Simlipal National Park in Odisha to reopen on Nov 2

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Baripada, Oct 19:

After remaining closed during the rainy season since June 15 the Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) and National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district will be open to tourists from November 2, official sources said.

STR sources said while the date of closure is fixed, the date of reopening has always depended on the prevailing weather conditions.

Tourists will be allowed entry into the sanctuary through two entry points- one through the Kaliani check post from the Jashipur side and the other through Pithabata from the Baripada side, sources said.

The sources said while a maximum of 40 four-wheelers will be allowed from Kaliani check post after verification of relevant documents, only 20 four-wheelers from the Pithabada check post will be allowed entry into the national park. No heavy vehicle will be allowed from either side for the safety of animals inside the sanctuary.

A strict schedule will be maintained as far as entry and exit of tourists are concerned. Tourists and their vehicles will be required to obtain entry passes from the Pithabata or Jashipur booking counters between 6 AM and 9 AM.

They are also required to leave the tourist spots inside the STR by 3 PM in order to make their exit through either check posts latest by 5 PM, field director of STR Anup Kumar Nayak said.

The picturesque Chahala, Barheipani, Joranda, Nahana, Gududia and Jamuani inside the STR attract scores of visitors every year. The night halt facilities at forest rest houses has been done away with for security reasons following violent Maoist attacks on the Forest department beat houses and rest houses on May 29, 2009.

However, night stay for tourists will be allowed at two forest rest houses- at Gududia and Jamuani- which are located close to the entry points, the STR field director Nayak informed.