Tuesday, December 30, 2014

An Excursion to Ajodhya Hills


About Ajodhya Hills:-

Ajodhya Hills (Bengali: অযোধ্যা পাহাড়), is a hill located in the Purulia district of the state of West Bengal, India. It is a part of the Dalma Hills and extended part of Eastern Ghats range. Highest peak of Ajodhya Hills is Gorgaburu. The nearby populated town area is Bagmundi.
It is a popular place for young mountaineers to learn the basic course in rock climbing. There are two routes available to reach Ajodhya Hills. One is via Jhalda and the other one is via Sirkabad. There is a Forest Rest House here. Gorgaburu (855 m), Mayuri etc. are of the some of the peaks of Ajodhya hills range.[1]
The area forms the lowest step of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. The general scenario is undulating land with scattered hills. The area around Bagmundi or Ajodhya Hill is an extended plateau.]
Mahua flower in summer
According to Hindu mythology, Rama and Sita had come to Ayodhya Hills and stayed during their exile. Sita was thirsty and Ram pierced an arrow through the Earth's soil crust and through that water gushed out. Sita quenched her thirst. The place is known as Sita-kunda. During the full moon day in Baisakh every year tribals of nearby areas come and join in the game of hunting wild animals.
Purulia Pumped Storage Project with an installed capacity of 900 MW (4 X 225 MW) has been set up in Ajodhya hills under Bagmundi police station with the loan assistance of Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Places of Attraction and whereabouts of Hills With Wide Range Of Photographs:–

Near Ajodhya Hills, there is Turga Dam and the Lake, and the pleasant waterfall formed by the River Bamni. The site of the Turga Dam site is a perfect tourist spot, where the visitors can spend their day.
It presents you some wonderful raw hills to explore. One of the most beautiful excursions near Kolkata is the Ajodhya Hills, which fall under the Purulia district of West Bengal. Located at an altitude of approximately 700 m above the sea level, at the Bihar-Purulia border, Ajodhya Hills is one place where you will feel rejuvenated and refreshed, away from the humidity of Kolkata, in summers.
Actually a part of the Dolma Hill Range, the place Ajodhya Hills a special delight for nature lovers and young mountaineers. The dense forests and gurgling waterfalls of the place make it a natural delight. You will be astonished to see the forest full of elephants, deer, wild boars, wolves and cheetahs, from so close. Even the dense trees of pine, shimul, saal, shirish and segun trees will make you feel delighted. The young mountaineers will get an opportunity to reign over raw peaks like Gorga-buru.

Ajodhya Hills, apart from its travel and trekking expeditions, is also known for its mythological links. It is said that Lord Rama and his wife Goddess Sita had once visited the place and stayed here for some time. One day, Sita was feeling thirsty; Lord Ram pierced an arrow into the earth, at this very place only, to spurt a fountain and satisfy her longing for water. The spot is, thus, named Sita-kunda i.e. the water-reservoir of Sita. Thousands of people come here every year, to visit this mystic spot.

In case, you want to visit Ajodhya Hills, you can opt between two routes from Kolkata - one is via Jhalda and the other will take you there through Sirkabad. Residing there will also not be a big issue if you do a prior booking in the Forest Rest House here. Once you have reached Ajodhya Hills, a trip to Turga Dam and Lake and the pleasant waterfall formed by the River Bamni is worthwhile. You can also give a small visit to the hydel power plant at this place, if you are interested in technology.

Matha   -   Matha Buru (Matha hills) is commonly known for its esthetic beauty. Annual 'Mela' is originated on the hill by tribal community. Many nature camp and Rock Climbing courses are conducted by different organization mostly during winter season. Last year number of such camps was 31 and more than 2000 school &college students participated. Local Forest Protection Committee members are engaged for providing catering facilities for camp and some of them also act as local guides.

Pakhi Pahar   -   Is another tourist attraction with vicinity along with scenic beauty of Pardi Dam.

Eco-Shop   -   An unique attempt to provide facility to the local villagers to sale their handicraft produce to the tourist.

Gachbari (Tree house)   -   First time in South Bengal to provide tourist a feeling of staying above a tree. Under construction at Matha Range shortly to be completed.

Dowry Khal   -   Originating place of Sobha River, a tributary of Subarnarekha. Known for its natural beauty and a favourite camping place for adventure tourist.

Purulia Pump Storage Project   -   900 M.W. capacity hydro-electric project. Upper dam surrounded by lash green Sal forest is a potential place for tourist destination.

Tugga and Bramni Falls   -   To perennial streams near Bagmundi favourite for day visitors and picnic party in winter.

Nature Interepretation Centre at Ajodhya   -   Under construction. Aimed to represent Ajodhya Eco-system along with tribal culture and tradition to the visiting tourists. Shortly to be completed.

Sirkabad   -   Base camp for rock climbers and trekkers who come to help rock climb courses at Gaja Buru, the top peak of Ajdohya Hill.

Dams surrounding Ajodhya Hill   -   Murguma, Pardi, Burda, Ramudih, Gopalpur are few dam sites which are liked by picnic minded people and tourists. They not only represent the scenic beauty but also serves as spot for bird watching.

Gorshabru, the highest peak of the Ayodhya Hills is situated at a magnificent 2850 feet. There are various deep forests and numerous waterfalls located amidst the hill. Several tribal villages are also situated on the hill. A  trip to the Mayur hill will provide a spectacular view of the Ayodhya Hills, just like it has been portrayed on a canvas. You can either visit the numerous waterfalls, deep forests, tribal villages or can explore the beauty of the hill by taking a walk around it.
The Forest of Matha Hill, near Ayodhya Hill is about 45 km from Purulia town. Matha, known for its scenic beauty is also good for rock climbing & trekking. Rock climbing courses are conducted here between November To March.

Pakhi Hill (Hill of birds) nearby is famous for birds. The forests are home to Leopard, Pangolin, and Madras Tree Shrew. Elephants migrate seasonally from neighbouring Jharkhand.

  




































Accomodation
The West Bengal Comprehensive Area Development Corporation (WBCADC) run guest houses Niharika, Manasi, Malancha, Anamika, Balaka, Bibhabari, Upekhita etc.
West Bengal Tourist Lodge is also available.
Forest Rest-house under Purulia Division is available in the location of Ajodhya, Balarampur, Matha, Jhalda, Purulia, Arsha.

How to Reach
Ayodhya Hill is about 260 km from Kolkata, 42 km from Purulia town.
Durgapur Expressway connects Purulia to Kolkata.
Several trains to Purulia are available from Howrah.
Buses are also available from Kolkata.


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