EXPERIENCE THE UNEXPLORED ODISHA

Visakhapatnam to Daringbadi via Rayagada

Before heading off to the tempting attractions on this trail, a quick stop en route at Chekaguda brings you to the 151 m suspension bridge hanging bridge over the river Nagavali, which is the second of its kind in the state. You will love tranquil Daringbadi, a designated hill station of Odisha. Meet up with Kutia Kondh tribes in the nearby Kotagad region at the village haat or in their villages. Explore Mandasaru, The Silent valley with its two perennial and four seasonal waterfalls. Soak up the magical nuances of Gopalur-on Sea Beach and enjoy thrilling watersports. In Berhampur buy silk/fabric and enjoy yummy seafood.

Chekaguda

The 151 metre long Suspension bridge, the second of its kind in the state, links the two banks of the river Nagavali, and offers connectivity to the poor rural tribal of population, About 20,000-odd tribal villages living in nine panchayats, on either side of the Nagavali river, at the outskirts of the town; the bridge has proved to be a real blessing as it has certainly brought them closer to Rayagada town, which is about 3km away. It is designed by Karnataka based Bharat Grama Sethu pratisthan.

Gopalpur

Located in Ganjam District, Gopalpur Sea Beach offers the uncrowded vistas and gorgeous sunsets. Take a leisurely stroll down the beautiful promenade. You can plunge into the pleasures of several aqua activities from cruises to water sports, like surfing, windsurfing, water scooter rides, paddle boat rides, Dig into delicious preparations of prawns and crab and other fish, cooked Odia-style. The Gopalpur Beach Festival was first held in 1996 and which is held annually to promote the city’ s history and culture. Around 16km by road from Brahmapur (or Berhampur) town, Gopalpur was an important port for maritime Kalinga. It was an important military port during World War 1 and was used by soldiers to embark on a journey to Burma, what is now known as Myanmar. Later, it was transformed into a beach resort, and populated mostly by retirved Anglo-Indians -former employees of the Bengal Nagpur Railway. Excursions to other destinations such as Tara Tarini Temple, Jaugada, Chilika Lake, Ansupa Lake, Hirakud Reservoir and Chandragiri are also frequently organized from Gopalpur.

Berhampur

You will love your explorations of this old maritime hub where wonderful culinary experiences await the visitor. Dig deep into its textile heritage in the well-stocked shops in the bazar and craft centres. Odisha’s weavers have long been renowned for their exceptional skills and the rich sericulture activities support its excellent production of tassar silk. Be sure to pick up some gorgeous tassar saris or fabric in the Berhampur’s markets. And don’t forget its reputation for lovely handlooms as well. About 30km away from Berhampur, the Tara Tarini Temple is one of India’s four ancient Adi shakti Pithas. Legend has it that the breast of the goddess Sati fell here. The temple, though, is dedicated to the twin goddesses, Tara, and Tarini- and their shrine is located atop Purnagiri Hill.

Kotagarh wildlife sanctuary

For naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is worth going the extra mile. While Bhitarkanika and Simlipal are the big draws in Odisha’s wildlife tourism circuit, kotagarh is increasingly gaining prominence as a key elephant habitat. Around 125km from Daringbadi lies this pristine forest, which was declared a sanctuary in 1981. In this remote belt, inhabited by the kutia kondh and Desia Kondh, tribal life intertwines seamlessly with the elephant corridor that runs from Daspalla and Karlapat through to Lakhari valley. The habitat also includes tiger leopard, gaur, sloth bear, chital and a wide variety of antelopes, across 400sq km of dense jungles. Additionally, it is a birder’s paradise. There are watchtowers built at strategic places. November to February is at strategic places. One can spend time on other pursuits as well, such as visiting a kutia kondh village, trek to Dimbili Hill to spend time by a perennial stream and hang about the watch tower nearby for sightings. The majestic Ludu waterfall is another key attraction.