Set up in 1956, the North Simlipal National Park became one of the Project
Tiger reserves of India in 1973. It is spread over 2750sq.km in Mayurbhanj
district adjoining Bihar and West Bengal. The park consist of hills and
valleys, traversed by brooks, perennial rivers and waterfalls. Influenced
by the ecology of both the eastern and western parts of the subcontinent
on account of its position, the confluence makes the forest home to exceedingly
rare and diverse flora and fauna.
The vegetation ranges from semi-evergreen to moist deciduous
and extreme dry deciduous forests. There are extensive grasslands, Sal
forests and innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants also. The Simlipal
national park is a treasure house of 501 species of plants belonging to102
families. 82 species of orchids have also been identified here. The park
is famous for elephants and singing hill myena.
 Other
fauna found are tiger, leopard, pangolin, sloth bear, Indian wolf gaur,
chital, mouse deer, flying squirrel, mugger crocodile, python, hornbill,
peafowl etc.Hyena, Jackal and Vultures constitute the Scavengers. The
best months for visiting the park are October to June. The park remains
open from 15th Oct to 15th June. Winters are severe and park also have
heavy rainfall. The entrances to the park are at Lulung (20km from Baripada)
or on the western side at Jashipur (95km from Baripada). Jeeps and private
cars are allowed inside the park. The Barehipani Waterfall (399 mtrs)
and the Joranda fall (150 mtrs) are well worth a visit as is the mugger
crocodiles at Jashipur.The entry permit is issued from forest offices
at Jashipur or Range Officer, Pithabata at Pithabata Check Gate. The entry
timing are from 0600 to 1400 hours.
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Wildlife 
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