Baripada: As World Tourism Day is observed across the state Thursday, the Similipal Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district has turned out to be a big draw for tourists as it offers good food, accommodation and safety to visitors.
The number of tourists visiting the Similipal sanctuary has grown over the years. Reports said the sanctuary had a footfall of 29,130 tourists in 2016-17, and it rose to 30,666 in 2017-18. The sanctuary collected Rs 68,37,481 as revenue in 2016-17 and Rs 95,66,349 in 2017-18.
The increase in the number of tourists visiting Similipal Sanctuary has been attributed to the special night accommodation facilities there.
The authorities have set up Santhali, Adivasi and Bamboo cottages at Jamuani, Kumari, Gudugudua and Ramtirtha. Tourists book these cottages in advance online. The authorities get between Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 as rent per night.
The cottages at Ramtirtha are equipped with electricity facility while the other cottages have solar power facility.
Food is another draw for tourists. The sanctuary has restaurant facilities at Kumari and Muchhapur offering excellent food. Tribal food is also available here.
There are 21 rooms in the cottages at Jamuanai, 14 at Kumari, six at Gudugudua and 10 at Ramtirtha.
“The authorities have managed the facilities well, thus attracting more tourists and generating more revenue,” said Jajnadatt Pati, the Deputy Director of Field at the Simlipal Tiger Reserve.
He also added that the sanctuary authorities are planning to set up a library for tourists. Most of the books will be on wildlife enabling tourists to access information about Similipal and its biodiversity.
The sanctuary, spread over 2,750 square km, is home to 42 species of mammals, 1,077 species of flora, 242 bird species and 30 species of reptiles, a report said.
PNN