Way To Red Land Country - Purulia

Purulia is what made of mystical places. Its culture, art, friendly people, mythological connections lure visitors to have a break from the chaotic city life. It is nature at its most verdant state and the entire district is known as the red earth country. It was not earlier recommended to visit Purulia due to its Maoist activities. Though it has reduced in recent years and people are opting it as weekend destination.

I visited Purulia with my colleagues during the first week of December in winter when its famous red earth was bone dry and the evenings were cold. There are many trains from Howrah to Purulia . Being  IT workers we preferred the one where we can sleep the entire night, so boarded HWH-Chakradharpur Fast Passenger. As our hotel was booked near Ajodhya Pahar , we alight at Barabhum station nearly around 7.00 am in the morning. A mild winter sun blanketed the countryside in a sleepy stupor and wildflowers carpeted the wet surroundings of waterfalls. From the station itself we boarded trekker and headed towards our hotel. Although it was not so good experience, the way other people clinging by the door sides and back, that I would like to experience again but really worth remembering.

Later in the day after having our breakfast we booked cab arranged by our hotel and went for sightseeing tour witnessing Ajodhya hill top, Upper Dam, Lower Dam, Marble Lake and Bamni Falls.

Upper Dam

Few things I would like to share about Bamni falls, there is a mythological saga behind its source. Ramchandra, Sita and Laxman during their exile halted in Ajodhya for few days. It was summer time and there was heavy crisis of water. Sita asked Ramchndra for a permanent solution to this crisis. He then threw his arrow on the ground and there appeared a well. It is known as 'Sitakunda', which is the actual source of this little fall. Though all the knowledge gathered is from the local people itself.

Bamni Falls

By the way it is a cute fall that runs through the hill and is a must visit who want to experience a mini trek.
Post lunch we went back to our hotel and spend the evening gossiping, playing cards, roaming around the -market - as we were there to spent a lazy weekend rather than a hectic one. 

The next morning ,we had our train at 3 pm from Purulia. So without a waste made a sudden plan to visit Kairabera Dam and Charida Village.

Khairabera Dam

Khairabera is a beautiful lake amidst an irrigation dam in the midst of the slopes and woods at the Baghmundi Hills. The beauty of this place comes from the serenity, uneven terrains, falls.

There was a Eco Adventure resort by the dam with superb facilities – cottages and Swiss tents were arranged for accommodation. They also arrange for night safari and few seasonal functions. We regretted not choosing this place for our stay, deciding to mend our mistake the next time we visit.

Charida-The village of art and culture

Charida, a village of mask makers of their celebrated dance form Chou Dance. The vibrant, colorful and elaborate mask convey the vibrant intent of their art form representing various animals and character from epics. Mostly paper pulp and mud is used for the mask making. This village shows the utmost effort and talent of the local villagers who are dedicated to preserve their culture.

While our way back to station, there’s a place called Pakhi Pahar, but due to shortage of time we were unable to halt there.

But must say, at the end all your plans, hard work in arranging tours, the roads through the rugged terrain, all will be worthy if you successfully do the trip. Its beautiful, its new and its adventurous.