Baripada, Nov 2: After remaining closed during the rainy season, the world famous Similipal sanctuary and tiger reserve in Mayurbhanj district reopened for tourists Sunday.
Tourists are now allowed to visit the largest tiger reserve of the state through two entry points at Pithabata and Jamuani, an official of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) said.
Source said 124 tourists in 19 four-wheelers entered the sanctuary through Jashipur gate between 6 am and 9 am while 47 tourists in six four-wheelers made their entry through Pithabhata gate Sunday.
The visitors would not be allowed to roam in the sanctuary area beyond 5 pm, officials said.
However, tourists wanting to stay overnight are allowed at Jamuani, Ramatirtha and Gudugudia rest houses, which can be booked in advance. On the first day Sunday, three teams of tourists availed the night stay facility, officials said.
Deputy director of STR, Ajit Kumar Satpathy received the tourists at Pithabhata gate.
Shilpi Karua, a tourist from Jamshedpur, has come to visit the sanctuary for the first time and was quite happy to enjoy the natural environment. For the first time, the sanctuary authorities have made provision of watch towers for the tourists to overlook natural scenery from a height of 15-ft.
Accompanying guides has been made mandatory for the tourists while contraband has been banned inside the sanctuary.
The sanctuary authorities expect more footfalls of tourists this year. The sanctuary, which is endowed with varied flora and fauna coupled with rich wildlife, attracts visitors from across the globe each year.
According to reports, the sanctuary was closed for tourists since June 16 following the onset of rainy season as roads are washed away during this period. PNN
