Odisha: Marine Drive Eco-Retreat Festival from Dec 14 to Jan 31

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the State’s first-ever ‘Marine Drive-Eco Retreat’ festival at the Ramachandi beach near Konark on Saturday. It will be held from December 14, 2019, to January 31, 2020.

“Delighted to launch the Marine Drive-Eco Retreat, a unique festival encompassing Odisha’s scenic coastline, art, culture and eminent artists of the day as a highlight. An extraordinary, breathtaking experience awaits every traveller for next 48 days in Konark,” Patnaik tweeted.

It is by far the most ambitious tourism project of Odisha that aims to attract high-end tourists through a mix of luxurious accommodation coupled with adventure and water sports activities.

Closely modelled on the annual Rann Utsav held at Rann of Kutch where the Gujarat government organised tented accommodation for the tourists, the Marine Drive-Eco Retreat festival plans to showcase the best of Odisha’s food and culture for high-end tourists.

The tents with double occupancy are priced between Rs 6000 to Rs 22,000 per night and with an area of 387 sq ft to 1600 sq ft area with master bedroom, luxury toilets, private dining area, spa, air-conditioners, televisions as well as non-alcoholic minibars for the tourists. You can book it here.

The secretary of Odisha tourism department, Vishal Dev, said a whole lot of entertainment, as well as adventure activities, have been planned for the tourists which include things like jet-ski, speed boating, parasailing, ATV, archery, rifle shooting, cycling and beach volleyball.

“The tourists can go for a therapeutic walk on Ramchandi sandbar in the morning as well as go on early morning nature trails in the Balukhand sanctuary. Those wanting to detox themselves can use the exclusive spa. The idea is to give hospitality of a five-star hotel,” said Dev.

“There will be exclusive food counters for the tourists with all kinds of dishes including local cuisine available. Niche talents and folk artistes from across Odisha and India will exhibit their talents every evening. Starting from Salim Suleiman to Palash Sen, there will be something every weekend for the entertainment,” he added.

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