Daringbadi

Trip to Kashmir/Darjeeling of Odisha

Let me take this opportunity to narrate my experience in a trip to Daringbadi(Phulbani i.e Kandhamal district) during 22-25, October 2015. I will try my best not to make it too long to avoid monotony and boredom for the readers.

I would first suggest all my friends who have not visited the place so far to pay a visit to the place asap with close family members preferably during October 15 to March 15. I shall give you all possible details which may motivate you to plan your trip. Truly, to me, the place did prove to be the Kashmir or Darjeeling of Odisha. This place will suit to those of you who love nature, as the place is replete with scenic beauty which cannot be properly described in words.

Fortunately my trip to Daringbadi in Kandhamal district clicked with the help of my science teacher-friend Mr. Devi Prasad Satapathy of Police High School, Phulbani, who arranged one of his friends Mr. Prahallad C. Lenka, a senior teacher in Balliguda govt. boys high school,  to look after my journey. Mr. Lenka reserved a guest room in IB of PWD dept  of Balliguda, which runs the IB in Daringbadi. The reservation in the IB was really the turning point in my travel plan. I thought, it won’t happen as I initiated the travel plan quite late, a week before its execution.

I do not remember when did I travel last in a bus to a distant place. In fact I was interested to re-live the experience of a night bound bus journey at this age reaching 60, to testify whether I can take the strain of a bus journey or not(which of course I did). Immediately I booked the ticket to Balliguda where Mr. Lenka stays. Balliguda is 57 Km away from Daringbadi. Though Daringbadi can be approached via Bhanjanagar, Soroda with a lesser distance, I thought of the longer one via Balliguda so as to meet my friend Mr. Lenka who had reserved IB room for me and assured me to monitor my journey throughout.

As planned I boarded the night bound bus on 22nd October night from BBSR  and occupied a two sleeper coach to sleep comfortably. This was a Omm Chakadola travels ( which have both AC and non-AC luxury coaches, I chose non AC) starting from BBSR at 9.40 pm every night. I  did sleep comfortably from 10.30 pm to 4 am in the fast moving bus (what a pleasant experience !!!)   and reached Balliguda by 7 am which is about 300 km from BBSR. Mr. Lenka came to the bus stop to pick me up and installed me in Santosh Hotel for fresh-up. That was a Vijaya Dashmi day in which he was awfully busy in home puja. Despite that he did everything for me as required. I took a 10.30 am local passanger bus to travel from Balliguda to Daringbadi. I took great pleasure in the bus-ride in hilly roads, going up-hill and down-hill alternately through dense forests, big mountains every where in a chilled atmosphere for 2 hours, only to give a scintillating feel to my being. I reached Daringbadi at about 2 pm and quickly unloaded my airbag in the IB room and rushed to the best hotel of Daringbadi “Hotel Hill View” on recommendation of the caretaker of IB, Mr. Ugrasen Mallick. I shall talk about this hotel separately later. Then I stayed over there three days and two nights, intereacting with people and places and got overwhelmed with the humility, simplicity and hospitality i received from them. The tranquility of the place stands truly beyond any description. I cannot forget the profound effect which my trip cast on my being. The conclusion is : one must take a break and go for outing to a place of solitude like this or any other according to ones taste at least once a year. This gives a remarkable effect on both the mind and body: a thing which rest of India should learn from the Bengalis who are passionate about holiday trips and do it ceremoniously every year with a good planning.  I returned back to Cuttack again via Balliguda on 25th oct. night at 8.15 pm so as to reach my home on 26th morning. I stayed for about 3 hours in Mr. Lenka’s house before boarding the bus at Balliguda,  interacting with the family members particularly with his son who is doing chemistry honours in Phulbani Govt. college. I took dinner with the family after which Mr. Lenka came to the bus stop to see me off. Now I shall be describing briefly the places in and around  Daringbadi which I visited during my stay. I was alone all through as my wife cannot accompany me because of my old mother who is on her 90s and wants my wife every time near her.

There are six important places in and around Daringbadi which I visited. Daringbadi is a very small place in which Chari Chhak is the place of central activity. The IB in which I was staying is 20 metre away from Chari Chhak. One way from the chhak leads to Brahmani gaan, the second to Soroda(Ganjam), the third to Greenbadi and the fourth to Balliguda from where I came to Daringbadi.

(1) Mdiubanda Water-fall: This is very less reported place in the internet. I doubt whether I have seen anywhere in the net about this water fall. Every one talks of Putudi water fall which is different and is near to Phulbani town, not Daringbadi.

