Bhubaneswar: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district will be closed to tourists starting July 1 due to the monsoon season.
According to an official notification, STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni announced that the exact reopening date will be declared later and published in newspapers.
However, ecotourism complexes at Jamuani, Gurgudia, Kumari, Barehipani, and Ramtirtha will remain open for visitors during the closure.
In the fiscal year 2024-2025, STR welcomed 38,483 tourists, including 12 foreigners, generating revenue of Rs 4.26 crore. Of this, Rs 1.22 crore came from jungle safaris, Rs 2.75 crore from nature camps inside the park, and Rs 29 lakh from entry permits.
Spanning 2,750 square kilometers, Similipal Tiger Reserve is rich in biodiversity, boasting 96 orchid species, 42 mammal species, 242 bird varieties, and 30 reptile categories.