The airconditioned guest house with all modern amenities. Telegraph picture

Dhenkanal, Nov. 27: Saptasajya, one of the major tourist attractions in the state, has been announced as an eco-tourism spot by the state forest department. This will be the first eco-tourist spot in Dhenkanal district.

“Initially two families can be accommodated in the hilly reserve and this facility will be ready by February. Renovation of the two suites is going on in full swing,” Dhenkanal divisional forest officer Pradip Kumar Sahu told The Telegraph.

“A fully air-conditioned guest house is being developed with all modern amenities that will also include a kitchen and a spacious compound. Electricity and water will be available for tourists round the clock,” Sahu said.

The name Saptasajya is derived from the conglomeration of seven hills with rich vegetation. There are many streams that pass through Saptasajya and the place is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The entire hill range is spread over an area of 2096.75 hectare. The altitude of the hills varies from 300 metres to 586 metres from the sea level.

The biodiversity is further enhanced with a medicinal garden that has a variety of herbal plants.

People throng the hilly site for recreation and to enjoy the cool breeze, green lustrous forest cover, running streams and to sight wild animals and birds.

There are also shrines of Lord Ramachandra, Lord Shiva, Hanuman and Navagraha that are situated on the hill range at an elevation of 300 metres and they attract a lot of visitors.

Srinath Pattnaik, a local villager said the scenic tourist spot would attract more tourists from across the country once it is developed as an eco-tourism hotspot.