Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park is set to reopen to tourists on August 1, following a three-month seasonal closure to facilitate the breeding of saltwater crocodiles.
The park had remained closed from May 1 to July 31 to ensure an undisturbed environment for nesting and hatching activities.
This year, 116 nesting sites of the endangered estuarine crocodile have been recorded, up from 114 in 2024. The temporary closure plays a vital role in protecting both the animals and visitors, as female crocodiles become highly aggressive while guarding their nests.
Forest officials have confirmed that tourist amenities have been fully restored, and boating services and guided trails will resume with strict adherence to safety protocols.
Bhitarkanika has been hailed as a conservation success, with the crocodile population growing from 97 in 1974 to 1,826 as of January 2025. The park also holds a Guinness World Record for housing a 23-foot-long crocodile, documented in 2006.
Officials hope continued conservation efforts and responsible tourism will help preserve the park’s unique mangrove ecosystem and biodiversity.
