Odisha Rolls Out Advanced Caravan Tourism Service To Boost Premium Travel

Bhubaneswar: Odisha on Wednesday launched an advanced Caravan Tourism Service, offering travellers a flexible and premium way to explore the state while enjoying hotel-like comforts on the move. The initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to diversify tourism products and tap into the growing demand for experiential and road-based travel.

The second phase of the Caravan Tourism Service was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, with financial and logistical support from the Odisha Tourism Department. The service was formally flagged off from the Dhauli tourist area, a major heritage and spiritual site on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

Designed to provide a self-contained travel experience, each caravan is fitted with modern amenities such as comfortable sleeping arrangements, attached toilets, a kitchenette, climate control and safety features. The facility allows tourists to enjoy the convenience and privacy of a star-category hotel while travelling across multiple destinations, making it particularly suitable for families, small groups and adventure enthusiasts.

The caravan tourism service is being operated by Sand Pebbles Tour and Travels in partnership with the state government. The planned routes cover several of Odisha’s key and emerging tourist destinations, including Hirakud, Debrigarh, Similipal, Chilika, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia and Deomali, showcasing the state’s rich mix of coastal, forest, wildlife and eco-tourism assets.

Tourism officials said the initiative is expected to promote offbeat locations, reduce travel fatigue, and encourage longer stays by offering seamless mobility and accommodation. It is also seen as a step towards strengthening the local tourism economy by generating employment in hospitality, transport and allied sectors.

With the introduction of this modern caravan facility, Odisha aims to attract a larger share of domestic and international tourists and position itself as a forward-looking destination offering innovative and sustainable travel experiences.