post news network
Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: With winter comes the insatiable urge to take a break from mundane life and explore new places and go on holidays. Orissa offers tourists a range of choices to plan holidays, filled as it is with famous tourist spots, and is one of the country’s sought-after tourist attractions.
The hospitality sector and tourism department have taken adequate preparations to cater to the rise in tourist numbers and also to ensure they are properly cared for.
A recent trend in tourist numbers suggests that the popular destinations in the state such as Puri and Konark are now slowly facing competition from lesser-known spots such as Gopalpur, Chandrabhaga, Bhitarkanika, Raghurajpur, Satkosia and Satapada. The improved condition of the road network in the state also comes as an encouragement for young travel junkies to plan weekend getaways in their vehicles from the capital city.
“Almost every other weekend, I along with my friends would visit either Puri or Konark. But now I plan to visit some other place like Chilika lake. We’re planning to explore lesser-known places in the state which boast of unparalleled scenic beauty,” said Anushree Dash, a corporate employee.
The cool and comfortable weather in the winter is further reason for many to go on that long drive. “All the nearby tourist spots fall within a distance of 70 km to 200 km from the capital city and what better can it be than going on a long road trip along the national highway in an open jeep with friends, music and loads of food?” said Sikil Mishra, a college student.
For many, it is the scenic beauty and love for photography which drives them to explore new places. “Places like Mangalajodi, Bhitarkanika and Satkosia is like a paradise for photography buffs like me. Winters are the time for the arrival of migratory birds and this Christmas I am definitely going to capture some breathtaking shots,” said Soumyadeep, a photojournalist.
A number of tourist packages have been introduced by the tourism department ahead of the winter which also coincides with the world-famous Konark Festival. Special package tours have been introduced by OTDC for the Konark Festival which is slated to be held from December 1 to 5 in the backdrop of the Sun temple. Beginning from Rs 880 and going up to Rs 17,625, around five tourist packages have been introduced for both local and foreign tourists surrounding Konark and places like Raghurajpur, Chandrabhaga and Satapada. “The department of tourism is organising a number of tourism events like Konark Festival, International Sand Art Festival, Parab Tribal Festival, Dhanu Yatra Festival, Rajarani Music Festival, and Mukteswar Dance Festival in order to attract more of domestic and international tourists,” said Alok Mishra, marketing manager, OTDC.“Besides the tourism packages, special attention is being given to the accommodation and food arrangements for the tourists at an affordable price,” Mishra added.
On the other hand the hospitality sectors across the state have also introduced tourism and accommodation packages as winters is the time to attract the maximum profit through the huge tourist inflow. Star hotels in the city are offering combo packages at attractive rates, and are also clubbing complementary stuff like breakfast and dinner along with a 10 per cent discount on all services.
“We get a huge rush during winter as Bhubaneswar forms the starting point for any destination across Orissa. This year on Chirstmas eve, and January 1, we will be gifting one free cake and a bottle of wine to each of our customers during their stay,” said Harish, a staffer at a star hotel in the city.
