Working in PRADAN has always been more than just a profession; it has been an adventure, a gateway to discovering hidden landscapes, untouched cultures, and forming bonds that last a lifetime. On 4th March, 2017, during my posting at Lamtaput block, Koraput, an idea took root—one that would eventually turn into an unforgettable bike expedition to Bonda Hills in Khairiput block, Malkangiri.
But as is often the case with the best adventures, it wasn’t as simple as deciding to go and setting off.
The Uncertain Start:
Our journey wasn’t just about navigating rugged terrain; it started with navigating office approvals! The date we had chosen for departure happened to coincide with our scheduled team review meeting—a serious, no-nonsense business discussion that usually stretched late into the evening. Even though we had made up our minds, we weren’t entirely sure if we could pull it off.
To add to the challenge, one of our teammates, Nikita, had recently joined our team, having been transferred from another location. As it was year-end, our team leader, Monisha, was genuinely concerned about how she would manage to complete her targets. There was hesitation about whether she should join us for the trip. What followed was an intense persuasion session where we put forth our best logic and assurances. I took it upon myself to guarantee that the trip would not hinder any work commitments. Eventually, after much debate and reluctance, Monisha agreed—though not without reservations. Her support was instrumental in making this trip happen, and we remain grateful to her for allowing us this experience.
By the time our meeting concluded, it was already 6:30 PM—meant darkness had fully settled in. Riding through unfamiliar terrain at night was not an ideal start, but we had two unexpected rays of hope—two local school kids from Lamtaput Government High School, who had agreed to accompany us.
The Unexpected Guides :
A week before the trip, we had met these kids while visiting their school. They hailed from the very village we wanted to reach, and our conversation with them revived our wavering plans. While we had read about Boanda Hills and the Boanda tribes online, it was these kids who gave us real insights and motivation to attempt the journey. Their familiarity with the terrain and the village gave us the confidence to move forward, even at such an odd hour.
With their guidance, we finally started—five bikes, ten riders, and an air of thrill and uncertainty.
Riding into the Unknown:
As we left Lamtaput behind, we soon realized what we had signed up for. The first stretch was smooth, and despite the darkness, we rode with a sense of excitement. But the moment we entered Malkangiri district, the reality of the terrain hit us. The road, which was decent until Khairiput, started vanishing into rocky trails.
Malkangiri was often in the news for Maoist activities, and at that time, incidents were being reported frequently. Yet, with the local kids leading us, we felt oddly reassured.
A few hours in, hunger struck. We halted near a roadside dhaba in Khairiput, where the concept of a menu didn’t exist—it was past midnight, and we were grateful for whatever was served. The simple meal turned out to be delicious, and after a quick refill, we set off again.
As we neared Bonda Hills, the road simply ceased to exist. The last 10-12 km were pure off-roading—riding on loose gravel, skirting past boulders, and tackling slopes that made our bikes groan under the weight. The biting cold, thick fog, and near-zero visibility added to the challenge. But amid all of this, we were having the time of our lives—pushing our limits, feeling the raw thrill of adventure.
By the time we reached the village, it was well past midnight. To our amazement, the families of the two school kids were awake, waiting eagerly for our arrival. Their warmth and hospitality instantly made us feel at home. While we had initially planned to stay up and soak in the experience, exhaustion took over, and before we knew it, we were fast asleep in the village Anganwadi center.
A Glimpse into Bonda Life
The next morning brought a different kind of adventure—one of cultural immersion. The villagers welcomed us with open arms, serving us home-cooked meals that tasted nothing short of heavenly. Their warmth made us feel less like travelers and more like guests of honor.
The two kids acted as our translators as we explored the village, understanding the Bonda way of life. Their houses, their agricultural fields, their daily routines—all of it fascinated us. A wedding was taking place in the village, and we were lucky to witness glimpses of traditional tribal celebrations. However, we were also advised to maintain a little distance, as most of the villagers were deep in their revelries, with rice beer flowing freely.
The simplicity, resilience, and close-knit community life of the Boanda people left a deep impression on us. We had come seeking adventure, but we left with something far more valuable—stories, connections, and a newfound appreciation for the indigenous ways of life.
The Return via Machkund
By afternoon, it was time to plan our return. This time, we chose a different route via Machkund. While this path was under construction and had its own set of challenges, it offered a fresh perspective of the region. The ride back was smoother in some parts, though equally demanding in others. But finally, as the evening descended, we found ourselves back in Lamtaput—tired, dusty, and exhilarated.
The two kids chose to stay back with their families for a few more days, and as we bid them farewell, we couldn’t help but feel grateful. Without them, this trip might have never happened.
An Unforgettable Journey
Looking back, this bike expedition was not just about conquering trails or exploring an unknown destination. It was about friendships forged over shared challenges, about stepping out of comfort zones, and about embracing the beauty of the unknown.
The late-night start, the uncertain roads, the laughter shared over dhaba meals, the off-roading in pitch darkness, and the warmth of the Boanda village—all of it made this journey truly special. Even today, when I hear the roar of a bike engine or the crunch of gravel beneath tires, I am transported back to that night ride into the wilderness.
Some journeys are planned. Others just happen. This was one of those spontaneous adventures that remain etched in the heart forever.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
Trip Members: Myself, Sashank, Bhaskar, Nikita, Sanjaya, Sital, Sameer, Rashmi, and the two school kids
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
