30-03-2009 Simlipal National Park Closed.
Simlipal National park has been closed indefinitely for unfotunate naxalite infiltration.
10-02-2009 Simlipal Gets better.
The Governor of Orissa, Mr. M.C Bhandare, inaugurated an eco- tourism complex near Joranda inside Simlipal National Park. The effort is to promote tourism & inculcate a sense of awareness & consciousness about nature amongest visitors & others.
05-01-2009
Elephant ride has been introduced at Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj for visitors from the season starting from 2009.
GENERAL INFORMATION-
AREA:2750 Square Kilometre
Core Area:846 (Approx) Square kilometer
Buffer Area:2129 Sqkm
Temp: Max-40-43Degree centigrade(may-June)
Min- -3 degree Centegrade
Rain Fall: 2000mm per annum
Highest Point- Khairburu(1165.6mt) above sea level
History-1 During the kingly rule it was the hunting preserve of Maharajas(Kings) of the Bhanja Dynasty
2. Tiger Reserve(1973)
3. Sanctuary(1979)
4. National Park(1986)
5. Biosphere( 22nd June 1994)
Briefing: The significance of Simlipal is well understood from its general information & history. It is a wonderful gift of nature with 1076 species of plants including 87 Orchids & 42 species of mammals, 231 species birds, & 29 species of reptiles that speak volume about the beauty of the park. The drainage system of 12 rivers cutting across the attractive terrain, forming innumerable waterfalls provide the life line to this vast forest as well as the source of life to the human beings. The declaration of it as a Biosphere has added global significance to this already magnificent park.
The 65 tribal villages inside this National Park is a clear indication of the symbiosis between human beings & nature.
The Simlipal offers a truly memorable trip, where the visitors exhibit awe & reverence to peaceful nature.
Time of Visit: 15 th November to 15th June.
Distance: 1. 270 KM from Bhubaneswar , the Capital city of Orissa.
2. 230 KM from Calcuatta or Kolkatta by Road.
3. 80 KM from Balasore, an important station in the South – Eastern Railways.
4. 22 KM from Baripada, the District head Quarters of Mayurbhanj.
Places of Interests around Simlipal
Ramtirtha: Situated on the outskirt of Simlipal National Park, near Joshipur( an entry point to the park) , Ramtirtha is lovely attraction for crocodile lovers & general visitors. Any one would love to see thousands of crocodiles being reared there.
Deokund: A magnificient scenic spot amidst lush green forest has a superb setting of a picturesque waterfall. The breath taking atmosphere of nature at its very best compels visitors to stay there longer than expected. The hill top temple of Goddess Ambika attracts Hindus from far & across.
Khhiching: This place, around 50km from Joshipur, harbours one of the oldest temples of orissa. The 11th century old temple is rare of its kind in India for the use of black granite, which is rare, apart from splendid architectural work.
FESTIVAL
The Car Festival: Orissa is the land of Chariot pulling, for the presiding deties of Lord Jagannth, Lord Balabhadra & Lordess Subhadra.
The car festival at Baripada is comparitively lesser known event to the world , although it is next only to Puri. More than five (5) lakhs visitors from across the country & abroad throng the venue in the month of june- july to witness the event.The uniqueness of this venue is that the chariot of Goddess of Subhadra is pulled by women only, symbolizing women empowerment , This special feature is a wonderful sight of women of all hues joining hands to pull their beloved Goddess. Pulling of the chariots amidst cheers by thousands of devotees is treat in itself.
The chaitra Parav ( Chhau Festival) :There is no need of introducing CHHAU. This form of art is famous all over the world.
The Chaitra Parav in the form of Chhau symbolizes the end of the old year & beginning of the new year.
The Chhau at Baripada is the mother of all other Chhau forms in Orissa & else where.
The Chhau , a kind of Martial art, dance had its origin in the Bhanja dynasty & continued to get patronage allthroughout.
Traditionally, it used to be the exclusive preserve of male dancers.But, of late, female artists have also joined & earned name & fame like their male counterparts.
Unlike others, Mayurbhanj Chhau dancers do not use masks. The themes are derived from mythology, everyday life, aspects of nature or simply a mood.
Nagada( a drum), Dhol( a cylindrical drum ) & Shenai( reed pipes) are the only instruments used in the dance. Rhythms are the key to this form of dance.
The three days festival in the month of April attracts visitors from across the country as well as from abroad in thousands.
Simlipal National Park Closed.
