Bhubaneswar: In an effort to attract more tourists to Chilika lake, the Odisha government launched a luxury cruise service at Barkul in Khurda district.
Deputy Chief Minister Pavati Parida inaugurated the cruise service on Saturday in the presence of Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan.
The luxury cruise service was launched under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy CM said tourists can relish the scenic beauty of Kalijai Island and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary while travelling on the luxury cruises at Chilika, which will undoubtedly boost tourism in the state.
Two luxury cruises, named ‘Lake Queen’ and ‘Diamond Princess’ have been arranged to provide service to the tourists.
The 40-seater luxury cruises have air-conditioned cabins, on-board food services and other modern facilities for the tourists.
Parida, who holds tourism portfolio, said that the state government is committed to develop the tourism sector in Odisha. The luxury cruise service in Chilika lake will certainly boost tourism in the state.
Chilika is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. It spread over three districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam.
Significantly, the cruise service was launched as Odisha gears up to host Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention for the first time in Bhubaneswar. The 18th edition of the mega-event aims to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community. A large number of tourists from different parts of the globe are set to visit the state during the event being held from January 8 to 10.
