Bhitarkanika National Park reopens for tourists

Kendrapara: Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district on reopened for tourists on Wednesday.

The national park had remained closed for three months due to breeding season of saltwater crocodiles.

The Bhitarkanika National Park was closed for tourists from May 1 to July 31 during the mating and nesting seasons of saltwater crocodiles to ensure the safety of humans and provide a congenial environment for the crocodiles, said an official.

The prohibition was imposed as the reptiles need a calm environment for mating and nesting, the official added.

As many as 101 nests of crocodiles were counted during this year’s nesting season against 79 nests counted last year.

However, the first day witnessed the thin presence of tourists due to rain.

The authorities expect that the tourist inflow will increase in the coming days.

Tourists and visitors interested in visiting Bhitarkanika can log on to www.ecotourodisha.com for bookings.