Newsletter
Newsletter
Discover the latest stories, cultural updates, and travel inspirations from the soul of incredible India.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - APRIL 2026
This edition highlights Odisha Tourism’s focus on strengthening experiential tourism, destination branding, safety, adventure tourism, and culinary promotion. Major initiatives include the appointment of renowned chef Ranveer Brar as Brand Ambassador for Odia Cuisine, positioning Odisha’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage; the launch of the new tourism brand identity “Think India. Think Odisha.” along with the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon to promote sports tourism; the emergence of Mahendragiri as a new eco-adventure destination through the Mahendragiri Eco Adventure Festival; and the launch of an extensive Lifeguard Training Programme to enhance safety standards across Odisha’s beaches and water tourism destinations. The edition also features the State-Level Workshop on Development of Global Standard Tourist Destinations, charting a roadmap for transforming the Puri–Konark and Hirakud circuits into world-class tourism destinations. Together, these initiatives reflect Odisha’s commitment to sustainable, experience-driven, and globally competitive tourism development
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - JANUARY 2026
Odisha Unravelled showcases Odisha Tourism's continued efforts in promoting experiential, cultural, eco-tourism, and spiritual tourism through major events, destination marketing initiatives, and innovative tourism products. Key highlights include the successful organization of the 6th National Chilika Bird Festival, Chilika Boat Race, and the 2nd Guru Padmasambhava Ceremony, which strengthened Odisha's position as a leading destination for eco-tourism and Buddhist heritage tourism. The edition also highlights Odisha's outreach through Odisha Parab Guwahati and Odisha Parab Ahmedabad, promotion at major travel trade platforms such as OTM Mumbai, SATTE Delhi, and IITM Kochi, and the launch of Caravan Tourism under the VGF model. Another notable achievement was Odisha's Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Pakhala (1,174 kg) during Pakhala Paraba, bringing global recognition to the State's rich culinary heritage. Collectively, these initiatives reinforce Odisha's vision of positioning itself as a premier destination for culture, nature, spirituality, cuisine, and immersive tourism experiences.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - January 2025
Tourism in Odisha is emerging as a dynamic force that celebrates the State’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes and community spirit. Guided by Odisha Vision 2036 and Vision 2047, we are advancing tourism through innovative initiatives, strategic outreach and sustainable development. The induction of 18 Odisha Tourism Service (OTS) cadre officers further strengthens our institutional capacity to enhance planning, implementation and visitor services across the State. Each initiative highlighted in this edition reflects our commitment to showcasing Odisha as a destination of authenticity, diversity and meaningful experiences, while fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. As Odisha continues to strengthen its presence on national and international tourism platforms, our focus remains on enriching visitor experiences, empowering local communities and preserving the cultural and natural legacy that makes our State truly unique
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - January 2024
2023 has brought several positive tidings to the shores of Odisha. Our plans for integrated developments are progressing well. Community managed ecotourism Odisha's most championed segment is set for an aesthetic overhaul. Cuisine will be among the best aspects of travel to Odisha, with OTDC's foray into premium fine-dining in Odia Cuisine Nimantran at Rani Bakhri, Sambalpur. Holidays in Odisha promise to be unprecedented in 2023, with Odisha Tourism introducing several niche experiences to be activated. We have brought a closure to 2023 in style, with Eco Retreat Odisha receiving tremendous response from tourists across all seven locations. The last two weeks of the year have witnessed almost 100% occupancy, and with two whole months to go, there’s a lot in store.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - October 2023
Rebounding from the global slowdown, tourism industry picked up pace in the last quarter. This is evident from the number of MICE and cultural tourism events organised across the country. Department of Tourism participated in many events and organised a few abroad to not only promote tourism but also assist in providing platforms to industry stakeholders to quickly bounce back from the lag.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - July 2023
The development of the tourism sector in the State is bound to see a fillip, thanks to the launch of direct flight services to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok from Bhubaneswar. Further, Odisha Tourism successfully hosted events in Dubai and Singapore with an aim to define Odisha’s growth trajectory through the Odia diaspora’s global outreach, knowledge, expertise, and influence.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - March 2023
Odisha stepped into 2023 in much style. From hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 and extravagant star-studded city festivals to being felicitated at India Today Tourism Summit and Awards and getting listed by TIME Magazine in World’s Top 50 Tourism Destinations. 10 trips to various pilgrimage destinations across India were organised under the scheme of Baristha Nagarik Tirtha Yatra Yojana. Through this scheme, more than 6000 senior citizens of Odisha were provided with a seamless end to end travel experience completely free of cost.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - January 2023
Department of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha took major steps in the final quarter of 2022 to develop the tourism industry. This included attracting investment, launching a new tourism policy, and releasing two roadmaps for the development of the sector. During Make in Odisha Conclave, the state received investment intent from 85 investors totaling INR 7800 crores.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - October 2022
