Similipal Eco Cottage

Things to do

Animal Sightings

There are 55 species of mammals, 361 species of birds, 62 species of reptiles, 21 species of amphibians and many species of insects and micro fauna. It holds the highest tiger population in Odisha, and harbours the only population of melanistic tigers in the world. Other carnivores found here are leopard, leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat and wolf. The active management of mugger has revived its population on the banks of the rivers Khairi and Deo. Similipal Tiger Reserve is also home to the largest population of elephants in Odisha. The major ungulate species found here are Sambar, Chital, Barking deer, Gaur and Mouse deer.

Jungle Tour

Breathe Explore & Discover a world of thrilling adventure in a place surrounded by nature. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, adrenaline junkie or simply love being in nature, there is something for everyone. There are special attraction points such as Barehipani (1308 ft) & Joronda (493 ft) Waterfalls. Also, there is Chahala salt lake area, Gurguria Orchid farm and beautiful Uski waterfall that can be visited.

Birding

There are around 230 species of birds in these forests. The ones officially recorded include the red jungle fowl, hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, gray hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon.

Cycling

Lulung is one of the most beautiful part of Similipal and it is a land of diverse culture, geography, flora and fauna. Some of the rarest species of birds find their home, in this regions of the forest . You can cycle through the very jungles of Lulung. Apart from thejungle route, our cycle tour provides distinctive opportunity to experience rural life and meet with local people who live in harmony with wildlife. The soul of this place lives in its villages. Our route will be mostly through the forests and local village area, which will help you to rejuvenate yourself from starting of the day.

Village Tour & Engagement with Aadivasi Communities

Altogether, 1,265 villages are located within the biosphere reserve. Approximately 73% of all inhabitants are Aboriginals. Two tribes, the Erenga Kharias and the Mankirdias, inhabit the reserve’s forests and practise traditional agricultural activities (the collection of seeds and timber). Other dominant tribes include the Ho, Gonda and Munda, among others. Similipal’s cultural significance is

Nature Photography

Similipal Biosphere reserve is spread across spread over 4,374 sq. km. has 845 sq. km. of core forest (tiger reserve), 2,129 sq km buffer area and 1,400 sq km of transition space. It is heaven for nature photography as it is surrounded by lush green forest and wide chain of mountain ranges. Similipal has been home to many jungle streams which later form into rivers and has transformed many places into beautiful heaven.