Bhubaneswar: To boost the tourism sector in the state which is badly hit due to the pandemic situation, the state tourism department will kick-off three month-long ‘Eco Retreat Festivals’ at two iconic places of tourist attraction in the state—the Bhitarkanika National Park and Hirakud Dam-- from December 1.
While at Bhitarkanika, the country’s second largest mangrove ecosystem, the festival will be organised on the banks of the Baitarani River at Nalitiapatia village, at Hirakud, it will take place at Jamadarpali airstrip near the dam.
According to sources, as many as 15 luxury tents will be put up at Bhitarkanika for tourists during the festival. The tents will be equipped with 24-hour water and electricity supply. Parking facilities for the visitors would also be made near their respective tents. The event is being held with public-private partnership.
During the event, the district administration will be organising cultural programmes, food festivals, trekking in the forest and tour of nearby beaches for the tourists.
Locals, nature lovers and the intelligentsia in the state have welcomed the initiative stating that the move will give impetus to the struggling tourism industry.
“The festival will attract tourists to Bhitarkanika which will boost sustainable tourism and generate employment opportunities for locals,” said local resident Bhaskar Routray.
The tourism department will soon start online booking of the luxury tents, the price of which will be decided by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC).
“The event would help to revive the tourism in the region affected due to the pandemic,” said Rajnagar District Forest Officer Bikash Ranjan Dash.
Similarly, the festival at the Hirakud dam will be held at the Jamadarpali airstrip near the dam.
Director, Odisha Tourism, Sachin R Jadhav along with senior department officials have already conducted an inspection of the location for the camping site and took a preparatory review meeting.
According to sources, several events and activities including water sports at Hirakud dam reservoir, cycling, boat ride will also be conducted during the festival.
Last year, the State Government had organised a similar festival at Chandrabhaga beach near the world famous Konark Sun temple.