Bhubaneswar, October 15: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district will reopen to tourists on November 1 after its monsoon closure since June 29.

According to an official notification, a maximum of 60 vehicles with a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm will be allowed daily. Entry through Jashipur gate will be permitted from 5 am to 9 am, while Pithabata gate will remain open from 8 am to 9 am.

Tourists must leave Joranda and Barehipani waterfalls by 4 pm and exit the reserve by 6 pm. All vehicles must be accompanied by a guide. Entry permits and wildlife safari bookings are available through www.similipal.org and www.ecotourodisha.com, respectively.

Spread over 2,750 sq km, Similipal is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, rare melanistic tigers, elephants, leopards and diverse wildlife, along with 242 bird species and 96 types of orchids.