Blog 5 | Journey to Phulbani – My First Long Drive Experience

Journey to Phulbani – My First Long Drive Experience

Hey Folks,

I’m back with another story, one that holds a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I embarked on a journey that changed my perspective not just on travel, but on life itself. This blog is about my first long car trip—from Puri to Phulbani—a distance of over 300 km, with my family in our trusty Maruti Ertiga. More than just a road trip, this experience taught me how to conquer fear, stay determined, and embrace learning at every turn.

A Ride Born Out of Healing

After losing my father in 2021, I found myself in a space filled with stress and emotional turmoil. To find an outlet, I enrolled in a driving school. As someone who’s always been fascinated by machines—bicycles, motorcycles, and now cars—I quickly adapted to four-wheelers. Within a month, I was confidently driving, and once I got my license, I began making short trips—60 to 90 km—to nearby places. It became my therapy.

The Plan: Phulbani & Daringbadi

Travel and exploration have always been a part of my DNA. Whether on two wheels or four, I love the idea of discovering the unknown. When my mother needed to visit some relatives in Phulbani, we decided to make it a full-fledged trip. And the cherry on top? It was December—the perfect time to visit Daringbadi, often called the "Kashmir of Odisha."

We started our journey early on a chilly winter morning from Puri. Since I had some work in Bhubaneswar, we detoured there first. From the capital city, the real journey began. With encouragement from my mom and sister, I was ready—nervous but excited—for my first 300+ km drive in a day.

The Drive – Lessons from the Road

After a hearty lunch in Bhubaneswar, we hit the highway. By 4 PM, we had made it to Nayagarh—roughly halfway. A short chai break helped refresh our spirits, but little did I know the real test was yet to come.

The Gadhiapada hill climb was next. It might not be a massive ghat, but for someone who had never driven uphill before, it felt like Everest. Fog started settling in as we ascended, and I relied entirely on my instincts, training, and a whole lot of prayers. By 8 PM, we were at the top—tired, cold, but thrilled. We finally reached our relatives' home around 10 PM. What a day. What a drive.

Daringbadi – A Slice of Heaven

The next morning, we headed out to explore Daringbadi. Our first stop was a serene riverbed where icy water flowed over smooth stones. It was peaceful, grounding, and beautiful. From there, we climbed further up to visit the coffee plantations. The environment felt straight out of a movie—tall, mist-covered trees that gave me RAAZ vibes. It was spooky and stunning all at once.

We ended the day with a cup of tea at a hilltop park with a panoramic view of Daringbadi. The moment was surreal. That view, that vibe—it stays with me even now.

After a peaceful night’s rest, we drove back to Puri the following day, with hearts full of joy and minds rich with memories.

What I Learned

This journey wasn’t just about reaching Phulbani or exploring Daringbadi. It was about conquering fears, stepping out of my comfort zone, and realizing that you don’t need the perfect start—you just need to start. People might doubt your ability. Heck, even you might doubt yourself. But once you take that first step with faith and purpose, everything else starts falling into place.

So here’s my message to you: Don’t wait. Don’t overthink. Start now. Chase your dreams, no matter how small or big they seem.

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Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this ride through my memories. Stay tuned for the next epic experience—I’ve got plenty more stories to share.

Until then, drive safe, ride free, and explore endlessly.

– Krishna Dwepayan