Joypur Forest

The following day, i.e. on 17th December, we started for Joypur jungle. A sweet aroma punched me as we entered the magical forest area. No! Not the typical smell of the forest; it came at sudden points, making me go crazy. After stopping our car once to find the source, we were reminded that it was winter, time for khejur gur (date palm jaggery). So, along with my nose, I kept my eyes open. The following person we saw on the road with bottles and mud pots, we stopped to purchase some fresh khejur gur. If you visit Bishnupur, Bankura, in winter, it’s a must-try out! But, be careful of fraud.

After a 2 hours ride, we reached Banalata resort near the outskirts of Joypur forest.

Bonphool Tree House

Banalata resort is the most commonly known resort in Joypur forest. But, since it’s overtly priced and overcrowded, we booked our stay in Banphool Tree House. So, while Banalata was bang on SH2, we had to travel further inside the forest to reach Bonphool.

Bonphool was once again precisely something what we wanted. In the lap of nature, it has a swimming pool, children’s play area, sufficient space to laze around, and is preferably deserted. They have boating options and also arrange jungle safaris for a minimal cost. You can also go for cycle rides in the forest. Their room rent includes three times’ meals. Initially, we were not happy with it. But all our complaints vanished after having the first bite of food.

We had booked a treehouse, which was very cozy, and perfectly crafted for a family. They also have other options like cottages, tents, and bamboo houses.

After having our sumptuous lunch, I decided to lie in the room while the other two went for a walk with my cousin, who had come to visit us.

Lying on the low-raised bed and looking at the wooden floor, before I could gather my thoughts, the party was back. So, we went downstairs, ordered our tea, and prepared our board under the eucalyptus trees for playing Connect 4. We played, chatted and drank some excellent tea until the sun went down, and we started feeling the chills in our bones.

Buy the exciting board game ( Connect 4) online from Amazon.

Since it was peak winter and the forest wind made our teeth chatter, they arranged for a bonfire on request. It was near the dining area. So, we went upstairs to keep the board game and covered ourselves with another layer.

The evening went by singing, dancing and playing with the puppies who stayed in the resort. The icing on the cake was the finger-licking snacks.

As the fire started to fade out, we decided to move back to our rooms for dinner and a night of peaceful sleep.

The next day was our last day in Bankura and we had decided to spend it in Bishnupur.

Bishnupur

It took us around half an hour to reach Hotel Annapurna, in the heart of Bishnupur town. Unlike the other three stays, it was a brick-and-mortar star category hotel.

Bishnupur Bankura temples

Bishnupur is renowned for its terracotta temples, artefacts and Baluchori saree. It has a vibrant history and every temple has a story behind it. While I wasn’t interested in sarees, I was keen to visit some temples and the haat. So, we quickly freshened up and left for the famous Rasmancha. Totos are very readily available near the hotels. On fixed rates, they’ll take you through all the temples. You can book entry tickets to the temples either online or at the entrance gate of Rasmancha.

Rasmancha

In 1600 AD, King Bir Hambir built this historical temple to celebrate the Vaishnav Ras Utsav in a protected area. To know more about the history of Rasmancha, click here.

Its structure and artefacts attract not just tourists but historians and artists from far and wide.

Dalmadal Kaman & Ma Chinnamastar temple

Our next stop was the Dalmadal Kaman. It’s indeed a legendary canon but lacks maintenance. Then, very close to it, is Chhinnamasta temple. This 100-year-old simple temple’s deity has been engraved out of Red Desert Sandstone. She is seen holding her severed head in her right hand. In her left hand, she holds a sword.

To know the story behind this temple, click here.

We didn’t visit any other temple, but to learn about the temples in Bishnupur, click here. Unfortunately, we had to return to our hotel due to my health issue. But, here’s the list of temples for you:

Poramatir haat

And after a delicious continental lunch and some rest, we went to poramatir haat. As a homage to the burnt clay and brick artefacts of the Bankura district, this evening market is named Poramatir haat. It starts at around 2 pm and runs till around 7 pm.

The vast ground has specific areas for painters, singers, dancers, and sellers. It’s the perfect place that captures the vibe of Bankura. Along with the beats of the baul and tosu songs, from somewhere, you’ll get the rhythms of dhamsha, and madol. The folk dancers move to their beats, creating an unforgettable ambience.

As you walk to the other sides, you will find some incredible painters engrossed in their canvas. And then there are the villagers, with their colourful handcrafts. Starting from dolls, mud tea sets, cotton stoles and handmade lanterns – each represents Bankura’s native art and crafts.

From the moment you enter this place, it’s bound to remind you of Shantiniketan’s Sonajhuri Haat.

After a few bags full of shopping, we retired to our hotel. They accept gpay, which is good but got quite heavy on my pocket. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my evening.

