Similipal: Call of the Wilderness

Answer the call of the wild in Similipal National Park, a sprawling tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district that serves as the green lung of Odisha. Covering a vast area of 2,750 square kilometers, this biosphere reserve is a mosaic of lush Sal forests, rolling hills, and grassy meadows that hide secrets of the natural world. It is home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and is the only place in the world where you can find the rare melanistic tiger, whose black stripes act as perfect camouflage in the dense shadows. The park is also a sanctuary for Asian elephants, leopards, and over 230 species of birds, making it a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists alike. The landscape is punctuated by breathtaking waterfalls that crash down from the plateau, most notably the Barehipani Falls, which cascades down 399 meters in two dramatic tiers, and the Joranda Falls, which plunges 150 meters into a misty pool below. The rivers Budhabalanga and Palpala wind through the forest floor, sustaining a rich biodiversity that includes mugger crocodiles and infinite varieties of wild orchids. Trekking through the silence of the forest, broken only by the chirping of birds or the rustle of leaves, offers a profound connection with nature. Whether you are staying in a nature camp under the starry sky or exploring the jungle on a jeep safari, Similipal promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of India's untamed wilderness.