If you’re craving a break from the daily hustle and bustle, Tensa Nature Camp in Odisha is your go-to spot. Just a heads up, the cell signal is a bit weak, so it’s a perfect excuse to unplug and unwind. Situated on Tensa Hills, this nature camp is 429.2 km away from Kolkata and takes about 8 hours to reach. Tensa is one of lesser known jungle retreats of Odisha and can be bookmarked for quick weekend trips
All images by Pooja Mitra/My KolkataThe tent-stays exude a true jungle camp vibe. The spacious rooms, complete with two balconies – one at the front and another at the back – create an inviting atmosphere for a truly relaxing stay. The rooms are air-conditioned and you have in-room telephones linking you to the main office. Soak in the lush green vistas from your balcony, but here’s a friendly tip: make sure to pack some mosquito repellent for a bug-free experience!
Mornings kick off with a choice between classic Bread and Eggs or Atta Puri and Sabzi. Picture steaming hot Rice paired with a spread of Indian delicacies at lunchtime. But wait, the evening snack is where the real game-changer is. Savour crispy Aloo Bondas, a handful of Muri with piping hot cup of Chai. It’s like a match made in foodie heaven. Now, let’s talk dinner. Spicy Country Chicken Curry along with Gulab Jamun — need I say more?
The dusks at Tensa weave a poetic affair. They brought to mind Gulzar’s album, ‘Sunset Point’, with its graceful serenity unfolding before my eyes. The symphony of crickets, the birds’ melodic journey back to their nests, and the evolving hues of the mountains and valley – it was as if I was witnessing a gallery of watercolour paintings come to life
Another slice of tranquillity on the premises is the Butterfly Garden. You can learn about the life cycle of butterflies and the kind of flowers that attract them. Watch butterflies of many colours, big and small, which add a splash of colour amidst greenery
Those are mushrooms (left), a kind that I hadn’t seen before. The campus also has medicinal plants like Globba Marantina, which are used for cough and cold and to prevent diabetes. Each plant has a label with its scientific name and usage
Roses, hibiscus, marigolds…it becomes quite difficult to stop being shutter happy. If you pay close attention, you may also see a swarm of ants having a feast on a flower or a tiny butterfly hopping from one flower to the other
I learnt quite a few scientific names and spotted trees like Sal around the premises
The view from the watch tower of the valley on a cloudy morning, with a warm cuppa, was a calming experience. If you are afraid of heights like me, the stairs are wide enough and each floor of the three-storeyed tower has chairs to sit and catch some breath. The campus also has swings and trampolines, giving about enough reasons to go back to the childhood days
The road from Kolkata to Odisha is great for road trips, something that I would like to do again. It is also on this route where you can find the Duarsini Temple. If you have an affinity towards sculptures, the designs on the exterior will catch your eye too