GET, SET, SAIL

Garuda, the luxury houseboat by Vikash Eco Resorts, is a first cruise project of its kind and proportion in Odisha. The boat, propelled by dual engine, has four premium rooms, two suite rooms, lounge, bar and a refreshing area with an elegant deck.

The concept behind designing the houseboat evolved from the ancient festival of Odisha, specifically Puri Jagannath Dham, namely "Chapa". This festival is observed as a trip or yatra of lord in two floating chariots made by combining two boats. The chariot has two swans as the navigator of chariot. The existing houseboats of Kerala gave further inspiration for developing GARUDA.

Following the former Swan concept, a minimalistic design was developed to reflect Odisha's culture. Later, keeping in view the depth of Chilika and other climatic factors, it was decided to reduce the theme to modern while the interiors shall reflect the Odisha's art and culture.

A lot of technical support from experts of Kerala, Chilika Development Authority, Inland Water Transport & Odisha Tourism made the project successful.

The house boat is divided into two floors on the basis of privacy and functionality. The ground floor has a front deck with cockpit, an elegant lounge & bar with two entrances on either side to facilitate flexibility in boarding. The lounge ends with a corridor connecting the four premium rooms, staircase connecting the upper floors, store, kitchen and service zone at the rear.

The furniture of the lounge is modular and is flexible to rearrange as per the event. The interiors are more focused in simplicity and promoting the art and culture of Odisha through various decorative pieces, paintings and artifacts.