Simlipal

The park hosts a rich variety of wildlife, including 55 species of mammals, 304 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles, and 21 species of amphibians. Notable residents include Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaur, chital, sambar deer, and the melanistic Indian leopard (black panther). The park is also a crucial habitat for the highly endangered mugger crocodile and various species of hornbills. Simlipal is particularly famous for its population of melanistic tigers, a rare genetic variant found almost exclusively in this region.

Simlipal boasts exceptional botanical diversity with over 1,076 species of plants, including 94 orchid species. The vegetation primarily consists of sal forests, with other prominent species including mahua, asan, harida, and piasala trees. The park is also home to numerous medicinal plants, including Asparagus racemosus and Gymnema sylvestre. The forest canopy varies from semi-evergreen to deciduous, creating diverse ecological niches. Several rare and endangered plant species find sanctuary here, including orchids like Vanda tessellata.

The park is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, forming part of the Eastern Ghats. The landscape consists of northern tropical moist deciduous forests set against a backdrop of rolling hills, with elevations ranging from 150 to 1,168 meters. The region features numerous waterfalls, including Barehipani and Joranda, and is characterized by red and yellow soils. The area contains significant deposits of bauxite and is marked by ancient crystalline rocks of the Precambrian era.

Simlipal experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March-June) with temperatures reaching 40°C, monsoon (July-September) with heavy rainfall averaging 2000mm annually, and winter (October-February) with temperatures dropping to 4°C. The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. The park typically closes during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall making roads inaccessible.

Simlipal was initially established as a tiger reserve in 1956 and was designated as a national park in 1979. The area was historically the hunting ground of the maharajas of Mayurbhanj. In 1994, it was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, making it part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The park derives its name from 'Simul' (red silk cotton) trees that bloom here abundantly. The area has also been home to indigenous tribal communities like the Kolha, Ho, and Santal for generations.

Simlipal's most distinctive features include the spectacular Barehipani Falls (400 meters) and Joranda Falls (150 meters), making them among India's highest waterfalls. The park contains several ancient temples, including the Devasthali temple complex, which attracts numerous pilgrims. The unique presence of melanistic tigers sets it apart from other tiger reserves. The park also features multiple research stations and watch towers for wildlife observation. The indigenous tribal villages within and around the park offer insights into traditional forest-dwelling communities and their sustainable practices.