Bhubaneswar: With footfall of more than 4,500 visitors in the last financial year, Satkosia Sands Resort at Badmul has emerged as the second most-visited tourist destination in Odisha.
Started in 2016, the eco-tourism project in Satkosia Tiger Reserve has now become a hit with nature lovers, birders, photographers and conservationists after Similipal.
The major attractions of this project include boating in Satkosia gorge, birding, trekking, sports, library, canopy walk, bathing ghat in river and farm visits. Among others, ‘Know your Birds’, ‘Poacher turned Protectors’ and ‘Walk in the Jungle’ are the programmes that are offered to the tourists.
The main objective of this project is to provide a memorable experience to the visitors coming to Odisha and also to boost rural economy by employing the villagers, expressed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests HS Upadhya.
The project, which had started with an investment of just Rs 2 lakhs and three tented accommodations, currently has 19 well-built accommodations and provides employment to 34 families of a village.
The villagers are well trained and employed as managers, cooks, service assistants, receptionists, eco-guides, boatmen and others.
Last financial year, the project had generated revenue of nearly Rs 1 crore and among the 34 employed families, each family has earned nearly Rs 2 lakhs per month.
