- Simlipal National Park is located in the Mayurbhanj district of the Indian state of Odisha.
- It is named after the Semul or red silk cotton trees (Bombax ceiba) that are found abundantly in the region.
- It was once a favored hunting ground for the rulers of Marurbhanj.
- In 1956, Simlipal was officially designated as a tiger reserve.
- In 1973, Simlipal was brought under the ambit of Project Tiger.
- In 1975-76, Black tigers were recorded in the forests of Similipal.
- In 1979, the Odisha government declared Simlipal as a wildlife sanctuary.
- In 1980, Simlipal was officially established as a national park.
- In 1994, the Government of India declared it a biosphere reserve.
- In 2009, Simlipal National Park was added to the prestigious list of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.
- Area: This park covers an area of 845.70 square kilometres.
- Hills: The park is located in the northern part of Odisha and is encompassed by the Simlipal hills.
- River: Some of the prominent rivers and streams in and around the park include:
- Burhabalanga River
- Kahairi River
- Palpala Bandan River
- Salandi River
- Waterfalls: This park is known for its beautiful waterfalls:
- Barehipani Falls
- Joranda Falls
- Uski Waterfall
- Tribe: This park is surrounded by several indigenous tribes that have been residing in the region for centuries. Some of the prominent indigenous tribes in the vicinity of the park include:
- Erenga Kharias
- Mankirdias
- Flora: Sal, Bamboo, Semul, Mahua, Tendu, Asan, Kusum, Palas, Spear grass, Elephant grass, Orchids and Epiphytes etc.
- Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Pangolin, Sloth Bear, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Mugger Crocodile (Marsh Crocodile), Tricarinate Hill Turtle, Monitor Lizard etc.
- This park is a part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.