Similipal, Jan 23: New rules will come into force for tourists, who want to visit Similipal sanctuary, from February. The tourists will have to apply online to have a chance to visit the sanctuary.

In this regard, Dr Prakash Chand Gogineni, Circle Director of Shimilipal Tiger Reserve (STR) and Regional Chief Wildlife Conservator of Baripada circle, has informed through a notification.

Tourists used to enter Shimilipal by applying offline at Pithabata Check Post (coming from Baripada route) and Kalikaprasad Check Post (from Jashipur route) to enter with the private vehicles.

At both gates, an entry permit was granted on payment of a fixed amount along with an application form. However, in a bid to bring clarity to the procedures, the online application facility has been introduced.

Tourists can apply through www.similipal.org or www.ecotourodisha.com for their visits. As per the notification, the tourists can visit the sanctuary on the given date, which will be issued after the approval of their applications.

The limitations on the entries of vehicles into the sanctuary will remain as it is. The limitations set for the route through Kalikaprasad Check Post (Jashipur) is 35, while through Pithabata Check Post (Baripada) is at 25.

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