The Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is home to the magnificent Ajodhya Hills in the Purulia district of West Bengal. The hills offer scenic viewpoints, forests and waterfalls like Bamni Falls.
Understand
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It is a part of the Dalma Hills and extended part of Eastern Ghats range. The highest peak of Ajodhya Hills is Chemtaburu. The nearby populated town area is Bagmundi. Distance from Kolkata is 332 km.
This area has become popular with tourists. Winter gets maximum tourists, with a few tourists visiting the other months for various tourism interests, like trekking nature trails, to enjoy the rains and the cultural diversity. It's a popular place for young mountaineers to learn the basic and advance course in rock climbing.
Landscape
[edit]The area is a mix of hills with mid dense forest; in some places the forest is deep. It is part of Dalma Forest and part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Hills are rocky and surrounding plan lands are mixed boulder zone with steep landscape. Hillocks range from few hundred feet up to around 2,800 ft (850 m). There are 9 dams and water reservoirs in and around the hill region. Few water streams and 3 waterfalls get water during the rains and keep flowing through the winter till the summer heat dries them up.
Flora and fauna
[edit]Mostly Sal and Segun forest mixed with species like Palash, Kusum, Mahua, Neem, Kend etc. Plants like Aswagandha, Satmuli, and Vrigoraj, Haritaki, Amla, Bahera, Karanj, Neem, Bamboo, Kendu etc. are commonly found. 14 species of orchids are found there.
There are 39 species of mammals (5 in Schedule - I: Pangolin, wolf, leopard cub, leopard, elephant), 9 species of amphibians, 27 species of fish, 9 species of mollusks. The most interesting is the Madras tree shrew, found on the top hills of this ecosystem and nowhere else in West Bengal. Ajodhya hill ecosystem hosts few numbers of mega-mammals like elephant. Though major elephant habitat is engulfed by PPSP, in 2018 the number of such resident elephants was considered to be 8-10. Seasonally, herds of elephant from nearby Jharkhand forest take shelter in this area for days together in different seasons of the year.
Besides, it's a place of various species of birds and snakes.
Climate
[edit]Get in
[edit]Depending on the route, the Ajodhya Hills are about 30–40 km (19–25 mi) from Purulia town.
- By train: Purulia Junction is the main railhead, connected to Howrah, Asansol and Ranchi. From Purulia town, hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Baghmundi and Charida village.
- By road: Taxis or private cars can be hired from Purulia town. Roads are generally good but may be winding near the hills.
- By air: The nearest airports are Ranchi (~100 km) and Kolkata (~300 km).
Fees and permits
[edit]Get around
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There is no organised local transport. The best option is to hire a car for the day. Short treks and walks are the main way to see the site and nearby areas.
See
[edit]- Gorgaburu. The tallest peak of the Ajodhya Hills.
Pakhi Pahar (meaning Bird Hill) is an offbeat rock carving site near Charida village. It is known for its massive stone faces carved with dozens of large birds, making it a unique outdoor art site surrounded by scenic hills and tribal culture. Pakhi Pahar was started by local artist Chitta Dey and a team of sculptors. Over 65 bird figures have been carved into the hill’s rocky surface, symbolising freedom and harmony with nature.
- Charida village: Nearby village known for its traditional Chau dance mask makers. Visitors can see the mask-making process and buy directly from artisans.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Buy traditional Chau masks in Charida village. These colourful masks are handmade by local artists and make unique souvenirs.
Eat
[edit]Basic tea stalls and small eateries can be found in nearby villages. For proper meals, it’s best to eat in Baghmundi or return to Purulia town where there are more options.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- Baghmundi: Basic guesthouses and homestays are available.
- Ayodhya Hills: There are a few tourist lodges and eco-stays.
- Purulia town: Offers budget and mid-range hotels with more facilities.
Lodging
[edit]- 1 Kushal Palli Resort, Kuchrirakha (42.2 km from Purulia Junction via Ajodhya Hills Rd), ☏ +91 933 023 6876. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 11AM. Luxury resort nestled within the forest. From ₹4600.
Stay safe
[edit]Wear sturdy shoes while trekking on rocks. Carry water and snacks, as facilities are limited near the hill. Mobile network coverage can be patchy in some areas.