The famous Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district of Odisha reopens for visitors today (Monday) after remaining off limits for crocodile breeding season.
The Forest department has put all arrangements in place to welcome back tourists after such a long time. Rajnagar DFO Yagnadatt Pati said efforts have been made to ensure that the national park remains plastic-free.
Visitor gathering places like crocodile nursery, selfie point, restaurants, battery-operated boats, cottages for lodging and museum have been prepared for visitors.
Tourists interested to visit the national park can do so on water route from Gupti, Khola and Chandbali. People can also board vehicles to enter the national park through main gate from Dangamal on land route.
The park authorities have urged people to ensure mask-wearing and other Covid guidelines with strictness.
Bhitarkanika National Park was shut down from May 1 to July 31 to make way for crocodiles to lay eggs.
A Ramsar site and wetland of international importance, Bhitarkanika is home to a large variety of wildlife including saltwater crocodiles.
It homes about 70 percent of estuarine crocodiles in the entire country and also is a welcome roosting ground for migratory winged species.