Eco Retreat now at five locations to boost Odisha Tourism

Bhubaneswar: Want to spend nights under luxurious tents at beaches! Odisha Tourism is going to meet tourists’ dreams at five locations after months break during COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

After a great success of first-ever eco retreat festival at Konark, Odisha Tourism Department has decided to organise such events at four new locations this year.

As per the decision by the State Government, the eco retreat will be held at exotic locations like Satkosia, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi and Hirakud apart from Konark.

Inspired by annual Rann Utsav held at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, the Marine Eco Retreat was organised in December last year to showcase Odisha’s food and culture for high-end tourists. The festival was held for 49 days. This time, the eco retreat will be organised for a period of three months starting from December 1 till February 28 next year, an official source in Odisha Tourism Department said.

The department has invited bidders for development and promotion of eco retreat project sites.

“A tender has been invited to develop, finance, operate, promote and market the project. The government will provide only basic amenities at the sites. As the COVID-19 situation still continues, the tourists will have to follow the COVID-19 guidelines during their stay at the sites,” the official said.

The private operator will set up the tented cottages, restaurants, conference halls and reception. The services provided at the eco retreat will be at par with any 3-star category hotels. While the eco retreat at Konark will have 10 presidential cottages, 30 premium swiss cottages and 30 deluxe swiss cottages, other destinations will have 25 normal tents.

The purpose behind the events is to attract a greater number of tourists so that they can experience Odisha’s rich culture, handloom, handicrafts and natural beauty. It will also help in development of tourism sector in the State, the source said.

Along with luxurious accommodation, the eco retreat will feature entertainment, adventure activities and water sports activities such as jet ski, speed boating, parasailing, archery, rifle shooting, cycling and beach volley ball.