Jhargram district of West Bengal was formed on 4 April 2017 after bifurcation from the Paschim Medinipur district. Known for its exotic undulating landscapes, the district is snugged between serene and meandering rivers Kangsabati in the north and the Subarnarekha in the south. Belpahari and Kankrajhor hills add to the scenic backdrop in the north.
It is a paradise for nature lovers with bountiful forests of sal, teak, peasal and mahul, wild elephants, deer and birds. The untouched natural beauty of Jhargram is the perfect setting for the tourists to escape from the hustle-bustle of cities and unwind and rejuvenate. The district also offers a plethora of tourist attractions experiences that include ancient temples, royal palaces, cultural feats of folk music and tribal dance. Multiple stay options are available for tourists such as hotels, resorts, tents, etc.
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By Train: The distance from Howrah to Jhargram station is 157 Kms and the journey takes three hours by train from Howrah. Jhargram Railway Station is on the Kharagpur-Tatanagar section of Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line which is an express train route.
By Road: Jhargram is also very well connected by roads / highways with other nearby cities like Medinipur, Kharagpur, Durgapur, Asansol, Bankura, Purulia, Haldia, Contai, Digha, Kolkata / Howrah.
Jhargram is the store of tribal dances. The Santals, Mundas, Bhumijs, Lodhas and Sabars (aboriginal tribes) co - exist here. They express their social performances, religious rites and rituals through their dances. There are few rare tribal folk-dances: Bhuang, Chang, Chhou, Dangrey, Jhumur, Panta, Ranpa, Saharul, Tusu and Bhadu dances. The folk dances, ancient temples, royal palaces and eco-tourism make Jhargram more attractive places for visitors.
The Jhargram Palace is the current residence of the Malla Dev Royal family. Situated in Jhargram district, West Bengal, it is a structure combining the Italian and Islamic architecture model. About 10 rooms on the ground floor have been converted into a Heritage Hotel run by the family. The Palace is an opulent Italianate structure, set in carefully laid lawns and gardens which was built in 1922 AD, during the reign of Raja Narasingha Malla Dev Bahadur. The festivals and rituals of 400 years old Indian puja is still organised by the royal family with great pomp and splendour. Here Lord Indra was worshipped for good rainfull harvest crops and prosperity of the kingdom. The place is a blend of grand history and fascinating scenic beauty which has been enthralling the tourist for long time. It has been a shooting location of many famous Bengali films.
Chilkigarh palace, also known as the mystery gem of Jhargram is located just 12 kms from the main town. It is believed that in 13th century, Jagannath Dhabaldeb invaded the region called Jungle Mahal, formerly comprising areas of Bankura, Purulia, Purba Medinipur and Jhargram districts of West Bengal. He defeated the local ruler and built his two-floor palace called the Chilkigarh Raj Palace. A thin tributary of Subarnarekha River flows through Chilkigarh, locally known as the Dulung. It is also believed that Dhabaldeb constructed a fortress along Dulung to prevent invasion from the Maratha dacoits called ‘Borgi’. The palace campus is surrounded by beautiful, lush green forests and contains two temples.
Nestled in a small village beside an old runway lies Barasuli dam and fishing point. 25 kms before one reaches Jhargram and just 3 kms west of the NH- 6, this natural reservoir is situated alongside an elephant corridor where one can enjoy a lovely sunset. A fair marking the elephant god is held here every November. Tourists can enjoy fishing and small forest treks at this place.
Kanakdurga temple of Chilkigarh is the main attraction of Jhargram district. King Gopinath has built the temple which is estimated to be more than 500 years old. The temple is covered in the west by a dense forest, in the east by Dulung river that flows between Raj palace of Chilkigarh and Kanakdurga temple. The ancient royal temple dedicated to Devi Mahamaya, stands among acres of forestry filled with rare species of medicinal plants gigantic trees and wild creepers running all over the jungle. The Kanak Durga temple is in the vicinity of Chilkigarh Raj Palace. The forest is so dense that it remains dark and cool even in summer days. People throng here during the Puja festival from neighboring districts.
Jhilli lake is located 67 km away from Jhargram town via Gopiballavpur route. It is just 10 kms from Hatibari houses. It is a place with large water reservoir surrounded by lush greenery. Early visit to this place in warm sun shine, provide opportunity to the tourists to enjoy a great session of birding. Chirping of large folk of migratory birds in lake provide mesmerizing experience to the tourists. Here, tourists would also get the opportunity of paddle boating in the transparent water of the lake amidst the twittering of the flying birds. Around thirteen species of migratory birds have been sighted at the lake.
