Saturday, February 6, 2010

Baranti


Now let us go to Baranti……

“Baranti” is small adhivasi village in Purulia district very close to Asansol and it takes just 4-5 hours to reach there from Kolkata (263 Km). Baranti is located in the midst of Panchet hill on one side and Biharinath on the other. In between the two hills, lies a small hamlet called Baranti within Santuri block and the place is dotted with innumerable Santhal villages together with many smaller hillocks . This spot is salubrious especially to patients of heart and Gastro-intestinal problems. The area is lined with Sal-Pial & Mohua trees all around and the lake within the hills is filled with seasonal birds in the winter. This quiet and little known village is replete with its spectacular bouquet of natural beauties and has always attracted the bored and tired city folks.

At the foot of the Baranti hill, lies the village Baranti (30-40 families living here) and almost every villager is Santhal. One small hillock in the vicinity is called Baranti. The wild rabbits & boars along with nimble footed deer of forest department play around this unique village and they are sometimes attacked by wolves, hyenas & way lost cheetahs. The hilly forest often transforms into different colours and leaves during the change of seasons.

The air is often redolent with intoxicating aroma of Mahua and sometimes the green  trees light up in the dazzling crimson touches of plash. It is where a small hillock is called Baranti and on the other side, a small stream flowing by the Muradi hill is also known  as Baranti. Baranti irrigation project has been set up on 680 Acres of land with the erection of soil dams in the river Baranti on the pattern of Kansabati Project. This stream is used for the purpose of irrigation as well as for the supply of drinking water to the nearby villages. What is most exciting Baranti’s natural attributes looks wonderful and mystical in the full moonlit night. The tranquility and  serenity are the two natural attributes of the village Baranti. It is surprising that this unique tourist spot is not much known to tourists from Kolkata, even though it is located so close.

The sunset on the bank of the Lake and wildfire in the heat of March/April are rare treats to see and enjoy. It is intensely thrilling to hear the wild cries of nocturnal birds wafting out of the hills in the dead of night. A walk through the hamlet like Jibanpur and Dandahit is a pleasant experience. In Baranti, Fisher folks sometimes fish on the bank of the lake for days together.Thus, Baranti has now become an ideal Eco-tourism Centre in the picturesque Bengal.

How to reach :

By Train :-

Muradi is 263 km from Kolkata. At first, reach Asansol by any train from Howrah/Sealdah/Kolkata Railway Station. Incidentally, Muradi is, in fact, 4th Railway Station from Asansol on Asansol-Adra line. One has to get down at Muradi (19km) Station and reach Baranti village either by Cycle Rickshaws or by hired vehicles. Baranti is around 6 km from Muradi Station. Besides, tourists can avail Chittaranjan Passenger from Kolkata Railway Station and get down at Asansol in the early morning and can proceed to Muradi by train.

Another available route is to go by Chakradharpur Passenger from Kolkata Station in the evening to reach Adra in the early morning and then from Adra, one can proceed to Muradi, 3rd station from Adra (21).

By Bus :-Buses ply from either Dharamtala or Salt Lake Bus Stand (Karunamoyee) to Asansol in the morning. Tourists can avail either Volvo service or any other Express bus service to reach Asansol within 4 hours and can proceed to Muradi either by train or hired vehicles as described above. 
A helicopter service is shortly being started from Behala air field to Asansol. Fun-loving Tourist can enjoy this fascinating Flying experience en-route to Baranti by spending some more. Dum Dum is the nearest Airport from Baranti.

Where to stay

“Baranti Wild Life and Nature Study Hut” (BWANSH) is the most ideal and comfortable lodge to stay at Baranti. The lodge is having 8 three bedded rooms with attached bathroom (Room wise TV and Centrally hot water and Refrigerator Facility is available)   . On demand, however, four persons can be accommodated in the room and each room costs Rs.800/- per day with Rs.100/- additional for extra bed. Rooms are provided with lectricity and tap water facilities in the bathrooms. ( 10.41 USD AND 6.63 British Sterling) per day as rental.

How to book your accommodation?

The tourists can book their accommodation by calling on the following mobile nos. 9830085483, 9330958926, 9874887046, 9833077951 located at Dunlop Bridge, Kaikhali, Behala and Salt Lake respectively.

