Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated Eco Retreat 2022, the State Tourism Department’s flagship camping event for tourists who want to explore and experience nature.
This year, the Eco Retreat is being held at six locations – Putsil, Sonapur, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, and Hirakud.
People can book their stay at the Eco Retreat spots by visiting the official website.
There are 25 luxury tents including Deluxe Swiss Cottages (Rs 7,000 /1 night excluding GST) and Premium Swiss Cottage (Rs 8,000 /1 night excluding GST).
Several facilities will be provided to the visitors such as 100 % Safe & Hygienic cottages, 24×7 assistance, air conditioning /heating, a bar, a doctor on call, guided tours, a kids’ area, recreational activities, a restaurant, a dining, and well-appointed toiletries.
The package in both rooms includes all meals, evening hi-tea, a local sightseeing tour, and a water sport ride. They can check in at 12 noon and check out at 10 am on the concerned date.
For more information, one can also contact on 0674 2623300.
1. Hirakud
Built across the mighty Mahanadi river, the main attraction of this Eco Retreat is Asia’s longest earthen dam Hirakud. Behind the dam extends a reservoir spread over 743 sq. km. Nestled between Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and the reservoir, this glamping site offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant culture of Western Odisha and delectable traditional Odia cuisine. Expect guided treks into the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary or find your wild side from a range of exciting water sports activities like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, etc. Widely known for exquisite handloom and handicrafts, do not hesitate to go on a shopping spree. The presiding deity of the area is Maa Samaleswari and one can even catch the evening light and sound show at Maa Samaleswari Temple located nearby. After a day full of exciting activities, witness a cultural evening with beautiful folk performances before retiring for a luxurious night at a capacious swiss cottage that comes replete with every modern amenity.
2. Daringbadi
Popularly known by the locals as the Kashmir of Odisha, Daringbadi hill station surrounded by beautiful valleys and plateaus that are dotted with coffee and pepper gardens, this campsite is incredibly scenic. Perfect for those looking to luxuriate in tranquil environs, this eco retreat’s itinerary includes visits to Midubandha waterfall, and Daringbadi coffee garden. You can even visit nearby picture-perfect destinations like Beghar – a place land locked by green mountains popularly known as the land of Hills and Waterfalls, Ushabati valley to spot huge gathering of peacocks, Putudi waterfall and Mandasaru (also known as silent valley) for that solitude amidst nature or interact with the local tribe ‘Kutia Kandha’. Other recreational activities on offer include rifle shooting, archery, bicycling, and yoga on the hills, etc.
3. Bhitarkanika
An unexplored virgin beach inside a National Park. Throw in plush amenities and who wouldn’t want to escape from the humdrum of a busy monotonous life? This is Eco Retreat at Pentha Beach inside the Bhitarkanika National Park. Surrounded by a casuarina forest, Pentha Beach is absolutely breathtaking. The Bhitarkanika National Park is also a Ramsar Site and the wetlands house largest variety of mangrove species in India along with the largest number of saltwater crocodiles in the Indian subcontinent, monitor lizards, eight varieties of kingfisher, has one of the largest heronry in India and acts as a feeding ground for migratory birds during winter. Do not miss the opportunity of going on a boat safari along the creeks of Bhitarkanika to spot this exquisite wildlife. Visit the Bhitarkanika sanctuary as well as the crocodile breeding centre. Go on a trip to the nearby turtle sanctuary at Gahirmatha Beach where the lovely Olive Ridley turtles come to nest every year. Other activities on offer here include rifle shooting, archery, zorbing, cycling, cultural performances, etc.
4. Sonapur
Pristine, virgin and picturesque – even these three adjectives fall short to describe the beauty of this southern most beach in Odisha. Located right on the confluence of the river Bahuda and the Bay of Bengal, and bang on Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, Pati-Sonapur is one of the most exquisite beaches on the east coast. Glamp at this retreat to find your inner peace and beauty or indulge in taking that perfect insta-worthy shot. Sunbathe at the beach, enjoy some water sports activities or gorge on some delicious seafood while at campsite. Nearby attractions include the port town Berhampur with its rich maritime history, Potagarh Fort, Tampara Lake, and the famous Gopalpur-on-Sea and Lighthouse.
5. Satkosia
Satkosia spreads along the magnificent gorge over the mighty Mahanadi river. The name is an amalgamation of two Odia words – ‘Sat’ meaning seven and ‘Kos’ which is a unit distance measure for two miles. Beauty of this gorge is that this is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of India – the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. This biodiversity rich hotspot houses the Satkosia Tiger Reserve and this glamping retreat rests camouflaged on the banks of the Mahanadi river next to the tiger sanctuary, a perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience luxury in the lap of nature. Offering visitors the best of adventure and leisure, the retreat is also great for those who want to explore the natural wonders the region has to offer. One can go on a boat ride into the river Mahanadi which in itself is an exciting river safari. The Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary is famous for birding where one can witness hundreds of species of birds. You can even witness muggers, gharials and turtles sunbathing on the riverbanks and other land animals like spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, langurs, porcupines and the Malabar giant squirrel among others. Other activities at the camp include volleyball, archery, rifle shooting, cultural performances, etc.
6. Putsil
Putsil is known as the Switzerland of Odisha. Perched on the Deomali hill range of the eastern ghats, Koraput is a region unharmed by the nuances of commercialism and pollution. The top attractions in Putsil will include Sabar Srikhetra temple, a tribal museum, and Duduma waterfalls.
Putsil mountain point is 1-km from Pendajam. It is located 21-km from Sunabeda and 40-km from Koraput town. It is a great pleasure to watch Mountain Point stand up and see the views of many nearby hills. A large number of tourists come here for winter picnics in the mountains. When the clouds touch the mountains of the valley, it enchants tourists. On the way to Putsil Valley, you can enjoy waterfalls, springs, and a coffee garden.
