1. Located in northeastern India, the Similipal Biosphere Reserve lies within two biogeographic regions: the Mahanadian eastern coastal region of the Oriental region and the Chotanagpur biological province of the Deccan Peninsular region.

2. Volcanic sedimentary rocks are aligned in three concentric rings and enhance the geologic formations of the area.

3. The highest peak of the Similipal hill range is Khariburu (1,168 m).

4. Similipal geographical region has many waterfalls and perennial rivers flowing into major rivers, such as Budhbalang, Baitarani and Subarnarekha.

1. Simlipal Bio-Reserve (Sanctuary) is located in Orissa.

2. The biosphere reserve has the largest area of sal in the whole of India. Furthermore, the tropical monsoon climate provides ideal conditions for the development of a distinctive biodiversity, highlighted by 1,076 species of vascular plants.

3. These include 93 species of orchids, 300 species of medicinal plants and 52 species of endangered flora. The two endemic species of orchid are Eria meghasaniensis and Taenia hookeriana.

4. Notable botanical species in the sanctuary include Callicarpa arborea (a species of beautyberry), Bombax ceiba (cotton tree) and Madhuca longifolia (manhua).

1. Palk Strait is a strait between the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the Mannar district of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

2. This strait connects the Bay of Bengal to the Palk Bay in the north-east and then to the Gulf of Mannar in the south-west.

3. The strait that separates India and Sri Lanka is the Palak Strait.