This water fall is located 15 kms away from Daringbadi Chari Chhak in the direction of Brahmani gaan. I started by 9 am in a reserved auto rickshaw, whose owner, Mr. Bhalu babu, a young man in  20s  was the driver as well as my guide. He was very cooperative and professional. My words will fail to narrate my excitement, thrill and rapture when we were travelling the 15 km distance thourgh Dasingbadi ghat crossing several hills through dense forest. This journey itself is a sight seeing experience in its own right, leave aside the water fall. After reaching the Mdiubanda locality, we got out of the vehicle to proceed to the fall site. Bhalu babu asked me to organize the visit alone, which I declined. He willingly accompanied with me. The walk from the vehicle-stop area to water-fall is itself an exciting experience. We had to walk about

300 metre through dense bushes and beautiful flowering plants piercing through ups and downs of hills in narrow routes(cannot be called roads). Sometimes the width of the walking route squeezed to a few centimeters through the bushes. It was very scary for me, but enjoyed the walk with Bhalu babu. Not only there were invisible narrow paths, but also several stair-cases in between to cross. The walking of the distance was pleasantly strenuous with unforgettable scenic beauty of the plants and dense bushes. Old people who do not keep fit will find it inconvenient to traverse the distance.

The water fall was awesome. We spent nearly an hour over there. A few tribal boys came there to take bath. We took pictures and videos. The atmosphere was simply electrifying, more due to its environment of tranquility and deep forest all around.This was an unforgettable moment for me. The last picture is a selfie with Bhallu babu.

(2) Coffee and Black Pepper plantation:
On our return to Daringbadi in the same route(Brahmani gann to Daringbadi) we stopped at the huge Coffee plantation area very near to Chari Chhak. In this area, there is huge plantation of sky scrapers Silver Oak and Acacia trees which were densely wound by the black pepper creeper plants. In between the tall trees were the dwarf coffee plants scattered endlessly in the area. The entire area were so thickly covered by trees and plants that hardly any sunlight could be able to penetrate inside and the area was looking dark even at noon. I walked inside for about 20 minutes and intereacted with the caretaker who showed me the coffee seeds and black pepper bunch in the plants.The site was really beautiful and the calmness of rich man-made forest was simply great.

(3) Silent Valley :
We returned back to the Chari Chhak from Coffee plantation site and went in the direction of Greenbadi. Just within 3 Km we reached a place called Dasiketa and came to the top of a hill connected by red-stone road(not pucca). This place is called silent valley, as the sight here down the hill is simply electrifying. From here one can look very beautifully coloured (red, green, blue, yellow) fields, greenery, flowering plants, hills reminiscent of our childhood days of drawing scenery in our drawing copies. Really the place is utterly silent to glorify its naming. One will be simply lost to a different world looking to the bounty of nature and will feel as if the nature has painted in its own hand with brush and colour so beautifully. We spent about 30 minutes, and had to leave under duress only to fill our hungry stomach.

(4) Lover's Point :
The name appeared to me very exotic and romantic and i had lot of expectations and excitement to see this place. After taking lunch, myself and my guide young friend Bhallu babu went in the direction of Balliguda traversing through hilly and ghat areas(which i had already experienced the day before while coming to Daringbadi, but beautiful contentment always appear new as many times as they are seen). 20 Km from Darinbadi going via Simanbadi, we reached a placed called Kirikuti. 2 Km from Kirikuti there is a place called ADIVASI.  Just before ADIVASI, we took a right turn and reached a site within 200 metre from the main road, the exotic place called  LOVER'S POINT. The place was really mind boggling. It has a fast running and very wide perennial stream beside a barren hill having flat and semi flat surfaces. The stream is jumping several steps down to spread out larger areas and disappearing after great distance. I was lucky to reach there at a time(1 PM) when no one was there except we two. Bhallu babu also took leave for quite some time to answer the call of nature. I was left alone in the lap of nature to remain in rapturous ecstasy for about 30 minutes. In the December and January, i was told that this is a picnic spot. May be lovers from all round the locality and elsewhere congregate there to enjoy the beauty of nature.

(5) Emu Birds Sanctuary:
While returning from Lover's point we stopped at Kirikuti to visit Emu birds sanctuary. I had never seen Emu birds. These are very tall(more than 6 feet) with long neck(like peacock) and long legs. They do not have wings, so cannot fly. They can only hop long distance at a maximum speed of 30 Km per hour. They have soft feathers throughout their bodies. They look very innocent and beautiful. Their life span is about 40 years.  There were more than 40 birds, males and females together. Their eggs are very big and deep green in colour. I enjoyed staying about 20 minutes interacting with the birds and their caretaker.

(6) Hill  View Park :
While returning to Daringbadi, we visited the Hill View Park. This is basically a park on a hill top. The natural greenery and flowering plants and many play items for children make the park still more beautiful. From the top of the park, one can take an areal view of the entire surrounding. This sight is really mind blowing. This is the only place where we had to buy ticket of Rs.5/- to visit.

Hotel Hill View:
This is hotel about 300 m from Chari Chhak in the Soroda direction. The hotel is manned by two young brothers Mr. Lalatendu Sahu(elder) and Mr. Hirendranath Sahu(younger). The food is exceptionally good, home style, very tasty with no or limited oil and spices, served over large circular leaf on plates, hygienically very sound. The two brothers use to take personal care of each customer. They were very humble and professional. I had developed a good friendship with the younger brother Hirendra.

