A Perfect Summer Escape: Mountains, Waterfalls, Forests, and the Sea in Odisha
This summer vacation, we managed to experience almost everything nature has to offer in a single trip—mountains, waterfalls, forests, and the sea. Our destination was Odisha, covering Bagda Beach, Devkund, and Panchalingeswar over a memorable 2-night, 3-day journey.
Day 1: From Howrah to the Shores of Bagda Beach
Our journey began at 6:10 AM from Howrah aboard the Vande Bharat Express. A group of five adults and one child set off for Balasore, with tickets costing ₹795 per person. We arrived around 9:00 AM and immediately headed toward our first destination, Bagda Beach.
Our resort, Sea Safari Beach Camp, arranged a non-AC vehicle for the transfer at a cost of ₹800. Along the way, we visited several attractions, including the Emami Jagannath Temple, the picturesque Blue Lake, and the historic Kshirachora Gopinath Temple.
By 1:00 PM, we reached the resort. After a quick freshen-up, we were treated to a traditional seafood lunch featuring rice, lentils, fried fish, fried potatoes, a brinjal preparation, spicy pomfret curry, chutney, and papad. The accommodation and meals package cost ₹2,000 per person.
Later in the afternoon, we walked through a beautiful casuarina forest toward the beach. The fifteen-minute walk led us to an unusual sight—the sea was far away from the shoreline due to low tide. Some visitors appeared to be walking nearly one or two kilometers into the exposed seabed. The water returns closer to shore during the night, creating a completely different landscape.
After enjoying a stunning sunset, we returned to the resort for tea, snacks, and relaxed conversations. Following dinner, everyone retired early, as the next day promised a long adventure.
Day 2: Exploring the Wilderness of Devkund
At 7:30 AM, we began our sightseeing tour in the same vehicle. The main reason for the early start was Devkund, located about 75 kilometers away and considered one of Odisha’s most beautiful natural attractions.
We reached the entrance around 10:30 AM. Visitors are required to purchase tickets and board battery-operated vehicles that take them through the forest. This short ride feels like a mini jungle safari. Those who take the time to observe their surroundings may spot a variety of birds and wildlife. During our visit, we noticed a remarkably large bird unlike anything we had previously seen in the plains.
After a twenty-minute ride, we were dropped in the middle of the forest, from where the final stretch had to be covered on foot. The trail runs alongside a small stream, accompanied by the sounds of birds echoing through the forest.
Although the path initially appeared easy, the climb proved more challenging than expected. After roughly thirty minutes of walking through ups and downs, we finally reached Devkund. The site is revered as a Shakti Peetha, and local belief holds that the left foot of Goddess Sati fell here.
The atmosphere around the shrine was incredibly peaceful. Surrounded by silence and natural beauty, we offered prayers at the temple before beginning our descent.
On our return journey, we stopped to see the Nilgiri Royal Palace, which is currently closed to visitors, and the nearby Nilgiri Jagannath Temple. By the time our sightseeing tour concluded and we reached Panchalingeswar, it was already around 3:30 PM.
The total transportation cost for the two days of sightseeing came to approximately ₹6,200.
After arriving at Sai Iswari Hill View Resort, we enjoyed a vegetarian lunch and took some time to rest. Since the Panchalingeswar Temple closes in the evening, we could not make the climb that day. Instead, we spent a relaxed evening with tea, puffed rice, and conversation before ending the day with plates of chowmein for dinner.
Rooms at the resort cost ₹1,500 per night, while meals were ordered separately. Visitors can also choose an accommodation-and-meal package. The resort additionally offers tour packages to Simlipal.
Day 3: The Sacred Hills of Panchalingeswar
Our final day began at 7:00 AM with a visit to Panchalingeswar Temple. Although the temple is only about one kilometer from the resort, the uphill route makes the distance feel much longer. We hired a toto for ₹100 to reach the entrance gate.
After depositing our shoes and purchasing entry tickets, we started the climb. The route is said to contain around 300 steps, but the ascent took us only about ten minutes—much easier compared to the trek to Devkund.
Panchalingeswar is famous for its five Shiva Lingas hidden beneath flowing water in a rocky mountain crevice. The stream continuously pours over the lingas, creating a unique and deeply spiritual setting. Visitors must reach into the water and touch the submerged lingas by hand.
According to local tradition, the temple was established after the King of Nilgiri received divine instructions in a dream. Whether viewed as a religious site or a natural wonder, Panchalingeswar leaves a lasting impression.
Journey Home
After lunch, our trip came to an end. We boarded the Bengaluru–Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Express from Balasore at around 3:00 PM and returned to Dankuni. Sleeper-class tickets cost just ₹225 per person.
Like every memorable journey, this trip contained many small stories that cannot fit into a single article. Those experiences deserve stories of their own and will be shared separately in the future.
For those interested in seeing the journey through videos, you can explore more travel stories on the Delta’s Safarnama YouTube channel.