The Great Outdoors

GLAMPING TO RIDING AN ATV, DISCOVERING ARCHITECTURAL GEMS TO LEARNING ABOUT ODISHA’S FLORA, THE MARINE DRIVE ECO RETREAT IS A TREAT THIS WINTER,

- UTTARA GANGOPADHYAY

As the water scooter revved to life and headed for the surf, a huge wave came towards us. I was ready to go under but the scooter merrily rode the wave, and, except for a blast of seawater leaving a salty taste in my mouth, there was no harm done. Assisted by the life-guard accompanying me, I nervously rode the surf, occasionally meeting a wave headlong, mostly weaving my way through the breakers. Soon, we turned towards the shore, rows of pristine white tents along the end of the beach dazzled in the morning sun.

In less than a week of its opening (it was inaugurated by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik), the Marine Drive-Eco Retreat at Ramachandi Beach, has garnered a huge interest among holidaymakers.

Odisha has always been a lively destination: beaches, intricate architecture, and colourful handicrafts. But a luxurious, indulgent holiday was a drawback prior to this festival. The state tourism department’s idea of introducing glamping on the beach is already proving to be a winner. “We decided to set up an eco-friendly retreat on one of our most happening beaches with a legacy of adventure and leisure,” explained Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS, Commissionercum-Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Odisha.