Kendrapara’s Bhitarkanika National Park, one of India’s premier mangrove ecosystems, reopened to tourists on Saturday after a three‑month closure for the annual estuarine crocodile breeding season.
The park had remained shut from May 1 to July 31 to ensure safe nesting and minimise disturbance to wildlife. With preparations complete, the Odisha Forest Department has resumed visitor access through three designated entry points—Gupti, Khola, and Dangamal.
Tourists can now enjoy boat safaris through the intricate waterways, spotting saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boar, sambar, monitor lizards, and a wide variety of birds. The park also features unique attractions such as India’s first mangrove nursery, a boat library, a skywalk, a crocodile breeding and research centre, and a wildlife museum.
Located in the delta formed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Mahanadi rivers, Bhitarkanika continues to draw wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and eco‑tourists from across the globe. The Forest Department has mandated valid identity proof for entry, ensuring regulated and safe tourism.
With its reopening, Bhitarkanika once again offers visitors a rare chance to experience Odisha’s rich biodiversity and vibrant mangrove landscapes.
