Elephants moving through Similipal forest
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Safari in Similipal

Follow the forest roads into wild Similipal

Choose a day visit, stay the night, or walk with a guide. The forest opens in layers here, from broad hills and meadows to quiet stream beds and waterfall country.

Home/Safari

From ₹4,500

Open safari vehicle

5:30 AM

Morning departure

3:00 PM

Evening departure

3 zones

Choose your trail

Safari types

Pick the kind of forest day you want

Every visit has its own pace. Some travelers want a quick wildlife loop, some want a night under the trees, and some are happiest on a slow, guided walk.

Day visit safari

A full forest loop for wildlife watching, waterfall stops, and long views across the reserve.

Best for travelers who want one unforgettable day inside the forest.

Night stay safari

Pair the drive with a stay at a nature camp and wake up inside the Similipal mood.

A softer, slower way to feel the forest after sunset.

Guided nature walk

A closer look at birds, tracks, plants, and the small details that make the forest feel alive.

Ideal for birders, photographers, and curious walkers.

Entry gates

Three gates, three easy ways in

Kaliani, Pithabata and the third gate are the main entry points for visitors. Choose the side that works best for your route, then follow the booking instruction tied to that gate.

Kaliani Gate

Jashipur side

Kaliani Gate

The quieter forest-facing entry used by travelers coming from Jashipur. It is a natural starting point for deep-forest routes.

Pithabata Gate

Baripada side

Pithabata Gate

The Baripada-side gateway, convenient for visitors arriving from the town side and heading toward the reserve trails.

Kalikaprasad Gate

Jashipur side

Kalikaprasad Gate

Kalikaprasad Gate serves as one of the convenient entry points to explore the natural beauty and wilderness of Similipal.

Tourist zone map

See the routes before you roll

The map helps you picture the reserve at a glance. Keep it handy when you choose your gate, camp, and safari route.

Zones & routes

Choose where your trail begins

Each boarding point opens onto a different side of Similipal. Vehicle numbers and routes can change with forest conditions, so confirm availability when you book.

01

Pithabata

Explore the Nawana Zone

7 vehicles

02

Gurguria

Explore the Gurguria Zone

7 vehicles

03

Jamuani

Explore the Chahala Zone

4 vehicles

Circuit I · Jashipur side

Khairi to the heart of Similipal

Ramatirtha · Gurguria · Joranda · Barehipani · Uski · Chahala · Jamuani

Circuit II · Baripada side

Bhanjpur through Pithabata

Pithabata Entry Gate · Joranda · Barehipani · Chahala · Uski

Vehicle rules

Bring a vehicle that can handle the forest

Safaris run best when the vehicle is built for rough tracks and uneven climbs. The current requirement calls for 4WD and enough ground clearance to clear forest roads comfortably.

4WD

Required for the safari track

180mm clearance

Helps on rough forest stretches

Valid documents

Keep registration and ID ready

Forest guide

Follow the assigned route and instructions

Booking steps

A simple booking rhythm

  1. 1Book online before 7:00 AM for the cleanest shot at a slot.
  2. 2If seats remain, offline booking can be done at the gate after 7:00 AM.
  3. 3Keep the exact names and photo ID details ready for every visitor.
  4. 4Carry the booking slip, show it at the gate, and follow the driver and guide instructions.

Pricing & timings

The practical details, kept easy

These rates and timings are best treated as the current guide. Please double-check the portal before you leave, especially in peak season.

Indian visitor above 3 years

₹100 per person

Keep a valid photo ID ready

Foreign visitor above 3 years

₹200 per person

Verify the latest rate before travel

Open safari vehicle

₹4,500 per vehicle

Available from the listed boarding zones

12-seat AC vehicle · Jashipur

₹6,000 day · ₹7,000 night

Departs at 7:30 AM or 8:30 AM

12-seat AC vehicle · Baripada

₹6,500 day · ₹7,500 night

Departs at 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM

Camera / DSLR

Charged separately where applicable

Check the current permission note

Tatkal equivalent

No separate tatkal tariff listed in the current guide

Rush bookings, if opened, are shown on the portal

Season open

1 November to 15 June

Monsoon closure

16 June to 31 October

Morning safari

Usually starts around 5:30 AM

Evening safari

Usually starts around 3:00 PM

Guided walk

Early morning or late afternoon, subject to permission

Barehipani canteen

Pre-book your meal and keep the day light

The Barehipani canteen is community managed, and meals should be pre-booked so the kitchen can plan ahead. It is a small detail that makes the day easier for everyone.

Visitor rules

A few rules that help the forest stay calm

Similipal feels best when everyone moves gently. The rules are simple, and they protect both wildlife and your experience.

No non-veg food inside the safari area.

No liquor.

No drones.

No off-track driving.

Similipal landscape under warm evening light

Before you go

Book the slot, follow the route, and let the forest do the rest

Routes, fees, and timings can shift with weather and forest conditions. The portal and gate staff should always have the final word.