Ramakanta Biswas

Bhubaneswar: The stage is all set for the much-awaited Marine Drive Eco Retreat festival to be held near Konark from December 14. The senior officials of the Odisha tourism department are not leaving any stone unturned to make the event a grand success.

Preparation for the month-long international coastal festival is now underway on a war-footing at Kushabhadra estuary near Ramchandi of the Puri-Konark marine drive. Tourism secretary Vishal Dev, director Sachin Jadhav and other senior officials of the department reviewed the preparations on Sunday.

Aimed to attract more foreign tourists and popularise the tourism of Odisha, a host of events will be organised to showcase the rich heritage of the State. Apart from a wide range of cultural extravaganza, tourists can also participate in other events like food festival, 3D mapping, adventure sports and water sports during the month-long festival.

Besides, temporary luxury tent cottages will be set up to accommodate tourists. Apart from local cuisines, tourists can also relish foods from across the globe during the festival.

“The work for setting up of temporary cottages is going on and it will complete by December 10. Booking of the cottages is underway and so far 100 cottages have been booked. Efforts are on to popularise the festival,” said tourism secretary Vishal Dev.

Speaking about facilities for tourists, Dev said, “There will be facilities for night stay of tourists and various water sports. Besides, we are also setting up a Spa near the beach.”

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