One can book rooms by depositing money at the nearest IDBI Branch and can also book on line by sending e-mail.

Besides, there are many eminent travel agents in Kolkata who offer conducted  tour package to Baranti. A list of such Travel Agents are available in the following Blog http://barantiblog.blogspot.com or http://barantiindia.blogspot.com 

Food facilities

BWANSH  provides a well furnished canteen facilities inside the complex which serves very tasty food (veg. & non-veg.) from tasty morning bed tea to late night dinner at a very nominal cost. They charge Rs.320/- per person for non-veg. items. Apart from fixed menu, they also serve extra items on order at extra charges. What is more, BWANSH offers cool & sweet deep tube-well drinking water (after filtering through filter system )  which can beat any bottled mineral water in terms of quality and taste. Tourists frequent their visits to BWANSH for its fresh and tasty food.

Places to visit in and around Baranti

Basically, it takes 3-4 days to cover Baranti and its surrounding spectacular natural and historical spots.

Proposed Tour Programme :-

First day (Day I):

A trip to Baranti and Muradi hillocks in the morning and a short trekking through Jibanpur to Talberia Gram followed by a leisurely walk along the foot of Baranti hill together with a look at colourful Sunset on the bank of Baranti Lake is fascinating experience.


During the day long journey, mind is often thrown back to recall the scenes of celebrated boon given by Bhooter Raja (Ghost king) in the popular Bengali Film “Gopi Gayen and Bagha Bayen” by the great director Mr. Satyajit Ray.

Second day (Day II):

In the morning, a visit to Gorpanchakot by car. Everyone visiting Gorpanchakot should know the history and background of the place from the information booklets available at BWANSH so as to enjoy the place thoroughly.

From Gorpanchakot, one can either visit Maithon Dam after seeing Panchet Dam. Or one can directly go to Maithone Dam and spend the whole day there and on the way back, One can visit Kalyaneswari Temple and offer “Puja”.

Tourists can also move to Joychandi hill after visiting Panchet Dam. Here one can have a glimpse at the many shooting spots of internationally awarded film “Hirak Rajar Deshe” by celebrated director, Satyajit Ray. One can see Chandi Temple of 150 years vintage. The tourists sometimes visit the local town. Raghunathpur for having a look at renowned Tashor Silk art workshop wherefrom the entire production is exported abroad. Another extra attraction of the place is, of course, Tashor development Centre set up by Govt. of West Bengal at Raghunathpur Chaliyama Road.

Third day (Day III):

The day begins with Shiva puja at Biharinath temple, 15 km. journey from Baranti. Every year, devotees from far and wide throng the Lord Shiva tample to offer “Manat” (a Hindu rituals praying for divine blessings from Lord Shiva). However, Biharinath Hills along with its spectacular springs are really breath taking sights. Tourists proceed to Susunia Hill, 30 km. travel from here and spend the whole day in Eco-Tourism Centre and return to Baranti in the evening. Many tourists like to spend the evening by watching the scintillating Santhal dance at BWANSH under the glare of candle light. However, advance booking is required by the management to make the arrangement.

Fourth day (Day IV):

Now the bells toll for the journey back home.

Simply reach Muradi railway station and proceed to Kolkata via Asansol and Burdwan by train.

Some tourists, however, go to Maithan dam and enjoy the day and on the way back, visit Kalyaneswari tample to offer puja. Then they go to Churalia, the place of birth of great Rebel Poet Kaji Nazrul Islam and board train at Asansol for Kolkata. If one reaches Asansol by five in the evening, one can avail bus service to Kolkata. Last but not the least, many tourists rush to Baranti time and again for taking absolute rest for 5-6 days amidst the amusing natural ambience of Baranti and thereby they unwind  themselves. The unforgettable picturesque spots at Panchokot hill is a challenging trekking tract of long 7 km.

