Nilagiri: Kuladiha sanctuary, which is well known for its rich biodiversity in Nilagiri sub-division of Balasore, is all set to reopen for tourists from November 1, the forest department said.
38 tourists from various parts of the state and West Bengal have made online bookings to visit the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the sanctuary authorities have put in place necessary arrangements to receive tourists.
The 272.77 sq.km sanctuary is rich with flora and fauna. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife like elephants, deer, hare, mouse deer, barking deer, boars, bears, various reptiles, sambar and hares.
Tourists and wildlife experts from other states and countries too visit the sanctuary every year for research and enjoyment. The tourist site is open from November 1 to June 16. But Guharbhola, a place inside the sanctuary, is opened throughout the year.
The sanctuary authorities have pitched up 9 tents for tourist accommodation at night. 18 tourists can stay here. The entry fee for tourist is Rs 40 while it is Rs 25 for the differently abled students and those under 5 years. Foreign tourists will have to pay Rs 200 as entry fee.
For entry of four wheelers, tourists have to pay extra Rs 100; for camera Rs 50 and for video recording Rs 100.
The sanctuary had drawn 9095 tourists last year while two of them were from abroad. The sanctuary generated Rs 4.84 lakh as revenue.
PNN