Simlipal Evergreen Forest

About Simlipal Evergreen Forest

Simlipal National Park in the Mayurbhanj Sal forest region is the largest protected area in Odisha and is globally celebrated for its population of melanistic (black) tigers — a rare genetic colour variant documented here more than anywhere else in the world. The park's name comes from the Simul (silk cotton) trees that flower scarlet in February, and its twin waterfalls — Barehipani at 400 metres and Joranda — are among the most spectacular in India. Simlipal is one of the original Project Tiger reserves.