Similipal National Park in Odisha Reopens as a Plastic-Free Haven for Nature Enthusiasts

Similipal National Park in Odisha Reopens as a Plastic-Free Haven for Nature Enthusiasts

Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, has reopened to visitors after a five-month closure due to the monsoon season. Tourists can now explore this second-largest biosphere in Asia between 6 am and 9 am. The park is accessible through Kaliani gate from Jashipur (35 vehicles) and Lulung in Baripada (25 vehicles). Visitors must exit from Barehipani and Jaranda by 3 pm and Chahala by 4 pm.

Notably, the park has been declared a plastic-free zone for the first time this year. Local self-help groups (SHGs) have been engaged to provide a variety of delectable cooked dishes, including authentic local cuisine, though these come at a cost.

Similipal National Park covers an expansive 2,750 square kilometers, offering breathtaking scenery with towering Sal trees and the melodic sounds of birds and streams. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 1,076 mammal species, 231 bird species, and 29 species of reptiles.