Kendrapara (Odisha)- Bhitarkanika National Park, one of India’s richest mangrove ecosystems and a crucial breeding ground for saltwater crocodiles, will reopen to visitors from August 1 after remaining closed for three months. The annual shutdown, from May 1 to July 31, is a vital part of the park’s conservation strategy, allowing estuarine crocodiles to nest and hatch their eggs undisturbed during their most sensitive period.
This year, forest officials recorded 116 nesting sites, a slight rise from 114 last year, signaling a steady and healthy trend in the crocodile population. Female crocodiles are known to be fiercely protective during nesting season, making this temporary closure essential for the safety of both wildlife and humans.
With preparations complete, forest officials have restored all tourist amenities and reintroduced boating and guided trail services. Tourists will once again have the opportunity to experience Bhitarkanika’s remarkable biodiversity, scenic waterways, and dense mangrove forests teeming with exotic flora and fauna.
Since its formal conservation efforts began in 1975 with help from a United Nations Development Programme initiative, the crocodile population in Bhitarkanika has risen dramatically—from just 97 in 1974 to an impressive 1,826 by January 2025. The park even holds a Guinness World Record for hosting the world’s longest saltwater crocodile, a 23-foot giant spotted in 2006.
As the gates reopen, officials remain hopeful that the seasonal break will continue to yield positive results for both conservation and ecotourism, ensuring that Bhitarkanika remains a thriving sanctuary for generations to come.
