area. But, they can take dry or cooked food with them in containers. No plastic bags will be allowed, according to the guidelines.
People interested to spend the night inside the park have to book the rooms online online through www.Ecotourodisha. com.
Special arrangements have been made for overnight stay at places like Jamuani, Kumari, Ramtirth, Gudugudia, Berehipani in the core area of the national park and a bamboo hut has also been made near Kumari village.
