Luxury cruise boost to Chilika Lake in Odisha ahead of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

In a bid to enhance and promote tourism to the largest saltwater lake in Asia, the Odisha Government launched a luxury cruise service on the Chilika Lake at Barkul in Khurda district on Saturday. Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha Pravati Parida inaugurated the cruise service in the company of Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan.

“Tourists can relish the scenic beauty of Kalijai Island and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary while travelling on the luxury cruises at Chilika, which will undoubtedly boost tourism in the state,” the Deputy CM stated while emphasizing the importance of the cruise service.

Commissioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism, the cruise service initially began with two luxury vessels, named ‘Lake Queen’ and ‘Diamond Princess,’ which started operating on the same day itself and are now open for tourists.

The state-of-the-art vessels feature air-conditioned cabins, onboard food services, and other modern amenities, with a seating capacity of 40 persons. During the same address, the Deputy CM also highlighted the Mohan Majhi-led government’s plans to make Odisha a tourism hub.

“The state government is dedicated to developing Odisha's tourism sector and the Chilika Lake cruise service will undoubtedly help in achieving the same,” she added.

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The comments came at a time when elaborate arrangements and security measures have been put in place Odisha gears up to host its first-ever Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

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The 18th edition of the mega-event aims to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community to the development of India and will see tourists from far and wide flock to the state from the 8th to the 10th of January this month.