Forest Dalijoda - A Tranquil Gateway from Bhubaneswar

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Spread for thousands of acres of pristine forest, Dalijoda is a tranquil gateway from the city of Bhubaneswar for all nature and immersive culture seeking travellers. Dalijoda once used to be the hunting heaven of the erstwhile Maharaja of Purulia is now a major elephant corridor and a biodiversity hotspot. The forest is only a one and half hour drive from Bhubaneswar. 



The Tranquil Setting Dalijoda Reservoir


The Panoramic View of Daljoda Hills from Kila Dalijoda, Once a Royal Hunting Lodge, now an Award-Winning Home Stay  


Kila Dalijoda 


From the 1970s until recently the forest had suffered badly due to massive logging by the mafias. Most of the forest had gone. However now thanks to the initiative of the Govt of Odisha and the community participation the forest has now rejuvenated. A recently created reservoir deep in the jungle has increased the water level and becoming a refuge for birds and aquatic life. 



A Kingfisher waiting for a Catch


 

We began our trekking for 4 km from a point where two giant mango trees stand in solitude. According to Mr Debjit Deo, they are perhaps the world's largest among surviving native mango trees. Trees like these once dominated the entire landscape. As we entered the core of the forest the landscape changed completely. There was more tranquillity and calmness. The only noise was the chirping of birds and the musical call of Indian Shama. There is a great diversity of flora and fauna and the existence of numerous mountain streams. 

 



Wild Mushroom


After trekking for 4 km we arrived at a meadow and to a Sabara tribal village, which is totally cut-off from civilisation even though it is hardly 60 km from the bustling metropolis of Bhubaneswar. The village is known for the harmonious coexistence of humans and elephants. We are told that about 25 to 30 are resident elephants here. 


The Landscape Setting of the Sabara Village



The trek in the forest of Dalijoda was a soul lifting experience with a lot of learning from nature and forest people. 



Watch here:


Location: India, Ambilijhari, Odisha 754028, India

Comments

  1. Unknown4 October 2021 at 23:41

    Visiting Dalijoda and spending time with Debjit and his family at the Kila are memorable occasions for us. Thanks for the post, enjoyed the pics and stories around them. Regards Jayendra, Bhubaneswar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown5 October 2021 at 04:04

      Thank you so much Sir. We hope you have also liked the video.

      Delete

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