The beauty that stayed in my memory

It was simply serene and surreal with cool breeze outside.

The road was veering through dense forest on both sides. In between were scattered tiny houses secured with bamboo-fenced courtyards, a typical sight in the state of Odisha. The fences adorned recently washed utensils shining like silver in the bright sunlight (people hang utensils on the fence for drying). We were on our way to Malkangiri district.  

The area is considered sensitive for Naxal activities. Hence there were CRPF jawans (Central Reserve Police Force men) who had made their makeshift base at every curve of the forest area. They were checking every vehicle passing by although there were not many of them on the deserted road. It was quite strange to spot one or two motorbikes parked after every couple of km. Helmets hanging onto their handles but no person in sight. Our driver did not find it peculiar because for him - a resident of the area, the sight was routine.  Acting like our guide, he informed us that those vehicles belonged to cops, who hide in the forest to keep a watch on the activities inside the forest area as well as outside on the road.

As we moved a little further, there appeared a river–broad and big with sea-green water. The river flows between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The driver could not tell its proper name and the signs in Odia language were only squiggles for me.

The abundance of the virgin beauty of nature around the area was simply breathtaking. The river had a few small islands and each island looked like a bouquet of trees sitting in the middle of the river and welcoming the travellers. The whole area could have been a perfect weekend getaway. Had it been in any other country it would have been converted into a tourist site. This was the Chitrakonda area of Odisha where we could not restrain ourselves from taking a break.

The river has a huge dam, Balimela Dam. The water gushing out of its gates invariably attracted all motorists. Photography is prohibited at dams and putting aside the urge to share this natural beauty with friends and family back home, we decided to soak our eyes with the splendour of nature. Seeing the exquisiteness of nature in its raw form was a truly overwhelming and awe-inspiring experience. 

It was a work trip but someday I would love to revisit this area which remains untouched by any human intervention although recently a bridge has been made to connect the villages which remained cut off from the rest of the state due to rough and tough approach. 

I know it is not fair that I am now sharing the photos of the place that I am describing with so much passion. But, sometimes it is compelling that you admire the beauty with your eyes and arrest the moments in your heart, rather than capturing them in the camera. 

It is true that moments captured in the camera can be relived every time you look at the photos, but reminiscing the beauty of such exotic locations with eyes closed and reliving every moment with real pulsation, has its own charm. Now close your eyes and try to draw the picture of Chitrakonda area, and I am sure you will see the greenery around and smell the fresh air.