If one goes far into the Kandhamal hills, they will find a place where mountain waters grow still and quiet. That is “Lovers’ Point“. The stream provides a wide, very shallow pool before getting to the rocky part of the river. In the vastness of this pool one could imagine there was a very tiny lake at some time. The location is next to a village called Kirikuti (approximately 13 kilometres from the township). Why is this a well-known site? The locals believe that those that have good fortune while travelling together should pass through this part of the river. The locals will discuss the two streams that merge here as two souls meeting in the woods. At dawn, the mist burns off the pool very slowly; thus, the silence created here transports a person to another world. This peaceful space would tell anyone that nature is the greatest storyteller.
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ToggleLovers Point Daringbadi is a site characterized by a rough-and-tumble landscape as opposed to a flat and manicured space as you would find in a public park. The smooth, black canyon walls that stand at the edge of the majority of these giant stones were created by the relentless erosion of these huge rocks as a result of the powerful flow of a stream that has existed for thousands of years.
I recall last February going there with my children on a cold Sunday afternoon. The sun was shining down upon us, and it was mildly warm, while, at the same time, the water was extremely cold. It takes care and finesse to traverse from one uneven rock to another to locate an ideal seat. If you’re standing in the middle of the flow with the force of the water against your ankles, you feel very much like you’re caught in the middle of the world’s most majestic game of “musical chairs”. Those rocks have witnessed many cycles of the year and many seasons during their existence. They want you to behave carefully while enjoying your freedom.
This place amongst the hills and valleys has grown into the Daringbadi picnic spot for local people to picnic. In the cold months, it is quite a sight to witness the families from the surrounding villages and even tourists who have made the journey from Phulbani to Daringbadi. They bring wood, rice, and fresh veggies to prepare the meal beside the stream. The cultural atmosphere here is very simple and respectful. Locals behave with a soft, steady charm. They hardly speak, but a small wave of the hand will let you know the safest way to cross the water. Besides the formal Daringbadi park for kids, the stunning natural scenery at this rocky point is what really pulls the crowd. They perch themselves on the stones, break bread together, and are lulled by the river. This very modest setting is a glimpse of the little one really needs to be at peace.
For the most enjoyable experience at Lovers Point, go there between November and February. The summer sun can be quite intense on open rock surfaces, while winter air provides an excellent ambiance for walking outdoors. Make sure to wear durable shoes (and possibly even shoes with very good grips). The surfaces on rocks can become slippery due to wet moss and occasional rain. That’s why I recommend bringing sufficient drinking water with you for your trip and bringing a small set of snacks from the main town’s marketplace, as only basic tea and biscuits are sold nearby at the information stands. Take your time walking along the paths; don’t walk too fast due to the natural sounds of the wind blowing through the silver oaks. This is a place where you must slow down and appreciate that we share this planet with other living beings.
