Odisha Tourism is going to meet tourists’ dreams at five locations after months’ break during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After success of the first-ever eco retreat festival at Konark, the Tourism Department has decided to organise such events this year at four new exotic locations, Satkosia, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi and Hirakud apart from Konark again.

Inspired by annual Rann Utsav held at the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, a Marine Eco Retreat was organised at Konark in December last year to showcase Odisha’s food and culture for high-end tourists. The festival was held for 49 days.This time, the eco retreat would be organised for a period of three months starting from December 1 till February 28 next, an Odisha Tourism official said.

The department has invited bidders for development and promotion of the eco retreat project sites. “A tender has been invited to develop, finance, operate, promote and market the project.

The Government will provide only basic amenities at the sites. As the Covid-19 situation still continues, the tourists will have to follow the Covid-19 guidelines during their stay at the sites,” the official said.

The private operators would set up the tented cottages, restaurants, conference halls and receptions. The services provided at the eco retreat would be at par with any 3-star category hotels.  While the eco retreat at Konark would have 10 presidential cottages, 30 premium swiss cottages and 30 deluxe swiss cottages, the other destinations would have 25 normal tents.

The purpose behind the events is to attract a greater number of tourists so that they can experience Odisha’s rich culture, handloom, handicrafts and natural beauty. It would also help in development of the State’s tourism sector, the official said.

Along with luxurious accommodation, the eco retreats would feature entertainment, adventure activities and water sports activities such as jet ski, speed boating, parasailing, archery, rifle shooting, cycling and beach volleyball.