Odisha has been extensively working in the tourism sector while making a mark as ‘India’s Best Kept Secret.’ In an addition to making Chilika, Asia’s largest water lagoon more tourist friendly, a luxury houseboat named ‘Garuda’ was inaugurated on Thursday by Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik by video conferencing. Tourism Minister Aswini Kumar Patra was also present during the inauguration ceremony.
In a first for Odisha, the luxury houseboat is to be operated by Vikash Eco Resorts. It is to give the visitors a rather comforting experience similar to any five star hotel. The houseboat has two suite rooms and four premium rooms. It also has a bar-restaurant, besides an open-air lobby on the upper deck for meetings/conferences, as per sources.
The tour packages are to cover Bhitarkanika National Park and adjoining areas of Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary and will include an overnight stay along with full board meals, activities, and cruising. This initiative will cater to national and international tourists.
The Inaugaral ceremony was graced by the likes of Director Tourism Sachin R Jadhav, Collector Khordha Sangram Mohapatra, Superintendent of Police Khordha Siddharth Kataria, Addl. Secretary Tourism Durga Prasad Mohapatra, OSD Tourism Ansuman Rath, SDPO Manas Barik and other senior officers.