Travelling to well-known and popular places have its own charm that compels us to visit those places frequently. However, we should be under no illusions that sometimes the idea of visiting any offbeat or not so popular places lure us the least. Hence, this weekend let's get ready and go for one such destination situated in the Purulia district of the West Bengal State. Why? Because it guarantees peace, calm and a cool atmosphere under the shadow of greenery to unwind yourself. Let's find out more in detail about the Baranti and the Garpanchkot of the Purulia district.
Attractions/Activities
Walk around in the morning or in the evening through the undulation red soil way. Make your way through the lakeside or sit there to search your soul in peace. It looks awesome during the sunset. Enjoy the rural atmosphere as you pass through the village locality, located beside the water reservoir (lake) between the Muradi and the Baranti Hills. The image of the hill and the sky overhead reflect on the lake water giving it a distinct colour. However, this is not constant as this natural process changes as the day progresses. While you walk on your way through the tribal village trees like the Mahua, Shishu, Piyal, etc., would welcome and accompany you from the either side.
Don't get surprised if you find the locals celebrating and enjoying. They beat Madal (drum) in which the youngsters also participate with full enthusiasm. The echo of the drums and the fragrance of the Mahua flower not only make the whole atmosphere romantic, but also spreads far and wide in the surrounding region.
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| Garpanchkot Temple |
After spending some time here, you may hire a car for Garpanchkot – a place of historic significance. Make sure to climb up the Garpanchkot hill. You would find a narrow spring passing by and an ancient temple. Since, the hill had the Garpanchkot Fort on its slope once, it's known as the Garpanchkot. Now, you could witness the ruin of the fort and some ancient temples in the vicinity. The Brenchi Nath Temple locates 10 kilometres away from here.
Nearby Attractions: Other notable nearby attractions include the Maithan Dam, Mukutmanipur and the Biharinath.
Learn and find out more about Biharinath, its attractions and how to reach there from the website
How to reach
First, you need to reach Asansol and then board the Adra Passenger to get down at the fourth station at Muradi. The distance between the stations 20 kilometres. From the Muradi Station rickshaws available for Baranti. The rickshaw charges vary from RS 80 to RS 100. Alternatively, if you have booked a room in any resort, you may ask them for a car before your arrival, they would provide the pickup from the station. The car journey charge is RS 200.
The distance from Kolkata is 250 kilometres and it takes around five to six hours to reach there. Trains available from the Howrah and the Sealdah Stations. The Black Diamond Express (6:15 am) and the Coal Field Express (5:20 pm) available from the Howrah Station. The Ganga Sagar Express (5:20 pm) available from the Sealdah Station.
Lodging/Stay
Though the lodging, hotels and guest houses limited in number, but these are increasing in number with time. Some of the lodgings with suitable accommodation and food facility are as given under:
Baranti Wildlife and Nature Study is one of the best places to stay. Double bedrooms available and the rent ranges from RS 500. The food charges with breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner is RS 275 per person every day.
West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Bungalow is another great place for comfortable lodging. Different types of rooms available and the rent ranges from RS 1000 to RS 2000. For booking, you may contact them at www.wbfdc.com
Some of the other resorts available are the Palash Bithi lodge, Akashmoni resort, Manbhum Holiday Home, etc.