Caravan Tourism : Strategic Need Of The Hour For Odisha
Caravan tourism is a strategic, “need of the hour” initiative for Odisha. This is designed to unlock its vast, untapped natural, and eco-tourism potential. By offering luxurious “homes-on-wheels” with modern amenities, this model caters to slow-travel trends and provides flexibility for tourists to explore different distant destinations where accommodation opportunities are significantly low.
Key Aspects of Caravan Tourism in Odisha:
In the recent past, the government of Odisha has entered into an agreement with two different strategic partners under VGF mode to promote Caravan Tourism in Odisha. I came to understand that “Viability Gap Funding” (VGF) is a Government of India scheme designed to support Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects that are economically justified but not financially viable due to long gestation periods. It provides capital grants (some pre-decided % of project cost) for infrastructure sectors like health, education, and transport to make them attractive to private investors.
- Launch & Infrastructure: The Odisha government has officially launched luxury caravan tourism at Dhauli to promote sustainable travel, featuring amenities like Wi-Fi, reclining seats, rest room, sleeping arrangements and kitchen facilities. The strategic partners of Odisha Tourism in this regard are “Sand Pebbles Tours” and “ Vikash Ecoresorts” which hold the prime responsibility of operation and maintenance of the said caravans. The state is designating existing spots, such as OTDC-run Panthanivas and Forest Department nature camps, as caravan parking zones.
- Targeted Locations: The initiative focuses on connecting prime eco-tourism and scenic spots, including Hirakud, Debrigarh, Similipal, Chilika, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, and Deomali, Talsari, Jeerang, Putsil etc.
Let me give a very brief idea about the kind of destinations these are .
# The Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River near Sambalpur, is the world’s longest earthen dam (approx. 25.8 km including dykes) and creates Asia’s largest artificial lake. For details you may go through the following article.
# Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Odisha’s Bargarh district near Hirakud Dam. It spreads over an area of 346.91 square km. This protected area is rich in biodiversity and history, often considered for National Park status. It offers eco-tourism, jungle safaris, and stunning Hirakud reservoir views, with deep connections to freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.
# Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district is a vast Tiger Reserve, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Elephant Reserve. This is known for its rich biodiversity, melanistic tigers, waterfalls (like Barehipani & Joranda), lush forests, and tribal culture. This offers jeep safaris, trekking, and nature camps amidst rolling hills and diverse flora/fauna.
# Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and the world’s second-largest. As a premier biodiversity hotspot and Ramsar site, it features the unique irrawaddy dolphin and serves as a major wintering ground for millions of migratory birds. Here I am giving three of my widely appreciated articles on irrawaddy dolphin , migratory birds and Chilika in general which you may go through the following links.
Chilika : Highest Number of Irrawaddy Dolphins In the World
Mangalajodi: Once in a Lifetime Destination
Largest Lagoon Chilika : WHS Status is Yet a Distant Dream
# Bhitarkanika National Park is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem (672 sq. km), often called the “Mini Amazon”. It is renowned for its massive estuarine crocodile population, diverse bird species, and dense mangrove forests, with access primarily via boat from Khola and Gupti. Key attractions include boating, birdwatching, and visiting the sanctuary’s unique biodiversity, featuring Olive Ridley turtles and diverse, lush mangrove ecosystems.For further details , you may go through the following articles.
How OliveRidley Turtles Find Way Back To The Same Beach?
# Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in Odisha’s Angul district. This spreads over an area of 963 sq km. This protected area is known for the stunning 22-km-long Satkosia Gorge on the Mahanadi River. You may go through the following article for further details.
# Deomali is the highest peak of. Odisha and Eastern Ghat mountain range as well. It rises to 1,672 meters above sea level in the Eastern Ghats near Koraput. Renowned for its scenic 5km-long flat hilltop.
# Talasari Beach is a serene, relatively untouched coastal destination in the Baleswar district of Odisha. This is located almost 90 km from Baleswar town. This is known for its rows of palm and coconut trees. This is situated near the Subarnarekha River’s confluence with the Bay of Bengal.
