Silent Valley (Wilderness) Tours

Introduction

Similipal is situated the biotic province, Chhotanagpur Plateau in the heart of the erstwhile Mayurbhanj State and derives its name from the magnificent and enchanting Simul (Silk Cotton Tree). The hill range has been aptly described as "Salmali Saila (the hill of Simul)" in the poem 'Usha' written by the famous Oriya poet Laureate Radhanath Ray.The hills with numerous peaks and valleys in between, rise steeply from the plains of Udala in the south and Baripada in the south-east and extend up to Jashipur in the north-west, Bisnoi in the north and Thakurmunda to the west. There are several streams flowing in all directions and ultimately draining into the Bay of Bengal. Major perennial streams are the Budhabalanga, Palpala, East Deo, Nekedanacha (Salandi), West Deo, Khairi, Bhandan and Khadkei. The riparian zones, perennial streams and meadows form key areas. The Bhadragoda valley, Tarinvilla area, Patbil and numerous small swamps and marshes form the riparian zone. Prominent meadows are Devasthali, Bachhurichara, Sapaghar, Matughar, Tarinivilla, Tiktali, Chahala and upper Barakamuda.Similipal is Representative ecosystem under Mahanadian Biogeographic Region. Floral and faunal composition have some similarities with elements from Western Ghats and Northeast India.

Conservation History

Similipal Tiger Reserve was created in 1973. "Mugger Crocodile Scheme" was started in 1979 at Ramatirtha, Jashipur under the National Programme of 'Crocodile Breeding and Management Project". The Government of Orissa declared Similipal Sanctuary with an area of about 2200 sq. km. in 1979. Government of Orissa proposed 303 sq. km. area of the Similipal Sanctuary as National Park in 1980. The area of the proposed National Park was increased to 845 sq. km. in 1986. Government of India in 1994 declared the creation of Similipal Biosphere Reserve. In 1995, for the purpose of implementation of the Eco-development Scheme in the periphery of Similipal Tiger Reserve, two forest divisions, namely Baripada and Karanjia were transferred from Angual Forest Circle to the Reserve.

FAUNA:
Tiger (Panthera tigris) including melanistic forms, Leopard (Panthera pardus), Elephant (Elephas maximus), Sambar (cervus unicolor), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac), Bison (Bos gaurus), Jungle cat (Felis chaus), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) and Common langur (Presbytis entellus)

MAJOR FLORA
There are 1076 species of plants of which 92 are orchids having similarities to the Northern and Southern Indian orchids. Seven percent of the Indian species of flowering plants and eight percent of orchids of India are found in Similipal. Northern Tropical Semi evergreen Forests extend over an area of about 80 km. Northern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests extend over an area of about 1540 sq. km. It is found all over Similipal except the moist valleys on the Southern and Eastern aspects of the hills. Similipal is rich in Orchidaceous flora 92 species of orchids has been identified.

Tourism:
Similipal remains open for visitors from 1st November to 15th June. Similipal offers unique accommodation: Apart from Regulars Forest Bungalows there are Log Houses facing 1300ft high waterfall at Barheipani. While the Rest House at Joranda is perched atop a waterfall overlooking the large canyon. Except a few places inside: there is no electricity that makes stay Similipal the most romantic one with Hurricane & Candle Lights for the rooms and the star studded surreal sky after the sun has castaway to light another land.

PLEASE NOTE:
THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY IN SIMILIPAL (which is an advantage for most; as it offers a perfect ambience to unwind from the stressful gadgetry urban lifestyle; however for some it may be the same). Till 1st Week of April one needs BLANKET in the night than FANS!

THERE IS NO RUNNING WATER though our services can make A MAN RUNNING WITH WATER!
Similipal is closed between June15th to October 31st.

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