18 Tourist Places in Purulia for the Nature Lovers

The state of West Bengal in India has several places of tourist interest. Many of them are offbeat tourist places that are not crowded on a regular basis. The state has some amazing hill stations, sea beaches, and also a few forests. However, there's only one district of West Bengal, which is known for its hills, dry and undulating landscape, and several lakes. It's Purulia - a part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. 

If you're looking for a short trip, you can plan a Purulia tour. This place is home to some stunning tourist destinations in West Bengal that come with unmatched natural beauty.

Located not very far from the capital city of West Bengal, the Purulia tour can be planned as a weekend trip from Kolkata. However, while creating your Purulia tour plan, you must include many of the places, which are scintillating in terms of natural beauty.

Ajodhya Hills

Ajodhya Hills, also referred to as Ayodhya Hills, is one of the most popular tourist places in Purulia. It is a small plateau, which is surrounded on all sides by hills. Besides, there's the Ajodhya Hill and forest reserve area, which offers the perfect place for enjoyment for nature lovers.

Ajodhya Pahar tourist spot includes various peaks, forests, waterfalls, dams, and lakes. The view of the sunrise and sunset at these places are extremely attractive.

If you're planning to visit Ajodhya Hills, it's always a good idea to book an Ajodhya Hill hotel. There are quite a few hotels in Ajodhya Pahar. You can book one of these Ajodhya Pahar hotels, which come in a wide range of price, to ensure a cozy stay while you're there.

There are several places of tourist attractions in and around Ajodhya Hills as well as Ajodhya Forest. These include places, such as Matha, Baghmundi, Turga Dam, and others.

Baghmundi

Baghmundi, a village on the foothills of the Ajodhya Hills in Purulia, offers a charming locale for the tourists who love a bit of adventure. The undulating plains of Baghmundi is full of forests. Some of the landscapes are rocky as well. Rivers and streams flow through this rocky area.

There are several lakes in Baghmundi. These include the Tarpania Lake, which offers a heavenly view. Besides, the Khairabera Dam is also located in this area. The forest in the area also takes on a flaming red gown during spring, when the Palash or Flame of the Forest trees are in full bloom.

Baghmundi is known for local folk art of Chhau dance. If you visit this place, you can view dance performances by local artists and can also collect masks that are used during these performances.

Bamni Falls

Located near the village of Bareria, Bamni Falls is one of the most attractive waterfalls in the rocky terrains of Purulia. The beauty of the falls is enhanced by the huge rocks that surround it. The area of the Bamni Falls in Purulia is covered in dense forests that sit on these hills.

If you want to visit the Bamni Falls, you'll have to trek through this route that's full of adventure. The journey is surely a bit tiring. However, you'll find all your weariness gone once you reach this falls that mesmerizes you with its crystal clear waters.

Baranti

Baranti is a village in Purulia located by the side of the Baranti Reservoir. This reservoir in Baranti is created using the Muradi Dam on the Baranti River. While visiting Baranti, you can go up the hill by the Baranti Lake. You can also take a stroll on the Muradi Dam in Baranti.

Just as most of the other tourist places in Purulia, you can visit Baranti during spring. During this time, the forests look fiery and blood red with the blooming red flame-of-the-forest flowers, which are locally known as Palash. No matter when you're going, don't miss the sunrise and the sunset at Baranti. It's the time of the day when the sky and the lake become so painted with color that you can't tell where the water ends and the sky begins.

Charida or Mukhosh Gram

In Bengali, Mukhosh means mask and Gram means village. So, Mukhosh Gram translates to the Village of the Masks. Charida, the small village located in the eastern part of Purulia, is known for its unique arts. These include the creation of masks for the local dance form of Purulia Chhau. 

Besides, artists and artisans in the village also create a unique style of scroll painting, which is known locally as Patachitra. The village is frequented by travelers from across the globe, who come to see these amazing arts. Some even take home the masks and scrolls, which are available for purchase, and keep them as mementos.

Duarsini

Duarsini, a forest located right on the border of West Bengal and Odisha, can offer you an amazing stay. The lush green forests can help to soothe your eyes that are tired of viewing the concrete jungles of the cities. Different types of trees in the forest include teak, sal, and others.

