By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/NEW DELHI: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union PNG-Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday highlighted Odisha’s mind-blowing tourists destinations on the occasion of World Tourism Day. Nature loving Odisha Chief Patnaik reiterated the commitment to unlock its vast potential in a post-pandemic world.Taking to his Twitter handle, the Odisha Chief Minister posted a near 1-minute video and wrote; “Odisha’s treasure of timeless monuments, heritage, idyllic natural beauty, captivating landscapes, diverse flora & fauna are a traveller’s delight.”
“A visit to Odisha is never complete without seeing its magnificent temples. Dotted with architectural marvels and sacred religious sites throughout its landscape, Odisha is also one of the finest examples of culture and heritage tourism in India.From the more illustrious and renowned temples of Puri, Konark, Lingaraj and Rajarani, Odisha is also home to many ancient temples and spiritual places. Maa Samaleshwari, Harishankar, Nrusinghanath and Manikeshwari Temple are also some of the most revered temples in the state.#WorldTourismDay,” Union Minister Pradhan said in a Facebook post. “Odisha is spectacular one day, heavenly the next. From the majestic hills of Gandhamardan, Mahendragiri and Malaygiri to the beautiful cascading waterfalls of Barehipani, Joranda, Devkund and Harishankar, Odisha is truly India’s best kept secret.#WorldTourismDay,” Pradhan added.
Meanwhile, all tourist destinations in the state will reopen from the first week of October, informed Tourism Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi. The tourist destinations will open with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, stated the minister. Though Panigrahi didn’t reveal the exact date of opening, he said that the tourist spots may be opened from the first week of October. On reopening of temples across the State, Panigrahi said that the concerned temple administration and the Law Department will take a decision in this regard.
“A total of 358 tourist destinations will be reopened in a phased manner from the first week of October. Apart from this, other tourist places not recognized by the government will also be reopened. To ensure that the tourists will strictly abide by the COVID-19 guidelines, the Health and Family Welfare Department will issue a standard operating procedure (SOP),” Panigrahi added.