Special features of Boronti :

There are people who often consider Boronti as their own village and visit Boronti regularly. It holds a kind of different attraction for them beside its salubrious environment and pollution free air. Some tourists carry different plants on the monsoon and they plant those saplings in the woods and hills of Boronti as they believe that if one of the plants even survives, then it will sustain life on earth. They also believe that the green had taken a hit under the attack of modernization and hence unless and until, the green is protected the entire civilization will grind to a halt. Some brings plants & saplings from Kolkata while some other procures these from our Boronti Wild Life & Nature Study Hut (BWNSH) where these plants are distributed free. Tourists often carry old used clothes with them for free distribution amongst poor tribal children in the neighboring tribal villages. Some visitors even distribute Exercise Books, Pencils, erasers, colours and paints amongst the poor students in the village schools. What is more, some tourists set up gruel kitchens and serve food to 300-400 tribal people in the surrounding villages as they feel that if the Govt. could feed the poor for 100 days in a year, then they should contribute at least for a day. Sometimes, one comes with pen and paper to spend four five days, fully absorbed in writing on the lap of nature. There are tourists who often wistfully reminisce their lost world of childhood in the rugged village hutments, paddy fields, muddy path ways. Those who have now settled down in cities to earn their livelihood, notwithstanding their rural past, are often thrown back into their memory lanes, lit up by nostalgic anecdotes of their old village as narrated by their grannies & mommies. Boronti, to these travelers, is the permanent weekend fixture. Some people take their children to Boronti to change their mindsets from the self-centered city mentality. While many goes to Boronti time and again to take absolute rest for a while or to breathe lungful of oxygen amidst tranquil nature of rural Bengal. One often goes to Panchkote hill from Boronti to take a pleasant walk down 7 km. hilly tract which forms a major attraction for trekkers.

Apart from weekend crowd, there is no dearth of students who frequent Boronti to undertake Study/Project Camp and the following projects are mentionable amongst them.

1.       Small time Nature Camps for children
     For grown ups, Geography Camps like River & Multi purpose River project outdoor practical classes.
2.       Rock climbing camp.
3.       Yoga Camp or Prannyam Camp.
4.       Mining Study camps for students.
5.       Archeological camps.
6.       Photography camps.
7.       Fine Art Camps for Arts Students.
8.       Statistical Survey Camp.
9.       Various Corporate Out-Door Meetings.(25-30 Persons)

Musical Recital conducted by Bengali Minstrels (Bowl) :

It is often regretted that Purulia’s old Boul music, Tushu music, Bhadu or Jhumur music are falling into disuse every passing day. But even now, some people are still holding on to the age old traditional music like “Tushu Bhadu” musical culture which is practiced down the generations. At certain point in life people get addicted to Boul music. It is disappointing that those Boul singers (Minstrels) are ultimately reduced to begging despite having been so much talented. It is predominantly the cause why people perhaps develop tremendous apathy towards this traditional performing art. This great folk art of Purulia has become almost extinct under the onslaught of time. In these area, some village folks were desperately trying to cling on to this school of music but owing to intense poverty, it is increasingly becoming a difficult vocation. Of late, the tourists can enjoy Folk Music recitals by talented boul singers organized by BWLNSH, if advance booking is made. Such recitals are conducted in the evening with a view to providing some earning to these poor boul singers so as to bring some succour to these needy families as well as to give some entertainment to the city crowds.

Folk/Tribal dance :

Music and dance are the favourite vocation of Santhals. They are accustomed to play music and dance in groups during their family occasions or different festivals. They like to play their pet instruments like Dhamls, Madal etc. It is not known since when such cultural fares of Santhals has started. Through the last few decades, this tradition of folk culture of Santhal has declined somewhat. The spirits and enthusiasm amongst the Santhal Youths have been increasingly waning over the years. At the primary initiative of BWLNSH, there has been some revival of interest in this folk culture amongst Santhals to conduct such cultural fares basically to regale the tourists for commercial reasons. Numerous clubs have come up in Santhal villages which conduct regular rehearsal of such folk dance in order to fine-tune their skills. On advance booking, BWLNSH organizes unique folk music and dance recital in their compound under the glimmer of flaming torches. Young Santhal boys and girls conducts folk dance programme for 2-3 hours in the evening. About 50-60 such programmes can now be organized by BWLNSH round the year. Income generated by local clubs by organizing such programmes is utilized for the development of cultural fabrics of the area. Thus, a quiet begining has been made towards the development of cultural activities with the active supports of tourists.

