After opening its gates following a closure of four months, Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve has been shut again till October 28 due to heavy rain in the forest.
In view of Cyclone Dana, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) was closed to visitors from October 23 to October 25. It was scheduled to reopen on Saturday. However, due to heavy rainfall in the area, the tiger reserve authority has now extended the closure.
Known to be one of India's largest and most ecologically diverse national park, Similipal had been shut since June 12. This seasonal closure was aimed at protecting wildlife. It is spread over 2,750 sq km of area and has varieties of plant species and 96 types of orchids. It is home to 42 species of mammals, 242 varieties of birds and 30 reptile categories.
A total of 25 vehicles can enter through the Pithabata entry point. The authorities in STR have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife.
This year, the reserve has also been declared plastic-free in a bid to maintain the pristine condition of its lush forests, rivers, and wildlife habitats.
Apart from exploring the park's rich biodiversity, visitors can expect sightings of Bengal tigers, elephants, and over 200 species of birds. "The vision of Similipal Tiger Reserve is to make the TR & the adjoining landscape, a globally important site with integration of all ecological functions with a healthy and viable breeding population of tiger in a large inviolate area," read the official website.