As you commence your journey away from the ocean toward the Nilgiri Mountains, you will find that your path begins to disappear inside a canopy of enormous trees. This is where you will find Kuldiha Forest. Within this lush greenery is Rissia Dam. Rissia Dam is a large and also a very peaceful body of water, which lies like an eye made of sapphire in a pile of green. So, why was this body of water created? To provide animals with an opportunity to drink or cool off during the long periods of drought here! Locals say that there is no solitude at Rissia Dam, as elephants and deer alike visit the dam every night under the glow of the moon. Every morning, the mist that blankets the water is so thick that you cannot see across the lake. You cannot fail to come to the conclusion that you are merely a visitor, temporarily residing in the home of the wildlife that surrounds you.
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ToggleA trip to the Rissia nature camp offers a unique experience that you will not have on other trips. You are living in a forest camp where the walls are made of canvas, and the ceiling is the open sky above you. The geography of the Kuldiha Balasore region is rugged, with hills and deep valleys filled with sal and teak trees. I remember sitting on the porch of my tent on a Tuesday evening in late December when it was dark. When the sun went down, the difference between the forest and the blackness of night was very apparent. When you hear a nearby branch snap, it is frightening to think that leopards or bears may be nearby. However, the heart knows the truth: it does not take a sign for you to feel out of your environment. The camp was small and simple, so you could hear the heartbeat of the forest.
Local communities manage the Kuldiha nature expedition. These parents have lived alongside these trees for centuries, creating a culture of quiet, respectful reverence toward them. Aside from pointing to animals’ footprints and looking to see what animals do as they travel, rangers don’t talk much. They act like animal brothers to each other. Visitors staying at either Kuldiha frh (Forest Rest House) or Kuldiha nature expedition can see that the rangers exhibit the same dignity and poise as they do while maintaining a quiet respect for the trees. Visiting Kuldiha has become one of the most popular ways to experience wildlife while at the same time escaping some of the chaos of urban life. You will likely see a huge squirrel leaping from tree to tree or hear the distant sound of an elephant trumpeting as it comes to drink at the edge of the water.
Tips about Hiking on Forest Trails
If you’re headed to Rissia Nature campsite for the best experience, it’s best to go during the winter months (November-February). The Kuldiha Forest will have crisp, cool climates for long, invigorating walks. Wear colours that blend into the landscape (e.g., olive-mustard-brown) to avoid standing out. Here are some other pointers: Bring a flashlight and spare batteries; the power available in a forest campsite can be quite limited. Bring snacks with you, large enough to supply you with meals during the time spent hiking in the area. The campsite serves very basic daily meals and allows time for food to grow back. Also, take your time looking and listening as you walk along the trails. Not to be outdone, it will remind you that you are surrounded by nature and that you belong with the wild.
