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The Eco-Retreat event in Odisha kicked off on December 1, and it will run all the way up to March 15, 2025. A flagship initiative of the state tourism department, it is being held across seven scenic locations at Konark, Putsil, Sonapur, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, and Hirakud.
Offering a premier tourism experience, the event aims to promote sustainable tourism through its diverse offerings along ecologically sensitive areas while ensuring full adherence to the guidelines and promoting awareness about the fragility of such ecosystems.
The event allows guests to enjoy luxury camping, thrilling watersports, and immersive experiences in local culture, including Odia cuisine, folk music, and dance.
“Odisha is known as ‘India’s best-kept secret’ but with our hospitality at this event, we want the world to see the beauty of Odisha, its tradition, and its cultures. We are ready to welcome the world,” Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida stated while inaugurating the Eco Retreat at Konark on December 13.
Here is a list and guide to all the seven Eco-Retreat 2024-2025 locations along with details of their events and highlights:
1. Konark:
The Konark Eco-Reatreat event is taking place on Ramchandi Beach near the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konark Sun Temple.
The site offers stunning Bay of Bengal views and cultural performances, guided tours to notable sites, and adventurous activities like parasailing, ATV rides, and beach volleyball.
Nearby attractions include the Konark Sun Temple, Konark Museum, Puri Jagannath Temple, Balukhand Sanctuary, and the Blue Flag-certified Golden Beach in Puri. Art lovers can also explore Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village while surfers can enjoy a surf club situated nearby.
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar at about 80 km and the nearest railway station is the Puri Railway Station at 25 km. Sufficient connectivity with major places of the state is available here with plenty of tourist buses and cabs.
On January 8, the Konark Eco-Retreat received immense praise from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for its hospitality and scenic beauty. As such, several visitors are expected to visit here along the lines of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, taking place in Odisha from January 8 to 10.
ALSO READ: Sixth edition of Odisha Eco-Retreat inaugurated in Konark
2. Satkosia:
The Satkosia Eco Retreat is situated along the scenic gorge of the Mahanadi River, a meeting point of the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats.
Visitors can enjoy the pristine beauty of the gorge and take part in activities like boating, bird watching, and exploring the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The retreat offers a mix of adventure and leisure, including volleyball, archery, and cultural performances.
Nearby, guests can spot wildlife such as muggers, gharials, spotted deer, and the Malabar giant squirrel. The biodiversity-rich Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary is a hotspot for birdwatchers.
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 160 km away, and the nearest railway station is Angul Railway Station at approximately 70 km.
3. Bhitarkanika:
The Eco Retreat here is located at Pentha Beach within Bhitarkanika National Park, which offers a less-explored, pristine beach surrounded by casuarina forests.
Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the beach and take part in activities like boat safaris, exploring the sanctuary, and visiting the crocodile breeding center.
The park, a Ramsar Site, is home to India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem and a rich variety of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, monitor lizards, and numerous bird species. The nearby turtle sanctuary at Gahirmatha Beach, where Olive Ridley turtles nest annually, is also a must-visit. Other activities include rifle shooting, archery, zorbing, cycling and cultural performances.
ALSO READ: Bird census in Odisha to begin from tomorrow
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, approximately 140 km away while the closest railway station is Bhadrak Railway Station, about 75 km away.
4. Sonapur:
The Eco Retreat at Sonapur is located on a pristine beach where the Bahuda River meets the Bay of Bengal, right on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.
This picturesque and untouched beach offers a perfect getaway for peace and beauty. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and savoring delicious seafood while watching the sunset. Nearby attractions include the historic port town of Brahmapur, Potagarh Fort, Tampara Lake and the famous Gopalpur-on-Sea and its lighthouse.
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 185 km away, and the nearest railway station is Berhampur Railway Station at approximately 35 km.
5. Putsil:
The Eco Retreat at Putsil in Koraput welcomes those who love to live among the clouds. Known as the Switzerland of Odisha, this destination is located at the base of the Deomali hill range, the highest in Odisha.
Ideal for paragliding and trekking, the retreat inspires adventure. Nearby attractions include Duduma and Rani Duduma Waterfalls, lush green valleys, and indigenous tribal communities.
The nearest major airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, approximately 220 km away while the newer Jeypore Airport is just 65 km away. Meanwhile, the nearest railway station is Jeypore Railway Station at about 40 km.
6. Hirakud:
The Eco Retreat at Hirakud is set beside Asia's longest earthen dam on the mighty Mahanadi River.
This glamping site offers the chance to explore the vibrant culture of Western Odisha and enjoy traditional Odia cuisine. Activities include guided treks into the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides.
Visitors can also explore local handloom and handicrafts, and visit the Maa Samaleswari Temple to watch the evening light and sound show.
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 340 km away and the closest railway station is Sambalpur Railway Station at approximately 30 km.
7. Daringbadi:
The Eco Retreat at Daringbadi hill station is surrounded by picturesque valleys and plateaus dotted with pine forests, and coffee and pepper plantations.
The itinerary includes visits to the Dasingbadi waterfall and the Daringbadi coffee garden. Nearby attractions are Belghar, known as the Land of Hills and Waterfalls, Ushabati Valley, Putudi waterfall, and Mandasaru, also called Silent Valley, while guests can also interact with the local 'Kutia Kandha' tribe.
Other activities include rifle shooting, archery, bicycling, and yoga on the hills.
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 250 km away, and Berhampur Railway Station, approximately 125 km away, is the closest railway station.
