Unrehearsed Escapade to Similipal

We started our journey from Bhubaneswar with 2 full tanked cars i.e. Verna and Brezza at 10 AM. We headed for Panchalingeshwar and reached around 1:45 PM (we had multiple stops for photo sessions). We walked upon the steps to find that the temple closed and was yet to be opened post Covid-19 lockdown.

Route Taken:-

NH-16 via Seragarh.

We didn't waste much time there and headed directly for Debakunda Waterfall at 2:30 PM. We took the Udala route. Enroute asking for further directions at Udala, we got to know that Devkunda entry at Gate-1 closes by 1 PM for 4 wheeler entrance.

Much to our disappointment, we were left in a lurch either to visit Chandipur (60 Km from Udala) or Digha Beach (140 Km from Udala). We were also suggested to go to Kala Dam by the locals which was 14 Km from Udala. We also had a constraint to stick to our plan of night halt at Baripada.

Keeping faith in ourselves that Digha Beach would be a worth-some visit, we started towards it at around 4:15 PM from Udala.

We took the Udala-Baisinga-NH18-NH16 route and reached Digha Beach at 7 PM.

We found that there is an Old and a New beach. We visited both of them and the New one was bit of a satisfaction after a travel of almost 400 Km. That was the first place where we took our rest in the whole journey on the Rock Beach. We spent an hour there and started for Baripada at around 8:30 PM.

Enroute to Baripada, we had dinner and that was the first proper full course meal we had (we had packed our car full of healthy snack items just to reduce our travel time). We finally reached Baripada at around 11:45 PM and checked-in into Ambika Hotel.

The following day early morning we all got ready, had breakfast (special Mudhi Mansa of Baripadathat one of our local friend got for us from Garma Garam hotel last night) and started for Jashipur at 7:30 AM. (We could have entered into Similipal through Pithabata Gate; but went to Jashipur as our accommodation was booked at Ramatirtha).

We reached Jashipur at around 10 AM (took NH 18 & Kolkata-Mumbai NH 49). Did a few enquiries at the booking site and then headed towards Ramatirtha Accommodation.

We freshened up; explored Ramatirtha Temple, Lake, Museum, Crocodile Project. We had an amazing Lunch at our accommodation and started for the Jungle Safari at around 3 PM.

The major advantage we had for being an overnight guest was we could access any gate for Entry & Exiting the safari. We approached the Kaliani Gate from Jashipur. There wasn't any checks there and then we proceeded to Kalikaprasad Gate. There we showed up our permits and were allowed to enter. They told us it was late for us to explore the waterfalls but still the safari would be worth a trip. We were geared up for our safari ride on the dusty roads. The road conditions have been hyped a lot in other blogs we referred to before our trip. It was just cool to drive in these road conditions baring a few. We first encountered a river flowing beside the road (I don't remember the name); took a few pics and proceeded to Lengighosara Chhak.

From Lengighosara Chhak, we had options to visit Gudgudia Waterfall/Orchid Plantation/Elephant Ride. But we took the other route towards Uski Waterfall. Since we were late to start, it was already evening by the time we reached Uski Waterfall; had to skip and move forward.

Then we started moving towards Barehipani Chhak and it was too late to visit Barehipani Waterfalls; so we headed towards Chahala. Chahala is one such place in Similipal where most of the animals are sighted. The local forest officers showed us Deers there, using high beam lights. It was one of the toughest road to ride. Then we returned back to Brundaban Gate for exit. During exit, the forest officers showed a Bison roaming nearby. Then we proceeded towards Tulasibani Gate for exiting Similipal and go to Ramatirtha for night stay.

Overall, we were able to see just 2 species of animal in a safari trip of more than 100 kms; but lucky enough as people were saying they didn't had a glimpse of a single animal since morning. But, the driving experience along with the scenes at night were just terrifying.

We exited Tulasibani Gate almost at around 9 PM and reached Ramatirtha Camp at 9:30 PM. Delicious Country Chicken with Roti were served by the time we reached.

Later, we spent time leisurely, prepared tandoori chicken (all setup carried by us) and indulged in music and finally settled down for the much needed sleep to get ready for the next day adventure.

Early morning, we prepared for checkout from Ramatirtha Camp after having our delicious breakfast. Meawhile, we got the permit to enter Similipal and proceeded towards Tulasibani Gate. We took the route through Jamuani Nature Camp -> Tulasibani gate and finally reached to have a glimpse of India's second largest waterfall i.e. Barehipani Waterfalls. The roads are a tough terrain to drive; which is worthwhile to view the waterfall from a distance. We quickly captured a few memories and started back to exit the Similipal National Park.