Kendua is a small village and a birding hotspot situated on Jhargram-Chilkigarh road at a distance of 9km from Jhargram main town. A wide variety migratory birds gather here in the month of May, announcing the onset of monsoon and leave by November. The bird species which can be sighted at Kendua include the Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond-Heron, Indian Golden Oriole, Black-hooded Oriole and Rufous Treepie. Walking through the dense forests of Kendua village in search of beautiful, vibrant birds is truly an enthralling and a mesmerizing experience. Kendua village is a must visit destination for nature lovers who constantly desire for breathtaking experiences in the lap of nature.
Junglemahal Zoological Park earlier known as Jhargram Zoo has been established as a Deer Park in the year 1980, within a patch of natural forest at Khasjungle mouza in Jhargram. Subsequently, it was recognised as Jhargram Zoo (Small Category Zoo) on 9th September 2005 by Central Zoo Authority. This zoological park, situated about 3km from the main town of Jhargram, was opened by the state forest department. It is an ideal place to visit with children. The park boasts of a variety of fauna including deer’s, snakes, bears, black rabbits, wolves, peacocks, crocodiles and various kinds of monkeys and trees. It provides rewarding experience to the visitors about the wildlife of the region.
Chilkigarh is a village in Jhargram district, located around 14 km away from Jhargram. Kanakdurga temple of Chilkigarh is the main attraction of Jhargram district. King Gopinath has built the temple which is estimated to be more than 500 years old. The temple is covered in the west by a dense forest, in the east by Dulung river that flows between Raj palace of Chilkigarh and Kanakdurga temple. Apart from the temple, Chilkigarh Rajbari palace of the Dhalbhum Kings is also a popular place in Chilkigarh. The beautiful palace is set amidst lush surroundings is a must visit. There are many deities in the palace premises.
Today the concept of eco - tourism has benefitted the local economy directly. This is a significant place in the modern day tourism industry. Through the involvement of the local population in the protection and conservation of forests hopes to make it a regional eco-tourism hub for the state. The sites of interest for eco-tourism activities including Ghagra, Khandarani Dam, Khetki Jharna, Jhilli Pakhiralaya, Kakrajhorei. Hatibari eco-huts, Jhargram, Badurvula eco - huts and Kechand Dam at Dhabani.
The place is famous for its sylvan beauty full of hilly terrain and meandering streams. The place is an ideal location for trekking and picnic. 'Kankra' means hill and 'Jhor' means jungles and forests. Kankrajhor comprises 9,000 hectares of hardwood trees dotted area including kusum, shaal, segun or teak, mahua and akashmani. Cashew nuts, coffee and oranges are cultivated at Kankrajhor. Nights at Kankrajhor resonate and reverberate with the throb of Adivasi drums. The steady rhythms of Madal drumbeats waft in from the surrounding tribal settlements. It an extremely attractive destination for tourists who enjoy discovering the unknown and unaffected beauty of nature in this area.
Belpahari is a forest paradise under the Dolma Hills, located at a distance of 45 km from Jhargram. Foothills at Belpahari are thickly forested by a variety of tropical trees. Shaal, Mahua, Piyal, Sonajhuri, Shirish and Eucalyptus are some of the common hardwood trees. The Ghagra Waterfalls, Tarafeni River Dam, dense forest and the city around are the major attractions to this place. It an extremely attractive destination for tourists who enjoy discovering the unknown and unaffected beauty of nature in this area
Hatibari, 62 km from Jhargram is situated amidst Forest about 24 km. besides River Subarnarekha is Hatibari. It is surrounded by different types of trees. Few tents are strewn in this place for tourists. It is a beautiful place. From here about 3 km far is Jhilibandh. Sunrise and sunset can be seen from this place.
Khandarani Dam snuggled in the lap of pristine nature. It is the place where myriad-faceted nature comes in its fullest magnificence. Here the lake meets with captivating forests as well as mountains. The multi-colored migratory birds spend their winter here. The beauty of nature spreads in everywhere around Khandarani Dam Area.
Kurumbera Fort is a medieval fort situated in Gaganeshwar village, about 6 Kms southeast from Keshiari. It has temples and small quarters and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It was built in 1438-69 during rule of Suryavamsa king of Odisha Gajapati Kapilendra Deva. It is said that the fort was built in a single night, when Ram, Sita visited the place during their Vanvas. The Kurumbera fort and temple complex were attacked and converted to a mosque during the reign of Aurangzeb. The structure of the fort resembles the medieval architecture of Odisha, while also incorporating elements of later Mughal architecture. The fort contains a three- domed structure over a high plinth and contains a sacrificial altar. There is, however, no written data available about the monument, despite being protected by ASI.
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