Bhubaneswar, February 4: Deputy Chief Minister Prvati Parida flagged off three tourism caravans at Dhauli on Wednesday. Caravan tourism is a novel way to experiment with unconventional modes of transportation, particularly promoting family vacations to locations where adequate hotel accommodations may be difficult to find.

Caravan tourism offers visitors an exclusive and immersive way to explore destinations, providing greater flexibility, privacy and freedom of movement.

The initiative was launched by the Department of Tourism under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mode, operated and managed by Sand and Pebble Tours. The department has identified destinations with significant tourism potential such as Hirakud, Similipal, Daringbadi, Deomali, Talsari, Pentha, Mangalajodi, Jiranga and other pristine locations across the State for caravan-based tourism experiences.

The first trip was moved to Talsari in Balasore. A couple Annada Prasad Padhy and Archana Padhy received their first tickets for the journey, as the customers.

Speaking on the occasion Parida, who, also holds the Tourism portfolio, said, “These caravans will enable tourists to experience Odisha’s serene natural landscapes at their own pace, supported by well-designed amenities that combine convenience with sustainability.”

“Caravan tourism is well-established in several European countries and Odisha’s venture into this segment aims to attract young travellers, adventure seekers and offbeat explorers who seek experiential and nature-based travel,” she said.

Addressing the gathering, Bhubaneswar-Ekamra MLA Babu Singh said that this will help the tourists to explore the new destinations with more comfort and safety. He lauded such initiatives of the government.

Among others, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, Bhubaneswar Block chairperson Nirupama Sahoo, Dhauli sarapanch Chandan Mallick were present.