What if we go all the way to Rourkela and don’t see the iron mines? This Tensa Nature Camp caught my eye while exploring the possibilities. It is a beautiful nature camp located near Rourkela amidst the surrounding iron mines. So my plan is to stay at this Tensa Nature Camp for a day after then with Kandhadhar Nature Camp.

After staying in Kandhadhar for two days, we left for Tensa. Initially, we thought we could go from Kandhadhar to Tensa by auto. Tensa is 50 km from Kandhadhar. But since it is a steep mountain road and there is a lot of traffic from iron ore mining trucks, they refused to come that far by auto.

They said they would drop me off at the Kaleiposh bus station, 20 kilometers from Kandhadhar . They also said there were frequent buses to Tensa from there.

We agreed to pay Rs. 600 and reached Kalaiposh in an auto. After an hour of waiting, the bus to Tensa arrived. We boarded the bus and started the mountain journey. From here, Tensa is a nearly 25-kilometer mountain journey. The road turned brown as we went up. The reason for this discoloration was the iron ore spilled from the trucks carrying iron ore from the iron mines. When we reached Tensa, almost everything was brown. The roads, trees, houses, people’s clothes, vehicles, everything was covered in brown.

When we got off the bus, it was raining heavily. We started walking with our bags on our heads, hoping to reach the Nature Camp by taking a crossroad. This Nature Camp is located on a hillock surrounded by iron mines. It is built and maintained by the Odisha Forest Department. There are about ten or so camps here. All of them are temporary structures like tents, but they were comfortable and clean.

We went inside the tent assigned to us, showered, changed clothes, and freshened up.

It was pouring rain. The clouds were so thick that nothing could be seen above 10 feet. This Tensa certainly had all the aspects of a hill station. What we found was a lovely, perfect monsoon environment. After a tour of the camp, we entered the canteen for lunch.

Rice, lentils, two types of fries, dessert, buttermilk, vegetable salad, Pappad and pakodas. Wow! This is a hearty lunch.

While we were eating, the manager of this camp came and sat down next to us. After a mutual inquiry and introduction, he said that he would be very happy to welcome and entertain us. After a short conversation, I told him about my intention to go inside the iron mine and see it. All I expected from him was some guidance or ideas. But he surprised me by saying, “Don’t worry, I will take you there myself.” He called someone and brought a car from the iron mine to the camp.

We set off with him in a car to the iron mine called Geetharani, which was very close to our camp. Entering this iron mine is not an easy task. There are many procedures, such as obtaining prior permission and the need for a guide vehicle. He himself spoke to the mine management for us and obtained permission and a guide vehicle. After all these procedures, we entered the iron mine.

This is actually a hill. In this, iron ore is extracted from between the soil and rocks, and the quality iron ore is sent to the Rourkela Iron Plant, 100 kilometers away. We went to the top of the iron mine and enjoyed the panoramic view of the iron ore mining operation. The rain that had stopped for a while started again. We quickly got into the car and reached the nature camp again. I thought of giving him and the car driver 500 rupees for his help. He of course refused, saying that he does not want any money. You are my guests, I have treated you well. Here you can understand the height of hospitality of the Odisha Forest Department. You can find similar hospitality in almost 40 nature camps maintained by the forest department across the state in Odisha. They charge only Rs 4000 for two people per day, including three meals, two snacks, and a tent stay.

In the evening, we had tea and pakodas along with the rain and then climbed the watchtower at the Nature Camp to sit and watch the views. The iron mines were visible as brown scars on the surrounding green mountain peaks. I estimate that there must be at least ten iron mines around that place. Even in this rainy season, the clouds parted for us and created an opportunity to see the moonrise. Imagine the atmosphere of that evening in your mind, the coolness of the moon, the coolness of the rain, the coolness of the blowing wind.

Dinner was chapati, paneer gravy and dessert. After eating, we sat on the bench outside the tent and felt the night for a while. The only drawback of this nature camp is the pest infestation. Since it is a temporary tent made of sacks and tarpaulin, lizards, cockroaches, and rats were a nuisance while sleeping at night, and it was not a peaceful sleep. Apart from this drawback, this place is definitely a good hill station choice. You can definitely choose this place for a tent night with an iron mining experience. Do not miss this place when going to Rourkela.

The manager’s hospitality ended only after he came to the bus station the next morning like a family and dropped us off at the bus stop. I am indebted to his kindness. It is doubtful that you will get such love and hospitality even after spending thousands in five-star hotels.

With gratitude for the love and hospitality of the Odisha Forest Department, Sabesh!

Travel Guide:

Location: Tensa nature camp

Special fact: A government owned stay surrounded by iron ore mines.

How to reach: 100 km from Rourkela. Public buses available or else taxi can be a option.

Best time to visit: June-October

Things to do: Relax at hill station like environment, Visit near by iron ore mines.

Food and Stay: Tensa nature camp is best option to stay. Food will be provided.

Safety: Beware of elephants, Do not venture out lonely. Follow the safety protocols while visiting mines.

My rating: 9/10

Trip Budget (Tentative as on 2024, You can add inflation with the below price by the year you are in now):

Item	Budget	Comfortable	Luxury
Reaching there	200 INR (Public bus from Rourkela)	6000 INR (Taxi)	8000 INR (Luxury Taxi)
Food and stay	4800 INR (Tensa Nature camp)	4800 INR (Tensa Nature camp)	4800 INR (Tensa Nature camp)
Visiting mine	1000 INR (Local contact)	1000 INR (Local contact)	1000 INR (Local contact)
Total	6000 INR for a Couple/Family	11800 INR for a Couple/Family	13800 INR for a Couple/Family