The Forest Department announced that the Similipal Tiger Reserve will close for tourists and visitors from June 29, 2026, as part of its annual monsoon safety protocol.
According to the notice issued by Prakash Chand Gogineni, Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve-cum-Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Baripada, the core areas of the reserve will remain closed to all tourist activities during the monsoon season. The department took this decision to ensure visitor safety and protect the fragile forest ecosystem during heavy rainfall.
The Field Director stated that the closure is a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and minimise disturbance to wildlife during the breeding and nesting period. The reserve experiences intense rainfall and flooding during the monsoon, making travel and safari operations unsafe.
However, the notice clarified that the eco-tourism complexes at Jamuani and Talabandha will remain open to visitors. These sites offer limited facilities and controlled access, allowing tourists to enjoy nature without entering the core forest zones.
The department will announce the reopening date of the tiger reserve later through official notifications and newspaper publications.
