The vast terrain of Similipal with wide altitudinal, climatic and topographic variations, criss-crossed by large number of perennial streams, harbours a unique blend of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Sub-Himalayan plant species. The floristic composition indicates a connecting link between South Indian and North Eastern Sub-Himalayan Species. Forest is predominantly moist mixed deciduous forest with tropical semi-evergreen forest in areas with suitable microclimatic conditions and sporadic patches of dry deciduous forests and grasslands. It forms the largest watershed of northern Odisha.

Attractions:

Large carnivores like Tigers, Leopards, and mega-herbivores like Elephants, Indian Gaur, etc., freely range in the forests of Similipal and adjoining landscape. The tigers of Similipal represent a unique lineage of central Indian tigers in which melanistic tigers are occasionally found. It is the only home of these melanistic tigers in the world.

There are many large & small waterfalls inside Similipal  that attract visitors for their exceptional Beauty. Joranda & Barehipani are two majestic waterfalls that re located on the tourist route that runs across the Tiger Reserve.