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ODISHA UNRAVELLED 1 ODISHA UNRAVELLED April 2021 A Newsletter by Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha Heritage Best Future ARRIBADA in Takes Centre Stage Forward State Eastern Coast Page : 10 Page : 12 Page : 16 2 ODISHA UNRAVELLED PURPLE HERON, MANGALAJODI, CHILIKA Picture Credit : Manoj Das EDITORIAL ODISHA TEAM UNRAVELLED A Newsletter by Department of Tourism, Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS Government of Odisha Principal Secretary to Government Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, IAS Director & Additional Secretary to Government Content and Design Project Mangement Unit ODISHA UNRAVELLED 3 FOREWORD JYOTI PRAKASH PANIGRAHI Minister of State (IC) for Tourism and Odia Language, Literature & Culture disha has set ing and skill development an example for along with regulation of other states by trade related to tourism is showing its re- imperative for the sector’s silienceO in face of adversity. growth and hence, we are Setting precedents in good taking strategic steps to- governance, Odisha govern- wards achieving the pro- ment has managed to bring posed goal. about a positive change in From developing Odis- people’s lives. This is evident ha tourism for greater re- through the proactive steps silience against disruptive taken to ensure revival of events such as cyclones the Tourism sector during and pandemics to ensur- the pandemic. ing responsible design of With an aim to bring the new tourism products, we benefits of tourism to the are committed to preserve, hinterlands of Odisha, we empower and promote all are developing the hospi- aspects of the sector while tality infrastructure in iden- making it socially and eco- tified destinations. Train- nomically sustainable. 4 ODISHA UNRAVELLED MESSAGE ASIT KUMAR TRIPATHY, IAS Chairman, Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) and Principal Advisor to Hon’ble Chief Minister t’s true the pandemic tion. Despite the pandemic, delivered a huge blow to we have already started ex- the tourism sector but ecuting the master plan of it also strengthened our developing the Puri-Konark visionI of developing Odisha’s and Talsari-Udaypur Beach- tourism and hospitality infra- fronts on a priority mode. structure that’ll not only have Besides, Odisha is taking greater resilience against focused strides to develop such disruptive events but the hospitality sector and en- also empower the populace rich the experience of tour- with sustainable livelihood. ists through scheme-based In this regard, we are plan- interventions like introduc- ning to boost private sector tion of cruises and house- investments for developing boats, heritage properties, tourism in the state. Our fo- homestays and upgradation cus is on integrated master of existing traditional boats planning and development for tourists. of priority destinations to en- From conservation of her- able creation of niche tour- itage, natural environment ism and hospitality products and rich wilderness to cre- through private sector in- ation of innovative and sus- vestments. tainable tourism products, This is part of our vision we are on a mission to es- towards making Odisha a tablish Odisha as a hub of di- sought-after beach destina- verse tourism offerings. ODISHA UNRAVELLED 5 EDITOR’S NOTE VISHAL DEV, IAS Prinicipal Secretary, Tourism, Sports & Youth Services ecognised as one The state’s emerging brand of the best States value as a champion of re- in handling the sponsible tourism was also pandemic, Odis- strengthened by winning haR started the year 2021 on the Silver Award for ‘Best Fu- the right note. Every event ture Forward State’ at the 6th scheduled as per the State’s Outlook India Responsible Tourism calendar was suc- Tourism Awards, which was cessfully organised with organised for the first time strict adherence to Covid-19 outside the National Capital guidelines. of Delhi, at Eco Retreat Odis- Paving the way for reviv- ha in Konark. al of tourism sector in the Thanks to the commitment State, Odisha Tourism’s flag- and passion of the people in- ship glamping event ‘Eco Re- volved in revival of the sector, treat’ 2020-21 which was held our state’s contribution to across five diverse locations, promoting responsible tour- viz. Bhitarkanika, Daringba- ism is now well-established. di, Hirakud, Konark and Sat- On behalf of Odisha Tour- kosia, concluded successfully ism, I invite all our readers to with an overall occupancy of come and explore Odisha, In- 50.31%. dia’s best kept secret. 