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Mukutmanipur, largest earthen dam of India The vast bluish tract of water surrounded by the green forests and the hillocks comprise a picturesque and you cannot resist but continue clicking tireless so long your android gadget gives you warning of shrinking storage. An escape to serenity is what describes a place like Mukutmanipur – the second biggest earthen dam of Indi flawlessly. A weekend in these beautiful places is full of ultimate relaxation. Nature’s bounty grips you as you would find yourself surrounded by the hills, lush green forests and crystal clear lagoons. With hills and forests surrounding a huge water body that changes its color in different seasons, Mukutmanipur is the right place for those who are looking for some adventure along with absolute relaxation. Nestling at the confluence of two beautiful rivers – Kumari and Kansavati, Mukutmanipur is located in Bankura district of West Bengal. This wonderful destination is also a favorite picnic spot, attracting hoards of picnic crowds. This serene place is also famous for housing the second largest water barrage across India that canalizes Kumari and Kansavati Rivers into the 3 districts of West Bengal – Midnapore (West), Purulia and Bankura to facilitate irrigation of 8,000 square kilometers during the scorching summer . Rock faces , riverbeds , parrots screeching in the woodlands , foothills with paddy fields extending into the horizon , solitary and rocky sands beds by the lake .. These are the riches that Mukutmanipur offers . To get closer to them , camp out within sight of the lake , with an overhead canopy of starlit skies or the shade of huge leafy trees , and a nice fire at night , with permisson from the departments of tourism and forest in Kolkata . It is an ideal getaway where the second largest earthen dam in India is surrounded by mysterious hillocks like a crown or Mukut . Nestled at the confluence of two rivers , it is famous for its necklace shaped dam in the green wrapped ' Rangamati " Situated at the Khatra subdivision of Bankura District , the dam has been built over Kangsabati river . It was built in 1950s over the confluence of Kangsabati and Kumari rivers , the dam is Asias biggest earthen dam (11km long ) . The deep blue lake created by the dam , nestled among thickly forested hilocks is what you should go there for .
Things to See and Do :
On the lake : The dam on the confluence of the Kangsabati and Kumari flooded the valley when it was built . Just a few hill tops remained and these formed natural islands , their flora and fauna intact and beyond the reach of further destruction . These islands are wide enough to pitch five to eight tents . They are forested and provide enough firewood to support campfires . Firewood can also be brought from Mukutmanipur . There is a regular motor propelled boat service . If you re staying in one of the hotels on the shore , settle for a tour of the lake by boat , taking in the Deer Park at Bonpukuria and the Shiva temple that was originally in the valley , and is now reinstated on one of the surviving hillocks islands . The journey across these waters , often a bit rough because of the wind and the currents , in itself is absolutely fantastic . go for a swim in the sparking water alligator have never been seen here . When it has stopped raining heavily during the first few days of the monsoons , huge freshwater turtles gather along the shore , settle for a tour of the lake by boat , taking in the Deer Park at Bonpukuria and the the Shiva temple that was originally in the valley , and is now reinstated on one of the the surviving hillock islands . The journey across these waters , often a bit rough because of the wind and the current , in itself is absolutely fantastic . Go for a swim in the sparkling water alligators have never been seen here . When it has stopped raining heavily during the first few days of the moonsoons , huge freshwater turtles gather along the shore . Winter is the time for ornithologist to visit Mukutmanipur , for this is when migratory birds start flocking here . They build nests in the islands or in the reeds . They are off again by the first week of February , with their fledglings . During these months , the ponds on the way to Talberia are full of birds driving for fish .
Forest Walks : Do the 2km walk from the lake to the Deer park at dawn . The path into the woods is flanked on both sides by flowering trees , most of them wild , a few planted by the Forest Department . In early spring , the forestturns saffron with palash slowly merging into flaming red krishnachura with the onset of the rains . Winter has its quota of not so famous yellow , orange and white wild flowers taking over the show . Also drive down to Ambikanagar , the seat of a local raja . The last surviving ruins of a terracotta structure still reflect some of its lost grandeur .