Birds/Avions of Boronti

It is now known that a certain breed of birds migrate to distant land at a particular season of the year since a long time. Somewhere, they fly 25000 miles to 30,000 miles virtually from one corner of earth to another. They travel over long desert, vast oceans and even cross enormous  mountain range like the Himalayas. Even within a country, a group of birds traverses one State to another. These class of birds are called Migratory birds. The Migratory birds travel countries over their generations. It is still a mystery how they navigate such long distance and what for they migrate to distant lands. Even in our country, there are birds which glide away overseas while many more come over to ours from distant foreign lands. These migratory birds are our honoured guest during the stay in our country. In humans, civilization has brought about a lot of development while at the same time, bound them under certain compulsion. But this has not happened in case of Avions. To them, the whole earth is one single indivisible entity. They know no borders, no country and they enjoy absolute freedom and live and settle down wherever they feel comfortable. This tradition has been continuing since the ice-age.

There are ample references of these migratory birds by the great poet, Kalidas in his magnum Opus i.e. Meghdutt which he had composed atop Ramtek hill near the city of Nagpur. Bornoti along with its vast flora all around, attracts a large varieties of migratory birds for a long time. Of late, the cool and transparent  Boronti lake hosts a lot of alien birds during the winter, spring and monsoon. During the last few years, birds flying enroute to Panchet or Maithon dam take up temporary shelter in the lake. Besides, a lot of elegant birds comes to the children parks in the BWLNSH in the morning and evening. The birds that are frequently spotted are the following.

Siberian cranes, Ruff, Black winged Stilt, Common Teal, Common Greenshank, Northern Pintail, Yellow Wagtail, Northern Shoveler, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper,Black tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Starling, Long billed Pipit, Asian Koel, Black crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Blue-cheeked Bee Eater, Blue-tailed Bee Eater, Cuckoos, and ect.

Butterflies of Boronti

Of late, there is a decline in the numbers of butterflies and dragon flies owing to the overuse of insecticides and pesticides in the paddy fields of rural Bengal. They are dying in large numbers. But even then, many different class of Butterflies & Dragonflies are still seen in the Boronti hills and surrounding forest areas notably – swallow talls, whites, Blues and coppers, Metal marks, Brush footed, skippers.

Firefly of Boronti

It is a fact that Glow worms convert 90% of energy into light while only 10% energy is transformed into heat and this is just the reverse in case of common electric bulb. Thus, light emitted by Glow worms is often called “Cold light”. It is postulated that the light is generated by chemical reaction in the lower abdomen of the Glow worms Lucipherus is the enzyme which plays predominant role in this chemical reaction. The light is environmentally safe as it is bereft of ultraviolet or infrared rays. The light has a wave length of 510 to 670 Nanometers. There are almost 2000 varieties of Glow worms in nature. Glow worms use their light to signal their location or attraction between each other. There is a place called Camppong Queentan in Malayasia where tourists visit every year just to feast their eyes on the colourful lights of Glow worms. The children park of of Glow worms in the night and their exotic beauties is no less than any other parts in the World known for Glow worms.

Rivers of Boronti

Borakar : On the way to Asansol, as one moves over the Disergarh bridge on Damodar river, One can see the confluence of Damodar and Borakar river. Borakar river originates from Koderma platau and crosses 205 km. of Jharkhand and 20 km. of West Bengal and ends at Borakar Town.

Damodar : Sonasathi is the name of the spring located at the top of Khamarpat hill inside the Palamau district near Todio Damodor issues out of this spring and after traversing 200 km of Jharkhand and 250 km. of West Bengal, merges into the river Hooghly, 50 km. south of Kolkata. Damodar is nicknamed as Deonodh locally. Damodar comprises of three phases. The portion between the source to Borakar is known as high flow phase. From Borakar to Burdwan, the river flows over the plains while the portion between Burdwan to Hooghly is the low flow phase.

