Baripada: The Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has reopened for tourists from today amid strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines.
This has been informed by Odisha Forest and Environment Department.
The sanctuary, one of the largest in the country and spread over an area of 2,750 sq km, was closed for tourists since last week of March.
The visitors must have to follow Covid-19 protocols like maintaining social distancing norms, using sanitisers and wearing masks to prevent the viral spread, the park authorities said.
The visitors will be allowed entry through Kaliami and Pithabata checkpoints between 6 am and 9 am. However, those wishing to stay overnight inside the sanctuary area may be allowed to do so by making online booking through www.ecotourodisha.com, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) said in a statement earlier.
A tourist guide will be provided in each vehicle at the entry point.
Day visitors have been advised to come out of the sanctuary area by 3 pm, it added.
The National Park witnesses a large number of visitors for its flora and fauna, breathtaking waterfalls, rare black melanistic tigers and wildlife along with vast green meadows.