The authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district announced that it will remain closed for tourists from June 29 in view of the onset of the monsoon season.
Officials said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure visitor safety, protect wildlife and the fragile forest ecosystem during heavy rainfall.
However, the ecotourism complexes at Jamuani and Talabandha will remain open for visitors, it said.
According to a notice issued by the Office of Field Director of STR and Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Baripada, Prakash Chand Gogineni, the core areas of the reserve will remain closed to all tourist activities during the monsoon season.
The Field Director further stated the date for reopening the reserve would be officially communicated and published in newspapers in due course.
Significantly, the reserve shuts its doors every year during the monsoon season because heavy rainfall makes forest routes unsafe for visitors and hampers safari operations. This seasonal shutdown also serves a vital purpose by minimizing human interference during a critical time for wildlife breeding and natural habitat recovery.
Spread over 2,750 square kilometres, the reserve has a variety of plant species and 96 types of orchids. It is also home to 42 species of mammals and 242 varieties of birds.
