Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district will be closed to tourists starting July 1 due to the monsoon season. However, visitors can still access eco-tourism sites located within the national park, including Jamuani, Gudagudia, Kumari, Barehipani, and Ramatritha. The reopening date will be announced later through newspapers. The closure is primarily due to the disruption of roads within the sanctuary during heavy rainfall. Similipal is a vast reserve, spanning 2,750 square kilometers, and it is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 42 mammal species, 242 bird varieties, 30 reptile categories, and a wide variety of plant species, along with 96 types of orchids. In 2024-2025, Similipal welcomed 38,483 tourists, generating significant revenue from jungle safaris, nature camps, and entry permits. The state government declared STR as a National Park in April of this year.
