Explore Bhitarkanika with luxury floating this puja season

Kendrapada: Want to spend the Puja holidays with Mother nature, floating amid tranquillity, away from the hustle-bustle of the city.River cruise tourism in Bhitarkanika National Park, which is emerging as a major attraction this puja season, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore India's second-largest mangrove forest while enjoying the comfort of luxury floating accommodation.Cruising through a network of tidal rivers and narrow creeks surrounded by dense mangrove forests, tourists can witness the rich biodiversity of Bhitarkanika, including saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars, fishing cats, leopard cats, water monitors and a variety of birds from a safe distance.A tourist said the journey offered an excellent way to explore the mangrove forest and observe its wildlife.Bhitarkanika National Park is gearing up for a major tourist rush during the puja season, with hotels, resorts, lodges and homestays also reporting strong bookings.Forest department, which had purchased four luxury boats in 2010, had handed over four eco-friendly catamaran boats to a private tour operator in 2024 to promote the river cruise tourism in the region.The operator subsequently renovated all four vessels, installing solar panels, air-conditioning systems and other modern amenities. Each boat can accommodate up to six tourists and is equipped with safety mechanisms. The soundless, fibre-bodied vessels are designed to offer a comfortable experience while minimising disturbance to the surrounding environment.“Besides comfort, the boats are equipped with safety features to ensure tourists remain safe while exploring the waterways of the mangrove forest, which is home to around 1,800 saltwater crocodiles,” said Sanghamitra Jena, head of operations.The boats feature two bedrooms, balconies with comfortable seating, attached bathrooms, dining areas and kitchens, making them similar to floating hotels.Although tourists are not permitted to enter the core area of the mangrove forest, the cruises allow them to view parts of the protected landscape and observe its wildlife.Demand for cruises has increased, with several overseas tourists also opting to stay overnight. For a family of six, it would cost around Rs 1.5 lakh for a two-night stay, according to the operator.The growing popularity of river cruises has also contributed to an increase in tourist accommodation around Bhitarkanika, with several hotels and buildings coming up.Assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Bhitarkanika, Gagan Bihari Mallick, said the river cruise tourism had become increasingly popular in the region.Tourists can enjoy the serene waterways of the Patasala, Brahmani and Baitarani rivers while visiting places such as Aradi, Chandabali, Kanika Island and Dharma. The cruises offer opportunities to enjoy peaceful sunsets, scenic landscapes and the tranquillity of the mangrove ecosystem.A retired officer who recently spent two nights aboard a cruise boat with his family described the experience as an opportunity to spend peaceful time amid nature.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.