Purulia: A confluence of nature and culture
When you hear the name of Purulia district located in the western part of Bengal, red soil, rows of palm trees, small hills, tribal culture and historical monuments come to mind. On the one hand, the immense beauty of the Ayodhya hills, on the other hand, Chhau dance is a living exhibition of folk culture. If you want to go out in search of nature and history, Purulia can be your next destination.
Where is Purulia?
State: West Bengal
West, bordering Jharkhand and Odisha.
Main city: Purulia Town
Languages: Bengali, Santhali, Kurmi
How to get to Purulia?
On the train:
Purulia Junction (Kolkata)
Regular Trains: Chalukya Express, Howrah-Chakradharpur Passenger
Travel time: 5-7 hours.
Road route:
Distance from Kolkata: 300 km.
It takes 6-7 hours by car or bus
Share cars are available from Asansol or Raghunathpur
The best time to visit Purulia
The characteristics of the season
Winter November-February Light cold in the mountains, ideal travel time
Spring March-April is the season of Chhau dance, the heat rises a little
Monsoon July-September Green in the mountains, but some trails are impassable
Where do u stay?
Gangmura (foothills of Ayodhya)
WBFDC Forest Bungalow
The Banabitan Nature Resort
Garhpankot:
Garhpanchkot Eco Tourism Resort
SP Resorts and Holiday Homes.
Purulia Town:
Hotel Akash Sarovar
Hotel Hill View
Tip: Book in advance.
Places to visit in Purulia
1. The Ayodhya Hills
The most popular destination in Purulia. The combination of red soil roads, hilly forests and waterfalls has created a wonderful picture of nature.
Mountain roads and sunset points: car rides to the top of the mountain
Bamni and Dhvani Waterfalls: Beautiful in the Rain or in the Winter
Khairabera Dam: Popular for picnics and camping
Beautiful Falls, Mayur Hills and Turi Hills: Offbeat Destinations
2. Garhpanchkot
Surrounded by the ruins of historic Shiva temples and ancient forts, this place is ideal for history lovers. Here it is:
Ruins of Panchkot Palace
A very ancient temple
Hiking and trekking in the mountains
A quiet place in the midst of beauty
3. Baghmundi and Chhau Dance Centre
Chhau dance is the pride of this district. You can see the live performance of Chhau dance in Baghmundi and its surrounding villages.
The experience of making a mask
A Visit to the Local Academy
can be part of the festival directly in the spring
4. Jaichandi Hills
There is an ancient temple here and there is a great arrangement for climbing up the mountain. Satyajit Ray ‘s’ Hirak Rajar Deshe ‘was shot here.
5. Santuri, Borno and Chilka villages
Offbeat villages, where you will get a special touch of Santhal culture, tribal art, song-dance. Here you will find homestay and folk culture close.
The local cuisine of Purulia
Try this:
chowmein and momos (available in hotels and markets)
Roast chicken or shrimp
On the back of rice, on the back of sindoor (winter)
Special drink made of Mahua (in local festival)
3 day itinerary in Purulia
Day 1: Garh Panchkot and Jaichandi Hills
8: 00 am: Visit to Jaichandi Hills
Afternoon: Garh Panchkot Palace and Temple
Afternoon: Relax at the resort.
Night: Enjoy a picnic and local dances.
Day 2: Ayodhya hills and waterfalls
7 a.m.: Departure to the mountains
Vamani and Soundi Waterfalls
Picnic at Khairabera Dam
Photographing at Sunset Point in the Evening
Day 3: Baghmundi and Chhau Dance
A Visit to the Village of Chhau Mask Artisans
local culture and music.
Purulia Town or return train in the afternoon.
What do you want to buy from Purulia?
Chhau Mask (Handmade Artwork)
Sandalwood figurines and bamboo items
Folk Art-based Clothing and Ornaments
Important tips:
Wear warm clothes (especially in winter).
Book the car in advance, it may be difficult to get a hire
Delve deep into history and culture with a local guide.
Digital payments aren’t everywhere
Many areas become deserted after dusk, keep the destination fixed
An ideal place for photography.
Sunset in the hills of Ayodhya
Under the sound of the waterfall
Ruins of Garhpanchkot
Artistes with colourful masks during Chhau dance.
Conclusion: Purulia – The Pride of Bengal in the lap of Nature
A trip to Purulia is not just about the hills and waterfalls; it is a deep cultural journey. Where on the one hand there are traces of history, on the other hand there is the art and personality of the people mixed with the smell of the soil. Once you visit, you will understand why Purulia is so different.
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