A day at Buddhakhol

Tripoto
21st Dec 2018

Ever heard of this place?? Even I had not. But there is this place in Buguda area of Ganjam district of Odisha. And it was the destination for our college picnic, last year.

From Khordha, we can either take the national highway or trip through Nayagarh in a shorter course. In our case, we opted for the second. The route was curvy and clumsy, rustic and rough. Hence, our trip was delayed by one hour.

Thereon, we aligned into the midst of the hills all around and a jungle-like view. All set, we decided to saunter up. Before the climb, we encountered a beautiful pool-view. The water was refreshing the dipping souls and the sprinkler in the middle catalyzed their spirits.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 1/14 by Abha Shatarupa
Poolside is paradise
Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 2/14 by Abha Shatarupa
On we go
Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 3/14 by Abha Shatarupa
A holistic scene

Through the pool, we could see dual statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Parvati, faced by Nandi, manifested as a bull.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 4/14 by Abha Shatarupa
He who always had your gift

The barricades guarded a tiny Shivling and a sprinkler, yet again watering the same.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 5/14 by Abha Shatarupa
The eternal rhythm

Moving forward, we found a giant statue of Hanuman ji, across which the lateral view of the Shaivi deities was visible.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 6/14 by Abha Shatarupa
Lateral view of the deities sheathed by greenery

The greenery all around was terrific.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 7/14 by Abha Shatarupa
The greatest devotee

There were about 500 stairs to tread. All through, you could catch a glimpse of the hills beyond, and the all-pervading sky. 

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 8/14 by Abha Shatarupa
Each fresh peak ascended
Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 9/14 by Abha Shatarupa
Let us collect the sprinkle to sprinkle

Approaching the top, we found the remnants of what could have been a waterfall, only with a much lower gush.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 10/14 by Abha Shatarupa
Moving down
Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 11/14 by Abha Shatarupa
Stepping up

There were three temples on the crest. Caving them were the Buddhist caverns. After spending a few time, we turned our ways down.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 12/14 by Abha Shatarupa
The entrance to Budhakhol

Way back, the path was much easier. We just had to lower our steps and the ground was ready.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 13/14 by Abha Shatarupa
A pool of clear water is where the light plays

Further, we spent some time by the pool, taking in the serene aura of the afternoon.

Photo of A day at Buddhakhol 14/14 by Abha Shatarupa
A green pool is a clean pool

Back on track, the day ended with another place to commemorate and write about.