Solo Ride to Magical Mahendragiri (Odisha)
Kyu Darein Zindagi me kya hoga,
kuch na hua toh Tajurba hoga !
Almost every ride since I shifted to Bhubaneshwar is filled with adventure, thrill and unforgettable experiences. Except Snow and Deserts one can experience almost all the colors of nature at its best. As it’s almost impossible for me to rest my butt on weekends, I often ride deep into the nature to listen to the whispering secrete of the universe.
As biking buddies from one of the group had suggested about the place called Mahendragiri Hills, without a second thought I decided to visit the place.
And after the Saturday’s hectic and boring day, gathering all the enthusiasm I decided to head towards Mahendragiri Hills. But as covering the entire route was not possible, I decided to take a halt at around 165kms from Bbsr at a place called Gopalpur, when the clock had already struck 7:30pm and the city had already started taking rest.
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| Ride - Kick Off |
As the Govt. Guest house was already equipped, feeling disappointed I booked a room in a nearby lodge at tariff- INR 300
But as they say, "There is reason behind everything". As I stepped inside the room, I was amazed by the perfect location of the room. The view from the balcony was breath taking! The sea facing room from which the light house was clearly visible was like a perfect romantic scene from Yash Raj movie!
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| Gopalpur - Room View |
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| Gopalpur Beach |
I cannot agree more to the statement, "Nature is the best Doctor, which heals you without taking fees"
Although I was not in mood to leave the exotic view of Gopalpur Beach off my eyes, I wanted to explore new places as well.
So packing up all the luggage and kick starting the bike I decided to visit the Jirang Monastery, which is known as Mini Tibet of India, situated in Gajapati district of Odisha.
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| Tapta Pani - Hot Spring |
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| Dreamy Road |
The road passes through the Jungle route which is approximately 8 kms surrounded by tall tress trying to kiss the sky and lusty green forest.
This stretch of 8kms is quite lonely and one may not able to find even a single vehicle or localites on the way. It feels as if you are riding through Himalayan regions while heading towards Jirang .
At the same time adding to the beauty of the route traditional Tibetan Buddhist flags are surrounded on both the sides of the road. And it makes one feel as if he is in some buddhist state of Himachal or Leh while approaching towards Monastery.
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| Tibetan Village |
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| Jirang Monastery |
It's almost to Bylakuppe, Karnataka which I had visited during my pune-Kanyakumari-Pune Ride. The colony which houses the monastery is Buddha Vihar (the land of happiness and plenty) and area is popularly known as a mini Tibet in Odisha. It is a part of the Rigon Thubten Mindolling monastery that was part of the Tibetan settlement near Chandragiri. The monastery is named after Acharya Padmasambhava, who was born in Odisha and is believed to have spread Buddhism to Tibet in 7th century.
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| Add caption |
As it was Sunday Morning, the little innocent Monks were enjoying the holiday.
I felt as if I have entered some Dharamshala. The laughter, fun and masti they were having been worth clicking on the camera. No doubt childhood is the best time of life!
As Chandragiri is situated above the sea level, the weather was soothing and was covered with clouds.
After having chit chat with the little innocent Monks, I got to know about nearby Waterfall called Khasada.
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| Khasda Waterfall |
And these kids were so amazed after looking at the bike and the camera that they held my hand and leaded me towards the waterfall. They were going for taking bath and all I wanted to click their sinless faces!
The Khasada waterfall is now one of the famous pilgrim point for all the people staying at Bhubaneshwar.
Interestingly, those who go to Jiranga usually go to Khasada ( like a picnic spot) as there is facility for delicious and mouth watering food and fresh drinking water from the stream.
After capturing almost all the beauty I could in the camera, I kick started the bike towards the Mahendragiri, which was the actual planned spot.
For all the nature lovers, I suggest you should ride through the 2nd highest range of Odhisa-Mahendragiri. The route is covered with hilly terrain on all the four sides and the various shades of green you witness will make you go crazy! Like a cherry on the cake, the soothing wind kisses you on the cheeks.
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| Towards Gandhahathi Waterfall |
Just 20kms before the Mahendragiri, I stopped for a Chai break at a tapri.
The owner of the tapri seemed to be an interesting person and greeted me with a big smile on his face. The talks and the conversation he was having with everyone coming to his tapri was really remarkable!
Due to my biking jacket, dusty face and the camera, he was eager to know about which places I have been to, where I am going and everything.
In between the conversations he told me about Gandahathi waterfall stating that it's the best place for photography.
At first I was not really willing to go there, as it was not in my planned route. But when the person told its hardly 10kms away from where I was. I decided to give a thought and I must confess it was best decision ever!
As told by Chai wala, it wasn't 10kms, it was around 20kms but the dense jungle road passing through the bushes, the lonely dusty road and the cloudy weather literally took all the tiredness out of my body!
The clouds seems to be chasing my bike and the small but countless waterfalls on the way was magical. Adding to it was the gigantic view of elephant shaped waterfall enclosed by dense green trees amidst forest coverage.
Near the waterfall there is a beautiful park for children.
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| Gandhahathi Waterfalls |
As the clock was already showing 3:00pm, without spending much time I left for Mahendragiri. On my way back, I again stopped at the same Chai tapri and thanked him for letting me know about heavenly place and in lieu of that I had 2 extra cups of tea!
The road to Mahendragiri was stunning, with the lush and rolling landscape. It can be strenuous to reach the top of this beatific destination but the rewarding views on the way are something that will motivate your bike to keep moving .
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| Towards Mahendragiri |
With clouds engulfing each turn and thick greenery encompassing every corner, climbing atop Mahendragiri is just amazing!
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| On the way- Trek to Mahendragiri Top |
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| Mahendragiri Top - Dharamraj Temple |
As I had to start the return journey through the hilly route before sun waves Goodbye for the day, I dropped the plan to trek.
The return journey was not that good as I was in no mood to go back!
Having light dinner at nearby dhaba reached Bhubaneshwar around 11.00pm.
Although the ride was bit hectic, the closeness to nature and the strangers on the way taught many things and I discovered answers to many questions!
May be this is the only reason which motivates me to go on more and more solo rides!
Finally planned ride was of 500km...got extended to 650+km with add on of some beautiful unplanned spots.
This is what it makes u feel good...while riding and something un expecting things happen that too in good sense.
Final Route-
Bbsr-Gopalpur-Behrampur-Taptapani-Jeerango Monastary-Gandhahathi- Mahendragiri- Icchapur- Bbsr
650+Km.
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Awesome pictures with beautiful description. While reading your blog it looked as if I was travelling along.
ReplyDeleteThanks :) . Glad to hear such feedback.
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