A profile of Boronti hills

Boronti is flanked by Panchakot hill and Biharinath hill on either side as if they stand as great guardians of Boronti. In between, a good number of hills and hillocks lie scattered. The most notable amongst them are the following:

(1)                 Boronti hill:

Boronti hill stands at the edge of Boronti village. A forest comprising of Kendu, Mahua, Polash and Harituki trees are bordering the Boronti hill. The height of those trees are moderate. The hill is dotted with small pathways all around. The surrounding forest abounds with wild boars, jackels, wolves, hynas, rabbits and even some porcupines. Apart from that, the forest department had also released some herds of deer into this forest. In the monsoon, even python shows up in this area.

These beautiful hills and hillocks stretche along a few kilometers from Dandahin hamlet to reach the crest of Tiluri hamlet by the side of Biharinath temple. Boronti is nestled in between Boronti and Jibanpur on one side while Dandahin hamlet on the other. The small hamlets like Nimtikuti, Binodpur and Piron Garia become the shelter for tired and bored travelers to rest a while.

(2)                 Poroli hill:

Poroli hill stands bang opposite to Boronti village. At the foothill, lies the Adhivasi hamlet called Parali. The hillock sprawls upto the Ramchandrapur village. The Sal forest is situated at one side of the hill. At the bottom of the hill, Subhas Road crawls along in a zigzag manners.

(3)                 Muradi hill:

Muradi hill stands independly opposite to Boronti hill along the Muradi Mouza. The hill is green and dotted with Sal forest. At the foothill, lies the small hamlet called Dulurodi and Boronti Lake. A narrow lane moves out of Muradi village to terminate at Boronti dam. It is fascinating to see the images of three surrounding hills on the water surface of Boronti dam. Especially, Muradi hill looks far more gorgeous., Boronti Hills & bushes around lake, are always aglow with hundreds 
      (4)                 Narin hill and Baro Pahar:

A zigzag pathway lurches along the Boronti village toward Talbaria hamlet. At the end of the village, this narrow pathway merges with Subhas Road and at the junction, stands elegantly two hills – one is Narin hill and the other one is called Baro Pahar. A large greet meadow pushes its way in between two hills. Besides these hills, this beautiful corridor is flanked by few small and big hillocks on either side. Most romantic sight for a tourist to enjoy.

Ruins of Panchakot Rajbari from Boronti (12 km)

Garh Panchakot is located at a distance of 12 km. from Boronti. From Boronti, one has to reach Subhas More and move towards Gobag along the Borakar Purulia Road by crossing Raghunathpur Gobag will lead to Dwearbadh and finally one reaches. Gorh Panchakot Rajbari was surrounded by trenches on all sides. The tourist vehicles should park at the foot hill along the bushes wherein lies the ancient Rajbari (Palace) and on the bang opposite, one can see the dilapidated temple. Besides, there are many knocked down houses dotted along the bushes which had all fallen on evil days. In 962 AD, Maharaj Kirtinath had established his capital of Panchokot estate at the foot of Panchakot hill and his dynasty had run upto 1770 AD. During those period, 32  kings had reigned in that kingdom.

