Bhubaneswar: Tourists can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the Shikharchandi Temple in Bhubaneswar reopened today after being closed for a few days due to the presence of a herd of elephants. The two tuskers that had taken shelter on the hilltop have returned to the Bharatpur forest thanks to the efforts of the Forest Department personnel.
According to reports, the herd of seven elephants had strayed into the Sikharchandi area five days ago, with two staying put on the hilltop despite the Forest Department’s attempts to drive them away. Finding no other way, the forest department teams had to use drones to track the elephants. However, the tuskers refused to budge, trumpeting and moving into the forest adjoining the Sikharchandi area. With tourist safety a concern, the Shikharchandi temple was closed until the elephants left.
Tourists who arrived on Sunday were disappointed to find the gates locked. The forest department worked through the night to drive the elephants away. At 5 am today, the two tuskers finally returned to the Bharatpur forest. With their departure, the Shikharchandi temple has reopened for tourists.
