Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve

Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve is the largest notified Elephant Reserve in Odisha and among the country’s most significant elephant conservation landscapes. Established under Project Elephant, it protects extensive forests across northern Odisha and serves as an important ecological link with the Singhbhum Elephant Reserve of neighbouring Jharkhand. The reserve encompasses large tracts of the Similipal landscape, making it one of eastern India’s richest biodiversity areas.

Location

The reserve extends across parts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Keonjhar districts in northern Odisha.

Brief History

Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve was notified by the Government of Odisha on 29 September 2001 under Project Elephant. It was the first Elephant Reserve notified in Odisha and was created to conserve elephant habitats, migration corridors and associated biodiversity in the Similipal landscape.

Description

• State: Odisha
• Notification Year: 2001
• Total Area: 7,043.74 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: Deccan Peninsula
• Elevation: Approximately 14–1,183 metres above mean sea level

Forest Divisions

• Similipal North
• Similipal South
• Karanjia
• Baripada
• Rairangpur
• Balasore Wildlife Division
• Keonjhar Wildlife Division

Protected Areas

• Similipal Tiger Reserve
• Similipal National Park
• Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve comprises one of eastern India’s largest continuous forest landscapes. Forest types include:

• Odisha Semi-evergreen Forest
• Moist Peninsular Low-level Sal Forest
• West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
• Northern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
• Dry Peninsular Sal Forest
• Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
• Dry Deciduous Scrub

Flora

Sal is the dominant tree species, accompanied by Asan, Piasal, Dhaura, Arjun, Mahua, Kusum, Bamboo and numerous medicinal plants.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Gaur
• Sloth Bear
• Wild Dog (Dhole)
• Sambar
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer
• Indian Pangolin
• Over 360 bird species

Elephant Conservation

The reserve forms part of the East-Central Elephant Landscape and maintains habitat connectivity with the Singhbhum Elephant Reserve of Jharkhand, enabling seasonal elephant movement across state boundaries.

Weather

• Summer: 28–42°C
• Winter: 8–22°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: Around 1,600 mm

Best Time to Visit

November to March.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar
• Nearest Railway Stations: Baripada, Balasore
• By Road: Good road connectivity from Baripada, Balasore and Jamshedpur.

Where to Stay

• Forest Rest Houses operated by the Odisha Forest Department (subject to booking and permission)
• Government eco-tourism accommodation around the Similipal landscape

Nearby Attractions

• Similipal Tiger Reserve
• Barehipani Waterfall
• Joranda Waterfall
• Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

Did You Know?

Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve is Odisha’s largest notified Elephant Reserve and includes the globally significant Similipal Tiger Reserve, one of India’s premier biodiversity hotspots.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing location in India]

---

Last Updated: August 2026