Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), located in Mayurbhanj district, has reopened for tourists after being temporarily closed due to Cyclone Dana. The reserve was shut down for six consecutive days to ensure visitor safety amid heavy rains triggered by the cyclone.
Initially, STR closed from October 23 to 25, and the closure was extended from October 26 to 28 as the weather remained unfavorable. All cottage bookings and tourist entries during this period were cancelled. The STR Director’s Office announced that the reserve reopened only after assessing post-cyclone conditions and ensuring it was safe for visitors.
Interestingly, the tiger reserve had recently reopened for the public before the Durga Puja festival, following its usual closure during the monsoon season. The reopening coincided with an influx of tourists from within Odisha and beyond, drawn by Similipal’s scenic beauty and rich wildlife.
Known for its Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 200 bird species, Similipal is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and dense forests, the sanctuary offers a unique experience for eco-tourism and adventure seekers.
Tourism activities are now expected to resume fully, giving visitors the chance to explore the reserve’s biodiversity and natural beauty. The reopening comes as good news for the local tourism sector, which had experienced disruptions during the cyclone.
Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), located in Mayurbhanj district, has reopened for tourists after being temporarily closed due to Cyclone Dana. The reserve was shut down for six consecutive days to ensure visitor safety amid heavy rains triggered by the cyclone.
Initially, STR closed from October 23 to 25, and the closure was extended from October 26 to 28 as the weather remained unfavorable. All cottage bookings and tourist entries during this period were cancelled. The STR Director’s Office announced that the reserve reopened only after assessing post-cyclone conditions and ensuring it was safe for visitors.
Interestingly, the tiger reserve had recently reopened for the public before the Durga Puja festival, following its usual closure during the monsoon season. The reopening coincided with an influx of tourists from within Odisha and beyond, drawn by Similipal’s scenic beauty and rich wildlife.
Known for its Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 200 bird species, Similipal is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and dense forests, the sanctuary offers a unique experience for eco-tourism and adventure seekers.
Tourism activities are now expected to resume fully, giving visitors the chance to explore the reserve’s biodiversity and natural beauty. The reopening comes as good news for the local tourism sector, which had experienced disruptions during the cyclone.
