Highlighting the ancient ruins, indigenous tribes, beautiful beaches and famous dance forms of Odisha, the Union government has undertaken the initiative of showcasing the coastal state's many tourist spots which are unique in nature.

Titled ‘Odisha — India’s Best Kept Secret’, Tourism Ministry’s Dekho Apna Desh webinar series took the participants on a virtual journey into the state with a long coastline and Buddhist sites.

Odisha Tourism Secretary Vishal Dev set the tone for the presentation with his introductory remarks giving brief introduction to the state and highlighting the key selling proposition of Odisha such as its ancient civilisation, famous temples with Kalinga-style architecture and long coastline endowed with beautiful beaches.

Outlining the contour of the state, he emphasised on some of the unique tourist spots of the region. The participants were also shown the arts and handicrafts, culture, popular dance forms such as Odissi, Gotipua, and forests.

The Tourism Secretary also highlighted the state's initiative in promoting eco-tourism sites.

Benjamine Simon, managing director, Travel Link and Jitu Mishra, co-founder, Virasat E Hind, the presenters of this eighteenth session of the Ministry of Tourism webinar series, spoke about Odisha’s bouquet of wonderful offerings, which are unique in character such as ancient ruins, legendary shrines, indigenous tribes and Buddhist heritage.

Unveiling the state's royal heritage, they also highlighted its wilderness, adventure activities, sea fronts and picture perfect camp sites.

On the culture front, participants were informed about the state's handicrafts, fair and festivals.

The virtual journey also covered places like Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur Beach, Manglajodi – unique wetland, Satpada, Chilika Lake known for sighting of unique Irrawaddy dolphins, Simlipal National Park, Debrigarh National Park – ecotourism site at Hirakud reservoir, waterfall, Silent Valley – Gorge, Daringbadi nature camp, Mahanadi Gorge, Bhetnoi, beach locations, tribal heritage, arts and crafts, textiles, dance forms and cuisine.

The objective of the ministry's webinar series is to create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations of India – including the lesser-known destinations and lesser-known facets of popular destinations.

For those who had missed these webinars, the sessions are now available here and also on all social media handles of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.