Dikhyaa Mohanty 
A familiarization tour was planned for Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) from different nations as part of the 6th Odisha Travel Bazar, which was co-hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Odisha Tourism Department. In order for the delegates to create custom travel packages for foreign visitors, the trip was designed to provide them an up-close look at Odisha’s rich cultural legacy, historical sites, and natural beauties.
The FTOs visited a number of well-known locations around the state. Lalitgiri, a significant location in Odisha’s Diamond Triangle and known for its historic Buddhist stupas, temples, and relics, was on their agenda. Additionally, they went to Bhitarkanika National Park, where they explored the Crocodile Breeding Center, saw crocodiles, and crossed mangrove streams. Another trip highlight was the immaculate Pentha Beach, which is well-known for its red crabs and panoramic splendor.
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which include elaborate Jain sculptures from the first century BCE, also astounded the delegates. They learned about the traditional handicrafts and tribal treasures of Odisha at the Kala Bhoomi Craft Museum. Following an immersive experience of the Light and Sound Show at Konark, the tour included a visit to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architectural magnificence.
The FTOs’ exploration of Raghurajpur, a historic crafts hamlet renowned for its Gotipua dance and Pattachitra paintings, enhanced their trip even more. They also went to the Dhauli Peace Pagoda, a representation of the state’s Buddhist past, and the Mukteswar and Rajarani Temples, which are prime examples of Odisha’s distinctive temple architecture.
