Koraput’s Deomali to become 'Premier Wedding Destination'

Jeypore, Sept 28: Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha located in Koraput district, is going to transform into a new wedding destination with the development of essential infrastructure. This initiative is part of the central government's Swadeshi Darshan program, in collaboration with the Odisha government.

The groundwork for this ambitious project has already begun following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August. The MoU has been forwarded to the state tourism department, which is expected to finalize the agreement with the Union Ministry of Tourism soon, paving the way for the project's foundation.

According to district tourism officer Talina Pradhani, the development aims to attract couples seeking a unique wedding experience in a natural setting, drawing visitors from outside the state. This project is anticipated to significantly boost tourism, contributing to the region's social and economic growth, and is expected to be operational by early 2025. Following renowned destinations like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Goa, and Kerala, Deomali is set to become a notable wedding venue in India.

Once completed, the facilities will offer tourists options for overnight stays, leisure activities, and event hosting over weekends. Proposed developments include hotels, restaurants, parks, a small railway station, and bus stands. Currently, the district boasts 13 recognized tourist spots, with Deomali alone attracting over 450,000 visitors in the past five years, including more than 2,000 foreign tourists.

Surendra Kumar, additional chief secretary of the tourism department, has indicated that the project will receive financial backing from the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC), amounting to Rs 16 crore. Moreover, the state government is actively pursuing eco-tourism initiatives to enhance Deomali’s appeal.

With improved facilities on the horizon, Deomali is expected to attract travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and distinctive wedding experiences. Local intellectuals have called for increased attention to infrastructure development to meet the anticipated demand.