Bhubaneswar, June 27: The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has announced special packages for tourists to visit Puri and get a vantage view of the rath yatra.

Four packages are part of the OTDC itinerary. While two rooftop packages will allow tourists a vantage view of the yatra, the other two will offer transport services.

The rooftop tour package from Bhubaneswar to Puri begins at 6am from Panthanivas here on July 10, the rath yatra day. Those opting for this tour will get seats atop a temple in Puti. The OTDC will provide the tourists snacks, a vegetarian lunch and beverages.

Tourists from western Odisha are also being offered a two-nights, one-day special tour service on July 9. Tourists will have to board an OTDC bus from Panthanivas, Sambalpur, at 9pm. They will reach Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar, early next morning and begin for Puri at 6am. These tourists will also get the rooftop view along with lunch and dinner.

“We have arranged for one of the best rooftop views. The spot is close to the Jagannath temple,” said Alok Mishra, marketing manager, OTDC.

Of the rooftop packages, the trip from Bhubaneswar is priced at Rs 3,500 for adults and Rs 2,550 for children below 12. The one from Sambalpur is priced at Rs 4,340 for adults and Rs 4,010 for children.

The other two tours from Bhubaneswar are air-conditioned transport service to witness the car festival at Rs 500 per head and another special transport package from July 11 to bahuda yatra on July 18 at Rs 600 per head per day.

Benefits for servitors

Law minister Maheswar Mohanty, who represents Puri Assembly constituency, today held a meeting with the servitors of Jagannath temple and assured them of welfare measures.

Arvind Padhee, chief administrator of the temple, said: “We have agreed in principle to introduce a comprehensive health insurance policy for the servitors and their family members.”

The servitors also urged the government to introduce a monthly pension scheme for those who have completed 60 years.