Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, is set to reopen to tourists this Friday, following a three-month pause to safeguard the nesting saltwater crocodiles. From May to July, the sanctuary remained closed to provide a tranquil environment for the park’s famed reptiles, resulting in the nesting of nearly 117 saltwater crocodiles this season. As of January 2025, the park boasts a thriving crocodile population of 1,826.
In anticipation of the reopening, the forest department has revitalized several attractions. One highlight is the 600-meter-long wooden canopy bridge, perched 15 metres above the mangrove canopy, promising visitors a remarkable perspective on the park’s flora and fauna. Other refreshed sites include the iconic albino crocodile “Gori” pond, watchtower, and hunting tower, each offering unique viewing experiences for wildlife enthusiasts.
Online reservations are now available via the official ecotourism portal, with forest rest houses at Dangamala and Gupti ready to host overnight guests. To preserve this sensitive ecosystem, park authorities have implemented a strict plastic ban and enforced a robust green protocol. Beyond crocodiles, visitors can spot spotted deer, wild boar, fishing cats, and over 10 nesting bird species busily tending their young, making Bhitarkanika’s reopening a true celebration of the wild.
