Balugaon: In an aim to attract tourists across the globe, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched commercial operation of first ever Luxury Houseboat ‘Garuda’ in the Chilika lake.
This project is an initiative of Vikash Eco Resorts with the support from the Tourism Department, Directorate of Ports & Inland Water Transport and Chilika Development Authority.
The CM virtually inaugurated the boat in the presence of Minister of Tourism Aswini Kumar Patra, Director of Tourism, Collector & District Magistrate Khorda, Superintendent of Police Khurda & Other dignitaries and local leaders.
During the inauguration session the Chief Minister said that, this type of innovative projects will be helpful in attracting tourists to Odisha and will help to make Odisha as an ace Tourism destination of India. He expressed his best wishes to Vikash Eco Resorts for this endeavor.
Tourism Minister expressed his happiness for the launching of this new project. He appreciated the effort of Vikash group for taking the nice initiative and told lunching of Garuda will be a game changer in the field of Tourism in Odisha.
Tourism Director Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav informed that, this project will be a milestone in Odisha tourism & help in providing employment to many people of nearby vicinity and he seeks the cooperation from the peoples for this project & to join their hands for the growth of tourism in Odisha.
Khurda Collector Sangram Keshari Mohapatra expressed his happiness as this project started in his own district & conveyed his heartfelt thanks to Vikash group for its innovative idea in launching this houseboat first time in Odisha. SP Siddhartha Kataria said it as a welcoming step in the Odisha tourism.
As Chilka Lake is the most popular destination for ecotourism in Odisha which is being treated as the real paradise for the bird-lovers, major tourist attraction for dolphins so Vikash Eco Resorts thought to start this venture, said Chairman of Vikash Group D Murali Krishna.
He said that Garuda is a kind of its own & complies with all the statutory regulations. This house boat will take on an exciting, comfortable & enjoyable journey in the lake. It will definitely be helpful in attracting more tourists to Chilika, he added.
Mr.Krishna announced that soon a house boat project will be started at Hirakud also.
This Super Luxury Houseboat is 105 ft long & 22 ft wide with dual Engines of 88HP each, 35 KVA Genset, with 4 premium room & 2 suit rooms with attached toilets, Kitchen, Bar, Dining cum Lounge of size 500 sqft, open Deck of size 1000 sq ft.
It is equipped with CE & ISO certified life jackets, all safety equipment, fire extinguishers etc.
The check in time will be 12 noon and the checkout time will be 9.30 AM. During the stay lunch, snacks, dinner & breakfast will be provided and night staying will be at an island of Chilika lake.