By Mona Lisa Jena
Kaliamba was off the tract. An isle of green, nestling amidst tall mountains, the place has so much serenity in it that one wonders if this is a piece of paradise! When we landed up there to have our lunch courtesy the divisional forest officer, the sunlight was not could not penetrate the dense foliages even in the peak noon. The old stately trunks of Sal trees looked so majestic! There were flying squirrels squirming, jumping from branches like naughty kids without a care for us - the intruders.

If you are in Bhanjanagar in south Odisha, visit Kaliamba and breathe lungful of rejuvenating fresh air in the lovely forest department rest house amidst tall Sal trees and shielded by rugged Jhankadei hill. This hill has a small temple at the crown for the deity Jhankadei where a red flag is put up once every year. This 500 ft plus high hill is a part of the chain of Eastern Ghat mountain range.

The rest house was built by the Britishers when they were building roads and creating forest belts. In summer months they used to come here for cool refreshing air. There is a massive banyan tree where the forest department has constructed a lovely tree house perched on the branches. One can stay overnight and enjoy the forest glory. There were so many giant squirrels called Belarimusa locally, screeching and jumping from branch to branch.

The Jhankadei hill is endowed with massive honey hives. The local tribals are of Kondh tribe, who collect honey. But they cannot exploit the excessive amount fully. Honey remains their principal income, and they also collect other forest produce to supplement their living.

In the night it is absolutely dramatic when small kerosene lanterns are hung along the passage and their glow filters through the darkness. Make a small bonfire with dry twigs and the atmosphere make one croon most melodious songs in ecstasy. The night is pierced only by the jungle animals and birds. Cicadas keep humming by night fall and give company till it is dusk.

At a little distance away there is a lovely garden of herbs named Sanjivani Kutira. Here more than 300 medicinal plants have been planted. The forest officials encourage locals and visitors to recognize and identify the plants that can be of immense value in their day- to -day life and the plants can also be protected for their benefits. Trekking programs have also yielded great results. It has gained immense popularity among the neighboring villages as well.

One can also have a glimpse of Bhetnoti village some 15 km away, where 600-odd black bucks are being protected by the villagers who consider them auspicious and never harm the antelopes.

Kalinga Ghati has an attractive panoramic view of the ghat. There is temple dedicated to Byaghra Devi and there is a stream flowing with perennial waters. Kaliamba is barely 35 km from Bhanjanagar and takes one hour to reach.