Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: There has always been a unique bond between humans and nature. People often seek mental peace by spending time amidst nature's tranquility. While states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and the Northeastern regions have long been popular for camping, the culture is rapidly gaining popularity in Odisha as well.
Places like Koraput, Puri-Konark, and Mahendragiri are now emerging as hotspots for camping. Similarly, other areas such as Satkosia and Hirakud are witnessing a rise in interest for this adventure activity.
In the past, the enthusiastic youth flocked to hill stations for camping. However, in recent years, Koraput and Mahendragiri have witnessed a surge in individual camping, and this trend has quickly spread across the state.
Within just a few years, camping has become viral, with more and more youngsters opting for places like Deomali, Kalyamali, Putsil, and other scenic spots in Koraput. Similarly, Mahendragiri and the Puri-Konark Marine Drive have seen easy and affordable camping setups attracting a large number of visitors, especially youth from Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state.
During the winter season, Koraput, known for its cool climate, is drawing nature enthusiasts not only from Odisha but also from neighboring states. In these camps, people enjoy activities like trekking at Deomali, campfires, bonfires, music jamming sessions, and delicious food. Mahendragiri also offers similar trekking and camping opportunities, while the Puri-Konark Marine Drive has set up various camping stations for visitors.
With camping packages starting as low as Rs 600, it has become an affordable and attractive option for nature lovers. The state government, along with private agencies, is actively promoting camping as an integral part of Odisha’s tourism culture.
The Odisha Tourism Department is also working to provide more opportunities for eco-tourism and eco-retreats, allowing people to stay amidst nature and enjoy the serenity of the state’s natural landscapes. Manas Kumar Sahoo, the founder of Adventure Holiday, mentioned, "While traveling outside Odisha, I noticed the popularity of affordable camping. This inspired me to set up rural camps along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive and expand it to places like Koraput and Daringbadi. Our aim is to make camping a popular activity at an affordable price."
The development of camping culture is being supported at both the governmental and non-governmental levels. Local collaborations are key to ensuring the successful promotion of this trend. According to Shobhana Sonali Jena, founder of Community Odisha, “Odisha is a treasure trove of natural beauty. It's just the beginning, and we are working towards expanding camping opportunities across different parts of the state to make it a mainstream activity.”
With the increasing popularity of camping and trekking, especially among the youth, this activity is not just limited to Odisha but has begun to attract tourists from other parts of the country as well. As the camping culture flourishes, the focus will also be on maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability at these sites. Proper guidelines and local collaboration will be essential in ensuring that camping sites remain clean and safe for all visitors.
The growing culture of camping in Odisha is expected to become even more widespread, attracting more youth from across the state and beyond, as they explore new avenues of adventure, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature.