Kangsabati Dam : This is the second largest earthen dam in India seeks attention for its vast water body and the way it whispers with the enchanting nature . The dam is 11 kilometer in length and was built under the administration of the Bengals Chief Minister , Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy . See the Sun casting golden rays down upon the water and turning the colour of it into fire red when the sun comes half into the water , you will experience a vision beyond your imaginations . Experience the divine beauty of Sunset and touch the solitude of the golden hour .
Musafirana Viewpoint : Have u ever seen a Moonrise standing on the top of a hillock . Be the witness of a captivating Moonrise from Musafirana view point . The immense beauty of lavish green and graceful water will definitely force u to click the shutter from here . Spend quality time with spouse or friends sitting under mushroom shaped shades from where u can get a divine view of eye soothing greenery saluting sky blue water . See the full moon rising out from the vast waterbody and sparkling over the water . Cool breeze , reflection of silvery moonlight on water under the stars and serene environment will make u feel like heaven . You will definitely get stunning landscapes of nature from here .
Pareshnath Shiv Mandir : It is an open temple of Mahadev as well as holy place for local people . During the construction of the dam , the idol was found by digging the Earth and it is considered to be an evidence of Jain Culture . You may se many stone idols there and people strongly belive that some of the idols were Jain deities . Many people come here to MahaShivratri festival . You will get the best view of mesmerising Sunset from here . The setting sun starts sinking beneath the horizon slowly . When the fiery ball comes down half into the water , its reflection in the dam made it look completely and creates a brilliant view . The clouds glow with orange hue and tweeting birds fly the nest across the sky . Make a moment for a lifetime .
Deer Park : Bonpukuria Deer Park is a perfect place for family outing as well . You will feel the nature murmuring here and the deer will come to welcome you with the astonished eye for sure . Towards Bonpukuria , there is a road where the trees made an arch like structure covering the road . Strange greens sun rays come through the canopy of branches and make a majestic painting of light and shadows on the road . Arrange a picnic and enjoy to the fullest in Bonpukuria village . Explore the bonpukuria village and see tribal paintings on hut .
Noadihi Sunset Point : It is a place after Baroghutu to come this place u have to follow the roads towards Peerless Resort then take a diversion to Baroghutu . After crossing baroghutu u will reach Noadihi recently Govt of West Bengal are making an accommodation which is still under construction . This place with ultimate silence to recharge ur soul . You will hear chirps of several birds with the beautiful sunset experience .
Ambika Temple : This temple is situated in Ambikanagar village is the place where Goddess Durga is being worshipped as Maa Ambika for last 700 yrs . According to local people , Maa Ambika is very much alive . Lets make your Durga Puja an unique one this year with the raw fragrance of ancient rituals at Ambikanagar Temple . Far away from bustling crowd and noise , the rich emotions of local people and their welcoming nature will definitely immerse u into happiness .
Where to stay and Eat : The best hotel in Mukutmanipur is the lakeside Peerless Resort with rooms facing the lake . The hotel has a resturant , bar and internet , and will arrange your sightseeing here . On a smaller bank are several small hotels including Amrapali WBFDC's Sonajhuri Prakriti Bhraman Kendra is set in the sal forests of Mukutmanipur . There is a nature Interpretation Center , a dining room and a childern park here . They arrange taxix on request . Apart from the resort , there are local eateries offering cheap and fresh foods .
How to reach MUKUTMANIPUR :
By Air
The nearest Airport to Bankura is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
International Airport, Kolkata which is about 212km to Bankura. From there, you
can take a cab, bus or train to Bankura. From Bankura, you have to take cab or
bus to Mukutmanipur.
By Train
Rail distance of Bankura from Kolkata is 233 km. Trains from Kolkata are
available for Bankura on regular basis. From Bankura, you have to take cab or
bus to Mukutmanipur.
By Road
Bankura is well connected
by road with Kolkata and surrounding towns like Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan,
Panagarh and other parts of the state. From Bankura, you have to take cab or
bus to Mukutmanipur
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