First cruise to Odisha not allowed to harbour at Gopalpur Port
Minati Singha | TNN | Jan 19, 2019, 21:34 ISTBHUBANESWAR: The harbouring of the first luxury cruise in Odisha coast faced major roadblocks after Gopalpur Port denied permission for dropping its anchor there citing the ongoing maintenance work in the port. It would deprive the tourists from witnessing Olive Ridley nesting at Rushikulya, birds’ paradise at Mangalajodi in Chilika Lake apart from other attractions in south Odisha like Jirang Buddhist Monastry.
“Since the berth maintenance work in Gopalpur Port is going on the port authorities did not give permission for harbouring of the cruise ship there. We have approached the port about two to three months ago,” said Sudhakar Sahoo, manager of J M Baxi Stevedoring Agency.
Silver Discoverer- the luxury cruise, departing from Chennai on January 22 and will cover visit to the other ports like Vishakhapatnam, Sundarbans, Mahehkhali Island, St Martin Island (Bangladesh), Nagapali Beach, Rakhine State, Mawlamyine and Hpa An Port Yazar in Yangoon in Myanmar. The cruise will land at Paradip Port on January 26.
“The liner was very keen to include Gopalpur on sea port so that it can show case Asia’s largest brackish water Chilka Lake, and witness the migratory birds, Irawadi dolphins as well the Olive Ridley turtles during this period in Puri and Ganjam district. The Gopalpur port needs to come forward and welcome this new segment of business for a win - win situation,” said Benjamin Simon, founder of Travel Link Tour operator.
The maiden cruise will provide much required boost to Cruise tourism in Odisha and in particular to upcoming ports like Gopalpur. “When the International Cruise business is shifting focus to India we need to engage and enhance cruise passenger terminal facilities at existing ports with seamless immigration, custom services and tourist assistance facilities along with the offering of local arts and crafts shopping at the sites, which can generate income and support to the local community,” Simon said.
The tourist will cover visit to the ancient Buddhist heritage site at Ratnagiri,Udayagiri and Lalitagiri, weaving villages in Jajpur district in Odisha and get a glimpse of Odisha’s traditional cuisine and culture.
“Since the berth maintenance work in Gopalpur Port is going on the port authorities did not give permission for harbouring of the cruise ship there. We have approached the port about two to three months ago,” said Sudhakar Sahoo, manager of J M Baxi Stevedoring Agency.
Silver Discoverer- the luxury cruise, departing from Chennai on January 22 and will cover visit to the other ports like Vishakhapatnam, Sundarbans, Mahehkhali Island, St Martin Island (Bangladesh), Nagapali Beach, Rakhine State, Mawlamyine and Hpa An Port Yazar in Yangoon in Myanmar. The cruise will land at Paradip Port on January 26.
“The liner was very keen to include Gopalpur on sea port so that it can show case Asia’s largest brackish water Chilka Lake, and witness the migratory birds, Irawadi dolphins as well the Olive Ridley turtles during this period in Puri and Ganjam district. The Gopalpur port needs to come forward and welcome this new segment of business for a win - win situation,” said Benjamin Simon, founder of Travel Link Tour operator.
The maiden cruise will provide much required boost to Cruise tourism in Odisha and in particular to upcoming ports like Gopalpur. “When the International Cruise business is shifting focus to India we need to engage and enhance cruise passenger terminal facilities at existing ports with seamless immigration, custom services and tourist assistance facilities along with the offering of local arts and crafts shopping at the sites, which can generate income and support to the local community,” Simon said.
The tourist will cover visit to the ancient Buddhist heritage site at Ratnagiri,Udayagiri and Lalitagiri, weaving villages in Jajpur district in Odisha and get a glimpse of Odisha’s traditional cuisine and culture.
FROM AROUND THE WEB
more from times of india Cities
LATEST VIDEOS
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE