Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Eco Retreat 2022, the flagship camping event of the state tourism department, with an aim to explore and experience nature and to attract more tourists to the state.
The event was inaugurated in six location of the state viz., Hirakud , Sonapur, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, and. Putsil from 01 December 2022. The eco-retreat offers luxury tents with different amenities for comfort and other facilities on the core of nature. Various facilities like 100 % Safe & Hygienic cottages, 24×7 assistance, air conditioning /heating, a bar, a doctor on call, guided tours, a kids’ area, recreational activities, a restaurant, a dining, and well-appointed toiletries were being provided in the camps. The details can be accessed through the official website of the Department of Tourism.
The details of the locations of eco-retreats are as follows.
Konark
Konark, the world famous for its Sun temple’s sculptural embellishments; the luxurious Eco-Retreat camp event was organised on the Ramchandi beach. The Eco Retreat at Konark is an initiative by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha. It is a form of luxury tourism and will set a new benchmark in the field of eco-tourism offering glamping experience at exotic locations amid picturesque natural destination. The camping site offers cultural performances, guided tours to nearby destinations of nature, culture, historic and architectural importance, and other recreational activities including adrenaline-inducing water sports, ATV rides, beach volleyball, archery, and much more.
Hirakud
Located alongside the Mahanadi river, Hirakud is the main attraction of this Eco Retreat is Asia’s longest earthen dam Hirakud. A reservoir spread over 743 sq. extends behind the dam. Situated between the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and the reservoir, this magnificent site offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant culture of Western Odisha and delectable traditional Odia cuisine. After a day full of exciting activities, witness a cultural evening with beautiful folk performances before retiring for a luxurious night at a capacious Swiss cottage, replete with necessary modern amenities.
Daringbadi
The place is popularly known as the Kashmir of Odisha by many and the Daringbadi hill station surrounded by beautiful valleys and plateaus. This eco retreat’s itinerary includes visits to Midubandha waterfall, and Daringbadi coffee garden. The nearby places like Beghar is land locked by green mountains with Hills and Waterfalls, Ushabati valley to spot huge gathering of peacocks, Putudi waterfall and Mandasaru (also known as silent valley). Other recreational activities available are rifle shooting, archery, bicycling, and yoga on the hills, etc.
Bhitarkanika
This is situated near virgin beach inside a National Park. This Eco Retreat is located at Pentha Beach inside the Bhitarkanika National Park. This camp is surrounded by a casuarina forest and absolutely breathtaking. The Bhitarkanika National Park is also a site to visit and the wetlands house largest variety of mangrove species in India along with the largest number of saltwater crocodiles in the Indian subcontinent, monitor lizards, eight varieties of kingfisher, has one of the largest heronry in India and acts as a feeding ground for migratory birds during winter.
Pati Sonapur
Known as the pristine beach located at the southern most beaches in Odisha. The site is located on the confluence of the river Bahuda and the Bay of Bengal, and bang on Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, Pati-Sonapur is one of the most exquisite beaches on the coast of Bay of Bengal. Tourists will enjoy the sunbathe at the beach, and some water sports activities or gorge on some delicious seafood while at campsite. The nearby attractions include the port town Brahmapur with its rich maritime history, Potagarh Fort, Tampara Lake, and the famous Gopalpur-on-Sea and Lighthouse.
Satkosia
Satkosia spreads along the magnificent gorge over the mighty Mahanadi river. This site is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of India – the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. This biodiversity rich hotspot is known for the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. This retreat rests camouflaged on the banks of the Mahanadi river next to the tiger sanctuary. Boat rides are available on the river Mahanadi which is an exciting river safari. The Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary is famous for birding, witnessing hundreds of species of birds, and muggers, gharials and turtles sunbathing on the riverbanks and other land animals like spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, langurs, porcupines and the Malabar giant squirrel among others. Other activities at the camp include volleyball, archery, rifle shooting, cultural performances, etc.
Putsil
Putsil is known as the Switzerland of Odisha. Located on the Deomali hill range of the Eastern Ghats, Koraput is a region free from the traces of commercialism and pollution. The prime attractions in Putsil include Sabar Srikhetra temple, a tribal museum, and Duduma waterfalls. Putsil mountain point is 1-km from Pendajam. It is located 21-km from Sunabeda and 40-km from Koraput town. A large number of tourists came to enjoy the winter picnics in the mountains. The stunning moments is when the clouds touch the mountains of the valley. On the way to Putsil Valley, you can enjoy waterfalls, springs, and a coffee garden.
Image Source: ecoretreat.odishatourism.gov.in
