The Hidden Wonder - Ayodhya Hills

Only 8 hours ( 321 km) of comfortable drive from Kolkata, you reach a wonderland, so near yet so far from the madding crowd. Ayodhya Hills, popularly called second Darjeeling because of its scenic beauty and surrounding green hills, must cast a spell upon the maiden visitors. A small plateau , Ayodhya Hills is the easternmost part of Chotanagpur range.

To start from the starting, it is a privilege for the visitors to enjoy the multicolored sunrise and sunset views ascending a comfortable tower built for the purpose. This is an ideal #WeekendDestination from Kolkata. Come winter, enjoy a whole day amidst the unspoiled beauty of nature, mesmerizing virginity of the valley and landscape of hills, dense forests and waterfalls is a great relief for both eyes and mind for those who have long been in the city pent.

To top the list, Bamni Falls – The unblemished serenity of the place goes a long way in the hearts of the urban visitors. The sound of the water breaking on rocky stones much below is simply absorbing. Other must visit places include Muruguma Dam, a dam with a difference marked by its sublime serenity, Marble Lake, a wonderful water reservoir with marble rocks adding to its pristine beauty, Upper Dam Lower Dam and some others which must not disappoint you. But wherever you go you must not fail to feel the serene tranquility of nature.Bibhuti Bhushan’s “Aranayak” become alive with its flavour, colour and music of nature.

Aishwarya Sridhar

Winter is ideal to travel but in spring and early summer visitors cannot but bewitched by the riot of colour radiated by Palash, shiuuu, Krishnachura and such others. The locals, mostly

hardworking tribals, shall not fail to invite you during their festivals; Badma and other local excursions. On the way back it is wise to visit Charida village where colourful Mask Making is a household chore. Every single member of the family contribute to making of decorative masks ,needed mostly by Chaw dancers

As time comes to depart, it is difficult to ignore the smell of the Shal and Shimul that remains forever as a ‘bliss of solitude’.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Barabhum . The Lalmati Express, Howrah Chakradharpur Express and Howrah Ranchi Intercity Express connects Barabhum to Howrah. The village of Baghmundi (one of the main entrances to Ayodhya Hill) is just a few kilometers from Barabhum.

Also , it is a 321 km comfortable drive on road from Kolkata, west Bengal

About the Author

Professor Arunabha Dasgupta is an English Literature scholar and has taught for several decades in nationally reputed colleges under Burdwan University in West Bengal. An extremely popular and well respected personality among his students of all ages, Prof Dasgupta has been taking active interests in various cultural activities like theatre, recitation , literature etc . He has also been a regular writer for various magazines and newspapers in Bengali and English language and opinionated in socio political issues .