Driving out of the industrial smoke Talcher toward the quiet core of the Chhendipada block the first signs of the softening of the landscapes come. The gray blanket of coal dust is gradually replaced with thick green foliage. This is where you find Patrapada, a place that seems like a nice, well kept secret of the surrounding Patrapada Angul region. About 67 kilometers from the main town, this little village is a refuge of one of the most attractive fresh natural sceneries of the district. Here a clear brook and the Patrapada waterfall situated in an astonishingly beautiful landscape of dense woods and colossal cliffs tell the story. Why this place?
There is an unspoken belief that the waters here are the blessings of the goddess Maa Bayani who resides in the stone temple nearby. The heart somehow understands what the signs do not indicate that the spirit of the forest is the most alive where the water cascades.
Besides being a natural site, the waterfall in Angul has for its way an aspect of spiritual devotion. At the bottom of the Patrapada waterfall, is where you will find the cradle of Maa Bayani Pitha. It is a simple place of worship where the local village people have been showing their devotion for many generations. To get to the water falling down, you come across a beautifully maintained Jagannath temple and a deserted Baba Matha. Instead of making one big leap, the Angul waterfall here drops step by step along the rocky cliffs into several small, sparkling pools.
Once upon a time, it was a Tuesday morning, a fresh pool was going to sit by. Nature’s air conditioner was so effective that one could hardly recognize the summer heat of the Odisha plains. Here is a place where you can cool down and the heaviness of life will be washed away as if by magic.
If you want to find a picnic place full of fun in Angul, Patrapada, Odisha is definitely a first choice for the local families. The natural features of the place make it great for an outing. At the entrance, there is a tiny park for children and a lovely garden. You will find groups of young people making wood, fire food under the shade of the casuarina and sal trees. The overall vibe is simply happiness. People don’t come only to see the water; they come to share the food and the laughter. Those who wish for some more excitement may discover not only a small cave but also a boating facility next to the stream. It is a simple environment that keeps you in mind that you require very little for happiness, just great food, refreshing water, and a tree’s shade.
Patrapada waterfall can be seen spectacularly if you plan your visit between June and October. The monsoons contribute to the full flow of the stream and the forest is its greenest during this time. Also, the winters are quite nice if you are after a peaceful and quiet trip. My suggestion? You better bring your own refreshments and water from Chhendipada because the local stores only sell very basic goods.
Put on some good sandals as the rocks near the water are very slippery and somewhat scary. Don’t forget to take literally every piece of trash away from your picnic spot in Angul. The goddess and nature have been generous to us; we have to show our gratitude by being good to them.
