Garpanchkot A Must Visit in 2023 Garhpanchkot Resort Offbeat Places in West Bengal
Garpanchkot A Must Visit in 2023 Garhpanchkot Resort Offbeat Places in West Bengal: Just 256 km away from the city of joy Kolkata, lies the ruins of the Panchkot palace and fort on the foothills of Panchakot hill in Purulia district of the Indian state West Bengal. This historical fort is known as Garhpanchakot, bearing evidence of the Bargi attack in Bengal.
- Distance From Bankura Bus Stand Is Approx. 70Km Via Jhantipahari – Saltora Rd/Saltora Rd and Saltora – Tiluri – Madhukunda – Nitiria Rd.
- Distance From Kharagpur Is Approx. 201Km Via NH14
- Distance From Kolkata Is Approx. 256km Via NH-19
- Distance From Tatanagar(Jamshedpur) Is Approx. 277km Via NH-43 and NH-320
- Google Map: Garpanchkot
If you are planning your next weekend trip, this spot should be at the top of your list. Here, you can surrender yourself to nature and feel the cool breeze while boating on the Damodar river. You can also challenge yourself by riding up Joychandi hill and experiencing the rich heritage of Pancharatna temple and much more.
Day – 01 Arrival and Local Sightseeing
The nearest airport to Garhpanchkot is the Kolkata International Airport, which is approximately 256 km away from Garhpanchakot. If you’re traveling by car, it would take approximately 5 hours to reach Garhpanchakot from central Kolkata. Alternatively, you can also take a train to Asansol station and hire a car to reach Garhpanchakot.
The distance from Asansol to Garhpanchkot is around 30 km, and the travel time would be approximately 1 hour, with fares ranging between Rs. 1000 to 1200. We suggest getting down at Kumardubi station, which is the nearest railway station to Garhpanchkot. From there, you can hire an autorickshaw to reach your resort, which will cost you around Rs. 300.
The journey to Garhpanchkot is extremely refreshing, passing through forests and crossing the Panchet dam to reach the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation’s Nature resort. The Nature Resort of the West Bengal Forest Department is probably the best place to stay, but in case you fail to book a room there, check out some private resorts.
After checking into your room, take some time to explore the resort, which is quite spacious and has various types of rooms with different price ranges. If you go there in your private car, you can park at the Garhpanchkot resort. Walk around, listen to the chirping of birds and pleasing echoes of frogs and crickets, inhale the fresh air, and rejuvenate your soul and mind.
The restaurant is situated within the resort’s campus, and the food is good and non-spicy. After finishing your lunch, head out for a local sightseeing tour. The Garhpanchkot resort can arrange a car for you, with a non-AC car costing around Rs. 1400/- and an AC car costing around Rs. 1800/- for a half-day tour.
Start with a visit to Panchet Dam, which is the endmost of the four dams of Damodar Valley Corporation constructed a little above its confluence with the Barakar. It was inaugurated in 1959 and has a height of 148 ft and a stretch of 22,235 ft. You can walk along the concrete road on Panchet dam and enjoy the cool breeze from the Damodar River basin.
Next, head to Mython Dam, located 48 km away from Dhanbad. Mython is termed as the mother’s abode and has the biggest reservoir in DVC, with a length of 15,713 ft and a height of 165 ft. The dam was specially designed for flood control and generated 60,000 kilo watts of electric power.
At Mython Dam, you can enjoy boating, which is the most exciting part of this tour itinerary. Explore the complete stretch of the dam, offering majestic views, and there are small islands on the river. You can get down on these islands and explore them further. Boating charges depend on how much time you decide to spend on the boat and the area you prefer to cover, with an average range of Rs. 300 to Rs. 700.
Afterward, visit Mazumdar Nibas, the Guest House of DVC, built on a water body, which is an excellent option for your stay if you prefer to spend a day in Mython. You need to use the footbridge to reach the guest house.
Next, make your way to Kalyaneswari Temple. This 500-year-old temple is a center of Shakti worship and is believed to fulfill the wishes of childless women. While legends claim that human sacrifices were once offered at the temple, the present-day structure was constructed by the Panchkot Raj, also known as Panchkot Zamindari or Kashipur Raj, and is not very old.
Be sure to visit the backside of the temple, a peaceful and quiet place with the constant sound of a flowing stream. This is the perfect spot to end your tour for the day.
On your way back to the resort, make a brief stop at Panchet Dam to capture some stunning snapshots of the setting sun.
Day 2:
If you are fortunate enough, the sound of raindrops on the leaves of the forest will wake you up, and words will fall short to describe the enchanting experience. Enjoy a cup of tea and relish in the captivating surroundings. After having your breakfast or an early lunch, embark on a local tour. The car fare would remain the same as the previous day.
Firstly, visit Baronti Lake, a small, tranquil, and picturesque place. Between two small hillocks, Muradi Hill and Baranti Hill lies a 1 km-long irrigation project dam. The beauty of Mother Nature is exquisitely painted and presented by Baranti Lake. The immaculate natural beauty will undoubtedly make you feel humble. Stroll around the enchanting landscape, savour the lush greenery, clear water, fresh air, and much more.
Next, visit Pancharatna Temple, which is a newly built temple. The old temple was in ruins, as Panchkot was ruled by the Singh Deo Dynasty until the mid-18th century, when the Marathas, better known as ‘Bargis,’ invaded Panchkot. The remaining structures are scattered and depleted. However, the principal temple, the Pancharatna temple, has been restored. You can see many dilapidated constructions of the ruined fort around this place.
Afterward, move to Jaichandi Hill, a renowned tourist centre and a major attraction for rock climbing. The Bengali film, Hirak Rajar Deshe, directed by famous filmmaker Satyajit Ray, was mostly shot in this area. Every year, a festival is held in the foothills after Christmas, which usually continues until January.
Steps meandering around the boulders will take you to the top of the hill, which stands at a height of 800 ft. It may be challenging to reach the top, and you may need to take breaks to catch your breath. Once you reach there, you will find the temple of Mata Chandi. A panoramic view of the green undulated landscape of Purulia will greet you from this gusty hilltop.
Our trip comes to an end here. Let’s head back to the resort and spend the night amidst the beautiful jungle surroundings. The following morning, you can make your way to Asansol Station and catch any train to either Howrah or Sealdah Station.
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