National Parks in Odisha

Odisha is home to 2 national park.

Bhitarkanika National Park

• Location: Kendrapara district, Odisha, India; Situated in the Brahmani–Baitrani estuarial zone, with the Bay of Bengal to the east.
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 by the Odisha Government.
• National Park: Upgraded to Bhitarkanika National Park in 1998.
• Ramsar Site: Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002.
• Area: Covers about 145 km² (56 sq miles).
• Rivers: Brahmani River, Baitarani River, Dhamra River, Pathsala River.
• Flora: Mangroves, Sal, Haldina, Jamun, salt-tolerant plants such as Kankra, Hental, Sundri khaoa.
• Mangrove Forests: Famous for extensive mangrove forests covering about 65% of the park’s area.
• Fauna: Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Hyena, Black Ibis, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Saltwater Crocodile, White Crocodile.
• Saltwater Crocodiles: The park supports one of the largest populations of Saltwater Crocodiles in India.

Simlipal National Park

• Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India; northern part of Odisha; Simlipal Hills.
• Name Origin: Named after Semul / Red Silk Cotton tree (Bombax ceiba), found abundantly in the region.
• Historical Use: Former hunting ground of the rulers of Marurbhanj.
• Tiger Reserve: Designated in 1956.
• Project Tiger: Included in 1973.
• Special Record: Black tigers recorded during 1975–76.
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Declared in 1979 by the Odisha Government.
• National Park: Notified in 1980.
• Biosphere Reserve: Declared in 1994 by the Government of India.
• UNESCO Status: Added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
• Elephant Reserve: Part of Similipal–Kuldiha–Hadgarh Elephant Reserve (Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve).
• Area: 845.70 sq. km.
• Hills: Simlipal Hills.
• River: Burhabalanga River; Kahairi River; Palpala Bandan River; Salandi River.
• Waterfalls: Barehipani Falls; Joranda Falls; Uski Waterfall.
• Tribe: Erenga Kharias; Mankirdias.
• Plants: Sal, Semul, Mahua, Tendu, Asan, Kusum, Palas.
• Animals: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Mugger Crocodile (Marsh Crocodile), Tricarinate Hill Turtle.