Bargarh: Hirakud Wildlife Division has launched new Cruise & Safari Packages managed by local communities, surrounding Debrigarh Sanctuary in Odisha’s Bargarh district, from July 1.
Hirakud Cruise Package – Cruise from Debrigarh Ecotourism ( Zeropoint or Nature Camp ) to Govindpur – Birds Village, including visit to the floating temples and hills inside the vast Hirakud lake.
5 hours cruise in Hirakud lake, lunch, tea and snacks complementary at Govindpur. Boat capacity: 8 tourists/trip and daily 2 boats will operate. Price: Rs 4,500 (both online & offline booking)
Last monsoon, the authorities had launched Hirakud Cruise to Bat Island, Sunset Island & Cattle Island. The landscape of Hirakud Lake bordering Odisha and Chhattisgarh is more beautiful than rest of the reservoir as congregation of more migratory birds is seen here, sandbars, agricultural fields along waterline, Debrigarh Sanctuary and most significant are the submerged ancient architectural – temples and mountains floating inside the lake. The entire cruise package is being managed by local communities, a release said.
Safari Package ( Under name “Debrigarh on Wheels”) – Open jeep and AC safari both from Debrigarh Ecotourism (Zeropoint or Nature Camp) to different religious and important places from wildlife & bird conservation point of view, all situated in the foothills of Debrigarh. Veer Surendra Sai Memorial adjoining Barabakhra pilgrimage site in Debrigarh, Kedarnath Temple in foothills of Debrigarh situated amid the backwaters of the Mahanadi, historical Karla Village, popular spot for freedom struggle, and Govindpur Birds Village.
Also the tourists can avail boat ride in Hirakud in the beautifully designed Wooden Boats prepared by all adjoining villagers. This will ensure close disturbance free photography of birds. One island visit will also be a part of this boat ride.
5 Hours by road, capacity of safari vehicle- 4 Seater (open jeep/AC) and 12 Seater AC vehicle. Lunch, tea and snacks complementary at Barabakhra’s Surendra Sai Memorial. Price- Rs 3500 (both online & Offline booking). Daily one trip during monsoon and two trips from winter.
“The western part of Hirakud lake on Odisha- Chhatisgarh border is surrounded by Debrigarh and many floating mountains. Round the year, Gulls and variety of ducks are seen nesting here. Wildlife move into water during dawn and dusk giving tourists a thrill experience of wilderness. The objective behind these packages is to provide opportunity to tourists for exploring the cultural values & religious significance of areas surrounding Debrigarh Sanctuary for understanding their synergies with wildlife conservation,” said Hirakud Wildlife Division DFO Anshu Pragyan Das.
She further said that beliefs, social norms and cultural values of a place play significant role in protection of wildlife habitat, which is evident by the rise in wild animal population density in Debrigarh and protection to Tiger and leopards by local communities here.
“Development of one park, temple renovation, construction of restaurant for tourists to be run by women SHGs & Eco-development Committees and picnic amenities are under progress by Hirakud Division and will be completed by end of monsoon,” the DFO said.
Last year, more than 30,000 visitors had come to Debrigarh from different parts of India and abroad and have availed Cruise and Safari packages benefitting the local communities earn alternative livelihood from Debrigarh Ecotourism. “The revenue of Debrigarh Ecotourism was Rs.2.5 Crore (highest record) and 90% of revenue was utilised by communities and for betterment of the facilities,” she added.
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