odisha news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Jan 24: Tourists planning to visit the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, must now book their entry online due to a new rule introduced by the authorities. Effective from February 1, visitors will no longer be able to enter the reserve through offline methods at the Pithabata and Kalikaprasad gates.
As announced by STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni, visitors will need to apply online for permits through the official websites, www.similipal.org or www.ecotourodisha.com. This new online system is designed to enhance transparency, streamline the entry process, and prevent irregularities in the issuance of permits for private vehicles. To avoid any inconvenience during their visit, tourists are encouraged to plan their trips in advance and secure their permits online.
Similipal Tiger Reserve, recognized for its rich biodiversity, was added to UNESCO’s list of biosphere reserves. The Government of India declared Similipal a biosphere reserve in 1994, following its designation as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Odisha in 1979. This latest measure aims to protect the reserve’s ecological integrity while facilitating a better experience for visitors.