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. Jhargram has relatively low population density when compared with the other districts of West Bengal. 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. Historical Importance It is said that a,round 1574 AD, Mughal emperor Akbar commanded Man Singh to conquer Bengal. Man Singh appointed two of his loyal officers - Sarveshwar Singh and his elder brother - to defeat local tribal rulers of Santhal, Bhumij, Mallas, and Lodhas in the region known as Jungalkhand. Sarveshwar Singh along with Rajput military and cavalry invaded deep forest of Jungalkhand after defeating tribal Mallas and later set up kingdom with capital Jhargram as its capital. After residing in the area for four months, Man Singh decided to return to Rajasthan and left Sarveshwar Singh and his elder brother in-charge of the newly acquired Jungalkhand. Sarveshwar Singh, also known as Malla Deb post his victory against the Malla tribes desired to stay in Bengal, and was made the king of Jungalkhand area. On the other hand, his elder brother became the king of Bishnupur, commonly known as Mallabhum. This is how Man Singh established the Malla Raj or the Rajput Rule in Bengal that was divided in two parts, with the main capital at Bishnupur and the second capital at Jhargram.
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 deers, snakes, bears, black rabbits, wolves, peacocks, crocodiles and various kinds of monkeys and trees.
Chilkigarh palace, also known as the mystery gem of Jhargram is located 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,West Midnapore 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.
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 said to be brought from Assam . The Kanak Durga temple is located in the vicinity of Chilkigarh Raj Palace. The surrounding forest is inhabited by monkeys, swans, peacocks, mongoose, varieties of lizards and butterflies and many other smaller animals and insects. 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.
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.
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. They hatch their eggs and fly away. The bird species which have been 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.