Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: Simlipal National Park in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district reopened its gates to visitors today after a closure of nearly five months during the monsoon season.

In a departure from the usual November reopening, authorities have decided to open the park earlier in October, offering tourists a chance to immerse themselves in the park's lush greenery, diverse biodiversity, scenic meadows, and captivating waterfalls. The sanctuary also provides opportunities for mountain cycling, jungle safaris, and exploration of a hanging bridge. Access to the park is available through two gates, one at Kaliani and the other at Pithabata.

Visitors can enter the park between 6 am and 9 am and must exit from Barehipani and Jaranda by 3 pm and Chahala by 4 pm.

This year marks a significant change as the park is declared a plastic-free zone for the first time. Local self-help groups (SHGs) have joined hands with park authorities to offer a variety of delectable dishes to visitors, including authentic local cuisine, providing a unique culinary experience.

To preserve the park's cleanliness, restrictions on carrying plastic bags and other items inside the park have been put in place. Visitors interested in a night stay in the eco-cottages within the sanctuary can make reservations in advance via www.ecotourodisha.com. Each day, a limited number of 25-35 vehicles will be allowed to enter the National Park.

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