Bhitarkanika National Park to Close for Crocodile Census from January 8–10, 2026

Bhubaneswar: Bhitarkanika National Park, one of India’s most renowned habitats for estuarine crocodiles, will remain closed to tourists from January 8 to 10, 2026, as authorities conduct the annual crocodile census.

The census has been strategically scheduled to coincide with the new moon, when tidal and light conditions are most favourable for accurate counting.

Peak winter and exposed mud banks during this period further enhance visibility, making it easier to spot crocodiles basking along the mudflats.

Teams of trained experts will be deployed across the park, using motorised boats to cover its creeks and waterways. The exercise aims to provide updated data on the crocodile population, which is crucial for conservation planning and ecological monitoring.

Officials have urged visitors to plan their trips accordingly, noting that the temporary closure is essential for ensuring the census is conducted without disturbance.

Bhitarkanika, often referred to as the “Mini Amazon of India,” is home to diverse flora and fauna, and the census underscores its importance as a biodiversity hotspot.