Kendrapara, July 31: Authorities of the Bhitarkanika National Park, which reopens for visitors from tomorrow, have effected a manifold hike in lodging, a move that is likely to pinch the middle class and lower middle class visitors.

Divisional forest officer Manoj Kumar Mahapatra said the park had remained closed for tourists between May 31 and July 13 in view of the nesting season of estuarine crocodiles.

The accommodation price runs to five times more than what it were. It has gone beyond the affordability of middle class tourists, said local tourist operator Pradeep Das.

Moreover, the tourists, who spend the night at Bhitarkanika, will have to pay Rs 100 cess towards eco-development fees. However, Rs 10 as the entry fee for a tourist remains unchanged.

However, a forest official said the revision of lodging and boarding charges was necessary. “The hike had to be made for better maintenance of the government-owned bungalows,” said the divisional forest officer.

Though staying at Bhitarkanika has now been made costlier, it is still on the lower side in comparison to the accommodation charges in the private-run eco-tourist cottages, said Mahapatra.

Visitors need to carry their identity proof to gain access to the park. One has to produce the identity proof to get the entry permit.

The park covers an area of around 145sqkm, which encompasses the Bhitarkanika mangroves. It is a mangrove swamp, which is located in the delta of the Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamra rivers. The tourists like the spot for camping, trekking and picnics.