Khaira: Keeping in view the monsoon, the authorities have decided to close Kuladiha sanctuary in Nilagiri area of Balasore from Friday till October 31.
The 272.75 sq km Kuladiha is home to a number of wild animals, reptiles and bird species. Elephants, leopards, bears, sambars, deer, hares, pangolins, peacocks, cranes, storks, harrier, cormorants, vultures, hornbills, golden oriels are among the wildlife visitors to the sanctuary.
According to Kuladiha authorities, the scenic sanctuary had attracted 9,416 tourists between November 2017 and June 15, 2018.
Tourists had mostly thronged Risia dam, Bugalibandh, Khumkut and Tenda Sataghati inside the sanctuary to watch the birds. The sanctuary authorities had made arrangements for food and bed in well furnished camps at Guhalibhola for night stay of tourists. An added attraction this year was nature camps and boating facility to attract more tourists.
The forest department has fixed Rs 3000 for camp stay per day, Rs 100 for four wheeler entry into the sanctuary and Rs 40 as entry fee per visitor and Rs 40 for camera.
A tourist from West Bengal said visitors get an opportunity to enjoy nature and watch wild animals from close quarters. What attracts tourists from Bengal is delicious food, boating facility, special teams for their security and a ban on tobacco, liquor and narcotics.
Forest Ranger Laxman Pradhan expects more tourist footfall next year.
PNN