While heading deep towards the Satkosia Tiger Reserve the road goes up and the trees become tall and dark. This is exactly where Tikarpada Angul is located, nature is still king here. A favorite corner of Labangi water hole can be found in the middle of the Purunakote range. Why such water? It is a perennial pool that never dries up even during the hottest summer season. It is inwardly believed that the water hole is the spot where the forest spirits meet, elephant, leopard and sambar come here to drink at twilight. The early morning mist over Labangi is so thick that you can’t see where the water ends and the sky starts.
Tikarpada Odisha has a lot to offer you and its exploration is an unforgettable experience. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Satkosia Gorge where the Mahanadi River slices through the Eastern Ghats for a 22 kilometer stretch. The scenery here is amazing; the cliffs jut out from the water like huge walls. You can get quite scared looking down from the viewpoints, but at the same time, it is also stunning. Visiting the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit you will have an opportunity to see the gharials or the long, snouted crocodiles lying on the sand. The heart understands that the eyes don’t see that this river has been cutting these rocks for millions of years, even before humans existed.
If you are interested in a Tikarpada picnic spot, the vicinity close to the nature camp is an excellent area. But, if you want a real adventure, the Labangi Tikarpada trekking path is the route to take. It is a harsh trail that leads you through dense sal and bamboo forests. The cultural atmosphere of the forest dwellers is one of profound patience. They go on with their work silently, their eyes fixed on the ground for footprints and their ears tuned to the alarm calls of the monkeys. This is also one of the best picnic spots in Angul areas for those who wish to be far from the noise. To get a different view, some people also visit the Bhim Dhara waterfall in Angul, which is not far and provides a cool spot to take a break.
Tikarpada Odisha is an amazing place if you get to explore it from October to March. Summer heat here can be quite extreme and parching, turning the hills into a baking oven. So, if you are planning to stay overnight at the Tikarpada Angul nature camp or Labangi forest house, you must get your permits beforehand from the forest office and book your stay accordingly. My suggestion? Dress in subdued colors like olive or brown so you won’t frighten the birds. Carry your meal for the hike, however, please, avoid leaving any plastics behind. The forest is a temple of nature to the locals, and it should remain clean for the animals living there.