The latest edition of Odisha Tourism's newsletter, Odisha Unravelled , talks about Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik being conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital Foundation in recognition of his distinctive and outstanding leadership. It also talks about the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation completing 42 years of operation. The issue also talks about the 1st Anniversary Celebration of Nimantran - an Authentic Odia Restaurant, the Department Kicking Off the World Tourism Day with a Superbike Rally, Handicrafts & Handloom Exibitions organised during September - October etc.The newsletter also contains interesting blogs by people coming from various spheres.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED - July 2022
The latest edition of Odisha Tourism's newsletter, Odisha Unravelled , talks about the newly inaugurated Odisha's first houseboat 'Garuda' at Chilika Lake. The initiative has been introduced to give tourists a new experience in Odisha. It also talks about the revamped Maa Tara Tarani temple in Ganjam district which has been inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The issue also talks about various events organized by the tourism department. The newsletter also contains interesting blogs by people coming from various spheres.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED – April 2022
The latest edition of Odisha Tourism's newsletter, Odisha Unravelled, talks about the initiative of the state government to bring back Odia students from Ukraine after Russia declared war. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik received 77 students from Odisha who returned from war-ravaged Ukraine at the Biju Patnaik international airport on 8th March 2022. The issue also talks about the performances of eminent classical dancers from across the country at the 18th Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav held in the month of March. On the occasion of Holi, a Indian classical music concert 'Vrindaban Mahotsav' was also held in March. The editions also covers about the 14 day long Toshali Mela held at Janata Maidan where artisans, craftsmen from across the country exhibited their products. The news letter also contains a detailed report on a workshop organised by the Odisha Tourism on "Rethinking Tourism" held at Eco-Retreat, Konark for the Tourist Officers of the State on 21 February 2022. The 15th Guru Debaprasad Award Festival, organised by Tridhara has also been featured. It also covers the launch of river cruise in the Hirakud reservoir near Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The Department of Tourism has received many awards and recognitions for its effort to promote Odisha tourism, it has also been highlighted in this edition. Odisha hosted various sporting events. The IWLF Youth, Junior & Senior National Weightlifting Championship 2021-2022 was held in Bhubaneswar from 20th to 31st March 2022 where over 800 weightlifters from across 30 States participated in the event. The Odisha Open 2022, Badminton World Federation (BWF) event was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack from 25 to 30 January. The 20th edition of the National Para Athletics Championship was held at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar from 28th to 31st March. The newsletter also contains three interesting blogs by people coming from various spheres.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED – January 2022
The latest edition of Odisha Tourism’s newsletter, Odisha Unravelled, talks about the facelift project of Ramchandi Beach. The newsletter also covers the various road shows organised by Odisha tourism to promote tourists destinations of the state. The issue also talks about the performances of eminent classical dancers at the Konark Festival and beautiful sands arts by artisans at the International Sand Art Festival held in the month of December. The detailed writeup about the ongoing Eco Retreat at the five excellent destinations in Odisha talks about the facilities provided at the India’s best glamping event. The launch of restaurant ‘Nimantran’ in Puri that serves authentic Odia cuisine has also been mentioned. It also talks about the number of national and international sporting events hosted in Odisha where athletes and sportspersons from different countries participated. It also covers the launching of the second season of the cooking competition ‘Ama Ghara, Ama Handishala’ and the renovation of Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar. Three new landmark projects by private investors amounting to over INR 32.76 Crore inaugurated by CM Shri Naveen Patnaik has also been mentioned. The newsletter also contains four interesting blogs by people coming from various spheres.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED – October 2021
The latest edition of Odisha Tourism’s newsletter, Odisha Unravelled, discusses the Light and Sound Show at Samaleswari Temple inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister. It mentions about the launch of restaurant ‘Nimantran’ in Bhubaneswar that serves authentic Odia cuisine. The newsletter covers the webinar hosted by Odisha Tourism on ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ comprising of esteemed guests as part of the World Tourism Day celebrations. It also showcases the winning entries of this year’s photography contest ‘Odisha Through Your Lens’, conducted by the Dept. It talks about ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’, a celebration of folk dance and music of Western Odisha – an initiative of the Dept. of Tourism on the occasion of Nuakhai. The newsletter also throws light on how the Ratha Jatra celebrations were successfully carried out this year without devotees, as the chariots were pulled by Covid negative servitors. It gives a detailed itinerary of exciting road trips that one can embark on throughout Odisha as part of the ‘Odisha By Road’ campaign. It discusses the second edition of Travel, Tourism & Hospitality e-conclave conducted by FICCI and partnered by Odisha Tourism. It talks about the Master Plans for Sustainable Tourism Development of various destinations across Odisha that the Dept. is actively working towards, starting with the Harishankar Peetha. It also mentions about the opening of two new nature camps and the initiation of a Heritage Walk in Puri every Sunday. Besides these, the newsletter also contains 4 different articles written by people coming from various spheres of life that highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of India’s best kept secret.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED JULY 2021
