Discover the hidden charm of Anija on the Odisha-Andhra border

Discover the hidden gem of Anija in Odisha, a serene village with lush landscapes, waterfalls, and warm-hearted locals.

Two things about Anija, a village located in the Rayagada district of Odisha take you by surprise. One, less than three hours from the humidity, dust and din of Visakhapatnam is a picture-perfect green paradise; two, its unusual topography of being sandwiched between the summer-serene River Nagavali and a lush golf course.

Anija is an abode of peace and tranquillity. Dotted with sunflower fields here and there, fluttering butterflies and humming calls of birds, walking trails, vistas of rolling hills, bobbing boats and kayaks on the River Nagavali, hidden caves and waterfalls… the place is Nature’s masterpiece.

The drive from Visakhapatnam takes you along farm fields across the towns of Bobbili and Parvathipuram till you reach Cholapadam, the last village of Andhra Pradesh, before entering Odisha. From here, a three-kilometre drive through narrow roads, peppered with mango, banana, palm trees and twist and turns across paddy and cotton fields take you to the village Anija.

A blend of natural wonders and the thrill of watersports, this lesser-known place is an ideal summer weekend getaway for those seeking an unhurried, offbeat and non-touristy travel experience.

The first allure of the village is the serene River Nagavali that winds its way gracefully through the region. The River Nagavali is one of the main rivers of Southern Odisha and Andhra States, between the Rushikulya and Godavari basins. Low water levels in summer, make it safe for an enjoyable splash in the river or to experience a kayaking session in the silence of the placid waters. There are two kayaks, two coracles and a four-seater outboard boat (managed by a private golf resort), which can be hired for an hour or so.

With an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, the place is surrounded by hills and trek routes which go through the picturesque farm fields and give a glimpse of the village life.

Visiting the place on a Saturday brings out the other side of village life when the weekly farmers’ market called Santha comes alive at the neighbouring Kuneru village. Even before the break of dawn, villagers from the surrounding seven villages of Poduguvalasa, Vempalvalasa, Koriseela, Jarna, Konda Kuneru, Jala and Saroduguda trek long distances with their farm produce to arrive at the Santha, which springs to life from 7am.