Toshali Sands

The Healing Waters of Taptapani

For a long time, I had been feeling tired. But for no apparent reason. A ware of extreme fatigue would send me off kilter.

Then a friend suggested I make a trip to Taptapani - a bubling hot sulphur spring 50 kms. form Berhampur. I was ready to try anyting and so I started for Tapatapani.

The bracing climate and lush foliage soothed my frayed nerves and nature’s bounties relaxed me both mentally and spiritually. The road was bordered on both sides with swaying palms. Neem and Bangan Trees.

The driver Ramu was a friendly sould who chatted in spurts of laconic silences. We reached Taptapani at 6 in the evening. As I had booked a room at Panthanivas earlier - I made way to the Hotel and was warmly welcomed by the Manager.

Tired as I was, I didn’t waste much time. I ordered an excellent Orissan Thali and went off to Bed.

The next day dawned, bright and dear and I proceeded to Taptapani by a Private Taxi. On the way I could see narrow wisps of smoke near what seemed like a settlement. The Driver informed me of the Tribal settlments kn and around Tapatapani. We stopped at one of the villages bordering the Forest and with a hired Jeep we turned towards Taptapani.

After a shady enclosure of trees and a Kuttcha road which seemed to meander into a thousand directions we made it to Taptapani.

The surrounding greenery, wild flowers and shrubs simply flooded me with an unseen energy. And finally I was at Taptapani.

The steam rose and the whole scene was so dream like. I almost lost my balance by managed not to fall. I stripped then, put my clothes in the Jeep and want into the spring - (to a region which was bubbling hot). Sulphur springs have a distinct smell. It took me some time to get used to it.

I was rejuvenated and felt like a new man! After the experience, my creaking joints seemed to become smooth. My energy level rose and I left Taptapani with renewed hope and confidence.