Bhubaneswar, Aug. 1: Bhitarkanika National Park reopened today for tourists and nature lovers after remaining closed for three months during which time the mass nesting of estuarine crocodiles took place.

The park had been closed for tourists and visitors on May 1.

Divisional forest officer of Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Bimal Prasanna Acharya said the restrictions had to be enforced because human interference disturbs the breeding animals.

"The reptiles often turn violent and tend to attack intruders during this period," he said. "The booking of tourists' cottages has begun. We are now ready to play host to domestic and international tourists after a three-month break."

Around 50,000 tourists visit the wildlife sanctuary every year. It has been made mandatory for the visitors to submit to the authorities their proof of identity to seek entry permit into the national park, said an official.

Taking a boat ride alone the mangrove-covered water bodies of the national park is a major attraction for tourists. On any given day, 350 to 400 tourists take the ride.

Private boats that do not have life jackets and other safety equipment for tourists are not allowed to operate here.

The boats and vessels that are owned by the department are all equipped with the required safety equipment.

Spread over 145sqkm, Bhitarkanika National Park is famous for its saltwater crocodiles, resident and migrant avian species and a huge variety of mangrove species.

Besides, lakhs of olive ridley sea turtles assemble at Gahirmatha beach every year for to lay eggs.