BALASORE:Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary in Balasore district will remain out of bounds for tourists for four-and-half-months from Monday. The sanctuary, known for rare species of animals and plants, will reopen on November 1.
Kuldiha Forest Ranger Rabindra Mohapatra said the sanctuary has been closed for the monsoon. Tourists will be allowed to enter the reserve forest after repair and restoration works which will be taken up during the period.
Located in Nilagiri range of Balasore wildlife division, Kuldiha sanctuary is linked with Similipal through Sukhupada hills and Nato hill ranges.
Sources said the tourist footfall at the sanctuary has been increasing every year. While 6,340 tourists, including two foreigners, visited the sanctuary this year, the number was 5,304 last year and 4,277 in 2013.
The forest officials expect an increase in the flow of tourists this year after the sanctuary reopens due to better arrangements. “The night halt facilities have been provided at Kuldiha and Jadachua. Besides, we are developing an eco-tourism project at Rishia where 10 tents will be set up for the tourists,” said Mohapatra.