Are you headed for the Nilagiri hills in the Balasore district? Well, the dusty roads will finally bring you to a sight that will make you hold your breath. It is the Blue Lake, a very deep pool of water that really looks like a piece of the sky has fallen down onto the earth. It is situated in Mitrapur, hidden in an abandoned stone quarry.
Why this lake? For many years, people extracted black granite and different types of blue stones from this area. After mining was stopped, the empty earth started to absorb the rain. Eventually, the Blue Lake at Mitrapur was created when the bottomless pit was filled with water. The myth states that it is the minerals in the rocks which make the water blue. It is a peaceful place where the wind rustles through the long grass and the sunlight makes the water surface glitter like a gem.
Blue Lake Balasore’s story is a narrative of nature reclaiming what was taken away from it. The geography here is pretty rugged. The lake is enclosed by towering, steep cliffs of grey and black stones. These rocks are very hard and pointed. They evoke memories of the large machines that once operated here. However, the water has now gentled the landscape.
Someone says the lake not only has no bottom but that it’s possibly deeper than any other ordinary pond. The heart is aware of the fact that the signs don’t express it that the earth has a way of healing its own wounds. If you are standing at the edge of the lake and looking down, the color of the water may appear to be a bit scary. It is a very intense kind of beauty that compels you to be quiet and still.
Now, the locality is a very famous Balasore picnic point. On a Sunday afternoon, you will come across groups of friends from the town and nearby villages sitting on the flat rocks. The cultural vibe is very laid-back. You won’t come across many shops or loud music here. Rather, you observe people taking pictures or only sitting and looking at the water.
Honestly, I was there on a December morning. It was cold, and the water was so calm that it was like a mirror. The natives keep up a quiet self-respect. They don’t really mind the tourists, but with small gestures, they warn you not to venture too close to the deep edges. It is a lowly place that does not require large signs to inform you that it is extraordinary.
If you want to witness the Blue Lake in all its glory, plan your visit during the winter season from November to February. Balasore’s summer heat is extremely harsh, and the rocks surrounding the lake get so hot that they can cause burns to bare feet. So, do not forget to wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Besides, the narrow paths leading to the water are quite slippery due to the loose stones.
Why not make the most of the trip by buying some water and a few snacks from Mitrapur market? There are no eateries around. Grab a seat on a high rock, observe the hawks making circles over the cliffs, and let the stunning blue colour envelop you. It is a lovely place that calls only for your silent reverence.
