Flora & Fauna

Similipal is home to wide range of flora & fauna which represent a link between two biodiversity hot spots of the country i.e., the Sub-Himalayayan North-East India & the Western Ghats in the South. The landscape harbours 7% flowering plants, 8% orchids, 7% reptiles, 20% birds and 11% mammals of India. It is the abode of more than 1253 species of flowering plants, 99 species of non-flowering plants, 21 species of amphibians, 62 species of reptiles, 361 species of birds, 55 species of mammals and many species of flora and fauna still to be identified.

It bears 104 species of orchids, many of them endemic and endangered, and 72 species are Himalayan species, many species of insects, ferns and medicinal plants. There are many species of rare, endangered, threatened and vulnerable plants and animals. Mahaseer, Hornbill, Chowsingha, Mouse deer, Giant squirrel, flying squirrel, Ruddy mongoose, mugger crocodile and Rufus tailed hare are examples of this unique biodiversity.

Large carnivores like Tigers, Leopards, and mega-herbivores like Elephants, Indian Gaur, etc., freely range in the forests of Similipal and adjoining landscape. The tigers of Similipal represent a unique lineage of central Indian tigers in which melanistic tigers are occasionally found. It is the only home of these melanistic tigers in the world.

The direct sight of wild animals like tigers in vast forest like Similipal, is a matter of chance. The continuous movement of vehicles & presence of humans are also a deterrent to direct sightings. However, with skilful observation, the signs of their presence in the forests can always be felt. The sudden appearance of beautiful birds and/or animals on the roads through the dense forests is a sight to behold.

The mosaic of rolling hills & valleys, streams & rivers, barren rocky exposures, dense forests & grasslands make Similipal a unique landscape. A drive on the dirt roads through the home of wild animals itself is quite fascinating. Some of the location in Similipal landscape that attract the visitors from far & wide are listed below.

Waterfalls

There are many large & small waterfalls inside Similipal TR that attract visitors for their exceptional Beauty. Joranda & Barehipani are two majestic waterfalls that re located on the tourist route that runs across the Tiger Reserve. At Joranda, the water falls from a height of 181 mtrs and touches the ground on the gorge perpendicularly. Elephants, Chital and Sambars frequently visit saltlick near the campus as the sun sets in the nature unfolds the beauty through vast stage of green lush vegetation. The Waterfall resembles a rope at Barehipani. Locally the rope is called as Barehi, hence the name. The rolling waterfall with a height of 399m (1309 ft.) presents a majestic view with reverberating sound in the gorge from where the river Budhabalanga runs to the plain land.

There are many smaller waterfalls that also attracts the visitors. Amongst these, the waterfalls at Uski, Olkudar, Sitakund, Deokund (Debkund), & Brahmanakund attracts due to presence small pools at their base. Olkudar & Uski are on the tourist route inside the Tiger Reserve. Olkudar is located close the Kaliani Gate at Jashipur. All other waterfalls are on the periphery of the Tiger Reserve. Sitakund, Deokund (Debkund) & Brahmanakund are of religious importance. Sitakund is located near the Entry Gate at Pithabata which is around 20 kms from Baripada. Deokund (Debkund) is located 28 kms from Udala & 60 kms away from Baripada. Goddess Ambika is worshiped in a temple very close to the waterfall. The forest around Deokund is rich in diversity of Flora & Fauna. The restriction on fishing & other disturbance at Brahmanakund by the local people due to religious/spiritual values, the pool at that place has huge quantity of fishes. The fishes that are present in the pool are mostly Mahaseer which are very sporty in nature.

Nature Camps

The nature camps at Similipal give an opportunity for the visitors to spend some quality time with family & friends in the lap of nature. The nature camps have well furnished Suites, Dining halls & many other facilities. Provision of Adventure & sports have also been made at the Camps. On special request, cultural programmes, bonfires, etc. are arranged in the evening by paying extra charges. The guests can avail indoor & outdoor facilities like Cycling, Table Tennis, Canopy walks, Amphitheatre, Trekking & Hiking, etc. at the Nature Camps. All nature camps are being managed by the local communities though joint forest management initiatives by formation of Eco-Development Committees. This provides employment opportunities for the local youth there by reducing their dependence on forests which would ultimately provide good habitat for the wildlife to flourish in the TR. At present the nature camps are located at Gurguria, Kumari, Barehipani & Jamuani inside the Tiger Reserve & one at Ramatirtha which is located outside the Tiger Reserve Boundary. Situated on the confluence of Khairi and Bhandan rivers emerging from Similipal, Ramtirtha is a place of worship attached to the sentiment of Hindus due to its mythological importance. It is a place of tourist interest with an Astral Garden and erstwhile Mugger Research Centre.

MEDOWS/GRASSLANDS

At chahala, a sprawling meadow and a saltlick is there for observing animals from a watchtower. A royal forest resort from times of Maharajas at this place is proof of the history & rich cultural heritage of Similipal.

ORCHIDARIUM

The Orchidarium at Gurguria houses more than 60 species of Orchids of Similipal under care & supervision of trained & experienced forest personnel. Although Similipal is home to more than hundred species of Orchids, a few could be kept at the Orchidarium to showcase the richness of floral biodiversity in Similipal. The wildflowers of Orchids are a treat to the eye when they bloom in the summer months.

PLACES OF RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE

There are many places of worship attached to the sentiment of Hindus due to its mythological importance in and around Similipal. These are Samibrukhya, Ramatirtha, Sitakund, Deokund (Debkund), etc.

DAMS & RESERVOIRS

There are many dams constructed around Similipal, that attract visitors from nearby places during November to February due to presence of large body of water & scenic set up. These are Kalo Dam, Haladia Dam, Jambhira Dam, Suleipat Dam, Balidaha Dam, Sankarmara Dam, Naedam Dam, etc. These are mostly located outside Tiger Reserve boundary give an opportunity to the inhabitants in the landscape of an escape from the hustle bustle of daily routine life and provide an opportunity to hang out with family & friends. These places along with numerous rivers & streams serve as a reminder to the water provisioning services & many other ecological benefits that are derived from Similipal.

OTHER PLACES

Kanchhinda near Bangiriposhi is a scenic place well surrounded by hills and thousands of tourists visit for recreation. Similarly, Talabandha valley at the foot hill of North Similipal is a place of scenic beauty that attract many visitors.

Similipal Tiger Reserve