Kendrapara, Aug 1: Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara was reopened to tourists on Friday after a three-month of seasonal closure.

The park remained shut from May 1 to July 31 to ensure a disturbance-free environment for nesting and hatching of crocodile eggs.

This year, 117 nesting sites of estuarine crocodiles were recorded, slightly up from last year’s count.

According to the January 2025 census, the park is home to 1,826 crocodiles, making it one of India’s richest habitats for these reptiles.

To enhance the tourist experience, the Forest Department has introduced several upgrades which includes:

- A 600-meter-long elevated wooden canopy bridge, 15 meters above ground, offering panoramic views of the mangrove forest.
- Renovated watch towers, hunting towers, and the albino crocodile pond housing the famous white crocodile.
- New museum exhibits, showcasing the park’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
- Boating facilities.
- Skywalk trails for immersive jungle exploration

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