Taptapani is a hot water spring in the Eastern Ghats of Orissa in the district of Ganjam 50 km from Berhampur. Located at a distance of 174 km from Bhubaneswar, Taptapani is a natural spa village due to the presence of hot water springs throughout the year. It is also home to a number of primitive tribes which makes it a place of interest to anthropologists and sociologists.
The name Taptapani has its origin from the combination of two words Tapta meaning ‘hot’ in Sanskrit and pani which means ‘water’. It is a hot water sulphur spring that pouts from a cleft in a mountain of the Eastern Ghats. The hot water flowing out is collected in a pond adjacent to the spring. The water from the spring is attributed to have medicinal value and considered sacred. Taking a dip in the pond is considered as a cure for a lot of ailments.
A number of tribal settlements, in and around this area,
with unique culture and customs have attracted the attention of anthropologists
and sociologists who visit these areas regularly to gain interesting insights
about the tribal way of life. The main tribes inhabiting the area are the Kutia
Kondh, the Dingaria Kondh, the Bonda and the Mali tribes.
The tribes hunt in the surrounding dense jungle. They
also depend on agriculture and weaving of baskets for their livelihood. Located
at a distance of 35 km from Taptapani is Chandragiri, a Tibetan Buddhist
settlement.
Nestled in the green hills of the Eastern Ghats,
Chandragiri has a Buddhist Monastery. This settlement started in 1959 when Tibetans
came to India following the Chinese aggression of Tibet. The main bus stand in
Chandragiri is at Lobersing where there is a small market that sells Tibetan
wall mats, carpets, handicrafts and leather goods.
Gopalpur-on-Sea, a pristine beach is located at a
distance of 60 km from Taptapani. Unlike other crowded beaches, Gopalpur
presents a very calm and serene atmosphere, which makes it an ideal place to
unwind. The lighthouse near the beach presents a bird’s eye view of the sea and
the beach.
The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar. The nearest railway station is at Berhampur. Taptapani is connected to almost all major towns in Orissa by road. Taptapani is an all season destination with the months from October to March being the best time to plan a visit.
How to ReachTaptapani
Entry point to Taptapani is Berhampur. This southern town
of Orissa is located at a distance of 170 KM from Bhubaneswar. This town is
well connected by road through NH 5 and Berhampur railway station is in the
main train line connecting Howrah Railway station at Kolkata and Chennai. All
trains stops at Berhampur ( Station Code : BAM ) railway station. Berhampur is
605 KM from Howrah and 160 KM from south of Bhubaneswar. You can get down at
Berhampur railway station and take a taxi or bus to Taptapani. It is at a
distance of 53 KM from Barahampur . Last 5 KM is hill road upto Taptapani.
While travelling from Barhampur you will reach Digapahandi Junction. From Digapahandi It is 26 KM . You will pass through green agricultural area of Ganjam district.
If you are travelling from South that is from
Visakhapatnam then drive on NH 5 upto Itchapuram . Enter into Itchapuram town
and cross bus stand. Before joining again to NH5 take left turn and enter
Digapandi road. Within 1 KM from the turning you will cross the railway track.
Drive straight towards Digapahandi town. From here you will take left turn to
travel towards Taptapani.
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