Tips

Carry an electric kettle with you and a flask. Rooms (except Annapurna hotel) did not have electric kettles. Since we are tea lovers managing without electric kettles was a bit challenging. And flask to help you enjoy a few tea sips while travelling through the forests.

There are quite a few routes to Bankura. But I suggest, if you’re going by road, don’t miss the trip through Jhargram. After all, the road towards the destination is as cherishable as the destination.

To Conclude

Be it a weekday or a weekend; everything’s mostly planned in our lives. Our mind is either planning something or executing it—no doubt why most of us wake up every morning feeling tired. And even after a long weekend (stuffed with household work and socializing), we look forward to the following weekend. However, after visiting Jhilimili and Joypur, I realized the true meaning of relaxation.

“Live close to nature and your spirit will not be easily broken, for you learn something of patience and resilience. You will not grow restless, and you will never feel lonely.”

Ruskin Bond

The post Joypur And Bishnupur Bankura-The Journey Continues appeared first on KolkataFusion.

Being a Bankri (someone from the Bankura district of West Bengal), Bankura as a holiday destination always sounded quirky to me. Moreover, my son and I prefer the beach. Though my hubby loves the plateaus, we always won by 2 to 1. However, last December, I decided to see what’s there in Jhargram or Bankura that entices him so much. And fortunately, we found a resort (Rimil Lodge) with treehouses. The kid also loved the videos and instantly agreed to divulge from a beach trip.

So, off we were….

15^th December is my kiddo’s birthday and in 2021, it was also the last class in school before winter vacation. Our booking at Rimil was for the 15^th itself. So was his maths exam, from 8:00 am. We were so excited that instead of waiting for a day, we decided to let our son experience some fun on his birthday alongside having serious business to take care of. I know many will frown on this idea, but that’s a life skill, to be honest!

The plan was to Jhilimili forest via Jhargram- approximately a 5 hours drive. So, the kid was to take his exam from a roadside eatery in his school uniform!

15^th December 2021

We started our journey at around 6:00 am, aiming to reach Kolaghat by 7:30 am.

We reached there by 7:20 am, giving us enough time to freshen up and prepare for the test. Though we were worried about how the teachers would react to our crazy idea of taking the test inside an eatery, they were quite sporting. After all, it’s the new normal. However, the kid was excited to reveal his birthday plans to his teacher. We had to literally beg him to restrict his words only to “Ma’am, today’s my birthday.” And to keep aside his excitement as after vacation stories. Once the test was over, we changed him into his birthday dress and resumed our journey.

Trust me! I’m not exaggerating, but this was one of our best road trips – the roads were very smooth, and the lush green forests, from the moment we entered Jhargram, added to the charm. There were so many moments when we just stopped and looked around. Unlike any other trips, we had no hurry to reach our destination. There was hardly any traffic and we either passed by villages or forests. Life seemed so peaceful and so enticing. It seemed like a journey that we could continue forever.

Jhilimili Forest

We reached our destination by 2 pm and there wasn’t a single drop of tiredness in us.

Rimil Eco-Tourism

Rimil Eco-Tourism was just the place where we wanted to be. There’s enough open space with a children’s park. However, the treehouse is a bit overtly charged. It’s a make-believe tree house put up on a few pillars. After reading a few stories, the kid expected something more realistic, but the park and the freedom to roam about maskless made him happy. And he also loved the company of the staff. They were very hospitable and paid as much importance to the kid’s words as ours.

They also have a small pond, beside which you can sit and detoxify your city life’s tiredness. And the entire area is perfectly lit up, ensuring that you neither feel unsafe nor does it interfere between you and nature.

In the evening, we had a bonfire just near our treehouse. And they prepared a sal-pata chicken, a speciality of Bankura. The smoky flavour of the countryside chicken can beat any 5-star restaurant’s tandoori.

My father and his friends used this sala-pata recipe, as an old technique, as kids. They used to marinate fish with spicy Indian masalas, wrap them up in sal-pata and put it at the base of the bonfire. Then, once the fire was towards the fag end, they took it out and enjoyed it with hot rice. We enjoyed the same thrill but with chicken!

From Rimil resort, you can visit the Talberia dam. Amidst tribal villages, it’s an appealing spot for visitors who want to spend quality time with themselves.

Visit the hills: An Accidental Sojourn In Darjeeling

Sutan forest

The next day we left for Kangsabati Dam in Mukutmanipur, Bankura. On our way, we took a detour and went to Sutan forest, which is half an hour from Rimil.

Someone has rightly said, “True bliss is found in the silence of the nature.”

