If you are a nature enthusiast, particularly forests, then a trip to Ajodhya Hills is a must. It has gained popularity as a preferred destination for tourist from Kolkata. Trekking, hiking, wildlife spotting, are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy at Ajodhya Hills.
The lush green hills that include trees such as pine, shimul, saal, shirish and segun, the splashing waterfalls, and other varieties of flora and fauna. like elephants, deer, wild boars, wolves and cheetahs, make Ayodhya Hills a major attraction for casual visitors as well as adventure seekers.
How to reach Ajodhya Hills
Ajodhya Hills is easily accessible from Purulia town. There are buses and trains that run from Kolkata to Purulia from the Shahid Minar bus terminus and Howrah Station, respectively. Get the train from Howrah to Barabhum, from Barabhum take the bus to Baghmundi and cover the 1 km from here to Ajodhya Hills on foot.
From Purulia buses are accessible to Sirkabad, which is only 26 km. away from Purulia. From Sirkabad, Ajodhya Hills is just a 12-km. trek. From Purulia town the visitors can hire cars for make their journey comfortable. There are many buses, which take the visitors directly to Ajodhya Hills, however these services don't run very frequently.
A comfortable route, which the visitors can to reach at Ajodhya Hills, is the Balarampur-Baghmundi trekking route and it is accessible from Purulia town.
Situated at the centre of Ajodhya Hills, the panorama at Bamni Falls is of untainted nature, untouched by human habitation. The moisture-laden is filled with the aroma is of spruce trees that surround the area and the babbling of the waterfall over the rocks creates a rhythmic ambience.
Various shrubs and bushes and moss lend a cover to the logs and rocks around the falls. The atmosphere is serene and beautiful.
Location: Bamni Falls is 52 km from Purulia Town via Sirkabad. It is under Ajodhya Gram Panchyat in Baghmundi Block and is located on the way to Baghmundi from Ajodhya.
Attractions: After adventures exertion to reach the panorama one would enjoy the astounding stepping down of water and the spell of rain like droplets on an individual Full view of the creek and the beauty of the scene from the watch tower give an enchanting experience to an individual. Away from strident city life the charming songs of colourful birds and chattering noise of squirrels make the environment a pleasant place to be in.
Besides a varied landscape, Purulia also has a rich, historical heritage. Deulghata Temple is one of the major specimens of that history. It is evidence of the influence of Jainism in the area.
Deulghata - "the land of temples" - is situated on the banks of River Kansabati. The temple structures lie in ruins mostly at present, but the relics are still one of the major places to visit in Ajodhya Hills.
The craftspeople who have made their home here have been in the trade of mask-making for many generations. This tradition is a fundamental part of their heritage, which began more than 150 years ago under the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo. The art form has been shared over generations and is a majestic provincial legacy.
Location: Deulghata is approximately 18 km from both Purulia town and Ajodhya Hills.
Attractions: Various historical temple relics, dating back to the age of Sen and Pala empires.
Besides a varied landscape, Purulia also has a rich, historical heritage. Deulghata Temple is one of the major specimens of that history. It is evidence of the influence of Jainism in the area.
Deulghata - "the land of temples" - is situated on the banks of River Kansabati. The temple structures lie in ruins mostly at present, but the relics are still one of the major places to visit in Ajodhya Hills.
The craftspeople who have made their home here have been in the trade of mask-making for many generations. This tradition is a fundamental part of their heritage, which began more than 150 years ago under the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo. The art form has been shared over generations and is a majestic provincial legacy.
Location: Deulghata is approximately 18 km from both Purulia town and Ajodhya Hills.
Attractions: Various historical temple relics, dating back to the age of Sen and Pala empires.
Durga Bera or Marble Lake is 40 feet deep artificially made water body. It takes on an amazing colour under a clear sky. The water turns blues and looks fresh pure and transparent. Therefore, it is also known as "Nil Jal".
This place has been created by extracting hard igneous rocks which has been used for construction of Hydro Project. So the extracted rocks are everywhere surrounding the water body.
This lake structured water body is surrounded by the majestic mountains and with the groves of chinar, poplar and willow.
Location: Durga Bera lies near Ranga village of Ajodhya Gram Panchyat at Baghmundi Block in district Purulia in West Bengal in eastern India. It is located at an altitude of 2000 ft above the sea level. Its 58 Km from Purulia via Sirkabad.
Attractions: Durga Bera is the home to plenty of fish varieties and tourists can try out fishing /angling in its water. Boating is another activity that can be availed here. The lake is dotted with diverse colourful flowers in the Garden surrounding the water body. Durga Bera is also the bird paradise.
Murguma (which translates to "home of the peacocks) village is located on the Saharjor River in Purulia, at the foothills of Ajodhya Hill. The major draw of this place is the Murguma Dam, which is on the tributary of River Kangsabati. The water stored by the dam are used for the daily life needs of the locals and also mainly for agriculture.
