post news network, Bhubaneswar, May 29: At the horizon, you can spot the clouds. May be the monsoons will arrive in a couple of weeks from now. The scorching sun rays, the killer heatwave will cease to haunt you, say, in another month’s time. But the summer sun is still cruel. The rains are yet not there – the occasional shower that gives you respite makes you all the more eager to welcome the monsoons. In these intervening days when summer prepares to meet the rainy season, why not make the most of the vacation that your ward is still enjoying. Perhaps this Saturday and Sunday would be the last weekend before your wife wakes up again early in the morning to pack the tiffin for your son. So make the most of this weekend.
You may now pack your bags for a trip to the Deomali hills in Pottangi Block. Deomali hills, situated in Koraput district is not only the highest peak in the state, but also in the entire Eastern Ghats. The altitude of 1,672 meters from the sea level, from a distance, gives you an impression of the mountain piercing the heart of the sky.
The landscape around the hills, famous for its bio-diversity, often lures most of us, to its rejuvenating embrace. According to rough estimates, the place is home to 345 species of plants and 20 species of reptiles; add to these the birds and butterflies fluttering around, and you will get a hang of an idyllic life, very unlike your mundane urban existence.
Many bikers and adventure lovers often throng the site to experience the essence of this ‘different’ kind of nature, the beauty of which your eyes can soak in as you venture onto the five km-stretch of the flat surface atop the hill that provides a perfect platform for picnic during your short daytime stay there. The ambience of the place and the inviting terrain, mostly attract tourists to the Deomali hills that mostly swell during the weekends.
“I love to visit the site for several reasons. The amazing mountainous terrain and the natural tranquility are unparalleled to other famous tourist sites in the state. According to me, it has very high tourism potential, but because of its location, I think it is still unexplored by many. Me and some of my friends during some weekends, travel to Koraput by train and then embark on our journey to the lovely site,” said Ankit Swain, an IT professional living in the city.
The unique thing about the place is its perennially pleasant weather. Many visitors love to go to the place during the summers for the same. “Deomali is a gifted place when it comes to pleasant weather. Throughout the year, the weather stays pleasant and this attracts many people from other parts of the state to come here. During the summer season, it is like a paradise for many who live in the other hotter cities / places in the state. I have met many people who come to the Deomali hills for a few days during their summer vacation only to enjoy the beauty of the nature here,” said Narendra Rout, a mass communication student.
The tourism department is, however, buoyed by the upsurge in the number of footfalls the site has generated in recent times. “Hudhud had interrupted, a little bit, the visits to the site. However, with the passage of time, many people from all parts of Orissa have started to visit the place. Many more are expected to visit before the monsoon sets in.
“Connectivity problems, alongside bad roads, are still a challenge for the visitors; the site has huge potential for tourists,” says Bhagwan Khara, tourist officer, Koraput.