Gangani Ecopark in the Gopegarh, Midnapore

When it gets tough to carry on, it becomes important to take a short break from work to rewind one's energy. One great way to make the best of a short break is to go for a weekend trip in the nearby regions. Gangani, located at Gopegarh, Midnapore, an ideal weekend destination in Bengal. Some refer it as “Gangani Math” while others as “Gangani Danga.” This highland of the red laterite rock locates at the bank of the Shilabati River in the West Midnapore district.

The red laterite soil given different shapes to the landform of the region. The early sunrise and the shadow of the evening sunset leans on the landform producing illusion of a vast burning oven. Perhaps, because this unique feature, the park named as the Gangani Math.

According to the locals, the great Bhima of the Mahabharata killed the Bakasura demon at this place. Lord Krishna impressed with his heroic deed came here to welcome him. Besides, the elder of the Pandava brothers, Yudhisthira built a Lord Krishna temple known as the Krishna Jew Temple. Moreover, King Vikramaditya did meditation here.

Rashkundu located 10 kilometres away from the Garhbeta. The Basanta Raya Jew Temple located here. The visitors crowd here to get relief from the pain of arthritis disease. They need to stay for a couple of days under guidance to follow proper rules/methods to get relief from pain.

The Gangani Eco-park locates within three to four kilometres from the Garhbeta. A calm locality welcomes to spend time in peace. The red laterite soils spread around one and a half kilometres. These vary around 60 to 70 feet in height. One could enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding region from any of the top peaks. At one side spreads the laterite soil hills while on the other side flows the Shilabati River. One should be careful walking on these stone hills as these are uneven. For safety, one must get up there through the natural stares from the riverbank. Of course, adventure seekers may love to climb all by themselves.

Though the red colour dominates the region, but seen in different characteristics. Sometimes, it merges deeper in the surrounding while at other times seen in the lighter shades. The whole region appears dry and rough, but the riversides unfold some other colours like the green, brown, yellow and light purple. The trees and shrubs peeping out between the stones add the green shade to the surrounding. The flowers on the river bank makes the spot look graceful. Some of the locals spotted crossing the river by walking down through the hip level river water to the other side. The other side of the river has lush green field where locals involved in their regular activities of irrigation and cultivation. Moreover, the fishers fish on the river water and the cowboys busy with cattle. The whole outset takes one to a village atmosphere far away from the humdrum of the regular city life.

Though not much, but enough for those who make things happen. One may sit and enjoy the unique natural beauty of the spot. Besides, one could view the sunrise and sunset near the riverbank. If one does not mind taking risk and love adventure may plan to climb the top of the laterite hills to have the broad view of the surrounding region. One may talk with the locals and hire a boat to sail on the river waters. Moreover, to enjoy the unique experience of crossing the river by walking, one may get help of the locals. Believe it or not, they help people and love co-operating with the visitors in the midst of their regular work.

Rupashi Bangla Express available from the Howrah Station, Kolkata to Garhbeta Station. Alternatively, Aranyak Express available from the Shalimar Station. Besides, if one plans to go in his/her own car, it would take around four hours to get there. Moreover, from the Kharagpur and the Midnapore regular buses run for Garhbeta.

Garhbeta do not have too many hotels for suitable stay. However, one may plan to stay at the Shyam Bhavan Dharmashala or at the Suruchi hotel. It takes 15 minutes in a rickshaw to reach Shyam Bhavan from the railway station. The Suruchi hotel locates a little away from the Shyam Bhavan Dharmashala.