Sutan forest is no activity spot. It’s the ultimate heaven where one can sit and do nothing. And if you have a poor mobile network (like we had), consider it as nature’s gift. We could see nothing around except Sal, Seora, Simul, Amla, Palash and many other trees standing in tranquillity. And Sutan lake calmly flowed through them, creating a rustling sound. As if the ambience solaced us by saying, “we are there if you need us!”

After spending some time there, we started walking into the forest. The silence, the smell of the different types of trees, the hustling sound of water and the sudden ruffling sound made by the leaves as air gushed through them – created an aura of calmness and fear. It was broad daylight, but my heartbeat fastened as we went deeper inside the forest. I had to keep a straight face with the seven-year-old, showing courage. And I was relieved when he finally declared we should turn around or we’ll lose track.

After spending some time there, we continued on our journey toward Mukutmonipur.

Another Weekend Gateaway: Let’s travel to the unknown lands of Purulia Ayodhya Pahar

Mukutmanipur

Travelling through the exciting forest of changeable heights on both sides, we reached Mukutmanipur, one of the well-known places in Bankura. The WBFDC resort is on a hill covered by green woods. And within walking distance of the Kangsabati Dam. From the dam, if you look in the resort’s direction, you’ll see nothing but a small forest on a hill. But inside stands a resort with a hauntingly tranquil ambience.

WBFDC resort Mukutmanipur, Bankura

Though the rooms are big, they aren’t well maintained and the service is poor. As the parking is quite far from the reception, climbing up to the rooms might be difficult for aged people. So, try to book rooms near the reception.  For booking and other information, click here.

Kangsabati Dam

No vehicle is allowed on the dam. So, if you want to visit the tourist spots, you’ll have to book an auto or totos, which charge exorbitantly. The sites are mostly overcrowded with tourists, but the boat ride over Kangsabati was exciting. We didn’t want to disturb the harmony of the ride with the motor boat’s sound and took a paal-tola-nouko (a sailing boat). Every time the vast azure water current swayed the boat, chills ran down my spine. After the adventurous ride, we spent some more time loitering on the dam before retiring to our room in the evening.

Personal opinion

I feel we could have avoided this halt. It can be a day’s trip from Rimil resort. But, the hotel options are much more here than at Jhilimili forest. So, make your choices, depending on the type of traveller you are!

Coming up soon with our experience and stay options at Joypur forest and Bishnupur.

The post Bon Voyage – Jhilimili Forest And Mukutmanipur Bankura appeared first on KolkataFusion.

Everything you can think about in a tranquil place is found in Purulia – the verdant hills, elusive tribal folk culture, captivating village life, mythological connections, warm welcome and delicious food.

Purulia Tourism

The land of golden brownfields that blooms up during spring.

Best time to visit Purulia

Winter is the best time to visit Purulia. But, if you want to cherish the Palash festival, visit during March – April. Actually, every season beautifies Purulia with its own ornaments, but avoid summers because it’s scalding.

Baranti

Baranti is a small village in Purulia.

Located in the Ramchandrapur Irrigation Project’s close vicinity, Baranti provides a grand view of the reservoir. Bestowed by its natural beauty with hills and forests, Baranti provides the silence we city dwellers crave. Wander on the landscape, sit near the dam, or enjoy a night safari – the choices for nature lovers are many.

From Baranti, you can visit Joychandi Pahar, Chelyama, and Garhpanchkot.

Where to stay at Baranti? – Baranti Eco Tourism

There are many private resorts in Baranti, but we had put up at the Baranti Eco Tourism. Being a Government-owned resort, there are no over-committed websites of this resort, but no other place can be better for spending a weekend away from the commotion.

Just like any other Government project, the location is perfect. And it’s a massive resort with beautiful gardens, well-spacious rooms, very supportive staff and a watchtower giving a picturesque view.

Let pictures do the talking now.

For booking at Baranti Eco Tourism, contact Mr. D. Ray at 7407971456. He’s an amicable person and will provide you all possible support.

Food

If you are a fish lover, you will surely want to revisit Baranti. You get homely food, perfectly suitable for kids and elders.  Despite being from Birbhum, I became a fan of Purulia’s style of alu posto. And at times, when I cook it, I temper it with paanch phoron and not Kalo jeera.

How To reach Baranti From Kolkata

Reach Durgapur by train or bus and book a cab from there. It takes 1hr 40mins to reach Baranti from Durgapur. And if you want to travel by train, don’t get down at Durgapur. Go to Asansol, and from there, you’ll get local trains to Muradi. From Kolkata, it takes around 6 hours by road.

One of Parna’s ex-students has recently visited Baranti and he has helped us with a video, too. It will give the drive route to Baranti Eco Resort from Raniganj.

We went from Asansol by our personal vehicle. It took us around 90 mintues.

Joychandi Pahar

Visiting Baranti and not going to Joychandi Pahar would have been a crime. After all, a few scenes from the Satyajit Ray’s “Hirak Rajar Deshe” have been shot here. So, the next day, early morning, we left for this trekking spot.

