Bhubaneswar, Dec 13: The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) is set to introduce a new initiative called Odisha Walks starting January 2025, offering curated city walking trails in Cuttack, Puri, and Sambalpur.
The aim is to transform these cities into vibrant urban destinations by promoting their cultural heritage, history, and natural resources, while also enhancing their urban infrastructure.
The walking trails will be designed to offer a unique experience in each city, allowing participants to explore local landmarks, historical sites, and natural beauty. These trails will be thematically curated to reflect the distinctive character of each city, allowing visitors and locals alike to discover hidden gems and untold stories.
The tours will highlight the cities' rich traditions, cultural practices, and architectural marvels, providing a deeper understanding of Odisha’s diverse heritage.
The walking trails will take place every weekend during the tourism season, running through to March 2025. The OTDC has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified agencies to help design and execute the trails.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals by December 16, with an emphasis on collaborating with OTDC officials to explore and finalize trail locations that offer the most enriching experience.
This initiative is expected to attract tourists and promote cultural engagement, further boosting the state's tourism sector.
By showcasing Odisha's unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Odisha Walks is poised to become a key attraction for both tourists and residents, offering them a fresh perspective on the state's rich legacy.
Cuttack
Food Trail (3-4 Hours)
Bombay Hotel, Barabati Stadium Dhai Bara Aloo Dum, Talandada Food Court, Silver City Food Court, PapdiChaat – Buxi Bazaar, Balu Bazaar – Fafda + Chutney, Kaliabhai Mutton Chop, Professor Pada near Chhatra Bazaar etc.
Museum Trails (3 Hours)
Odisha State Maritime Museum, Netaji Birth Place Museum, Museum of Justice, Barabati Fort
Silver Filigree Walk (2 Hours)
Workshops located in Alisha Bazaar and Mohamadia Bazaar areas
Nature Walk along Mahanadi (2 Hours)
Ring Road on the bank of the Mahanadi, finishing at Silver City Boat Club
Puri
Temple Trail (5-6 Hours)
Shree Jagannath heritage Corridor, Jagannath Temple, Shree Gundicha temple, Mausi Maa Temple
Beach Walk (2-3 Hours)
Blue Flag beach, Niladri beach, Swargadwar beach, Ramchandi beach
Food Trail (2-3 Hours)
Ananda Bazaar Mahaprasad, Chung Wah Chinese Restaurant, Wild Grass, beach side eateries
Heritage Trail – Konark (2-3 Hours)
Visit to Konark Sun Temple followed by sound and light show
Craft Trail – Raghurajpur Village (2-3 Hours)
Visit to Raghurajpur Craft Village and Manikapatana
Sambalpur
Nature Walk (3-4 Hours)
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Heritage Walk (3-4 Hours)
Zero Point, Right Dyke, Gandhi Minar, Mahanadi River Side Ring Road
Craft Trail (2-3 Hours)
Visit to Kardola, Bargarh
Food Trail (2-3 Hours)
Nimantran restaurant, Jitu Dhaba, Pilani Sweets.
