Debrigarh wildlife Sancturary introduces new Safari and Cruise

Debrigarh: Hirakud Wildlife Division introduces new Cruise and Safari Packages at Debrrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary on July 1 to be managed by local communities.

These new packages aim to provide tourists with an immersive experience, exploring the cultural and religious significance of the areas surrounding Debrigarh Sanctuary and their synergies with wildlife conservation.

The Hirakud Cruise Package offers a 5-hour journey from Debrigarh Ecotourism to Govindpur – Birds Village, showcasing the breathtaking landscape of Hirakud Lake. Local communities manage the cruise, providing complementary lunch and tea snacks at Govindpur. Each boat accommodates 8 tourists, with two daily trips. Price: Rs. 4500/- (online & offline booking).

The Safari Package, ‘Debrigarh on Wheels’ will take tourists on an open jeep or AC safari to religious and ecologically important sites near Debrigarh. Villagers maintain the route along the borders of Debrigarh Sanctuary and Bargarh Canal. The package includes a boat ride on beautifully designed Wooden Boats, enabling uninterrupted bird photography. Price: Rs. 3500/- (online & offline booking).

Last year, over 30,000 visitors availed Cruise and Safari packages, benefiting local communities through Debrigarh Ecotourism. Revenue reached a record high of Rs. 2.5 Crore, with 90 percent  invested in community welfare and facilities.

Hirakud Wildlife Division is developing parks, renovating temples, and constructing a restaurant to be managed by women SHGs & Ecodevelopment Committees. Precautions will be taken to ensure an eco-friendly, litter-free experience. Local communities are being trained and will be fully prepared by winter, with their wages covered by the revenue from these packages, informed Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Hirakud Wildlife Division