Satpada......an idyllic retreat

Every once in a while it becomes imperative to break away from the humdrum routine of daily life and escape for a brief moment to a secluded haven far from the madding crowd. For those fond of the sun, the sands and the gentle sound of water lapping at one's feet, Satpada seems to be an ideal retreat.Coming down to Orissa situated over one hundred and twenty kilometers from Bhubaneshwar, there are two approach routes to Satpada.It can be reached by land via Puri. However, the more preferable route is to go to Chilika by land and then on to Satpada by motor launch. The second route is definitely the more picturesque one. It offers the added advantage of a journey over water and a chance to see the famous Chilika Lake.For travelers wishing to take a brief breather or a quick lunch, there's the Barkul Government Guest house, which offers the specialty of the area luscious crab curry.Before going on to Satpada travelers have to traverse Chilika Lake and even the Dolphin sanctuary. However the dolphins are largely reclusive and rarely can travelers catch sight of one still, the main thrill of the journey lies in the beauty of the lake, the sun shimmering idly on its waters. The journey takes around an hour or two; depending on how leisurely a pace the travelers wish to take.On reaching Satpada, the place is just a tiny island, one of the many on the mouth of chilika. In geographical terms, it may be said to be situated in an estuary. Satpada, relatively unknown to larger masses retains it pristine purity. It hardly covers an area of two or three square kilometers, with one solitary bungalow, a pine grove and a small retinue of tourism officials.Any tourist accustomed to the bristle and bustle and crowds of vendors on the beaches of Mumbai and in Puri, would be delighted to see the total absence of commercialization. Itâs a pure visual and auditory delight, a welcome surprise for anyone who had despaired to find such an unpolluted place.The sea is the most wonderful shades of blue with the purest sand, unspoilt even by human footprints.Though provided with the most elementary necessities, the overwhelming presence of the sea, dominating all human presence is enough to compensate for the lack of amenities.The weather is temperate, with warm days and cool nights, with a perpetual breeze and incessant music of the waves .the pine grove that covers one-fourth of the island offers a shady recluse for al fresco picnics. The entire stretch of the beach is virtually deserted and a virtual paradise for collectors of shells and various colored pebbles that letter the shores.On the other side of the island lies the expanse of Chilika Lake. About the most beautiful parts of the island is a hillock upon which one can stand and in front lies the endless sea and on the other, the sparkling waters of the Chilika, an inspiring sight for any poet. The beach is also perfect for camping and bonfires. The island itself a birdwatcher's paradise, with many varieties of birds coming over in winter.If one is looking for a truly restful holiday retreat, an idyllic Garden of Eden for tired minds, we need look no further.
Here is a place where we can put one's feet up and really rest and feast one's eyes on nature in all its unpolluted finery.