India

Odisha Floats three road trip circuits between West Bengal

Odisha tourism, focusing on tourists from West Bengal has introduced three tourism circuits that can be explored by road from Kolkata. These circuits were introduced at a virtual roadshow organized by Odisha Tourism to promote the ‘Odisha by Road’ campaign.

The first road circuit, Deep into the Mangroves, from Kolkata to Bhitarkanika via Bichitrapur Sanctuary & Chandipur (4N-5D), covers key destinations such as Bichitrapur Mangrove Sanctuary, Talasari Beach, Chandipur’s Receding Beach, Aul Palace, and Bhitarkanika National Park.

The second road trip circuit, The Trail of Cascades-Keonjhar, from Kolkata to Keonjhar (3N-4D) covers the Bhimkund Waterfalls, Sitabinji Caves’ fresco paintings, Terracotta craft village at Ghatagaon, Gundichaghai Waterfalls, Sanaghagara & Badaghagara Waterfalls, and Kanjipani Ghati.

Tiger trails and Royalty, the third circuit from Kolkata to Simlipal – (3N-4D) will cover Belgadia Palace, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Sitakund Waterfall & Ecotourism Zone, Barehipani, and the Nawana Valley.

Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Minister of Tourism, Government of Odisha addressing the roadshow, said that Odisha Tourism has done extensive work to revive tourism amidst the global pandemic. “This is an opportune time to reach out to the tour operators from West Bengal. Odisha receives about 14 percent of its tourists from West Bengal. The relation between the two states is like two sides of the same coin, with similarities in culture and cuisine. An MoU for joint promotion of tourism between the states will surely enhance the movement of tourists between the states.”

Vishal Kumar Dev, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism, Govt of Odisha, said, “We are adhering to safety protocols very seriously. Odisha has conducted extensive workshops for all tourism stakeholders. All the necessary steps have been taken to ensure that Odisha is ready to welcome tourists. The biggest differentiator would be to generate the confidence of the tourists to travel and we collectively need to send a clear message that the destinations are safe to visit.”

Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Director -Tourism, Odisha said “Odisha’s eco-retreat is receiving enthusiastic responses, which is very reassuring. We believe that the cooperation between the tourism fraternity of West Bengal and Odisha will hasten the recovery of tourism.”

The Eco Retreat – a luxury glamping retreat has been launched at Konark, Bhitarkanika, Hirakud, Satkosia, and Daringbadi, to showcase tourism destinations in the state. Odisha will be hosting fairs and festivals till March 2021. These include Konark festival, International Sand Art Festival, National Chilika Bird festival, Mukteshwar Dance festival, Rajarani music festival, Dhauli- Kalinga Mahotsav, and Vrindaban Mahotsav.

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