If you are driving towards the Nilagiri hills, after you pass the quiet village of Kumari, Odisha, you will notice that the air becomes fresher. The road snakes through a corridor of deep green trees until you can see a mountain that looks as if it has been standing there like a giant wall. This is Sarisua. Behind its rocky face is the Sua sari waterfall, a spot that seems like a hidden secret of the hills.
Different from the huge rivers of the plains, this is a waterfall in Balasore which acts like a quiet forest spirit. It is situated around 74 kilometres away from the main Balasore town. Why this place? Actually, it is a man-made waterfall that came into existence after the mining operation altered the mountain’s face. Nature got the broken rocks and changed them into a series of lovely steps on which the rainwater can play.
The Sarisua waterfall in Balasore is a beautiful sight that makes you want to walk slowly. It is not a single, giant drop; it is a long, rhythmic flow of water that moves over black and grey stone terraces. The terrain here is very rough, and in the peak of the monsoon, the water becomes white and foamy against the dark cliffs. I remember coming on a Saturday in late August. The sound of the falling water was so crisp that it completely drowned out everything else.
It is quite a scary feeling to stand at the bottom and look up at the mountain, but the cold spray on your face lets you know that you are really there. The heart understands what the signs do not say that although man created this divert, nature has completely made it her own.
Recently, this waterfall in Balasore has turned out to be a popular spot for families who want to get away from the city’s pollution. The vibe of the place is very casual and down-to-earth. There won’t be any large hotels or noisy stores; instead, you will find locals from Kupari and Nilagiri sitting on big stones, eating simple meals from home. Locals treat the forest with quiet reverence. They refrain from shouting and enjoy themselves in the shadow of the sal and teak trees.
There is something very special about this waterfall in Balasore because you can really stand underneath the water and get that icy feeling from the mountain water. The villagers live mostly in a slow and steady manner and often greet tourists with a simple wave of the hand.
To witness the Sua sari waterfall at its most magnificent, you need to go there during the rainy season. Otherwise, the mountain will only have a few streams of water during the summer time. Besides, the rocks may be completely dry and the heat quite oppressive. It is advisable to wear sandals with a firm grip as the stones made slippery and sharp by mining activities can be rather dangerous.
Personally, I would suggest you bring your own drinking water and some light food purchased at Kupari market, since there are no shops in the forest zone. Find a dry ledge, observe how the mist slowly rises from the valley, and allow the sound of the waterfall to relax your mind. This is a spot that only desires your silent presence.
