Baripada, Oct 16: In a welcome development for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Similipal Sanctuary is set to reopen for tourists starting October 18. The announcement was made by the Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities.

The sanctuary had been closed to visitors since July 1 due to seasonal restrictions. With the lifting of the ban, tourists will once again be able to explore the lush forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty of the reserve.

Similipal, one of the largest tiger reserves in India, is a popular destination for eco-tourism in Odisha. The reopening is expected to boost tourism in the region as the festive and winter travel season begins.