Baripada: The Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary will open its gates for tourists Thursday after a gap of four-and-a-half months. According to sources, authorities of the wildlife sanctuary have made all arrangements to welcome the tourists.
The sanctuary was closed for tourists since June 16 as the internal roads were affected because of incessant rain during the monsoon season.
Located in northern Odisha, Similipal is about 14 kms away from National Highway-49 near Jashipur. Famous for its pristine beauty coupled with its varied flora and fauna and breathtaking waterfalls like Barehipani, Joranda, Chahala, Uski and Alakud, the sanctuary attracts tourists not only from different parts of the country but from abroad as well.
The sanctuary has Similipal Tiger Reserve, which is the country’s largest tiger reserve and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Similipal Tiger Reserve Ranger Ramakant Majhi said the Wildlife department has completed all preparations in view of the upcoming season.
“Road repairing and other work for better tourist experience has been completed. We hope the sanctuary gets good footfall this season,” Majhi said.
Similarly, the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary of Balasore which is home to a variety of fauna like tigers, elephants, deer and different reptiles will also be thrown open for tourists from November 1. Besides, tourists can also enjoy boating at Gohiranala.
Biswaraj Panda, Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), said there are nine tented accommodation, canteen facilities near Gohiranala which will help tourists enjoy their tour.
Another important tourist destination is Bichitrapur Mangrove Reserve near Subarnarekha river mouth which will also be reopened for tourists Thursday.
PNN