The Government of Odisha has designated the Similipal Tiger Reserve as a National Park

Of the total area of 2,750 square kilometers within the Reserve, 845.70 square kilometers has been designated as a National Park, making it the largest in Odisha, surpassing Bhitarkanika.

This park is the 107th National Park in India and the second in the eastern state, following Bhitarkanika. Regarding Simlipal Forest, it is located in the Mayurbhanj District of Odisha, within the Chottanagpur region, and is traversed by major rivers including Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.

Simlipal is also recognized as a Wildlife Sanctuary, a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, and a Biosphere Reserve as part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme since 2009, in addition to being included in the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.

A National Park is defined as an area, whether within a sanctuary or not, that receives the highest level of protection to preserve its wildlife and environment due to its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological significance.

Human activities are strictly prohibited within the national park, except for those authorized by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state. Furthermore, the Forest Rights Act of 2006 allows certain tribal communities to reside within the National Parks.

The notification of a National Park is carried out by the State Governments under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. However, once a park is notified, the State Government cannot alter its boundaries unless recommended by the National Board for Wildlife.