Located in the Mayurbhanj district Similipal with its dense green forests, hilly terrain, broad open valleys, plateaus, grass lands and rich bio-diversity has the unique distinction of being a Tiger Reserve, a National Park (proposed), a Wildlife Sanctuary, an Elephant.

Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve. Semi-evergreen to dry deciduous forest types (1076 species of plants including 94 varieties of orchids) provide suitable home for a variety of faufia (42 species of mammals, 231 species of birds and 29 species of reptiles).

Important and rare wildlife include tigers (98 nos.) against the total nos. of 194 tigers in the entire state as per 1998 census), elephants (565 as per 1999 census), leopard, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, gaur, hill myna, hornbills, peacock, python, cobra, lizards etc.

Similipal is the richest watershed in Orissa feeding several perennial rivers such as Budhabalanga, Khadkei, Khairi-Bhandan, Westdeo, Salandi etc. Gorgeous Barheipani (40p mt.) and Joranda (150 mt.) waterfalls are of great attractions.

The rich bio-diversity, the physical and topographical features of Similipal constitute a unique and delightful destination for scientists, nature lovers, students and tourists.