The best thing about Duarsini, similar to many other places in Purulia, is its flora and fauna. There are a wide range of trees available. Some of these include Teak and Sal. Besides, the forests have lots of birds. You can even find a few animals, such as elephants, wolves, and bears, if you are interested in watching the wild animals and birds in their natural habitats.

If you are interested in following tribal lives, Duarsini can be a wonderful choice. The place is inhabited by the tribals of West Bengal and Odisha.

Duarsini has a nice place to stay for the visitors. The cottages of the West Bengal Forest Department offer a cozy ambiance. However, you need to book the cottages before visiting Duarsini.

Deulghata

Known for its famous ancient and medieval temples, Deulghata in Purulia is a favorite spot for the lovers of history and archeology. Hidden inside the jungles of Purulia and on the banks of River Kasai, this village is known to have been visited by Jain Tirthankaras. Besides, ruins of a number of Hindu temples also stand witness to the times when Deulghata was a thriving center for Hinduism. In fact, the place earns its name from these temples, as the word Deul in the local Bengali language means temple.

Along with the ruins, two brick temples are still standing there in Deulghata, albeit in a crumbling state. Most of these brick temples have some amazing decorations that can amaze any tourist.

Durga Bera Lake or Marble Lake

Located close to the village of Ranga in the Baghmundi Block, Durga Bera is an artificial lake in Purulia. There are white rocks around the lake, which has helped it earn the name of Marble Lake as well. The blue waters of the lake has also helped it earn the name of Nil Jal. The Durga Bera lake was formed when the hard igneous rocks were extracted from the spot to use them to construct the Hydro Project.

The Marble Lake Purulia offers an amazing scenery to the onlookers. There's an abandoned stone mine in the place. Besides, hills and forests surround the lake. As a results, this spot is visited by several birds. This attracts the bird watchers to this place on a regular basis.

Gajaburu Hill

Extremely popular among rock climbers for its rough and hard slopes, the Gajaburu Hills are the perfect place for thrill and adventure. The Gajaburu Hill or Gojaburu Hill, which stands as a sudden highland on the plains around it, can mesmerize any nature lover with its rugged beauty.

Located at a distance of about 25 kilometers from Purulia town, this tourist place in Purulia can be reached from the town in less than an hour. A nature camp is organized at the base of the Gajaburu Hills. The beautiful scenery of the place attracts a large number of tourists on a regular basis.

Garh Panchakot

Probably one of the best known tourist destinations in Purulia, Garh Panchkot derives its name from the ruined fort that lies at the foot of the Panchet hills. In the local language, Garh means fort.

The fort at Garh Panchkot and the adjoining areas bear witness to the plundering of the Maratha soldiers, who were known as the Bargis.

In addition to the fort, the ruins of various temples, and a guard's quarter can still be found. Pillars and arches of the Queen's Palace or Rani Mahal is visible to this day.

During March and April, the Palash trees of the region are in full bloom, giving an amazing appearance to the area around the fort of Garh Panchkot.

Gorgaburu

A part of Ajodhya Hills, Gorgaburu stands at a height of 677 meters. It is the second highest peak of the Ajodhya Hills. Jutting out of the plateau in Purulia, Gorgaburu offers an amazing scenary. If you can climb to the top, this peak has some fascinating views that can mesmerize you.

Often regarded as a rock-climber's paradise, this hill in Purulia offers the perfect setting for honing the climbing skills. Moreover, just as the other hills of Purulia, Gorgaburu also acts as a perfect training ground for mountaineers and trekkers who are planning to take up more difficult trips in future.

Joychandi Pahar

Named after Goddess Chandi, Joychandi Pahar (pahar means mountain or hill in Bengali) is one of the most popular tourist places in the district of Purulia. The hill owes its name to a temple of Goddess Joychandi, a form of Goddess Chandi, which is situated at the top of it. If you want to visit this temple, you need to climb about 400 steps. However, it's worth all the effort, as the view from the top of Joychandi Pahar is just amazing.

A festival called the Joychandi Pahar Paryatan Utsav is organized annually at the foot of the Joychandi Hills. The Joychandi Pahar is also popular for another reason. It is here that one of the scenes of the famous movie Hirak Rajar Deshe by Academy Award winning Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray was shot.

