Baripada, Oct 16: The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district is set to reopen for tourists from October 18.

The announcement was made by Dr.Prakash Chand Gogineni, Field Director of the Similipal Tiger Conservation Project and Regional Wildlife Conservator.

According to the guidelines, daily entry will be allowed for 35 vehicles through the Jashipur (Tenkhi Gate) and 25 vehicles through the Baripada (Pithabata Gate).

Tourists can enjoy up to five hours of jungle safari in designated vehicles across Talabandh, Jamuaani, and Gudugudia routes.

Entry permits will be available at booking counters between 6 AM and 9 AM. Visitors must adhere to strict eco-tourism norms, including bans on plastic items, intoxicants, non-vegetarian food, and fire-related materials inside the reserve.

Also read: Nuapada Gears Up For CM Majhi’s Visit And BJP Mega Rally

For overnight stays, tourists can book accommodations in nature camps located at Barehipani, Gudugudia, Kumari, Jamuaani, and Ramatirtha via the official eco-tourism website. Bamboo cottages near Kumari village are also available.

In the 2024–25 fiscal year, Similipal welcomed 38,483 tourists, including 26,083 from Odisha, 12,388 from other states, and 12 international visitors. The nearby Devkund waterfall attracted over 77,000 visitors last year.

This year, the forest department is introducing new adventure activities such as mountain biking, jungle safaris, and nature gaming to attract younger visitors and families. Dedicated routes have been planned to allow tourists to safely observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

All vehicles entering the reserve must be accompanied by an official guide. Tourists are required to exit the reserve by 3 PM from Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls, by 4 PM from Chahala, and by 5 PM from the departure gates.