A lesser number of people knows the address of a priceless forest destination situated so close from our residence city Kolkata. A weekend trip there for a couple of days or more guarantees multiple excitement and entertainment. Beginning from dense forest, hillocks or mounds, tribal villages to food, songs, and music all set to drive a unique and novel experience to the visitors.
Attractions
Ayodhya Hill, in the Purulia District of the Bengal State, is a great place to relax and unwind for a few days. The whizzing sounds of the Pine, Sal, Simul or the Silk Cotton trees never let anyone feel lonely here. It’s lush and densely green as far as the eyes can see. Besides, the sounds of the madal (a type of drum) coming from the distant point could arouse anyone’s curiosity every now and then. Moreover, the picture perfect forest setting on a moonlit night of the Ayodhya Hill is a fancy for the nature lovers.
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| Chhau Dance |
The more one writes of the locals here the lesser it turns out to be in reality. Fortunately, the local villagers here love visitors and tourists and extend their helping hand whenever they need them. True, they are simple and honest people by nature. Understandably, spending a few days here with them in their locality fills the tourist’s heart and soul with fresh energies. Again, it’s altogether a different experience to visit the forest under the guidance of a forest guide.
The Ayodhya Hill surrounded by a green canopy stands tall and in silence. The Sal, Mahua, Serish, Teak, etc. lend a cool shade to the forest land. Another striking feature of the Ayodhya is that its color and appeal change according to the changing season. The Gorga-Buru has the highest peak and around twenty thousand tribal reside at the hill slopes. Writing about the occupation, more than twenty villages are involved with irrigation. The hill forest spreading around forty thousand acres is the natural home of the elephants, deer, pigs, leopards, etc.
According to the Puranas, once Shri Ram Chandra along with wife Sita Devi came here. To quench the thirst of Sita Devi, Lord Shri Ram pierced the ‘Patal Bhedi Baan’ (a type of arrow) on the ground resulting in a number of springs to appear on the surface of the ground here. Even today, on the auspicious occasion of the Buddha Purnima the youths after a bath of the Tundra and Bamni waterfalls drink the fresh and holy waters of the Sita Kund. After crossing the Sita Kund people also visit Sita Devi’s hair. Moreover, the footprint of Sita Devi is preserved at Sita Chatal.
The top of the Jogini or Mayuri Hill is one of the best places to have a glimpse of the natural beauty of Ayodhya. Besides, one may also view the training center where training is provided to climb the Ayodhya Hill. It’s an ideal place for trekkers as well. Moreover, the tribal dances and especially the Chhau Dance of the Purulia District is popular among everyone.
To Stay
Suitable staying options are available at Ayodhya for comfortable lodging. The Forest Bungalow of the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation at the Ayodhya Hill is one such option. For advance booking, one needs to contact: DFO, Purulia. Besides, one may stay at the lodge of the West Bengal Comprehensive Area Development as well. For advance booking, the contact is 033-2237-7041. Moreover, other staying options include the Guest House of the Purulia Pumped Storage Project and Ashram of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha.
To get there
Rupashi Bangla Express is available in the morning from the Howrah to reach the Barabhum Railway Station before the afternoon. From the Station, cars are available for Ayodhya. Rupashi Bangla Express is also available from the Satgachia Station at 6:25 am to reach Purulia by 11:50 am. Besides, Purulia Express departs at 4:50 pm and reaches Purulia at 10:20 pm. Alternatively, STSTC buses depart from the Esplanade, Dharmatala locality of the Kolkata City for Purulia at 10:45 am, 11:50 am, 1 pm, 2:15 pm and 10 pm. The bus fare is around RS 200.
Moreover, South Bengal State Tourism Buses depart from the Purulia City for Ayodhya Hill at 10:15 am and 1:30 pm noon. The distance of Ayodhya Hill from the Purulia City is around 45 kilometers.