The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district reopened for tourists on Thursday after remaining closed for nine days, an official said.The national park was closed from January 14 to 22 for the annual census of the estuarine crocodiles and migratory birds.Tourists and visitors intending to visit Bhitarkanika should ensure their bookings through the forest department’s online system. To attract tourists, rest house facilities are available in Dangamala, Agaranasi, Habalikothi, Gupti, and Eakakula.Plastic disposables are strictly banned in the park, and tourists are advised not to carry polythene or litter. The park is implementing green protocols.Bhitarkanika is home to 70 percent of India’s estuarine crocodiles. Conservation efforts began in 1975. It is also home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and around 166 species of birds.The park holds ecological significance with its rare mangrove species. Researchers have identified 11 mangrove species facing extinction globally within Bhitarkanika.
