Similipal Tiger Reserve

Similipal Tiger Reserve was originally as hunting ground for the surrounding royalty. It was formally became a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in May 1973. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1979 by the Odisha Government. A part of its area became a National Park in 1980, which was added in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in May 2009.
Simipal Tiger Reserve and national park derive their name from “Simul” (silk cotton) tree. This region is famous for hosting tiger, elephant and hill mynah. It has the highest tiger population in the state.