Bhubaneswar, March 20: Last November, cyclone Hudhud had left a trail of devastation in Koraput district. The district's tourism industry is, however, clawing its way back to revival with film-makers and young travellers showing interest in its quaint surroundings.
The cyclonic storm, which crossed the district at a speed of around 100kmph, had caused extensive damage to roads and power infrastructure. The state government soon swung into action and got renovation and restoration job done on war footing. In the process, the new infrastructure has been enough reason for the district to gradually emerge as a popular tourist destination. The preference of film-makers to shoot in the region and the huge footfall of young tourists have been a shot in the arm for the district's tourism industry.
Koraput tourist officer Bhagaban Khara said the district was getting popular among the urban masses. "Following Hudhud, a number of renovation works were undertaken here. The damaged roads got a makeover, facilitating travel for the tourists," said Khara.
The tourist inflow to Koraput is also gaining momentum as the place has become a preferred shooting spot for the film-makers and a weekend destination for youngsters.
The landscapes of the ethnic hinterland are gaining prominence among the film-makers for its picturesque locations. A number of sequences are being captured at the scenic Deomali hill and the charming Duduma waterfall.
Recently, films such as Bhaunri and Raasta were shot here. "From the serene forests to the breathtaking valleys, the district still remains unexplored. While discovering various locations to shoot, we spotted some extremely stunning places in the district," said Bhaunri director Sudhansu Mohan Sahoo.
Since the past few months, a number of students from various universities have also been visiting the district on excursion trips. Moreover, the young working professionals also prefer spending weekends at this place.
Sarita Nanda, a 24-year-old customer relationship manager in the city, had been on a weekend trip with her friends to the place last month. "It is an ideal place to relax in nature's lap. Faraway from the hustle and bustle of the city, the place is extremely calm and soothing," said Nanda.
For, Nandini Mundary, a communication officer with an NGO, the best thing about the place is that it gives an opportunity to the visitors to know about the lifestyle of the ethnic people. "I had been there with my office colleagues, and we interacted with the people belonging to various ethnic communities. They are extremely friendly, and we had chatted with them for hours regarding their lifestyle," said Nandini.
She further suggests travelling to the place by train as it runs through tunnels making the journey more adventurous.
Besides, a number of travel agents are offering weekend packages to the district. The packages come around Rs 4,000 and include food and lodging expenses and sightseeing for two nights and three days.
"We are also promoting trekking and visits to the ethnic belts to draw more visitors," said tourist officer Khara.
Koraput's soothing temperature and a budget tourism draw visitors to the place, said a travel agent.
"During summer, the temperature is quite pleasant. So one can easily roam around the place, and it does not need a huge investment," said Partha Sarathi Samal, a private tour operator, who offers such packages to Koraput.
On Shivratri, the popular Gupteswar Temple in the district attracted around 75,000 visitors. The average tourist inflow to the district has been around 15,000 since November last year.
