Kendrapada: The state Tourism Department plans to soon deploy four catamaran boats as “floating hotels” for tourists in Bhitarkanika National Park.
According to department insiders, each boat has the capacity to carry 20 tourists and ply between Gupti and Dangamala in the national park.
The boats also come fitted with advanced safety and luxury features.
Each boat has two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, balconies with comfortable seating, , dining halls and kitchens. The boats also have solar lamps and fans.
It is sort of a floating hotel for tourists wishing to get acquainted with the memorable sights of Bhitarkanika, DFO (Bhitarkanika) JD Pati informed.
“The vessels have been built to ensure safety of their occupants during tour of the mangrove forest in the park which is home to around 1,800 saltwater crocodiles,” the DFO was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.
“Beautiful water bodies with lush green mangrove forest along with crocodiles, birds, snakes and other animals are the assets of the park. One will be mesmerised by the picturesque beauty and serenity of the park while travelling in the luxury boats,” he added.
The most vital aspect is that the vessels are conducive to the environment and wildlife in the park because they don’t cause air or noise pollution.
Hailing the pollution-free and soundless boats, conservationists said the authorities must motivate other operators in Bhitarkanika to use such vessels.