The lake is surrounded by beauteous forests and hillocks - creating a portrait of natural splendour. City travellers especially would appreciate this soothing landscape, a striking contrast to the urban skyscape. Don't miss the first sighting, a wonderful view, of the Murguma Dam from a high vantage point if you arrive from Ajodhya Hill.
The tranquil Murguma Dam and village also has other lovely places to visit nearby, such as, Gurabera, Bamni, Mamudi, Leva, Lakhipur, and more. The perfect destination for tribal tourism.
Location: Murguma Dam is located within Jhalda Block, approximately 55 kms from Purulia town. The Murguma village is situated on the border of Purulia district and the state of Jharkhand. It is to the north of and in close proximity to Begunkodar, the famed tribal village.
Attractions: Murguma Dam is an idyllic picnic spot, perfect for a day visit. You can spend the day fishing, bird-watching, and exploring the beautiful, surrounding locales. A hike into the nearby forests is also an enjoyable activity from Murguma Dam.
Pakhi Pahar (Bird Hill) was originally known as Murraburu (Bald Hill). This bald rock face caught the imagination of artist Chitta Dey from Kolkata. He made the hill his canvas and sculpted 65 odd birds on it till date and converted the strife torn, almost abandoned Murraburu to the delightful "Pakhi Pahar" - the hill of birds. He continues to sculpt more feathered friends on the remaining rock surfaces. He believes that the flight of the bird over the horizon signifies human connection that surpasses geographical boundaries. His slogan is - "Flight to Harmony".
When Chitta Dey embarked on his artistic endeavour to create Pakhi Pahar he hardly had any monetary support. Over time, his efforts were recognised and the West Bengal state government acquired a funding of around Rs. 3 crores that enables the sculptor to maintain and continue his project. It also provides employment opportunities to locals who are artists; and overall this transformed Pakhi Pahar into a lucrative tourist destination near Ajodhya Hill.
Location: Pakhi Pahar is approximately 320 km from Kolkata and about an hour's drive from Ajodhya Hill. You can directly drive there or take a train to Purulia town and then a bus or car. Direct access by train from Kolkata is to the nearest station of Barrabhum in Purulia. Suisa railway station is also close to Pakhi Pahar.
Attractions: Pakhi Pahar, true to its name, is mainly known for the wide variety of birds that can be seen in the area, besides the rock etchings. It is a blissful location for rock climbers as well as bird watchers. The surrounding forests at Pakhi Pahar offer hiking and exploring opportunities. The scenic Pardi Dam is also nearby.
The sparkling splendour of Turga Falls (also known as Gaghkocha Falls) is mesmerizing. The everlasting, cascading sheets of crystal-clear water from a height of 22 metres, culminating in a giant splash and spray below is a sensational sight to behold. The approach to the Falls can be a little intimidating for some - there is a steep climb down mountain rock steps - but the view at the end more than makes up for it.
Turga Dam is approximately 1km away from Turga Falls, which is located near the hillside at the easternmost part of the Dam. It is an irrigation dam built over a tributary of the Kangsabati River and produces hydroelectricity. The catchment area of Turga Dam is about 304 square kilometres and it receives water from various sources including Panchet Hill Range, Baghmundi Hills, and Ayodhya Hills. Water from the Turga Dam is also used for aquaculture and fishery. The beauty of the large expanse of water stretching beyond the horizon makes for a picturesque panorama.
Location: Turga Falls is 2 km away from Baghmundi on the way from Ayodhya. It is located at a distance of 57 km from Purulia town and 30 km from Balarampur Railway Station. About 1 km away is the scenic Turga Dam.
Attractions: The tumbling waters of Turga Falls, rushing down over the rocky surface creates a natural symphony amidst the serenity of its surroundings. Turga Dam is a wonderful picnic spot and also perfect for fishing. The entire area covering both locations is a paradise for bird-watchers and animal lovers.
Sita Kund (also known locally as Senth Kunri) is located at the Baghmundi Block of Purulia district in Bagandi village. It is a natural, shallow well with a base layer of fine white sand. Cold water bubbles and seeps through from beneath the sand.
According to mythology, Ram and Sita were living in Ayodhya Hills during their exile. During this time, in order to quench Sita's thirst, Ram pierced through the earth's layer with his arrow and pristine, fresh water stream gushed out. Hence the name. There is a Ram Mandir that the locals constructed about 500 m away from Sita Kund.
Location: Sita Kund is located in Bagandi village at a distance of 47 km from Purulia town and 1 km from Ayodhya Hilltop.
Attractions: Besides the natural peaceful beauty, the bubbling cold water from the spring of Sita Kund and various other fresh water springs and stream surrounding the Kund draw many tourists from near and far. A major attraction is the Disum Sendra / Shikar Parab or the Hunting Festival, which is held in the month of Baisakh (April/May), where numerous tribals from surrounding areas participate. Young boys attain adulthood by drinking water from the Sita Kund and setting off to hunt amongst much song and dance.
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