Kendrapara: In a bid to attract tourists to Bhitarkanika National park and provide them night halt facility, the forest department has set up three cottages on Habalikhati beach.
The cottages are named as after Dolphin Houses as abundant dolphins are found near Habalikhati within Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. Each cottage has two beds.
The forest department has spent Rs 50 lakh for the construction of the cottages.
To reach the island, one has to take a four-hour boat ride from Gupti. Tourists can see spotted deer, monitor lizards, wild boars and other animals during the boat ride to Habalikhati.
The windows of the cottages have been designed in such a manner that tourists can see dolphins and Olive Ridley turtles from inside. Apart from this, visitors can also see king cobra, pythons, porcupines and other reptiles.
There were three tent houses, a wooden cottage and a forest rest house for tourists to spend night at Habalikhati. But, some of the tent houses were damaged by the marauding sea.
Tourists can book a Dolphin House for Rs 3,500 per night. The cottages are going to be available for tourists from November 1, official sources said.
PNN