Adding to the charm of Purulia tourism, each spot is distinctly different from the other. While Baranti is for relaxation, Joychandi is a trekkers’ delight. Still an unexplored area, Joychandi is named after Ma Chandi. Her temple resides at the top of the hill, along with a Hanuman temple. Even an atheist must visit the temple, for the sheer view you get from there – it’s breath-taking! And worth the steep climb of around 500 steps.

In spring, this hilly area is adorned with bright palash, trebling the beauty of the landscape.  

Where to stay at Joychandi Pahar? – Joychandi Hill Resort

The rooms are well maintained, spacious, and thoroughly sanitized. It has all the amenities required to keep you close to nature while making a stay comfortable. The property is enormous, with a well-equipped playground for kids. While our son jumped around the park and the resort’s steps, we sat under a shade, overlooking the empty fields. Our vision hit with nothing but the scattered hills.

Some pictures

How to reach?

We drove our personal vehicle from Baranti and it took us approximately an hour to reach the village.

There are many local trains from Asansol and Adra that take you to Joychandi Railway Station.

Food

You get simple Bengali food. But, the quantity is more than sufficient. We had ordered chicken thalis, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Chelyama (Cheliama)

After having a sumptuous breakfast of luchi-tarkari, we left for Chelyama. 

Historically rich, Chelyama is archaeologists’ and historians’ paradise. There’s a beautiful Radha Binod temple built somewhere in the 17^th century, during King Balbhadra Shekhar Singh Deo’s reign. It’s a lot like Bankura’s Bishnupur temples, and its terracotta engraved structure is a manifestation of mythological stories.

This “Aatchala” (eight domed) temple faces towards the east. Its eastern wall has three terracotta panels with mythological stories engraved. The first panel tells the fearful story Shumbho-Nishumbho battle with Devi Chandi. The second one illustrates Rama and Ravana’s tense battle. And the third one is all about Lord Krishna’s mischievous deeds and his Ras Nritya. You can also see the Dasavatars (the ten
reincarnations of Vishnu), climbers, flowers, fruits, leaves, hunting scenes, horse-pulled chariots engraved on the walls.

After exploring through the historical remains and gazing at the undulated land with scattered hills, we left for Baranti. It took us around 1½hours to reach Baranti Eco Tourism Resort.

A Few Glimpses

Food

Not having much idea about the available restaurants at Chelyama, we had carried some heavy snacks with us. And since we travelled during the COVID-19 era, we didn’t want to eat at the dhabas. However, there are many roadside dhabas en route.  

How to reach?

The nearest staying option is in Jaychandi hills. So, for travelling to Chelyama, take your own vehicle or speak to the resort staff for a cab. It takes half an hour to reach from Baranti.

Garpanchkot (Garh Panchokot)

While returning to Asansol, we stopped at Garhpanchkot, a 45mintues drive from Baranti.

Snuggled in Pandhkot’s (Panchet Hill) foothills is this multifaceted, secluded, enchanting tourist attraction, Garpanchkot. This north-eastern village in the Purulia district is pretty close to the boundary of Burdwan and Jharkhand. After witnessing the rise of the kings and torments of Bargis, it’s still holding the ruins intact, enhancing the beauty of the place. The forests, hills, water bodies surrounding this locality make it a favoured tourist spot.

Even if history doesn’t attract you, the natural beauty will surely entice you. 

Where to stay at Garpanchokot?

Out of the many options, the WBFDC resort is the best. Its lush green gardens, wide-open space, and the vast array of trees add to the overall experience. For booking at Garpanchkot Prokriti Bharaman Kendra, click here. Plan your trip beforehand, or you wouldn’t get a room. We were so much in love with the place that we wanted to spend a night there. But, we didn’t get a spot booking.

So, we drove around the place, halting, sometimes to capture the beauty of rural Bengal and witness the remains of history. We departed from there at around dusk and reached home within 90 minutes.

The Garpanchkot Eco Tourism is also a decent resort with all modern amenities, like a children’s park, swimming pool, comfortable cottages and a restaurant serving various Indian platters.

Panchet Residency at Garpanchkot is a treat, with extravaganza luxury and fantastic rooms. As heard from relatives, its panoramic view snatches sleep away from your eyes, making you crave not to miss a single facet of a day.

Food

We had taken our lunch at Garpanchkot Eco Tourism resort. And we found the food to be good, like at most places in Purulia. But, it was costlier compared to Baranti or Jaychandi Pahar.

It’s not the conclusion yet…

Purulia is vast and you cannot cover the entire landscape in a weekend trip.

So, in the next part, we’ll share our experience of Ayodhya Pahar, where we stayed, and much more…stay tuned!

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