Miles and miles of dense green forests, gurgling rivers, infinitely long coastlines, lakes and lagoons of pristine beauty… Odisha is gifted with immense natural beauty. This is the land of valleys, waterfalls, high peaks and stunning wildlife. The state is also home to some of the finest beaches in the country. While there is something for everyone, many tourists are in search of relatively unexplored destinations so that they can take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Men’s Hockey World Cup-2018, the biggest sporting event the state capital Bhubaneswar has ever hosted, has hugely added to the tourist footfall in the state. The event has drawn thousands of sports enthusiasts as well as tourists from across the globe to the Temple City. The state tourism department, a host partner to the event, has set up ‘May I Help You’ desks at important places in the city and district headquarters. The state government has also announced attractive tour packages to woo tourists.
Orissa POST lists some select eco-tourism destinations which are worth a visit in winter.
Nature Camp of Nuanai (Puri)
The Balukhanda-Konark wildlife sanctuary is strategically located along the Marine Drive road between the towns of Puri and Konark and is spread over 40 km along the coastline. The sanctuary was so designated in 1984. The entire stretch, which is covered by plantations of casuarinas and cashew trees, attracts tourists round the year. Spotted deer abound in the area, but the main attraction is the rare Blackbuck species which has been relocated here this year from Ganjam. Every year, lakhs of tourists travel down the Marine Drive road from Puri to Konark.
The Nature Camp at Nuanai is located within the protected area of Balukhanda-Konark wildlife sanctuary where the tourists can stay and enjoy nature in the coastal area. The place is surrounded with a green forest on the banks of the river Nuanai close to its confluence point with the Bay of Bengal.
Tents of Rissia (Kuldiha)
The Kuldiha reserve forest is located at the trijunction of Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts and is spread across an area of 272.75 km. Kuldiha has hills, valleys and streams. Tented accommodation is available for tourists at the Gohirabhola nature camp site near Rissia Dam inside the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
The tents have double bed facility with attached bath cum toilet. They are fitted with solar lights and solar fans. Hot water is supplied to the tents through a separate pipeline. Facilities available in the eco-tourism complex include boating, animal sighting, swing and slides, hammocks, and tea cottage among others.
Boatrides along Bichitrapur Mangrove (Balasore)
Bichitrapur mangrove forest adjoins a small hamlet on the border of Balasore district and Medinipur East district, very close to Digha, and comes under the Balasore Wildlife Division of Odisha. A boat ride on the Subarnarekha river is the best way to explore the forest. The ride will take you into the deep forest of mangroves and to the meeting point of Subarnarekha river and the Bay of Bengal.
During the ride, one travels along mangroves and virgin casuarina forests. Tourists can see neighbouring villages, a salubrious beach, plenty of red ghost crabs and horseshoe crabs, winged guests of winter as well as the resident birds, and rare tortoise among others. To stay overnight, cottages are available at the destination.
Wildlife in Barehipani (Mayurbhanj)
The Barehipani Falls is a two-tiered waterfall located in the Simlipal National Park of Mayurbhanj district. It is the second highest fall in the country and tourists are captivated by its majesty and the roar of the rushing waters. The Park is known for sheltering wild elephants, Indian bisons, Royal Bengal Tigers and antelopes.
This year, the eco-tourism cell of the Odisha Forest Development Corporation Limited (OFDCL) will launch 10 new AC rooms at the destination to enable visiting tourists to have a comfortable stay.
OFDCL eco-tourism cell project manager Swadesh Kumar Biswal said, “Ecotourism is promoted to conserve nature for the welfare of those living in the forests who are dependent on forest products for their livelihood. It is about feeling nature, caring for it and spreading awareness to help in the conservation of natural resources and wildlife. Not only Odias, tourists from abroad too get the chance to explore the natural wonders of our state.”
Tree houses of Kaliamba
Far from the maddening crowds of the city, the clean and unpolluted environment of the village Kaliamba is sure to rejuvenate you. Barking deer, wild boar, jackals and Giant Malabar Squirrels are commonly sighted here along with peacocks and other birds and animals. To get a unique wildlife experience, book a stay in the tree house set up by OFDCL in the lush forest of Kaliamba, Ganjam . The tree houses provide a close view of Giant Squirrels nesting on the same Ficus tree on which the house is perched. The Giant Squirrel with a 2ft long colourful tail and dark red fur on a majestic slender body is seen hopping and jumping from one branch to other on the trees,making loud calls. They rarely leave the tree except for chasing a mating partner.
Standing at a height of 30 ft in the lap of nature, you can experience the early morning mist and the stars shining through the windows of the well-ventilated tree house at night.
Sidhamula for ecotourism
Sidhamula, 25 km away from Khandapada of Nayagarh district, is a unique destination. The crystal blue waters of the Mahanadi, the sprawling sands, the fishing boats on the extensive water surface, the divining birds, the splendid hillocks bordering the flanks and the greenery will inspire any nature loving tourist. The gentle breeze blowing across the water makes the climate pleasant. It is a place that can be developed as an all-weather tourist destination. The place has the added advantage of proximity to other forests, which are well protected and preserved. Hanumantia, Dengabahada, Barakhola, Mainsibandha and Manivadra Reserve Forests located close by make this a hub of ecotourism.
Trekking in Sarafgarh woods
Sarafgarh is a mix of dry deciduous forest and the nearby reserve forests. It is an excellent habitat for leopard, elephants, wild pig, barking deer, and porcupine among others. Eco-tourists can opt for a trek to the Masabira Picnic area and can enjoy the beautiful landscape on the banks of the Sarafgarh reservoir. The tourist circuit also includes Ushakothi caves which are famous for ancient rock paintings. The visitors can also go to Koili Ghughar, a popular place of pilgrimage which has a river, waterfall and picnic area too.
Jungle Safari in Chandaka (near Bhubaneswar)
The Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, spreads over an area of 193.39 sq km and is home to wild elephants and birds. Deras and Godibari are two nature camps that have been set up inside the sanctuary.
On a jungle safari, one can see from different viewpoints enormous stretches of green meadows, tall grasses and waterholes, and wildlife moving from one place to another. Staying overnight in the sanctuary is a great experience as one feels the difference between a bustling city life and living in the lap of nature.
The jungle safari from afternoon to dusk is a special treat offered by the forest department. Large number of birds can be seen in the forests of Chandaka on sunny winter mornings and herds of spotted deer and other mammals can be seen all day from the OFDCL cottages at Deras.
SOYONG, OP
