Cyclists Explore Lesser-Known Reservoir In Chandaka-Dampada Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhubaneswar: Living life at breakneck speed, in the concrete jungle of Bhubaneswar, people tend to crave the greenery. Some people, though, find time to get away from the routine lifestyle and venture into the woods. The Bhubaneswar Cycling and Adventure Club (BCAC) made it happen for some such enthusiasts.

Cycling their way into the unexplored trail and narrow paths of the dense bamboo jungle in Chandaka-Dampada Wildlife Sanctuary, on the outskirts of the city, around 21 cycling enthusiasts discovered a place less known- Kumar Khunti reservoir. It is one of the most prominent reservoirs inside the forest and relatively smaller than Jhumuka and Deras.

Their aim was to explore the place, as its vibrancy is at its peak due to the onset of monsoon. “It was a beautiful route with black-asphalt roads till Chandaka, from Baramunda Fire Station, and then till the Special Operation Group (SOG) campus of Odisha police. The gravel roads start just beside the SOG Campus till about 3.5 km inside the jungle and through some scattered hamlets and recently developed farmhouses,” said BCAC secretary Ajay Kumar Nanda, who undertook this heritage ride with other members.

The trip started early morning at 6:15 am, while they pedalled their way witnessing the green nests of Baya weaver birds. Amid the silence of the jungle only the chirping of birds and soothing sound of water flowing through the forest was heard.

“The sun was rising above our heads and the rising temperature was offering a sense of summer. After a brief photo-session, some riders also went into the water to have a bath,” Ajay added.

This was not BCAC’s first trip. On June 3, they celebrated the first World Bicycle Day with a huge bicycle rally from Bhubaneswar Club to Nandankanan where more than 100 cyclists of all age-groups joined in.

The club, initiated by a few senior officials of Bhubaneswar to promote healthy living though exercising, was registered in 2014. They travelled the length and breadth of Odisha on their bicycles. Their first trip outside the state was Manali to Leh. They have also been on three international trips – Kataka (Cuttack) to Kathmandu, Vietnam to Cambodia and Bhubaneswar to Bhutan.

“We have planned another Manali to Leh trip in August where we travel to Manali from Bhubaneswar in a bus and then take our bicycles out,” Ajay informed.

The club has rules for members, which include wearing a helmet, using a good strong bicycle and staying alert.