Number Of Visitors To Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park On Rise Despite COVID-19 Guidelines

Kendrapada: The number of visitors to Bhitarkanika National Park in the district has been increasing since it was reopened on October 1 after remaining closed for seven months.

With different species of migratory birds flocking the park during the winter, the visitors can have a close look at them while boating. Besides, there are other attractions of wildlife like native birds, crocodiles and deer.

According to park sources, 1,043 tourists had come through the main gate of the National Park in October. Likewise, 488 visitors came through open entry point, 158 on Chandbali route and 101 from secret entry point. The park registered total 1,790 footfall in the month.

In November, total 6,045 tourists visited Bhitarkanika. Of them, 3,365 came through Dangamala entry point, 1721 on boats, 410 from Chandbali, and 549 tourists through secret entry point, the sources said.

Till December 7, the park registered 2,690 footfall. Out of them, 783 visitors came through Dangamala entry point, 784 on boats from open entry point, 174 from Chandbali route and 949 from secret entry point.

The park authorities have been strictly enforcing the COVID-19 protocols during the tour of the tourists inside the park.