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Travel Advisory

Tourism is a recognised social phenomenon and its successes depend on adopting values of sustainability of natural resources and adhering to socio-cultural ethos of the land.
Government of Odisha proposes / has drawn out / has charted a few measures to be followed by tourists to sustain the pristine sanctity of the state, to conserve and protect its bounty.
Safekeeping & following the policies laid out by Odisha Tourism for tour operators and tourists will help attain the best practiced standards and will promote the growth of sustainable tourism.

1
Travel Guidelines for Responsible Tourism
  • Some research on customs and practices of Odisha while planning your visit, will help you get along the local quite amicably
  • Learning a few basic words of greetings and polite phrases in the native language before your visit, will help you win their love and appreciation
  • Dress accordingly to be a part of the local environs, especially when it comes to visiting places of worship and cultural heritage.
  • Avoid trying to purchase or own things acquired unlawfully or which are not legally permissible or even the ones that might be protected or endangered
  • Do not force entry into prohibited or restricted areas that might disrupt the local ecology or cultural sentiments
  • Conserve electrical energy. Switch or turn off electricals and appliances when not required
  • We’re a no-polythene zone. Kindly avoid carrying non-reusable plastic and also discarding them at public places
  • Avoid harming trees and plants of Odisha. The growth of green cover of the state is at an all-time national high and solemnly contributes to the world’s greenery
  • Avoid overuse, wastage of water and pollution of waterbodies, and contribute to the global movement for conservation of water resources
  • Avoid littering at public places and ensure that waste is disposed only in bins earmarked for the purpose
  • Pets will not be allowed inside any park or reserve
  • Do not gather or collect any form of fauna or flora from sanctuaries, parks or nature camps
  • Be aware of the negative aspects of insensitive behaviour. Avoid taking photographs of people without their consent and ignoring the local culture
  • Do not interfere with scientific research facilities or equipment
  • Follow generally prescribed dress codes of not wearing colourful clothes or perfumes. Khakis, browns and greens are best suited
  • Do not damage plants – e.g. by walking, driving, or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered areas
  • Keep noise to the minimum to avoid unsettling the wildlife
  • Be aware of locations that have been accorded special protection or fall under any purview of restrictions regarding entry and the activities that can be carried out in and around the location
  • Do not damage, remove or destroy historic sites or monuments, or any artefacts associated with them
  • Please take necessary permits before visits
  • Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife
  • Do not buy animal products as souvenirs as this encourages further endangering of these species
  • Always remain inside your accommodation at night
  • Animals are wild and can be dangerous
  • Do not feed, touch or handle birds and animals; do not approach or photograph them in ways that may cause them to alter their behaviour
  • Take special care when animals are breeding or moulting
  • Silence and discipline is required to spot wildlife
  • Small groups are preferred
  • Early mornings and late afternoons are the ideal time to visit forests
  • Travelling alone is prohibited especially in the Elephant/Tiger Reserves
  • Always carry drinking water, tea/coffee, snacks etc.
  • Seek the assistance of a forest guard while going into the forests
  • Trekkers are advised to use jungle boots to ensure safety
  • Carry a first aid kit with medicines for common ailments
  • Avoid smoking
  • Radios and tape recorders are to be avoided
  • Do not litter the surroundings
  • Do not remove anything from the Sanctuary/Park/Nature camps
  • Carry a note pad, flash light, road maps, bus, train and airline time-tables
  • Do not try to explore unfamiliar things
  • Be careful during boat rides. Don't do anything that will rock the boat or endanger lives
  • Please be patient- do not expect to sight animals all the time
  • Prepare definite pre-departure programmes
  • Collect and distribute awareness modules amongst visitors/tourists before their departure to the destination (This should include Culture, History, Food habits, Climate, Responsible travel tour programmes, Health cares, Do's and Don'ts, Dress code etc. - information to be relevant, brief and communicative)
  • Fix group sizes for all programmes while accounting for the carrying capacity of the destination. Determine group sixes in accordance with the Tour Package
  • Give detail information to tourists on arrival at the destination (continuation of the awareness programme - Interactive sessions, Audio-visual presentations, Environmental films, Printed materials etc.)
  • All escorted tours should have tour managers. They are responsible for ensuring that privacy and dignity of areas visited is maintained
  • Prevention of cultural impacts should be part of awareness programmes (Special mention on dress codes, thorough filtering of tourists to sensitive areas, handouts of culture-shocks, family binding, customs etc. to be well communicated.)
  • Promote the appreciation of religious places and respect for local culture by discouraging the purchase of religious objects or heirloom
  • Indigenous plant saplings may be taken and tourists should be encouraged to plant them near the campsites or on the trails
  • Please ensure that Campsites are left clean and all non-biodegradable garbage is carried back for proper disposal