Baripada: The Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district will reopen for tourists from November 1 amid strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. The announcement was made by the authorities of the park Wednesday. The Simlipal National Park was closed for visitors since the last week of March due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travellers will have to follow COVID-19 protocols. They have to maintain social distancing norms, use sanitisers and wearing masks, the park authorities said.
The Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) said in a statement that visitors would be allowed entry through Kaliami and Pithabata checkpoints. The entry time has been fixed between 6.00am and 9.00am.
However, those wishing to stay overnight inside the sanctuary area may be do so by making online booking through www.ecotourodisha.com, the statement said.
A tourist guide will be provided in each vehicle at the entry point. Day visitors have been advised to come out of the sanctuary area by 3.00pm, the statement said. The situation inside the tiger reserve shall be reviewed from time to time considering the pandemic, it added.
The park attracts a large number of visitors for its flora and fauna, breathtaking waterfalls, rare black melanistic tigers and wildlife along with vast green meadows.