Bhubaneswar: After the success of the first-ever Marine Drive Eco-Retreat festival at Konark last winter, Odisha Tourism is planning similar luxurious camping stays at five different locations in the state this year.
Apart from Konark, the festival will be held at Satkosia, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi and Hirakud, government sources said.
Inspired by the Rann Utsav held at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, the Eco Retreat was held for 49 days and was action-packed with adventure sports on the beach to shacks for partying, along with celebrity performances on stage.
The Eco Retreat will reportedly be held for 3 months this time.
Earlier, the Tourism department had carried a survey on social media asking their views on organizing the eco-retreat during the pandemic. 66.1 per cent responded positively saying it is a great idea, while 19.6 per cent felt unsafe considering the pandemic and hoped to wait till COVID-19 is resolved. The rest were divided between going there with a companion or solo.
We invite proposals from reputed agencies for organizing Eco Retreats (Glamping Event) 200-21 at Multiple Locations in Odisha through Viabilty Gap Funding (VGF) mode.
Due date: 09 October 2020, 12 noonhttps://t.co/f8RC8XAhhj#OTinFocus? pic.twitter.com/PHtq7qQegg
— Department of Tourism, Odisha (@TourismDptt) September 16, 2020
A tender has been floated for the development and promotion of the project. Tourists will have to follow COVID-19 guidelines during their stay if the situation demands, the sources further said.
The service at the tented cottages will be on par with 3-star hotel levels. The Retreat at Konark will have 10 presidential cottages, 30 premium Swiss cottages and 30 deluxe Swiss cottages. The other destinations will have 25 normal tents.
Like last year, there will be adventure and water sports activities such as jet ski, speed boating, parasailing, archery, rifle shooting, cycling and beach volleyball, the sources added.
Also Read: Teaser Of Marine Drive Eco Retreat At Konark On Social Media
