In the lap of nature
Sit back and relax(Clockwise) A view of boat club at Thatipudi Reservoir; The balcony at an eco tourism cottage; a panoramic view of the area from a vantage point.Photos Jaideep Deo Bhanj
TRAVEL The Thatipudi reservoir which is brimming with water at present makes for an idyllic location for a day out to connect with nature or to spend the night camping for those seeking adventure, writes Jaideep Deo Bhanj
The Karteeka Masam season offers perfect weather to spend a day connecting with nature away from the din of the city. To avoid encountering large groups of picnickers on the beach and the various gardens and parks in an around the city, head to the relatively quieter Gostani boat house at Thatipudi an hour and a half hours drive from the city. The boathouse has three boats that tourists can take a ride on to visit an eco tourism venture that is run by the forest department.
Sitting in a boat in the middle of the Thatipudi Reservoir which is filled to the brim can be a very calming experience. Ask your boatman to switch off the diesel engine and just float around for a while listening to the sound of the water, spotting birds and just enjoying the beauty of the hills that surround the water body. Tribal people from the twelve villages that surround the reservoir run the eco tourism cottages and are very welcoming. There are 9 rooms situated on a hill slope with a restaurant attached. As there are not many tourists that visit, the restaurant does not have food ready and will need an hour to prepare your food while you explore the area. A short but steep climb up a hill takes you to a vantage point from where you can get a panoramic view of the hills and the water. There is also a large statue of Vinayaka sitting atop the hill. With the reservoir full of water this year, you can sit on a bench that has water around it and dip your feet into the cool water. If you arrive early in the morning you can even buy fish from the local fishermen and have it cooked for lunch.
For those planning to stay the night you can build a bonfire and watch the tribes perform traditional dances around it. They even offer to take you to their villages by boat to experience their way of living.
Do call ahead of your arrival so that these activities can be organized for you. Finicky travellers may find the rooms a bit dirty and it is recommended that you carry linen or a sleeping bag. The rooms are very basic and the toilets will need a bit of a scrub before use. However, if you are the adventurous kind and are not looking for a luxurious retreat it is the perfect place to spend an evening under the stars. The food at the restaurant is spicy and they offer very little variety. Talk to the cook in advance and tell him what you like or pack a picnic basket from home if you are a fussy eater.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism has opened a restaurant that is about a kilometre away from the Gostani boat house which serves a larger variety. There is a majestic peepal tree nearby and the ruins of an old building that one can explore.
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