Jan 16,2024
PURULIA AYODHYA PAHAR
On the drive in , Purulia is flat , which doesnt prepare you for the surprising sight that lies around that final turning . After a few minutes drive through forest , the Ayodhya Hills suddenly loom ahead , 2400 ft high . Ayodhya is beautiful during the rains . The red and saffron of the earth becomes a thousand different shades of green , topped by a blue black sky . You can hear the gurgling sounds of the hundreds of spring , brooks and seasonal river , and at night , when it stops raining , water splashing against the rock in Dungri khal , the local name for the Shova River . Locals listen carefully to these sounds so that they can predict flash floods . While the winters here is also a magical time , nothing beats spring , when flaming red palash blooms set the land on fire . Ajodhya Pahar are extensions of the Eastern Ghats range . These hills are an adobe of several deep forest and beautiful waterfalls . A culturally rich tribe of Santhals find their habitat admist these dense forest . They are one of the largest Schedules tribe of India , Baranti , Bheti , Muradi are some small tribal villages nested inside these beautiful landscapes . The nearby populated town is Bagmundi . Ayodhya Pahar are the extensions of Eastern Ghats range . These hills are an abode of several deep forest and beautiful waterfalls . A culturally rich tribe of Santhals finds their habitat amidst these dense forest . They are one of the largest Schedules tribe of India . Santhals at Ajodhya Pahar region are descent of a Pre Aryan tribe and were great fighters during British India Regime . Tilka Majhi , Sidhu Murmu , Kanhu Murmu and Birsa Munda were the greatest among the Santhal warriors who led a strong Santhal Rebellion against Britishers . Rama soon to be king of Ayodhya , crosses the ocean to wage his war of dharma against the rakshasa force of the demonlord Ravana . The valiant vanars and bear suffer huge losses when Ravana unleashes his iniquitous sorcery on them , destroying tens of thousand of Ramas loyal soilder .
Things to See and Do : In Ayodhya Hills , be prepared to walk . Carry good trekking boots , water , dry food and keep at least five hrs of daylight as reserve . Flowering trees , birds butterflies , the morning sun and waterfalls will company u all the way to the top of the hill . Every year thousands of campers flock here . Camp anywhere you want as the forest authorities are pretty lenient . But do inform the police and forest Department at Ayodhya Pahar or Bagmundi .
Walk in the Hills : Paths leading to the Turga or Bamni Falls might just head into absolute wilderness . Losing your way in the woods at night might not be a healthy proposition as elephants from the Dalma range forest tour the neighboured every night . Well reputed guides Pahar Singh Laya and Fuchu Machhuar take very small group of tourists for exclusive night treks . These and other guides can be contacted at Hotel Durga in nearby Bardipara , which falls in Jharkhand .
Sita Kunda : This hot spring is the place where , according to legend , Rama shot an arrow to crack open the Earth s crust so that Sita could quench her thirst during their exile . It is walking distance from Ayodhya Pahar , past the Bharat Sevasram Sangha and through Bangandi a small adivasi village . This part of Ayodhya pahar is flat , and there are lakes and huge trees on gentle slopes .
Nearest tourist spots in Ayodhya
Gajaburu Hills : Gajaburu Hills is located close to Ayodhya Hills and is a beautiful spot to relax and unwind your soul . The place looks no less than a Paradise . It is a heaven for thrill seekers , basically , rocks climbers who love to challenge themselves on the steep and rugged terrain . You can also enjoy picnicking and camping here , and join the nature camps that are organised regularly .
Upper and Lower Dam : Another famous attraction to visit near Ajodhya Pahar is its upper Dam . It is a vital water source for the dry areas of Purulia . It forms a lake that stretches over a vast area . The road along the lake offers stunning views of the sunsets over the Ajodhya Pahar . Lower Dam is even more pictureque than the Upper Dam . It is nestled among the hills and the roads across the lake offers sweeping view of the placid lake and the lush green hills .
Mayur Pahar View Point : Mayur Pahar is a hidden gem in Purulia . This hill is a must visit destination near Ayodhya Hills . The elevation of the hill is quite low and the green trees that cover the hill look quite fascinating .
Bamni Falls : Bamni Falls is a famous attraction in Purulia and one of the West Bengals most visited waterfalls . It is sittuated near Ayodhya Hill . The view of the cascade nestled among rugged plateaus and verdant forest looks like mesmerizing . The area is untouched by urban development and offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city . The falls provide a beautiful backdrop for photos and a relaxing place to sit and admire the surroundings . You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the calmness and beauty of nature here . It will uplift your mood and ascend the inner spirit .
Marble Lake : Its a wonderful destination admist the brick colored hills and the rustic charm of Purulia . This gem is situated in a tribe belt that is well ornamented with thick Sal forest and creates a dark contrast with the red laterite soil . This natural oasis looks more beautiful in the rainy season when the Harka Ban or flash fills the spring . You can enjoy a thrill view of this turquoise lake from the top of Bamni Falls . The lake has a tranquil and soothing atmosphere that makes u feel relaxed and peaceful .
Mukhos Gram : All heard about the famous and traditional Chau dance of Purulia which uses colourful attires and eye catching heavy mask in dance . The mask or Mukhos are prepared in a village known as Charida . It is located close to Ajodhya Hill . Charida is often called " Mukhos Gram " because of the unique mask made here . Generations of family are engaged in the dramatic traditions of mask making . The mask are displayed in workshop and outside their house . Budeshwar was the first Chau Mask maker in Charida.
