Located in the Mayurbhanj district and well spread over an area of 2750 kms, is one of India’s most famous wildlife reserves. An ecosystem marvel dotted with forest vegetation (mainly sal trees), fauna and the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements. Wonderful high plateaus and hills flank the reserve, the highest peak being the Mangesher. Also the waters of 12 rivers pass through the area; prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo. One can also see many delightful waterfalls here.

The tiger reserve is home to more than 100 tigers and other mammalian species like leopards, sambhars, langurs, deer, gaur (Indian bison), elephants, antelopes, chitals, chevrotains, wild dog, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas and porcupines. Also, around 230 species of birds are found here, prominent among them being red jungle fowl, hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, gray hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon. Most of these bird species may be spotted in the park’s Newana area. There is a sizable population of reptiles as well, which include snakes, turtles and crocodiles, whose population has increased considerably since the inception of the Mugger Management Program. Gurgling waterfalls can also be spotted in depth here and at Joranda that is 493 kms away.
Tourists can have a panoramic view of the park from Barheipani (1308 ft.) region.

During summers, the temperature is very high (around 40°C) whereas during winter it falls to about 14°C. The monsoon season brings moderate to very heavy rainfall.

The Park is a treasure house of 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families. It also possesses 82 species of orchids and thriving vegetation that is a mix of Northern tropical semi-evergreen trees, Northern tropical moist deciduous trees, dry deciduous hill forest and high-level Sal forests. The fine thick grasslands and the savannas provide grazing grounds for the herbivores and hiding place to the carnivores.

Another excellent feature is the presence of innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, which provide a source of earnings for the tribals.

Project Tiger other major priority is the care and wellness of other animals. Its spirited drive saw a remarkable rise in the numbers of Leopards, Sambars, Langurs, Barking and Spotted Deer, Gaur, Elephant and the 'Four-horned' antelope AND not to forget nearly 231 species of birds such as Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, and Crested Serpent Eagle. One can also spot the presence of Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian Trogon in the reserve.

The park also has a good presence of reptiles, which includes Snakes and turtles and crocodiles whose numbers saw a rise with planned implementation of the Mugger management programme.