Welcomes to Balasore net online

	Thick and evergreen forests, extensive grassy lands and meadow's , cloud kissing peaks, precipitous and sparkling waterfalls, meandering rivers, roaring tigers and trumpeting tuskers, fleeing deer and flying squirrels, talking myna and dancing peacocks et al make Similipal a dreamland of Nature in the wilderness and an irresistible of Nature in the wilderness and an irresistible destination. Covering a vast area of 2750 sq. km out of which 303 sq.km form the core area, this biosphere reserve is a sanctuary and one of the Tiger Projects and National Parks of India.
sanctuary and one of the Tiger Projects and National Parks of India. With wide range of rain falls and edaphic variations, ranging from dry deciduous to moist green forests, it is suitable to different species of plants, 87 varieties of orchids, 42 species of mammals , 29 types of reptiles and 231 species of birds are the proud possession of this plateau.
Average mean elevation of Similipal is 900 meters. Tall and luxuriant Sal Trees in large numbers stand like sentries. The handsome peaks of Khairiburu (1178 meters), Meghasani (1158 meters ) and others welcome like smiling receptionists from the emerald heights, Sweet scented Champak flowers freshen the air, The richly hued orchids on the green foliage are soothing to the eyes, In the midst of the dense forests, the summer stands humbled and the sun gets lost. Several rivers like Palpala,

Budhabalanga, Khairi , etc. Originate from the hills and meander through the forest like veins and arteries in the body. Many of them have formed cascading rapids and foaming falls before leaving for the plains. The panoramic view of the waterfalls at Barehipani (400 meters ) and Joranda (250 meter) are simply enchanting, Mahaseer , A typical variety of fish, is found in abundance in most of the rivers.
The silence of Similipal is occasionally broken by the chirping of the birds to an avian delight. The dense forest and revering system serve as an excellent home to some of the most beautiful creatures of the World. To stay with them, even for a while, is a trilling experience. Herds of elephants majestically walking across the roads and rivulets could be a regular sight. While you are moving on the hilly tracts, predators like Tiger and Leopards might be obliviously lulling under the shade with their own thoughts. If lucky, you could spot them there or else see them around the saltlicks at places like Chahala. Forget the apprehensive fear and devour the sylvan beauty. The nature at Similipal is at its natural best. The crocodile rearing centre at Ramtirtha near Jashipur is an additional attraction .An epitome of fascinating beauties Similipal beckons you for a sojourn of its mind boggling interiors. I

t will fill your lungs with cool and clean air, your eyes with soothing sights, your ears with sonorous sounds and your heart with a hypnotic throb. After a trip., your body is sure to feel rejuvenated .
ASHOKASTAMI (April) :- The car festival of Lord Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar, Ashokastami is held in the bright half of 'Chaitra' . The protege of Lord Lingaraj is taken in a chariot from the main temple to Rameswar Temple and return after a four-day stay.
CHAITRA PARBA (April) :- The 'Chaitra Parba' of 'Chhau festival' commmences from 10th/11th April every year and continues for three days concluding on 'Mahavishuva Sankrati Day' at Baripada. This is a festival of festivals which is enjoyed by the people of the country and the enthusiasts from abroad.
SITALASASTHI (May-June) :- The celebration of marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva with Parvati starts with the untying of the wedding knot of the divine couple. Devotees act as their parents to perform the marriage. The bridegroom's procession popularly known as 'Barat' starts from the 5th night of the bright half of Jyestha and the marriage is performed in the traditional manner.
The festival is celebrated in Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar in gorgeous ways.

Road :-
Baripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhaj, on the junction of NH 5 and
6 , is 270 km from kolkata and 60 km from Balasore and 22 kms. from Pithabata, which is an entry point. The other entry point Jashipur is 94 km from Baripada on N.H. 6. Both the places are well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are available.
Rail :-
Nearest railhead is Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major trains running on the South-Eastern sector.
Air :-
Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km)

RATHA YATRA (June-July) :- Ratha Yatra , known as Car Festival is the grandest of all festivals in Orissa, It is the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the main Jagannath Temple to another shrine called 'Gundicha mandir' for nine days. It begins from the 2nd day of bright half of 'Asadha' which falls in June-July every year. Thousands and thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad throng on that day at Puri to pull the sacred Chariots.

DURGA PUJA (September-October) :- Durga Puja Symbolises the commemoration of good over evil. Life comes to a stand-still in the city of Cuttack as crowds pour over the puja Mandaps to enjoy the festivities. On the day succeeding 'Vijaya Dasami' the last day of Durga Puja, the images are taken in a spectacular procession for immersion in the river Kathajodi.
LAKSHMI PUJA (September-October) :- Observed with much pomp and ceremony in Dhenkanal town, it commences from the fullmoon the fullmoon day of Aswin and continues for a period of one week.
BEACH FESTIVAL (February 5-9) :- Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, is a wonderful beach resort for leisure tourists. It is known for its thirteen major festivals of Lord Jagannath celebrated every year. But the new Tourist Festival known as 'Puri Beach Festival' held from 5th-9th November each year has come to limelight in recent times.
BALI YATRA (November-December) :- To commemorate the glorious past of commercial voyages to the islands of Bali, Java and Sumatra by Orissan Traders, a big fair called 'Bali Yatra' is held on Mahanadi river bank at Cuttack on the fullmoon day of Kartik.

	KONARK FESTIVAL (December 1-5) :- A festival of classical dance forms performed by the celebrated danseurs of the country on the Open Air Auditorium set amidst the casuarinas grove with the Sun Temple, a World Heritage Monument, at the back drop. During the festival evenings the atmosphere is surcharged with rhythmic dancing beats and melodious tunes.

DHANU YATRA (December-January) :- Dhanu Yatra relating to the episode of Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura to witness the ceremony of 'Bow' is colorful observed at Bargarth. The town of Bargarh becomes Mathura, the river Jira becomes Yamuna and the village Amapali on the other bank of the river becomes Gopa. Different acts of the Puranic descriptions are performed at their right places and the spectators move from place to place with the actions to see the performance.