Pakhi Pahar : The 800 feet high hill is a canvas for artist Shri . Chitta Dey and his team who has sculpted nearly 65 images of bird on the sheer rock face . The work is still going on . The Birds hill or Pakhi Pahar draws rock climbing enthusiast . The hill has been painstakingly sculpted by a group of artist to creat about 65 birds and is worth a visit . One can also witness the scenic beauty of Pardi Dam which is about 12kms from Charida .
Muruguma Dam : The Murguma Dam is constructed on the Saharajhore River, one
of the tributary of Kangsabati River in West Bengal, India. The dam is
constructed near Murguma village in the foothill of Ajodhya Hills, Purulia
District. It’s under Kotshila Police Station. A number of other streams also
flow into the dam directly from Ajodhya Hills. The dam is surrounded by hills,
forests and a number of small islands within it. The place is situated at the
north west end of Ajodhya Hills which is considered as an eastern extension of
Chota Nagpur Plateau. istance from nearby places: Ajodhya Hills Top =
20 km, Jhalda = 16 km, Begunkodor town = 6 km, Begunkodar rail
FH = 12 km, Kolkata = 340 km, Purulia = 50 km, Durgapur =
185 km (via Bankura) 165 km (via Asansol), Bankura = 140 km,
Jamshedpur = 110 km, Ranchi = 95 km, Asansol = 134 km.
Turga Falls : A visual treat to the eyes, Turga waterfall is located near the
village of Gosaidih. The falls create a small reservoir, where locals and
tourist like to take a dip.It’s a cascading water fall. Its water is the very
clear. One can see through it as if it were a piece of glass. The water slid
down smoothly as it fell, having no problems with the giant drop. The
clouds covered the clean cobalt color soaking the sky. The clouds were small
puffs of cotton floating in the sky. They floated in the sky, making the
picture that much better than it was before. The air was vacant of birds as the
noise ear-shattering. It glowed with an amazingly bright
light that couldn’t be compared to anything else. The horizon was a
never-ending line that followed the water in unison .
Khairabera Lake : A natural lake bounded by low lying hills and deep
forests. The Khairabera Lake is also home to numerous migratory
birds.Khairabera is a beautiful lake amidst an irrigation dam in the midst of slopes and woods at Baghmundi hills which falls in
Choto Nagpur Plateau.The beauty of the place is its serenity, uneven terrain,
falls, streams, thick vegetation. Khairabera lies
in the Purulia district of West Bengal. The driving distance from Purulia to
Khairabera Dam is only 67 km. Polash Festival, Bhadu
festivals, Santal dance etc .You will be thrilled to hear the barking deer, peacock, bear, wild
boar, leopards, elephants and Indian hyenas which are found in the local
areas of Ajodhya hills as well.
Pardih Dam : In Baghmundi police station area, in the lap of Ayodhya hills,
there is an unknown village called Pardi. The village is quite large. On the
road from Baghmundi to Balrampur, the narrow paved road on the left from
Banshitar turns to the right through the dense Shal forest and crosses the
village of Chirugara to reach Pardi village. The quiet, silent dam
sits alone in secluded solitude, decorated with unique treasure. The region is
like a sage’s sanctuary. If you stand on the bank of the dam in the morning or
at sunset, the mind is bound to feel you are in heaven. Gorgaburu hill is very
close to this dam, you can be climb hill, it is another experience. There is a
small field on the bank of the dam. People who come to rock climbing camp here..
Mathaburu Hills : The “Mathaburu” is standing up to two thousand feet
high. A huge awakened god to the locals. Some call “Mathaburu”, as “father of
every single tackled issue”. The temple is situated at the head of
the hill. Once in a year, “The Goddes of Matha” be worshiped on the
hilltop the next day after the festival of “Makar Sankranti”. It is very
difficult to reach this temple by climbing uphill. There is a fair at
the foot of the hill, in the wilderness. The fair is over in one day. The
“Mathaburu” will rest once more. The “Mathaburu” territory is around 153 sq. kilometers of
wilderness. There are a few rough mountains with characteristic environment.
Rock Climbing Camp are located inside the slopes surrounded by forests. This
uneven zone in West Bengal has been famous for climbing mountains. The Forest Range
Office and Forest Bunglow are situated beside the Balarampur-Baghmundi
main road. There’s a tree house, tree nursery in Forest Range Office. For the
sake of rock climbing, the role of the “Mathaburu” is nice.
Where to Stay and Eat : Ayodhya Hills has several WBFDC accommodations . The Forest Rest House Rs 500 on the hilltop has 4 rooms . The WBCADC runs the Niharika and Malabika rest house located near the bazar on the road to Sirkabad . Hotel Durga arranges guides for treks across the hills , including night treks . It also has a separate camping ground and arranges tents and other facilities for stays in villages . Cars for sightseeing are also available from this lodge . For food , just outside Durga Lodge is an unimpresssive -looking shack owned by the Harekrishna Kaibarta , an excellent cook . He takes care of everything from early morning tea to late dinners , if informed in advance .
Location : 2400 ft above the plains of Purulia , near the border between West Bengal and Jharkhand Air Kolkata Rail Purulia . Ayodhya Hills in the Purulia District of West Bengal .
How to reach : By Train , The nearest railhead is Barabhum Station .
By Road : You can reach Baghmundi which is the nearest village connected by public transport via Kharagpur and Balarampur via State Highway . You can also take a slight longer detour via Durgapur , Purulia and reach baghmundi but the roads would be better . One can take a bus or rented vehicle from Baghmundi to Ajodhya Hills .
Best time to visit : October to April . Less Rains and moderate temperature with a blue clear sky .
What to do : Trekking Rock Climbing , sight seeing and a cultural walk through Santhal tribal Village .
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