Baranti: The Lake Village

Hello friends, hope you all are well and waiting eagerly for a new story. As yesterday in a short time it was very difficult to start a new story I have told you that new story is coming soon. And it is today I have come to you with a story of a small village. Hope you will enjoy. So, lets start...

Baranti Lake with Muradi Hill on background

        Baranti, a small village in Raghunathpur subdivision of Purulia Dist. of West Bengal, mostly inhabited by tribal people is a nature lover's paradise. The Baranti Lake with the view of Muradih Hill on the background and village mud road through the curved embankments of the lake will take you to a land of fantasy. 

       A walk around the embankment road on early morning and in the evening will give you a lifetime experience. You will be charmed by chirping of different birds and gentle breeze over the lake will welcome you. 

Sunset at Baranti

        The famous Jai Chandi Hill is about 30km away from Baranti. It is highly recommendable to visit this beautiful location with a hilltop temple of Devi Chandi at a height of 510ft. One has to climb about 500 steps to reach the top of the hill. The pathway runs through jungle and it is very enjoyable with only chirping of birds accompanying you to the top. If you are a bird lover you will enjoy this journey very much. For aged and person with disabilities it is quite tough to reach the hilltop. But try to reach the hilltop, missing it will be really dissappointing. Take your time, do not hurry, you can do it..

 Jai Chandi Hill

The temple gateway at the foothill

       At the top of the hill there is two temple--one dedicated to Devi Chandi and other is a hanuman Temple. Moreover, the top of the hill will give you a panoramic view of the Raghunathpur area and a beautiful view of the Adra-Bhojudih Railway track of South-Eastern Railways. If you are a railfan, you will have a fantastic time out there.. 

Jai Chandi Temple

        For lovers of Bengali cinemas, Jai Chandi Hill has a greater significance. It is the shooting spot of 2 great cinemas of Satyajit Ray. Goopi Gain Bagha Bain and the Hirok Rajar Deshe. The shooting of the song 'Bhooter Raja Dilo Bar' had been done near a pond at the base of the hill.

        A fair is organised at the foot of the hill in the month of December. You can visit it too if you plan your trip in Between Christmas and 1st January. Winter visit to Baranti can give a bonus too. In the lake you can watch many migratory birds, mainly lesser whistling duck, common teal and Egrets.. Other than winter, autumn is delightful in Purulia. But the best time to visit is spring, mid February to March end.. That is, the blooming time of Palash and Shimul. The hills get a reddish charm all over due to Palash blooming.

        One can also visit the ruins of the Garhpanchkot Fort, Panchet and Maithon Dam from Baranti. Next issue, I will take you to those places. For now, Thank you.. Hope you have enjoyed. Stay connected and let me know yours feelings about this story in the comment section or my facebook page...

        Good night and stay safe.. 

        How to Reach:- Baranti is about 37 km by road from Asansol. Asansol is well connected by railways from all over the country. You have to hire a car from Asansol. Otherwise you can board Asansol-Adra MEMU from Asansol and reach Muradih railway station from where you can hire a toto or e-rickshaw to reach Baranti which is about 5km away.

       Where to Stay:- There are few private eco-resorts and holiday inns in Baranti but it is better to stay at WBFDC Garhpanchkot Eco-tourism bungalow and visit Baranti and Jai Chandi Hill from there. It will take about 2-2.5hrs for the whole journey...