Bhubaneswar: Bhitarkanika National Park, famously known as the ‘home to the giant saltwater crocodiles’, will remain closed to tourists from May 1 to July 31.
As per reports, the closure order has been issued by the Rajnagar Forest Division to ensure a disturbance-free environment during the annual crocodile breeding and nesting season.
Every year during this period, crocodiles in the rivers, creeks, and water bodies of Bhitarkanika start building nests and laying eggs. After laying eggs, female crocodiles become highly aggressive and fiercely guard their nests for several weeks. To protect the mother crocodiles and their eggs, the park authorities have decided to ban all tourist activities during these three months.
The decision aims to prevent any disturbance to the crocodiles’ mating and nesting process. Tourists have been strictly advised not to visit the park during this period.
The park usually attracts thousands of visitors, especially during the winter months, for crocodile sighting and mangrove exploration.
