Bhubaneswar: The 5th edition of Eco Retreat 2023-24 was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday. The much-awaited glamping event of Odisha is now open for tourists at four exotic locations – Putsil in Koraput, Daringbadi, Satkosia and Hirakud.
Inaugurating the event virtually, the Chief Minister said that after four successful editions, Odisha government’s flagship product eco retreat has been highly appreciated by the travel and tourism fraternity for its sustainable model incorporating best practices in waste to wealth and holistic resource management while offering tourists a more refined leisure hospitality akin to star category resorts.
MLAs, district Collectors, SPs, CDOs, OTDC Chairman Lenin Mohanty, and officials of Department of Tourism were present on the occasion.
After the success of the first edition in 2019 at Ramchandi Beach (Konark), in 2020 the event was introduced in four new destinations in Baliput (Satkosia), Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi and Hirakud apart from Konark. In 2022, two more additions in Putsil (Koraput) and Sonapur Beach were introduced.
This year it is back in a much bigger way with exciting watersports, and other recreational activities. Eco Retreat Bhitarkanika and Sonapur beach will be inaugurated on December 1 and Eco Retreat Konark on December 15, an official release said.
Notably, the Eco Retreats in Odisha are committed for being a zero-waste discharge tourism initiative, ensuring that the environment remains unharmed. These retreats are strategically positioned in ecologically sensitive areas, and Odisha Tourism has taken measures to ensure that the tourism activities in these destinations have a minimal impact on the natural environment.
These retreats adhere strictly to the guidelines and standard operating procedures established by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. All the Eco Retreats at these 4 destinations have 25 tents each and is equipped with exciting activities.
1-Hirakud – Nestled between Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and the reservoir, the glamping site of Eco Retreat Hirakud offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant culture of Western Odisha and delectable traditional Odia cuisine. Expect guided treks into the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary or find your wild side from a range of exciting water sports activities like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, etc.
2-Daringbadi – Popularly known by the locals as the Kashmir of Odisha, Daringbadi hill station surrounded by beautiful valleys and plateaus that are dotted with coffee and pepper gardens, this campsite is incredibly scenic. Perfect for those looking to luxuriate in tranquil environs, this eco retreat’s itinerary includes visits to Midubandha waterfall, and Daringbadi coffee garden. Other recreational activities on offer include rifle shooting, archery, bicycling, and yoga on the hills, etc.
3- Satkosia – Satkosia spreads along the magnificent gorge over the mighty Mahanadi River. Beauty of this gorge is that this is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of India – the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. This biodiversity rich hotspot houses the Satkosia Tiger Reserve and this glamping retreat rests camouflaged on the banks of the Mahanadi River next to the tiger sanctuary, a perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience luxury in the lap of nature. Other activities at the camp include volleyball, archery, rifle shooting, cultural performances, etc.
4- Putsil – Perched on the Deomali hill range of the eastern ghats, Eco Retreat Putsil is a region unharmed by the nuances of commercialism and pollution. Many tourists come here for winter picnics in the mountains. When the clouds touch the mountains of the valley, it enchants tourists. On the way to Putsil Valley, you can enjoy waterfalls, springs, and a coffee garden.
Tourists visiting these destinations this winter can experience 5-star facilities through glamorous camps amidst the lap of nature. Various activities like guided tours, adventure activities like water sport, paragliding are included to make their stay memorable.