6 ODISHA UNRAVELLED FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE ULTIMATE GLAMPING GETAWAY fter garnering a surge of popularity with rakud, Konark and Satkosia. Starting from 9th its debut as Marine Drive Eco Retreat December, 2020, the glamp camps attracted Ain 2019-2020, Odisha Tourism’s flagship travel-bugs from across India, who packed their three-month glamping festival – Eco Retreat bags for a much-needed break. The event con- Odisha – was back in 2020-2021, this time mul- cluded on 8th March in Konark while the other tiplied by five! Backed by the state’s stellar re- four locations closed the curtains on 28th Feb- cord in COVID management, Odisha Tourism ruary, 2021. Despite the pandemic, the event set up the Eco Retreats at five unique locations witnessed an overall occupancy of over 50.31%, with a view to offer tourists the best of Odisha’s thanks to the synergised application of SOPs diverse environs – Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Hi- and technology for added safety of tourists. FROM THE MEMORY MAKERS ad a great stay at Eco Retreat. Lovely place, went on a trek with my friends and then saw Jupi- Hgood vibe, perfect weekend getaway. Lovely Iter and Saturn through stargazing. This place is just service, very friendly, the food is good. We had a beautiful. The air is so nice and pollution-free. You great time. We’re definitely coming back again. should plan your next trip to this place very soon. PALLAVI & LAVANYA (KONARK) PRAMITA (SATKOSIA) he stay in the tents is very nice and all the amen- e like how Eco-retreat is promoting places in Tities provided are very good. The food here was WOdisha which are underrated and not very quite delicious. We went to see the Hirakud Dam popular. We pay a lot to go outside the state to visit and when we came back in the evening a nice cul- similar places which we already have here in Odi- tural programme was organised. This place is ac- sha. This is a must-have experience, and everyone tually a hidden treasure. should come here. ABHIJEET & ROSALIN (HIRAKUD) ALICE, VIDYASHA AND HANSIKA (DARINGBADI) ODISHA UNRAVELLED 7 RIDING A NEW WAVE OF BEACH TOURISM lessed with 482 km coastline, Odisha able landscaped promenade along the 2.4 has been taking rapid strides in es- km long stretch which includes intermittent Btablishing the State as a prime hub kiosks, rain shelters, seating islands, restau- of beach tourism. Envisaging development rants, jogging tracks, viewing decks, along of beach destinations, integrated tourism with beach infrastructure such as public master plans including the Chandrabhaga amenities like a parking zone, toilets, shower Beachfront Plan at Konark and Talsari-Uday- panels, drinking water, etc. pur Beachfront Promenade Plan at Balaso- With a view to internationalising its of- re were recently approved by Hon’ble Chief ferings, Odisha Tourism has also prioritised Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik. the operationalisation of beach shacks at The Puri-Konark Beachfront masterplan various beachfronts offering tourists gas- envisages holistic and inclusive develop- tronomic experiences commensurate with ment of a kilometre long stretch at Chan- beach leisure. Safety and security have been drabhaga beach into a day tourism destina- incorporated, with lifeguard teams and safe- tion through Water sports, recreation zones, ty monitoring systems. promenades and bicycle tracks, retail zones, Apart from the integrated master plan- public engagement facilities such as open ning of beach destinations, Odisha has been air theatres, kids’ play area, sunrise viewing scaling leaps and bounds in upgrading oth- decks, adventure sports, etc. The stretch er beaches of the State following the Blue will be beautified through native landscap- Flag certification by FEE Denmarkof Puri’s ing and in adherence to good practices in Golden Beach as one among eight certified sustainability, such as dune protection and beaches in India. Department of Tourism stabilisation, solar lighting, modern waste has identified five beaches to be upgraded management systems and community par- for the coveted certification, viz. Pir Jahania, ticipation. Niladri and Muhan Beaches in Puri District Balasore’s Talsari-Udaypur Beachfront, and Haripur and Pati Sonapur Beaches in envisions an aesthetically designed sustain- Ganjam District. 8 ODISHA UNRAVELLED TAMPARA LAKE UNDERGOES FACELIFT The development of Tampara Lakefront Project was jointly executed by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha n a bid to showcase Odisha as a vibrant tour- been sanctioned out of which INR 21.78 crore ism hub of global standards, Tampara Lake- has been utilised as part of the Phase I develop- front Project, developed under the Swadesh ment with INR 4.8 crore earmarked for Phase II Dashan Scheme of Union Ministry of Tour- development. ism,I was recently inaugurated by Union Minis- Facilities like, public convenience & tourist re- ter of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel Shri ception, pavement area, parking, food court, Dharmendra Pradhan. Union Minister of State watch tower, street furniture, gazebo, and open- for Tourism and Culture (I/C) Shri Prahlad Singh air theatre among others have been created Patel addressed the gathering through a virtual along with procurement of water sports equip- message. ment like kayaks, banana boats, Jet skis etc., as This development is part of the Integrated De- part of the Phase I development of the project. velopment of Coastal Circuit under the Swadesh To further enrich the tourist experience, Phase Darshan Scheme for which INR 73.48 crore had II of the development will include an eco-resort, been sanctioned for destination development of a scenic pathway/boardwalk to the beach, lake Gopalpur, Tampara, Satapada and Barkul which side promenade and other tourist amenities.