After successfully hosting the first edition of Eco Retreat on the Ramchandi beach in Konark, the State Government is all set to organise the glamping (glamorous camping) festival at five tourist destinations, including Hirakud, Badmul (Satkosia), Nalitapatia (Bhitarkanika) and Daringbadi.
The Eco Retreat Hirakud will be organised at Balbaspur from December 1 till February 28.Ahead of the mega festival, Tourism Director Sachin R Yadav on Sunday visited Sambalpur and reviewed the preparations. District Collector Subham Saxsena, Sambalpur Sadar Sub-Collector Suryawanshi Mayur and other district officials accompanied him to the spot. The glamorous camping is expected to give a boost to environmental tourism in western Odisha. Like last year, the event would give the tourists a unique experience of glamorous camping in luxury cottages, delectable cuisine, spa, adventure and water sports activities, nature trails and wholesome day itineraries and cultural evenings, said an official.
Eco Retreat Hirakud would have 25 premium Swiss cottage tents, air-conditioned restaurants, an air-conditioned reception and a conference hall.
Ropeway ride, jungle safari in Debrigarh sanctuary, banana ride, jet ski and rifle shooting are the special attractions of the event. The visitors can also visit various tourist places in the district of Sambalpur.
Notably, organised for the first time in the State, the event at Konark was highly successful with a record occupancy of around 89% with over 4,000 tourists spending time in the camps.