Baripada, Nov 1: Similipal National Park in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district has reopened for tourists from November 1, allowing visitors to explore its scenic beauty, wildlife and forest trails.

The Forest Department has made online booking mandatory for entry. Offline entry passes will not be available this season. Tourists can obtain their entry permits only by booking through the official website, www.similipal.org.

As per the entry guidelines, tourists can enter through the Kalikaprasad check gate in Jashipur between 5 am and 9 am. Entry through the Pithabata check gate will be permitted between 8 am and 9 am.

Visitors have been instructed to leave the exit gate by 6 pm.

Tourists can also enjoy overnight stays at eco-cottages located at Kumari, Gurugudia, Barehipani, Jamunani and Talabandh inside the sanctuary. For accommodation, visitors must book online through www.ecotourodisha.com.

Advance booking is mandatory for overnight stays and jungle safari facilities.

The reopening comes after repair work was undertaken on damaged roads to ensure the safety of tourists. The Forest Department had decided to reopen the national park on November 1 after assessing the condition of the roads and completing necessary repairs.

Similipal was opened to tourists on October 14 in 2023, October 10 in 2024 and October 18 in 2025. This year, the reopening was scheduled for November 1 to ensure safer access for visitors.