Kendrapara, July 31: The Bhitarkanika National Park will reopen for tourists from August 1 (Thursday) that has been closed for the last three months.
The national park administration had closed entry of tourists from May 1 for the mating and nesting season for saltwater crocodiles.
The national park was closed for three months from May 1 to July 31 as the crocodiles become more violent during the mating period. The three-month prohibition order was imposed for public to provide the reptiles a harmonious environment for mating and breeding, said assistant conservator of forests (ACF) Manas Das adding that around 114 crocodiles laid eggs this year.
The Forest department has built a 600-metre-long wooden canopy bridge inside Bhitarkanika, 15 metre above the ground to facilitate close-up view of the forest and wildlife for tourists, he added.
Now the national parks website is open to make bookings for visit and stay of tourists at rest houses in Dangamala, Habalikothi and Gupti.
