Odisha Tourism: Three Lighthouses yet to be developed

Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: Odisha government has been focusing on the tourism sector of late. There are many tourist destinations in the state with highest tourist footfall. And, the three lighthouses in the state could become best tourist destinations by paying attention and developing those into tourist spots.

It is noteworthy that, the states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have already developed lighthouses into tourist spots to boost heritage tourism. In 2013, the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships has decided to develop 12 lighthouses across the country including three in Odisha. Ministry of Shipping has also approved the scheme.

Even after two years, the three lighthouses in Odisha are not developed yet. The the lighthouses are located in Chandrabhaga, Gopalpur and the False Point in Kendrapara. Among these, False Point lighthouse located in Batighar village on the bank of river Kharinasi in Kendrapara district. It is the first lighthouse that was set up in the eastern coast  of India. Puri has been the best tourist destination in Odisha and millions of tourist do visit this holy city. A network to the other lighthouses from Puri would help in boosting tourists flow to these areas.

Experts believe that due to lack of infrastructure and communication tourists are not visiting to these lighthouses. The state government need to do the ground work to develop these lighthouses as tourist spots. The promotion of lighthouses would boost tourism sector in Odisha and it would be a big step towards boosting heritage tourism in Odisha.