Similipal is 22 kilometres from Baripada. Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Office, Pithabata by paying the prescribed fees. For visitors, Similipal National Park remains open from 1 October to 15 June only.

Geography:- Situated at an altitude of 1,835 ft, Simlipal National Park spreads over a sprawling area of 2750 sq. kms. Set on a wide expanse of Sal forest, this park is nestled in the very centre of Mayurbhanj, the northernmost district of Orissa. Notable variations in topography, conducive climate and required vegetation have supported large varieties of animals, birds and reptiles to flourish in this National Park. 12 rivers cut across the plain area. The prominent among them are Budhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo. This expansive forest also has many waterfalls such as, Joranda (493 feet) and Barehipani (1,308 feet) that are a perpetual attraction to the tourists.

History:- Simlipal Tiger Reserve was mainly a hunting ground of the royal family. It was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 and came under Project Tiger in May 1973. In the year 1979, Mugger Crocodile Scheme was started at Ramatirtha, Jashipur. Government of Orissa declared Simlipal as a wildlife sanctuary in 1979 with an area of 2,200 square kilometres. Later in 1980, Government of Orissa proposed another 303 square kilometres of the sanctuary as National Park. Again, in 1986, area of the National park was increased to 845.70 square kilometres.  Government of India declared Simlipal as a biosphere reserve in 1994. UNESCO added Simlipal National park in its list of Biosphere Reserves in 2009. About 10,000 people are living in 61 villages in the Simlipal Forest.

Climate:- Summers are very hot with temperatures around 40 °C whereas the temperature during winter months can be as low as 14 °C . The rainfall ranges from moderate to heavy.

Flora and Fauna:- The park is a treasure house of 1076 species of plants belonging to 102 families. 96 species of orchids have also been identified here. It has a mixed type of vegetation known as Orissa semi-evergreen forests with tropical moist broadleaf forest and tropical moist deciduous forests with dry deciduous hill forest and high level Sal forests. The grasslands and the savannas provide grazing grounds for the herbivores and hiding place to the carnivores. The forest boasts of innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, which provide a source of earnings for the tribal. Eucalyptus, planted by the Britishers during the 1900 are also found.

A total of 42 species of mammals, 242 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles have been recorded in Simlipal National Park. The major mammals include Tiger, Leopard, Asian elephant, Sambar, Barking deer, Gaur, Jungle cat, Wild boar, Chausingha (four horned antelope), Giant squirrel and Common langur.  231 species of birds nest in these forests. Red Junglefowl, Hill Mynah, Peacock, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle are the commonly found bird. The Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian Trogon are also found in the reserve. Apart from the large number of mammals and bird species, the park has a sizeable population of reptiles, which includes snakes and turtles. The “Mugger Crocodile Management Programme” has helped the Mugger crocodile to survive and flourish on the banks of Khairi River.