- Location: Located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India; situated in the northeastern part of the state near the Jharkhand border, forming an important segment of the Chota Nagpur Plateau landscape with rolling hills, dense forests, and rich mineral soils.
- Early Inhabitants: Traditionally inhabited by indigenous tribal communities such as the Santhal, Munda, Ho, and Bhumija, whose cultural practices, sacred groves, and forest-based livelihoods have historically shaped the human–nature relationship in the region.
- Tiger Reserve: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956 to safeguard the Royal Bengal Tiger population and preserve its forested habitat, making it one of the earlier protected areas dedicated to big cat conservation in India.
- Project Tiger Inclusion: Incorporated under India’s flagship Project Tiger programme in 1973, strengthening anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration efforts, and scientific wildlife monitoring systems.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 to extend legal protection beyond tigers and ensure conservation of the area’s diverse flora and fauna, including herbivores, birds, reptiles, and lesser-known species.
- Biosphere Reserve Established: Officially designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the Government of India in 1994, aiming to integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and research initiatives.
- UNESCO Recognition: Included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009 under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, recognizing its ecological significance, species diversity, and conservation model involving local communities.
- Area: Encompasses a total area of approximately 5,569 km²; zonation includes Core area: 845 km², Buffer zone: 2,129 km², and Transition area: 2,595 km². Simlipal National Park constitutes the core zone, providing the highest level of ecological protection.
- Elephant Reserve: Forms part of the Similipal–Kuldiha–Hadgarh (Mayurbhanj) Elephant Reserve, serving as a crucial habitat and migratory corridor for Asian elephants in eastern India.
- Rivers: Drained by important rivers such as the Palpala, Khairi, Budhabalanga, and Salandi, which originate in the hills of Simlipal and support wetlands, riparian forests, and downstream agricultural landscapes.
- Waterfalls: Known for spectacular waterfalls including Barehipani Falls (approximately 399 meters, among the highest in India), Joranda Falls (around 152 meters), as well as scenic spots like Sitakund and Ramatirtha that enhance the reserve’s natural beauty.
- Tribe: Home to several indigenous communities including the Erenga Kharia, Mankirdia, Ho, Gond, and Munda, many of whom continue to practice traditional forest-based occupations and maintain rich cultural heritage.
- Plants: Dominated by Sal forests along with Semul, Bamboo, and a mix of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous tree species, creating layered vegetation that supports diverse wildlife habitats.
- Animals: Inhabited by the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Indian Wild Dog (Dhole), Mugger Crocodile, gaur, leopard, sambar deer, and numerous bird and reptile species that contribute to its rich biodiversity profile.