Kapilas Bhuyan
To give a shot in the arm to tourism in Odisha five locations of Eco Retreat at Konark, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Hirakud and Satkosia are flagged off on Wednesday by CM Naveen Patnaik. “Eco Retreat 2020 will go a long way in encouraging tourists from across India to explore these beautiful destinations set deep in the hinterlands of Odisha”, said Mr. Patnaik in his opening address in virtual mode.
This is in view of the huge success and response of earlier edition of Eco Retreat at Konark, Odisha Tourism has started these new destinations of glamping (Glamour Camping) at these tourist destinations amid the core of the nature’s bounty. The brightest side of this initiative is that it will definitely stir the economic activities of the state, particularly in these hinterlands after the standstill situations emanated from the long time lockdown due to Covid – 19 pandemic.
As is claimed by the websites for these glamping locations, no doubt Eco Retreat 2020 is going to provide the people those who will come here the best of the worldly pleasures, in the best of settings in the lap of nature, in the biodiverse state of Odisha!
Bhitarkanika is India’s second largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans. The National park is essentially a network of creeks and canals which are inundated with waters from rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala forming a unique ecosystem. Bhitarkanika is home to the largest congregation of the endangered Salt Water Crocodile in the country.
Satkosia Is known by the unexplored 7Kos it holds. Witness the celebration of the sublime panorama.
Hirakud dam is well known for being the longest dam in the world; constructed over the mighty Mahanadi river, amid the unexplored surrounding of the beautiful nature.
Whereas Daringbadi Hill station, known to the locals as the Kashmir of Odisha is dotted with pine forests and waterfalls, Konark is famous for the beautiful monolithic Sun Temple and its clean beaches.
Having the provision of 145 cottages the Eco Retreat at these five locations will continue until 28th February 2021. The package ranges from 1 night 2 days to 3 nights 4 days stay with various activities is no doubt going to be a unique experience those who will go for it.
(The writer is a Senior Journalist and National Award Winning Film Director)
