About this location
Odisha's largest national park and most recently India's 107th national park, protecting the Similipal massif's sal and bamboo forest in the Eastern Ghats. Home to melanistic tigers (rare black tigers), Asian elephants, and a remarkable diversity of orchids.
Species You Can Photograph in Simlipal National Park
Best season guide
Peak photography conditions typically align with Jan–Dec. Add buffer days for weather and park closures.
JanExcellent
FebExcellent
MarExcellent
AprExcellent
MayGood
JunOff-season
JulOff-season
AugOff-season
SepOff-season
OctGood
NovExcellent
DecExcellent
Safari Zones
Simlipal is a large park entered from two sides. The Pithabata gate near Baripada serves the south-east, and the Kalikaprasad gate near Jashipur serves the north-west. Once inside, visitors drive the forest roads to points such as Barehipani and Joranda falls and the Chahala grasslands. Permits are booked online on the Simlipal portal, and vehicle entry is capped each day.
Entry gate
| Zone | Entry gate |
|---|---|
| Baripada side (south-east) | Pithabata |
| Jashipur side (north-west) | Kalikaprasad |
How to Reach
- Nearest airport
- Bhubaneswar (Biju Patnaik) Airport (~250 km)
- Nearest railway station
- Baripada (~20 km)
By Air
Bhubaneswar (Biju Patnaik) Airport is the nearest airport, about 250 km away, with Kolkata (~250 km) as an alternative. Continue by taxi or pre-booked cab.
By Rail
Baripada is the nearest railway station, about 20 km away. Taxis and autos cover the last stretch.
By Road
Pithabata gate is about 20 km from Baripada, ~250 km from both Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. The Jashipur side is reached via NH18 (formerly NH6). Entry is by online permit, and the park closes in the monsoon.
Expert Wildlife Creators in Simlipal National Park
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Available trips
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Recent Wildlife Sightings
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Photography tips for Simlipal National Park
Reach the gate before opening light; many species move along edges of forest, meadows, or water at dawn. Use a long lens with a bean bag or gimbal head on shared vehicles, and keep spare batteries warm in cold destinations like high Himalaya.
Respect buffer zones and guide instructions — ethical positioning keeps stress off animals and often yields cleaner frames. Review your images in the field to adjust exposure for harsh midday sun versus misty mornings typical of Odisha.
More in Odisha
- Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Balimela Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
- Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mangalajodi
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve
- Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Species guides