Khairabera Lake

An irrigation dam in the middle of a dense forest - that's what Khairabera Lake is. However, that does not describe the appeal of this fascinating lake of Purulia. This, actually, is a dam, just as several other dams of Purulia. However, the beauty of this place is unmatchable. When you're planning to go for a Purulia trip, ensure that you include Khairabera Lake in your list of places to visit in Purulia.

The journey through the forests culminates in a perfect conclusion as you reach these beautiful lake. The Khairabera Lake is surrounded by hills, which enhance the charm of the area even further.

Matha

Located in the base of the Mathaburu Hills, the village of Matha is another fascinating tourist place in Purulia. Like most of the other places of Purulia, Matha is also known for the dense forests and the hills. In addition, Matha brings with it a rustic touch with open fields and small ponds. The area becomes resplendent with blazing red flame of the forest flowers during spring.

If you visit Matha, you can book your stay at some the Matha Forest Resort or the Matha Eco Camp, which are popular among the tourists. You can also plan your stay in an adventurous way by booking a tent at Matha.

While at Matha, you can trek up the Mathaburu hills. There's a small temple at the top of the hill. If you like adventure, you can even spend a night on the hilltop. It's always a good idea to visit the place during the time when a tribal festival is organized in Matha.

Murguma

The Murguma Lake is a dam that has dense forests on all its sides. It is also surrounded by the hills of Purulia. Reaching Murguma is an adventure in itself, as the roads aren't the best. Besides, you have to go through the forests of Purulia to reach here. However, once you reach the spot, you'll find that it's worth all the effort.

While you're at Murguma, take a walk by the lake. Remember, the sunrise and the sunset over Murguma Dam are too beautiful to miss. So, treat yourself with these beautiful natural events.

When you're in Murguma, you can book your stay in one of the Murguma hotels, which include Bon Polashi Eco Hut, Lal Pahari Eco Resort, Murguma Eco Hut, and Palash Bitan Jungle Eco Huts.

Rakab Forest

Located in Keshargarh, the Rakab Forest in Purulia is also known as the Forest of 16 Cross. This forest was the games reserve for the Maharaja Keshgarh of Kashipur. The Maharaja, who is known for the courage with which he stood up against British imperialiasts, was hanged to death in the Rakab Forest. There is also the dilapidated ruins of the Maharaja's fort. It still attracts a large number of tourists.

The forest has lots of flame of the forest or palash trees. They turn the area a flamboyant crimson during spring. Besides, you can also catch glimpses of a few exotic birds in this forest. There's also a worship place outside the forest dedicated to local goddess, Rakab Buri, from whom the Rakab Forest gets its name.

Saheb Bandh

If you're a bird watcher, Purulia has a great place for you as well. Saheb Bandh, located in the middle of Purulia Town, is a large lake that was built during British rule. This man-made lake was created to fight the severe water shortages that Purulia used to face. These days, the shores of the lake has become a great place to unwind. It also offers a great view of the sunset across the lake.

Saheb Bandh and its adjoining areas are home to various types of birds. If you're traveling to Purulia during winter, you might even come across several migratory birds as well. During your visit, you can even enjoy Shikara Rides on Saheb Bandh, Purulia.

Turga Waterfall

Located close to Gosaidih village, Reaching this cascading waterfall close to Gosaidih village requires a bit of trekking. You can take the car to some distance and then trek through the rough terrains to reach the Turga Dam and cascading Turga Waterfall, which are visual treats to any nature lover. The water jumps down from a height and forms a small pool. You can take a dip in this pool when you're here. However, tread the rocks carefully, as they are quite slippery.

One of the best things about the Turga Waterfall in Purulia is that the waters are mostly crystal clear. It's always a great idea to visit this tourist destination in Purulia during spring. Bright flowers of Flame of the Forest paint the area and the part surrounding the Turga Waterfall red.

Conclusion

Purulia surely is one of the most beautiful places, not only in West Bengal but in India. The district has a wide variety of landscapes to offer. And a detailed exploration of the district by engaging in proper Purulia travel and help any nature lover to feel satiated.