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.

The Eco Park Kolkata or Prakititirtha was inaugurated in 2013 to provide the visitors a few hours of rejuvenation amidst the serene nature. The different theme parks, wetlands, plants, and the immediate eco-system present in the park gently showers in natural sustainability lessons without preaching nothing to the visitors as they spend some time there.

The Eco Park in Kolkata premises is too huge to be covered in a day, thus becoming an ideal weekend trip destination in Kolkata within an hour’s reach from your respective homes. Let’s now learn about the features of Eco Park in Kolkata before booking the tickets.

Features of Eco Park Kolkata

Thematic Areas: There are 24 thematic areas in the Eco Park, namely, Adda Zone, Artist’s Cottage, Bamboo Garden, Biswa Bangla Haat, Butterfly Garden, Eco Children’s Park, Eco Island, Mask Garden, Food Court, Formal Garden, Fruits Garden, Graffiti Walls, Lake Front Promenade, Meadow Garden, Musical Fountain, Play Area, Rabi Aranya, Rose Garden, Tea Garden, Tropical Tree Garden, Sculpture Garden, Sangraha, Seven Wonders, Japanese Garden. Each of these areas is built around a specific theme.

Activities: One can participate in a plethora of activities ranging from activities like Toy Train Rides, Boat Cruises, Kayaking, Cycling, Land Zorbing, Water Zorbing, Water Cycling, Ice Skating, Archery or simply enjoy solitude by sitting all alone in any corner of one of the Thematic Areas or enjoy the 360° views from the Glass House in the Eco Island. Sitting on the green grasses with one’s legs spread out and looking at the blue sky above can also leave you with a feeling of serendipity.

Eating Joints at Eco Park

Many restaurants are serving in and around Eco Park. For light snacks, visit any of the food kiosks or Wow Momo. You can also dine in an open-air restaurant, Cafe Ekante. Recently HIDCO has also started a drive-in restaurant named Dhaba Ajante.

You can also have your lunch at 6 Ballygunge Place, New Town.

How to move around? It’s tedious to move around the park, and your legs might betray you if you try to cover the entire area in one day. It’s better to take an Eco Cart to travel around the park. The Eco Carts prioritize the senior citizens and kids.

Eco Park Entry Fee

The entry fee to the Eco Park is Rs. 30. Full tickets are required for 3-year-old children and above. For details on the open and closing timings, please visit Eco Park New Town Website.

Precautionary Measures due to COVID-19

According to Debasis Sen, chairperson of HIDCO, and the park’s custodian, social distancing norms are being followed for visitors in the park. Only 50 persons are allowed to remain inside Eco Park, Kolkata, at a time. And only after the existing visors move out, the next tickets will be sold. Mask is compulsory for visitors, and to help them maintain social distancing, large patches are made on the ground. Except cycling, other land and water amusements are suspended for the time being.

If you are traveling by your personal vehicle, to make this waiting time fun, go towards Ekante cottages and spend some relaxing time near the huge lake.

Read more on Times Of India City Page

The post A Day Out in Eco Park Kolkata appeared first on KolkataFusion.