In Odisha, Island Cafe at the Hirakud Dam offers visitors happier, more modern travel options

In a first-of-its-kind ecotourism venture, the Hirakud Wildlife Division constructed a “Island Cafe” on Bat Island, which is next to the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary, to provide tourists and visitors with the unique experience of an open-air hangout location in the midst of a lake.

The Island Cafe is expected to be open every day from 6 am to 6 pm, although it was officially opened for business on Friday. From Debrigarh Nature Camp, visitors may take a 30-minute luxury boat trip to Bat Island, where they can then go to the café. Although they may use the café for breakfast or evening high tea, the total cost of the package, which includes the cruise, is <2,500 for ten people.

Under the direction of the Wildlife Organization, the Hirakud Wildlife Division officials have used this island on the eastern side sustainably to build up the café. All of the facilities and buildings give it a rustic atmosphere, with natural stones, bamboo, and palm trees chosen with care by the Debrigarh local residents.

The responsibility of running the Island Cafe has been given to the few transient fisherman communities on the island, which are being used as a component of the cafe. In addition, a wildlife camp is constructed on the island to defend the Debrigarh Sanctuary from the reservoir side across international borders.

Diners at the Island Cafe | Express enjoying their meals
The café can seat between 60 and 80 visitors at once. The pristine blue seas of Hirakud in front and the craggy cliffs and rock at the rear of the island provide a visual feast for those who intend to visit the café.

The cafe’s traditional Odia cuisine, which includes a variety of Hirakud fish dishes made only by the fisherman for breakfast, is another of its main draws. In addition, visitors may take use of binoculars for bird viewing, purchase dried Hirakud fish for takeout, and enjoy fishing, photography, and sunset views.

Encompassing a 7-kilometer expanse of wooded area on Hirakud Lake, the island was included as “Bat Island” on the Hirakud map by Debrigarh officials in 2022. It is a popular cruise destination, alongside Cattle and Sunset islands. Approximately 1,200 Indian Fruit Bats, often referred to as Indian Flying Foxes, call it home. There is a little stretch of land that separates the island from Debrigarh Sanctuary.