Accommodation:
PWD IB: It is available only if the rooms are free, as they are mostly occupied by govt. servants and politicians. You have to book at the Executive Engineer(PWD) office at Balliguda. Phone No.0684-6243242.  During season, it is very difficult to get a reservation over there. But its possible. First to call this number to ensure the vacancy. Then send your application with details to them by fax(the number they will give you). They will also send you the allotment by fax. The room rent is very cheap Rs.120/- per night double bed (check out 7AM). The disadvantage in IB is that you do not have a TV in many rooms and at night if you do not have a reading habit, then you are bored. I also did not get wi fi in a Tata Docomo dongle, but i was nevered bored. The caretaker Mr Ugrasen Mallick was too good a person and he made my stay really comfortable.
Hotels: There are now two privately managed hotels. In 2016, two new hotels will join, now in full swing of construction. The existing hotels are
(a) Deers Eco Home: This is on the top of a hill, totally isolated from the population. You cannot come outside on walking usually and have to arrange some vehicle which are abundantly available there. This place is suitable to Bengalis, as i gathered. The hotel has its own dining room for serving food four times along with tea/coffee. The room rent Rs. 1000/- double bed.  To book room in advance contact : Mr.Anil Swain, Phone: 09438422452 ;  09861596261;  09338880894; website: www.ecotourism.org.in ;   Email : deersindia@yahoo.com
(b) Hotel Utopia:  This is very close to my favourite hotel Hill View. If i would not have got accommodation in govt. IB,  i would have preferred this hotel. This hotel is managed by a lady Ms Renubala Sahu. Phone nos: 9437781972;  9692760666; 0684-9245385. Website: www.hotelutopia.in;   Email: hotelutopia.daringbadi@yahoo.com . The room rent here is Rs.800/- double bed.
Shreetam Tea Stall:
I was taking two times lemon tea and one time ginger tea, which Shreetam Pradhan, a fine young man, was preparing according to my requirement, loading heavily with lemon and ginger respectively.  This tea stall is just in front of the IB. I enjoyed their company a lot.

A Word of Caution:
Mosquito Net: Although i did not face any health problems there as i was using mosquito net(curtain) which was available in the IB. Most young people nowadays, as i am inclined to believe, do not use a net, instead they use Liquid Mosquito Repellant(eg Good Knight etc.). For those making night halt(which one should do), one must use mosquito net preferably. Make sure that the hotel you live in provides the mosquito nets. If not, then apply ODOMOS paste in different parts of your body as soon as you enter your room in the evening along with Liquid Mosquito Repellant working throughout day and night. Sometimes, the area is infected with malarial parasites and visitors catch malaria. So in the best case, if it is possible, before starting to the place, visit a doctor and get some anti-malarial preventive medicines and proceed under the cover of the medicines. Well this is to be taken as the extreme step. I never did that. But i did take care about preventing mosquito bite by using net while sleeping.
Drinking Water: You should never drink water from the tap or that provided by the hotel or IB. You should always drink mineral water preferably BISILERI or KINLEY which are abundantly available in the market.
With these two precautions i.e mosquito preventive and drinking water, i am sure there will be absolutely no risk factor in your trip.

I am grateful to my dear friend Mr. Rangalal Jamuda, IAS working as Secretary, Govt. of India, Ministry of FPI, New Delhi for giving me this valuable advice for informing you the precautionary measures that you should take while visiting there.

More Suggestions to Futhre First Time Visitors:
If you are moving in a group, say 4/5 or more, you can use a big van(Tavera type) and travel by road. It will be more enjoyable and cheaper too. You can start after morning breakfast and comfortably reach there by evening or late evening. You take packed lunch from home or better eat in a DHABBA . You stay a minimum of two nights. Just after the first night halt, i.e on the next day you make all your sight-seeing tours. Then again stay the second night there. On the next day morning after breakfast you start from there to reach BBSR or your home by evening. Always take lunch and dinner at Daringbadi from my favorite HOTEL HILL VIEW, from nowhere else. Good quality morning tiffins are abundantly available in south indian style(Dosa, Chakuli pitha, Ghugni, Aludam, Chatni etc) with a very cheap price at several places near Chari Chhak. Take every thing when hot. Do not drink water from there.
If you are one or two, it is better to travel by bus, as i did.
Conclusion: Let me conclude this blog, by paying my gratitude to my friend Mr. Prahallad Lenka and his family particularly his wife Ms Diptimayee Rath, who is a Govt. of Odisha award-winner teacher in the locality for all the hospitality they had extended  to make my trip so much enjoyable and memorable. Thanks Lenka Babu.
This blog has been created only due to the active guidance of my elder nephew. He is my Facebook Guru, I owe you a lot Bhanje.

God bless you all.