Odisha’s iconic Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district is set to reopen for tourists from October 18, marking the beginning of the 2025–26 tourist season. After being closed since July 1 due to the monsoon, the lush green reserve, famous as the only tiger reserve in the world home to melanistic (black) tigers, is now ready to welcome nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts once again.

According to Similipal Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni, day tourism will resume, and visitors can enter the park through two designated entry points,Kalikaprasad Gate in the Jashipur area and Pithabata Gate in Baripada. To regulate crowds and protect the fragile ecosystem, only 60 four-wheelers will be permitted each day, with 35 vehicles allowed entry through Kalikaprasad and 25 through Pithabata. Each vehicle must have a ground clearance of at least 180 mm, and tourists will be allowed to enter the reserve between 8 AM and 9 AM, with an exit deadline of 6 PM.

Visitors are required to provide a written undertaking promising adherence to park rules, and any violation will invite strict action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. All tourists must carry valid identity proof, and every vehicle entering the reserve must be accompanied by a certified guide. Those planning to visit Joranda and Barehipani waterfalls must leave the spots before 4 PM for safety and conservation reasons.

Tourists can easily plan their trip and book accommodation or wildlife safari vehicles online through the official portals www.ecotourodisha.com and www.similipal.org. While the main tiger reserve was closed during the monsoon, several ecotourism destinations like Jamuani, Gudagudia, Kumari, Barehipani, and Ramatritha remained open for visitors.

Recognized as the fourth-largest tiger reserve in India, Similipal not only boasts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna but was also declared a National Park in April 2025, further enhancing its conservation importance. On average, around 40,000 tourists visit Similipal every year, drawn by its dense forests, majestic waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and the rare sight of black tigers that make this reserve truly one of a kind.

With its reopening, Similipal Tiger Reserve once again promises an unforgettable experience for tourists seeking adventure, tranquility, and a glimpse into the wild heart of Odisha.