Jayadev Batika to have eco cottages for tourists in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: Providing accommodation facility to the tourists to enjoy natural beauty inside Jayadev Batika in the forest near Khandagiri, Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) is planning to build four eco cottages.

With the construction of four proposed eco cottages inside 100-acre Park, the tourists can get opportunity to spend night in the forest during their stay in the state capital.

After completion of an under construction small river inside the forest, the tourists will feel the amusement played by Lord Krishna and goddess Radha in the groves near Yamuna River’s bank beautifully described by poet Jayadev in ‘Gita Gobinda’.

Sources said that 75% construction work of the 500 metre-river has already been completed. Total Rs 15 lakh has been spent for the construction of river and more allocations will be made further for the beautification of Jayadev Batika.

The tourists will feel like heavenly bliss while roaming around the river surrounded by lawn grass on two sides of the bank.

Although it is yet to be finalised, but sources said that the boating facility is likely to be made.

We welcome the dream project like Yamuna River inside the forest, said eminent historian and Jayadev Foundation Trust’s Prafulla Tripathy, adding that it will help in justifying the significance of Jayadev Batika.

The 100 acre-area, which is the one of the most popular picnic spots in the city and its outskirts, the OFDC authorities are undertaking many developmental projects to enhance beauty of the Jayadev Batika.

Sources said that the annual turnover of OFDC is Rs 1.20 crore collecting entry fee and picnic fee every year.