Baripada: The Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district is set to reopen to tourists from October 10, after being closed for nearly four months due to the monsoon season. The announcement was made in a notification issued on Monday by STR Field Director Prakash Chandra Gogineni.
The reserve had been closed to visitors since June 12, as heavy rains during the monsoon make many of the internal roads within the park unsafe and impassable. The decision to shut the reserve annually during the rainy season is aimed at ensuring visitor safety and preserving the park’s delicate ecosystem.
In an earlier notice, the Field Director had indicated that the reserve would remain closed until September 30, with the final reopening date subject to confirmation. While access to the tiger reserve was restricted, eco-tourism complexes at Jamuani, Gurudia, Kumari, Barehipani, and Ramtirtha remained open to tourists throughout the closure period.
Traditionally, the reserve prohibits tourist entry from mid-June due to seasonal weather challenges, typically reopening in the first week of November. However, this year’s earlier reopening in October is expected to draw significant tourist interest, as the reserve is one of India’s key biodiversity hotspots.
Similipal Tiger Reserve, known for its rich flora and fauna, offers visitors a chance to witness tigers, elephants, and a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and eco-tourists from around the country.