Simlipal National Park (Oriya: ଶିମିଳିପାଳ ଜାତୀୟ ଉଦ୍ୟାନ) is a national park and a tiger reserve situated in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which [1] includes 3 protected areas i.e. Similipal Tiger Reserve (2750.00 km2), Hadgarh Wildlife sanctuary (191.06 km2) and Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary (272.75 km2)).Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of Semul or red silk cotton trees that bloom abundantly in the locality.[2]
Palpala River near lulung, Similipal National Park
The park has a protected area of 845.70 square kilometres (326.53 sq mi) and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda andBarehipani. Simlipal is home to ninety-nine royal Bengal tigers and 432 wild elephants.[3] Besides Simlipal is famous for gaurs(Indian bison), chausingha,[2] as well as an orchidarium.[4]