Kandhamal, Nov 15: The much-anticipated annual Eco Retreat in Daringbadi, Kandhamal often referred to as the "Kashmir of Odisha" is set to be inaugurated this Saturday, offering visitors a chance to experience the serene beauty of the region's hilltops.

The event will feature luxurious tents set up under the open sky, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities. The Kandhamal district administration has made extensive preparations to ensure a seamless experience for guests.

Daringbadi Block Development Officer (BDO), Pritiranjan Rath, expressed confidence that the region would continue to live up to its reputation. “Daringbadi is known as the Kashmir of Odisha. The Eco Retreat is ready to offer tourists a unique experience. We’ve taken every measure to ensure that visitors face no issues. Both the tourist areas and Eco Retreat site have been thoroughly reviewed, and all necessary basic facilities are in place,” Rath said. He further emphasized that the event would align with the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ concept, ensuring that guests are treated with the highest hospitality standards.

Daringbadi Tehsildar Dhiraj Patra also highlighted the region’s growing popularity among travellers. “After visiting key destinations like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Puri, many tourists choose Daringbadi as their next stop. Currently, Daringbadi is the coldest region in Odisha, and the pleasant weather is attracting large numbers of visitors. We have deployed police personnel to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists. The people of Daringbadi are welcoming, and we are committed to treating visitors with utmost respect,” Patra said.

The Eco Retreat inauguration will be virtually launched by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.