Bitter cold, with temperatures sometimes reaching near freezing point. Yet, strangely enough, in that very place, warm water streams continuously flow down the mountain slopes. What you might call '24-hour running hot water'. Wondering which place this is? There's such a beautiful tourist destination in the state right next to Bengal. In Odisha's Ganjam district, nestled in the lap of the Eastern Ghats mountains, lies this winter-wrapped town. Its name is Taptapani. During the cold season, the main attraction of this winter town is the hot water springs. If you have two to three days at hand, you can easily take a quick trip to this place.
'Tapta' means hot and 'pani' means water. Sulfur-mixed hot springs amidst beautiful natural surroundings surrounded by dense green forests. This hot spring is located at an altitude of approximately 1,700 feet on the slopes of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. Small and large hills surround it on all sides. Here, Goddess Kandimata is worshipped. People believe that bathing in the hot springs brings virtue. Besides this, it also cures diseases.
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What else is there?
Chandragiri is located 32 km away from Taptapani. A Tibetan colony wrapped in sal and mahua forests. In 1959, Tibetan refugees led by the Dalai Lama came from Chinese-occupied Tibet and began settling in Chandragiri. Though it's a small settlement, you'll find immense peace in its serene environment. Nearby is a beautiful gompa. A little further from Chandragiri are Jirang Monastery and Khasada Waterfall. There's also a deer park nearby.
How to get there?
Leave early in the morning and take a train from Howrah to reach Berhampur. From there, you can reach Taptapani by bus. The distance is about 50 kilometers. You can also hire a small car. If you want to come in your own four-wheeler, that's also possible. A paved road cuts through the heart of mountains covered in green carpet. The environment is extremely pleasant. You'll find comfort for both eyes and mind during the journey.
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Where to stay?
Taptapani has a handful of hotels and lodges, but many travellers prefer Panthanivas, run by the Odisha Tourism Department, for its location and reliability. Staying here keeps you close to the hot springs and the surrounding forest.
With hills, forests, dams, monasteries and steaming springs, Taptapani packs varied experiences into a short, two-to-three-day trip can be a quiet winter retreat where cold air and warm water meet.
