Dictionary meaning of the term off-beat signifies unconventional or unusual. However, when this term gets associated with any picnic spot, then we mean either the spot is less popular or not much known to the people. It’s possible that you may have not heard about this spot before, but that’s why we are here to provide you with the details of popular as well as not so popular spots on the go. So, today Life Breezy takes the initiative to bring into the limelight the Motijhil picnic spot at Naupala near Kolaghat.
Attractions and activities
The spot is located close to Domjur in Howrah. Even though it’s not a popular spot, but it does serves the purpose of those looking for picnicking nearby the city of Kolkata. Besides, it provides you with the opportunity to relax for some time at the outskirts of the city in a cool green environment. That said, the spot is basically a flower and fruit orchard (Bagan) that fulfils the basic requirement to have a fun filled day picnic activity. This Tarapada Dey Bagan is formally known as Motijhil today. It is situated beside a canal (Khal) that connects with the River Saraswati. Neither you have to pay any entry fee nor need to take any permission to enjoy a picnic here along with your family and friends. If you inform the caretaker here about your arrival he would arrange for all the necessary commodities/utensils.
Make sure to come here early as nature is at its best during the early hours of the day. Certainly, it would refresh you from within for sure. The cool pleasant winter weather, the dew drops on the green grass, flowers and leaves of trees nodding with the breeze, etc., would keep you interested for long. As the day progresses enjoy the warmth of the winter sunshine. Sit, relax, play games, have fun or chit-chat with friends and relatives. Besides, if you want something more exciting, then enjoy a boat ride on the clear waters and view the surrounding locality. Occasionally, you may hear the buzzing sound of a rushing train passing from the nearby railway track demanding your attention.
While you plan your lunch menu don’t forget to add the Hilsa fish without which a picnic here is incomplete. The region is well known for Hilsa herring. You would get the fish and other raw food materials required from the big market in Kolaghat. Alternatively, you may plan to buy the items required for picnic from the Domjur market if you so wish.
Nearby attraction – If you have time in hand, you may plan to visit the house of great Bengali novelist, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay at Samtaber. It’s located only five to six kilometres from here.
To get there
Regular private buses are available from the Howrah to Domjur. You may plan to go by the Barogachia Local of the South East Railway and get down at the Kolaghat Station. Next, hire a rickshaw from the station to cross the Kolaghat Bridge or Sarat Setu to reach Naupala. However, if you are travelling in your own vehicle, the driving direction would be Bombay Road – Kolaghat Bridge. Turn left before the Kolaghat Bridge to reach the spot at Naupala.