The newsletter for the month of July, 2021 mentions about the re-launch of Silver City Boat Club and the target of developing water-based recreation and tourism throughout the state. It talks about OT and BMC’s joint venture of organizing a vaccination drive for the hospitality sector of Odisha and the virtual roundtable held by FICCI for tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the state. It discusses OTDC’s initiative – ‘Pitha On Wheels’ which kept the spirits of the Raja festival alive during lockdown. The newsletter throws light on how Raghurajpur is undergoing a complete artistic makeover to attract tourists post lockdown. It further discusses the steps taken up by the Department to diversify niche travel experiences across the state for tourists. It also delves on the prospect of embarking on an immersive monsoon escapade across the Eastern Ghats in Koraput. Last but not the least, the newsletter enriches you with 9 engaging articles and stories revolving around various enthralling aspects of Odisha, written by eminent personalities coming from various spheres of life.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED APRIL 2021
The Newsletter for the month of April, 2021 shares anecdotes from visitors during the Eco Retreat Odisha glamping festival. Odisha’s fast rise as a major hub of beach tourism and the much anticipated facelift of the Tampara Lake has been mentioned. Boosting tourism with respect to Odisha’s resplendent water bodies, premium hospitality has been discussed. National fame and limelight of Odisha’s art, culture and films have been highlighted. The Director of Tourism’s take on the new dawn of tourism and hospitality sector of Odisha has been published. The promotion of local art at weekly night bazaars discussed along with glimpses from Odisha Tourism’s recent flagship events. OT’s success at the 6th India Responsible Tourism awards and its capability to revive tourism have been discussed. The Herculean ITF Triathlon and the Beach Soccer Corporate Tournament have been covered. Lastly, six intriguing blogs on various aspects of the state have been published.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED JANUARY 2021
The Newsletter for the month of January, 2021 emphasizes on OT's efforts and campaigns to leverage regional tourism and also highlights the successful training and working of the hospitality industry under Covid-19 protocols. The rich heritage of Sambalpur and OTDC’s initiative to transform its hotel properties have been highlighted. Odisha’s tryst with wellness and spirituality and a guide on what to expect in 2021 have been discussed. The Chilika Bird Festival 2021 has been covered and the renewal of the department’s strategic understanding with the Dept. of Forest and Environment has been discussed. This edition ends with two informative blogs.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED OCTOBER 2020
The Newsletter for the month of October, 2020 mentions the return of Eco Retreat at five various locations, the plan to develop Odisha’s Buddhist circuit and OTDC's new initiative of promoting Odia cuisine restaurants. The celebration of World Tourism Day through a superbike rally has been covered and the best entries from the social media photo contest has been published. Focus on community managed ecotourism has been given and Sambalpur's Rani Mahal has found space in this edition. The Blue Flag certification of Puri's Golden Beach has also been highlighted.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED JULY 2020
The Newsletter for the month of July, 2020 mentions that the status of State Song has been accorded to Bande Utkala Janani by the govt. of Odisha. It emphasizes on the need to prepare for tourist safety, Odisha Tourism’s focus on encouraging road trip itineraries across the state and their plan to replicate the successful glamping model of the Marine Drive Eco Retreat. The Supreme Court’s green signal to Ratha Yatra 2020 has been mentioned along with the launch of OTDC's Ama Ghara Ama Handisala campaign and also it’s initiative of delivering pithas at the doorsteps of the residents of Bhubaneswar & Cuttack on the occasion of the Raja Utsav. The project of complete solarisation of the Konark Sun Temple and land pooling for tourism & hospitality in Odisha have been discussed. The edition ends with a blog on Raj-Ranpur.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED APRIL 2020
The Newsletter for the month of April, 2020 focuses on tackling the looming challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. It speaks about the successful completion of the Marine Drive Eco Retreat, the National Tourism Conference and the launch of day-long nature trails amidst the wilderness of the state. A recap of Odisha Tourism's flagship events has been provided. Also, the inauguration of the Gandhi Peace Centre at Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar by the Hon'ble CM has been covered. The state’s sporting achievements have been highlighted and lastly, a blog on Raghurajpur, the heritage crafts village, has also been published.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED JANUARY 2020
The Newsletter for the month of January, 2020 announces Odisha’s collaboration with Wonderla Parks and Resorts to set up a world class amusement park in Khurdha. It speaks about the target of revamping the Ekamra Kshetra and the collaboration of the Dept. with Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation in planning of Heritage Zone Development projects. It mentions the success of the Marine Drive Eco Retreat, the mission of ushering in a new wave of beach tourism, Odisha’s emergence as a Water Sports and Recreation Hub and the global outreach of the Dept. to tour operators, travel agents and hospitality sectors. Odisha Biennale 2019, Konark Dance Festival and International Sand Art Festival have been covered. The department’s efforts to boost global air connectivity and in organizing spiritual trips for the aged have been mentioned. A blog on the beauty of Deomali winds up this edition.
ODISHA UNRAVELLED SEPTMEMBER 2019
The Newsletter for the month of September 2019 focuses on the intent of transforming Puri into a World Heritage Site, the air connectivity infrastructure of Odisha with the rest of the world, water based tourism, community managed ecotourism, various heritage homestays and the emergence of Odisha as India’s sports capital. It also talks about Odisha's revamped digital tourism model, its experiments in soft power, and the safety, security and hospitality of tourists in the state.