Going beyond the tall chimneys of the power plants and through the Kaniha block, the noise of the machines slowly changes into the song of the trees. It is here that you will find a very lovely spot close to the village of Ogi. Here is a little lake, which is locally called Ogi Dam. It is surrounded by trees and very quiet. What makes this place a gem? The villagers say that water here is so clear that one can use it as a mirror since it is very fresh and pure, coming from the heart of the hills. The villagers internally believe that the village spirit is in the water. At noon, when the sun shines on the water, the whole lake seems to be covered with millions of tiny diamonds. Such a sight, although very simple, gives a moment to pause and take a deep breath.
The main reason people come in search of Angul visiting places in this area is to find the Ogi waterfall. It is not a giant, crashing fall such as those which are featured in the movies. On the contrary, it is a soft, flowing water that falls over the black stones. The terrain here is very rocky. Over hundreds of years, the water has gouged tiny hollows in the rock. I was there one Saturday in late August. The air was saturated with the smell of moist soil. You have to pass through the undergrowth a little to get the fine view of the Ogi fall. Ogi waterfall is a place where time seems to stop. Our instinct recognises what the signs do not indicate that the water is talking in a language that was familiar to us in the past.
Among the many tourist places in Angul, Ogi has a different vibe. It does not have the usual shops or loud music. The cultural aspect stays pretty simple. A local farmer could be taking a nap under the tree and at the same time, a group of children might be playing in the shallow parts of the Angul waterfall. They seem to be very quiet and calm. They behave as if the Angul Waterfall is one of their closest friends in the backyard. This is one of those Angul places to visit where you don’t need a map. You just follow the sound of the water. When the monsoon is heavy and the water turns dark and fast, one can even get scared. But most of the time, it is a spot for peace.
If you want to see the Ogi fall in its best form, it is highly advisable that you visit in the rainy season or immediately after. The water will be filled and the hills will be a lush, vibrant green if you go between July and October. Make sure you wear shoes with a good grip. The rocks next to the Ogi waterfall are quite slippery and covered with moss. My suggestion? Take along a small bag with a towel and some simple snacks from the Kaniha market. There are no big restaurants around here. You can sit on a flat stone, put your feet in the cold stream, and simply enjoy the silence. It is a place that demands nothing from you except your attention.