# Jeerang is located in the Gajapati district of Odisha. It is home to the stunning Padmasambhava Mahavihara, often called the “Little Tibet of Odisha” or the largest Buddhist monastery in Eastern India.For details please log into the following link.
# Putsil is a scenic, high-altitude village and tourist spot located in the Semiliguda tehsil of Koraput district, Odisha, India. This is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Odisha”. This is situated near the Andhra Pradesh border and is roughly 40 km from Koraput town, 21 km from Sunabeda, and famous for the Putsil Mountain Point, waterfalls, and coffee gardens.
- Support for Rural Economies: By promoting travel to lesser-visited, rural, and remote areas, this model aims to boost local economies and reduce overcrowding in urban centers.
- Strategic Move: Following the success of the “Odisha by Road” campaign, the government is drafting a dedicated policy to promote this sector, aligning it with Eco Retreats to enhance the overall visitor experience.
- Service Providers: Private players like Sand Pebbles and Vikash Eco Resorts are offering customized, chauffeur-driven caravan experiences for “slow, elegant travel” across the state. The Sand Pebbles Tours has kept two inaugural pricing structures …These caravans have got three different power systems….1) DG power 2)Dynamo power 3) Fully electric power.These are fully well designed caravans not converted or fabricated as caravans later. All are fully air-conditioned, having microwave, smart tv, induction heater, locker, fridge ,open air cooking systems,remote operated switching system, GPS tracking system,fire safety system and fully reclining massage seats facilities etc….Here I am giving a video of the interior of the said caravans.
- Per day: ₹11,111/- + GST(Up to 4 pax per caravan and up to 200kms per day)
- Per day: ₹15,555/- + GST (Up to 6 pax per caravan & up to 200kms per day)
This initiative will definitely provide unique travel experiences in a post-pandemic landscape. Caravan tourism offers a flexible, cost-effective way to travel with home-like comfort, allowing for spontaneous, nature-focused trips. Key benefits include financial savings, no rigid hotel bookings, and increased freedom, though it requires managing limited space, waste, and navigating difficult terrain. It promotes offbeat, rural, and adventure travel but can be physically demanding too.
Key Advantages:
- Flexibility and Freedom: Travelers can change routes spontaneously, stay longer in favourite spots, and enjoy scenic, offbeat locations, including nature-centric, wildlife, or rural areas.
- Cost-Effectiveness: It eliminates expensive hotel bills, allows for self-catering to save on dining, and offers budget-friendly travel, especially over long durations.
- Comfort and Convenience: Provides a “home on wheels” with beds, kitchens, and toilets, making travel with family or pets more comfortable.
- Safety and Hygiene: Offers a safe, private, and controlled environment compared to public transport or hotels, which is especially relevant post-pandemic.Independence: No need for airport transfers, strict check-in times, or packing/unpacking at different hotels.
Key Disadvantages:
- Limited Space and Maintenance: Living in close quarters can get crowded and messy. It requires regular, often unpleasant maintenance, such as cleaning, toilet disposal, and refilling water tanks.
- Driving Challenges: Maneuvering large caravans on narrow, winding, or unpaved roads can be stressful and difficult for beginners.
- Environmental Impact and Site Availability: Finding suitable, legal, and equipped camping spots can be difficult. Proper waste disposal in remote areas is crucial to minimize environmental impact.
- High Initial Costs: While cost-effective over time, buying or renting a caravan can be expensive, with added costs for fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
- Weather Sensitivity: Extreme weather conditions can make driving difficult and staying in a caravan less comfortable.
I think it would be wise to make it clear that there lies significant differences between a campervan and a caravan. The differences are primarily in mobility, structure, and space. A campervan is a self-contained motor vehicle combining driving and living in one compact unit. A caravan is a trailer without an engine, towed by a separate vehicle, offering more space. So it would be more appropriate that the vehicles launched by the government of Odisha in association with its strategic partners are truly campervans , not caravans…..
Dr Manoj Mishra, lunarsecstasy@gmail.com
