Natural Destinations of Similipal National Park
Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
3 Main Natural Destinations:
- Hadahadi Waterfall
- Sacred Sal Tree
- Barehipani Waterfall
Hadahadi Waterfall:
Hidden natural beauty of Similipal National Park, situated about 1.5 km from Jamuani Nature Camp, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.
Sacred Sal Tree:
Age: around 340 years
It is termed as heritage & sacred by the people of Similipal National Park.
Sal Tree:
scientific name: Shorea robusta
Cultural Aspect:
According to Hindu tradition, this tree is sacred. It is associated with Lord Vishnu. The name Sal came from the word Shala, which means rampart in Sanskrit. Some Hindus worship Sarna Burhi, who is depicted as the Goddess of Sal tree groves and she is strongly associated with water and plant life.
According to Buddhist tradition, Gautama Buddha died at the age of 80, in a grove between two Sal trees.
Uses:
- Strong durable & decay resistant wood is used in railway sleepers, construction, shipbuilding & furniture.
- Sal Butter, extracted from seeds, is an edible oil, which is used in cooking & lighting.
- Resin is used in rituals, like making incense. It is also used in treating oily skin, itching & rashes.
- Pastes from the leaves are used to treat skin problems.
- It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating coughs, headaches, piles, fractures & ear problems.
- The leaves are often used in making disposable plates and bowls.
Goat:
scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus
Generally domesticated four-legged mammal.
food habit: Herbivores (though sometimes they may opportunistically eat small animals or animal-based scraps whenever they find)
They are Ruminants with four-chambered stomach (Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum & Abomasum), which allow them to ferment and digest tough plant matter through a process called Rumination, which involves regurgitating and rechewing.
Uses:
- Good source of meat, milk & dairy products.
- Some breeds, like Angora and Cashmere goat, provides high quality fibers, which are used in making clothes & rugs.
- Goat skins are used in making leather goods, like gloves & shoes.
Barehipani Falls:
India‘s second highest waterfall
Odisha‘s highest waterfall
height: 399 meters (1,309 ft)
Two-tiered waterfall located in Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It is on Budhabalanga River.
Another waterfalls (Joranda Falls) is roughly around 0.4 km (20 km drive from Barehipani Chowk through Ghati routes). Sometimes, Joranda Falls & Barehipani Falls are referred as natural companions in Similipal National Park.
Budhabalanga River:
Budhabalanga means Old Balanga. It rises in the Similipal Hills and flows through different villages, cities & districts:
- Karanjiapal village of Bangriposi, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
- Jhankapahadi village of Bangriposi, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
- Baripada city Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
- Balasore (Baleswar) district of Odisha, India
The river finally flows into Bay of Bengal. Some tributaries of Budhabalanga River are:
- Palapala
- Sunei
- Kalo
- Sanjo
- Deo
- Gangahari
- Katra Nala
- Chipat