Kanhakund gains attention as Odisha plans to enhance its tourism potential following Anand Mahindra’s recognition
OdishaPlus Bureau
The government of Odisha has sent a team to Kanhakund, a natural rock formation located on the Ib River in the Sundargarh district, to verify the site. This initiative comes in response to industrialist Anand Mahindra’s notification regarding the location. Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is in charge of the Tourism department, has articulated intentions to develop Kanhakund into a prominent global tourist destination.
Kanhakund is situated approximately 130 kilometers from both Sambalpur and Rourkela. Parida recognized the pivotal influence of Anand Mahindra in highlighting this site, emphasizing that such locations are often overlooked by the state. She assured that initiatives would be implemented to improve the area and that Mahindra would be consulted in efforts to promote it as a global tourist destination.
Anand Mahindra, the chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, recently drew attention to this remarkable site through a re-post by nature enthusiast Aaraynsh, who shared three photographs of Kanhakund along with a remark on its distinctiveness. On February 27, Mahindra posted on X: “There is no need to compare it to the Grand Canyon. This is unique in its own right.” In response to Mahindra’s willingness to assist in elevating Kanhakund to a national and international level, Parida expressed her appreciation for his insights. She indicated her intention to reach out to him for further support and visionary concepts.
The government values his contributions and plans to integrate his recommendations into their development strategies. A traveler from Delhi, Aaraynsh, posted photographs of Kanhakund on X, showcasing its pristine blue waters and granite formations. He raised the question of why such unconventional locations are absent from India’s tourism map. This post attracted the attention of Mahindra, leading to his interaction with Odisha Tourism.
In response on X, Odisha Tourism stated, “We are focused on improving infrastructure, developing sustainable tourism experiences, and promoting these distinctive destinations on both national and international stages.” This demonstrates their commitment to enhancing tourism facilities at Kanhakund. The effort to establish Kanhakund as a tourist destination underscores Odisha’s commitment to highlighting lesser-known sites. By partnering with prominent figures like Anand Mahindra, the state seeks to elevate tourism and present its natural beauty to a broader audience.
