I rode alone. No pillion. No playlist. Just the low rumble of my engine as I left Sambalpur behind, heading 35 kilometers north into the unknown.
The road to Debrigarh isn’t flashy. There are no fuel stations, no cafes, no billboards. Just trees. More trees. And shadows that move when you’re not looking. But that’s the beauty of it. You begin by looking for animals—and end up discovering parts of yourself.
“You don’t hear the forest. You feel it.”
As I reached the sanctuary gates, my phone network vanished. A chill ran down my spine—not from fear, but anticipation. The forest was still. Too still.
I parked, locked my bike, and walked a short trail. Suddenly, I heard it—a rustle, heavy and close. My instincts screamed. I froze. And then I saw it: a wild boar and her three piglets emerging from the foliage. She looked at me. I looked at her. Neither moved.
That moment lasted forever. Not a threat. Not a greeting. Just… understanding. Respect. She turned. Disappeared. Silence again. But I wasn’t the same anymore.
A Forest Full of Whispers
Debrigarh is home to leopards, bears, spotted deer, wild boars, migratory birds, and butterflies. But the forest never shows you what you want. Only what you need. Most days, it gives peace. Some days—perspective.
I met a forest guard later who said, “We patrol with sticks. Not guns. We aren’t here to dominate—just protect.” That line stuck with me the whole ride back.
Ride Stats & Survival Tips
- Distance: ~35 km from FunZone base, Sambalpur
- Entry Fee: ₹20-50 (check at gate)
- Best Time: Early morning (6–9 AM) or golden hour (4–6 PM)
- Carry: Snacks, water, flashlight, power bank—no cafes inside
- Tip: Go solo if you seek solitude. Group if you want guaranteed sightings.