Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday launched the state’s caravan tourism initiative by flagging off three custom-built vehicles at Dhauli near Bhubaneswar. The move is designed to modernise Odisha’s tourism sector by offering a “home-on-wheels” experience that combines luxury with the freedom of the open road.
According to an official statement, the Caravan tourism, offering both transport and accommodation, offers visitors an exclusive and immersive way to explore destinations, providing greater flexibility, privacy, and freedom of movement.
Caravan Tourism involves travelling in a custom-built vehicle equipped with sleeping areas, kitchenettes, washrooms, and air conditioning, etc.
ଆଜି ନିଆଳିସ୍ଥିତ ଅଚିହ୍ନା ପଡ଼ିଆଠାରେ ଅଷ୍ଟଶମ୍ଭୁ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟଟନ କରିଡର ପାଇଁ ଭିତ୍ତିପ୍ରସ୍ତର ସ୍ଥାପନ କଲି । ପୁରାଣ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣିତ ପ୍ରାଚୀ ନଦୀ କୂଳରେ ସମଗ୍ର ନିଆଳି ଅଞ୍ଚଳ ପବିତ୍ର ମାଟି । ଏହି ଅଞ୍ଚଳର ପ୍ରାଚୀନ ମନ୍ଦିରଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଆମ ରାଜ୍ୟର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ଐତିହ୍ୟର ପ୍ରତୀକ । ଏହି ଅଞ୍ଚଳରେ ସ୍ୱତନ୍ତ୍ର କରିଡର ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକାରୀ ହେବା ଦ୍ୱାରା… pic.twitter.com/66I4REQnAh
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) February 4, 2026
Speaking at the launch, Dy CM Parida noted that caravan tourism is a well-established concept in Europe. She highlighted that Odisha’s entry into this segment aims to attract a new generation of travellers—specifically adventure seekers and offbeat explorers—who prioritise experiential, nature-based travel.
Parida further stated that 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.
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 state government.
Deepankar Mohapatra, Director of the Tourism Department, emphasised that this service would help decentralise tourism. By encouraging travel beyond traditional hotspots, the initiative aims to support balanced regional development and alleviate the seasonal pressure on the state’s most popular hubs.
The project is launched by the Odisha Department of Tourism under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mode and is operated by Sand Pebbles Tour and Travels. The government has identified several high-potential destinations for these routes, including Hirakud, Similipal, Daringbadi, Deomali, Talsari, Pentha, Mangalajodi, Jiranga and other pristine locations across the State for caravan-based tourism experiences.
The inaugural journey was destined for Talsari in Balasore district, one of the most tranquil and unspoiled beaches of Odisha. The first tickets for this new travel experience were presented to a couple, Annada Prasad Padhy and Archana Padhy.
