Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of nature, surrounded by lush green forests, majestic hills, and serene water bodies. Odisha’s Eco-Retreat offers a unique luxury experience, allowing you to unwind in stunning natural surroundings.
Let’s welcome the New Year in a unique and rejuvenating way. Odisha’s Eco-Retreat offers a tranquil getaway amidst breath-taking natural surroundings, perfect for a refreshing start to the year. With seven stunning locations to choose from, each offering a blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion, make this New Year’s celebration one to remember.
With seven incredible locations to choose from, each one promises an unforgettable experience.
Odisha’s Eco-Retreat event kicked off on December 1 and will run until March 15, 2025, showcasing the state’s stunning natural beauty across seven scenic locations: Konark, Putsil, Sonapur, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, and Hirakud. This flagship initiative by the state tourism department promises an unforgettable experience, blending luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion.
The Eco-Retreat event offers a premium tourism experience, showcasing Odisha’s natural beauty while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Set amidst ecologically sensitive areas, the event adheres to strict guidelines, raising awareness about the fragility of these ecosystems. Guests can indulge in luxury camping, exhilarating water sports, and immersive cultural experiences, including savouring local Odia cuisine, enjoying folk music, and witnessing traditional dance performances.
Konark
The Konark Eco-Retreat is nestled on the picturesque Ramchandi Beach, near the iconic Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning location offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal, accompanied by captivating cultural performances.
Apart from stunning Bay of Bengal views and cultural performances, Eco Retreat offers adventurous activities like parasailing, ATV rides, and beach volleyball.
Nearby attractions include the iconic Konark Sun Temple, the informative Konark Museum, the revered Puri Jagannath Temple, the protected Balukhand Sanctuary, and the prestigious Blue Flag-certified Golden Beach in Puri. Additionally, art enthusiasts can explore Raghurajpur, a charming heritage crafts village, and surfers can ride the waves at a nearby surf club.
Satakosia Eco-Retreat
The Satkosia Eco Retreat is nestled along the breathtaking Mahanadi River gorge, where the Deccan Peninsula and Eastern Ghats converge, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This stunning location allows visitors to take in the pristine beauty of the gorge, enjoy boating, birdwatching, and explore the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Guests can also engage in exciting activities like volleyball, archery, and cultural performances, while spotting majestic wildlife, including muggers, gharials, spotted deer, and the Malabar giant squirrel.
The Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, showcasing its rich biodiversity.
To reach the retreat, the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, approximately 160 km away, and the nearest railway station is Angul Railway Station, about 70 km away.
Bhitarkanika Eco Retreat
Tucked away within the Bhitarkanika National Park, the Eco Retreat at Pentha Beach offers a tranquil getaway amidst a pristine, lesser-known beach surrounded by lush casuarina forests. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery and engage in exciting activities, including boat safaris, exploring the sanctuary, and visiting the crocodile breeding centre.
As a designated Ramsar Site, Bhitarkanika National Park boasts India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem, providing a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, monitor lizards, and a myriad of bird species.
Sonapur
Located on a pristine beach where the Bahuda River meets the Bay of Bengal, right on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, Sonapur Eco-Retreat offers a perfect getaway for serenity and beauty.
Visitors can indulge in sunbathing, thrilling water sports, and savouring delectable seafood while taking in the breath-taking sunset views. The surrounding area is also steeped in history and natural beauty, with nearby attractions including the ancient port town of Berhampur, the historic Potagarh Fort, the serene Tampara Lake, and the picturesque Gopalpur, crowned by its iconic lighthouse.
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and savoring delicious seafood while watching the sunset. Nearby attractions include the historic port town of Brahmapur, Potagarh Fort, Tampara Lake and the famous Gopalpur-on-Sea and its lighthouse.
Putsil
Perched at the base of the Deomali hill range, Odisha’s highest peak, Putsil Eco Retreat in Koraput invites thrill-seekers and nature lovers to experience the magic of living among the clouds.
Dubbed the “Switzerland of Odisha,” this breathtaking destination offers an ideal setting for paragliding and trekking, igniting a sense of adventure in all who visit. Explore the nearby attractions, including the majestic Duduma and Rani Duduma Waterfalls, lush green valleys, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of indigenous tribal communities.
Hirakud
The Hirakud Eco Retreat is situated beside the iconic Hirakud Dam, Asia’s longest earthen dam, on the majestic Mahanadi River, offering a unique glamping experience.
This retreat provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture of Western Odisha, savoring traditional Odia cuisine and exploring the rich heritage of the region. Visitors can embark on guided treks into the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy thrilling water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides, and discover local handloom and handicrafts. Additionally, a visit to the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple to witness the mesmerizing evening light and sound show is a must.
Daringibadi
Daringbadi Eco Retreat is nestled in the picturesque Daringbadi hill station, surrounded by breath-taking valleys, plateaus, and pine forests, interspersed with coffee and pepper plantations.
The retreat’s itinerary features visits to the stunning Dasingbadi waterfall and the Daringbadi coffee garden, offering a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty. Nearby attractions include Belghar, known as the Land of Hills and Waterfalls, the serene Ushabati Valley, the picturesque Putudi waterfall, and Mandasaru, also called Silent Valley.
Guests can also interact with the indigenous ‘Kutia Kandha’ tribe, learning about their customs and traditions. For adventure enthusiasts, activities like rifle shooting, archery, bicycling, and yoga on the hills are available, providing a unique blend of excitement and relaxation.
