Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: Good news for tourists and devotees! After temporarily leaving Shikharachandi, two elephants have returned safely to the Bharatpur forest. Following their departure from the hill, the Shikharachandi shrine, which had been closed as a safety measure, has now reopened for darshan and picnic.

Five days ago, seven elephants had escaped from Bharatpur forest to Pal Shikharachandi Mundi, with two of them remaining on top of the hill. Despite concerted efforts by the forest department, including tracking with drone support from Chandaka and Bhubaneswar teams, the elephants did not immediately return and roamed deeper into the forest.

The forest department prioritized tourist safety and kept the shrine closed until the elephants were safely guided back. Hundreds of tourists who arrived on Sunday were disappointed to find the gate locked, prompting many to visit other destinations.

Last night, forest officials successfully escorted the elephants back, and at 5 AM today, the two tusked elephants returned to Bharatpur forest. With their safe return, the Shikharachandi shrine has been reopened for visitors.