The sprawling capital and forte spread along 2.5 km. area. The entire capital was encircled by deep trenches all around. Those trenches were dug out and used to be filled up with water to fend off enemies. The birbed bamboo sticks fences were erected to protect the capital. The main forte was located half kilometer above the hill. The forte was guarded by stone walls on all sides. What is more, the water supply system inside the forte was unique. The main water supply had been sourced at a place called Dhara. The underground pipeline was laid so as to ferry water inside the forte from the springs. The royal employees had been given accommodation facilities inside. So was the big Raghunath temple located inside the forte. Although, the temple had broken down owing to centuries of neglect and lack of maintenance but still it is by far the biggest temple in Purulia. At the foot hill, there was irrigation facilities alongside fisheries, with the linkage of more than 100 rivers. Even now, there exists a large number of tanks like Harish Chandra Pukur, Deshbandhu, Lalbagh, Behara, Kalkasaga just to name a few. The temple area was marked out within one and half km. radius inside the capital. One can now get a glimpse at the whole temple from the northern side of Deshbandh across the village on foot. Numerous temples, mostly at knocked down states are scattered all over. But some temples have still been standing almost inact. The most majestic temple is definitely the Rashmandir of Panchachura. The temple is a two-storied and south facing structure opening out into the East. There were staircases earlier for climbing to all the five peaks of the temple. The staircases had all collapsed along with south-eastern corners. The middle peak is 60 ft. tall. The temple is fully adorned with terracotta works with the help of burnt out bricks all over its body. The sanctum santorum is a 5 ft. by 4 sft. Area located at the ground floor and the entrance is 6 ft. high and 2 ft. 1 inch wide. Luxmi temple is situated at North-western corner and this is also 45 ft. high structure. The staircase of this temple is still inact. Perhaps, this temple might have been five peaked structures while the rest of peaks had been destroyed. But the main peak is still standing in tact. The ruins of Kalyaneswari temple made of stone, is covered with wild shrubs and the sanctum santorum was 12 ft. by 12 ft. At the centre of the capital, stands Rani Mahal temple. Having been the capital for a period of 800 long years, many temples and properties had been developed in Garh Panchokot but only those built in later years, have been standing in good shape as of now. Unfortunately many temples and mansions had been wiped out by knock of time. At the entrance of Garh Panchokot, Dwarbangh Archway has been standing for last 300 years, albeit in a dilapidated state but this archway stands testimony to the old architectural wonders. What is surprising is that even now many ruins of towers, arches and temples are getting discovered from the underground. In those days, people used to enter the temple through this by boat.

During the coronation of the last king of Panchokot, Monilal, there had been a huge mayhem and bloodshed. His maternal uncle, Laldeo by collusion with some of his lackeys, had unleashed a genocide with no holds barred. His main target was to bump off Monilal, the crown king of Panchokot. But a loyal staff named Sovaram had taken out the crown king, Monilal outside the forte and saved him. In this bloodletting in Panchokot, children, ladies and oldaged members of the royal family had been lynched indiscriminately. While the crown king, Monilal had gone underground for a long time. However, later on, he was restored to his throne with the help of Nawav Ali Bordi Khan. Up above almost 600 ft. on the hill, there is a spring wherefrom Garh Panchokot ruins could now be clearly visible to the tourists.

Jain cave temple of Panchakot (11 km)

There was a time when Buddhism and Jainism had spread in Chatonagpur platue. A lot of testimonies to these great religious stand even today in Malbhum district (at present called Purulia). Around 30 Km off Baranti, the ruins of Telkupi town, once a complete Jain town, had been swallowed up by Panchet dam, leaving behind many imprints of the ancient Jain religion. It is said that the king, Vikramaditya used to visit this town to offer puja. One km. east of Panchakot forte and at the junction of the hill and the 2nd trench of the fort, a big tamarinds tree is seen which leads to a bushy and narrow hilly pathway, taking one up 1.50 km to reach at one ancient Jain sculpted cave temple. The cave had high and wide gateway paved with a big stone. A statue of Lord Mahabir is sculpted and fixed  at the top of the gateway along with another weather-beaten statue of Lord  Thirtankar which is mounted on the southern wall of the temple. On the flooring, there are one triangular and one circular tanks. An alone on earthen wall is chiseled out while the ceiling is oval shaped. Many faded figurines are scattered over the inside wall. It is speculated that this cave temple was built earlier to the construction of Panchakot fort. Another partially destroyed temple modeled in the tradition of Lord Hanuman of Birinchidham is found at North-Western corner at 100-150 feet away on hilly tract, just at the foothill.

A trip to Medicinal plantation of Forest Department (21 k.m.)

A plenty of reference is found on a hill called Shekhar in Markandya Puran where there is a huge compilation of Medicinal plants. The hill was frequented by Arian Sages to fetch those plants to prepare many useful live-saving drugs. Banomali Pandit was the first recognized Guru of Panchakot royalty and he had identified Panchakot hill as the same pristine Shekhar hill as mentioned in Markandua Puran. Panchakot hill was the major source of collection of different Medicinal plants in those days. The Panchakot royals had collected many useful Medicinal plants from across the country and cultivated them in Panchakot hill. The kings had also provided a dedicated treatment and research facilities for good number of Physicians from across the country to settle and practice their skill in and around Panchakot hill. Even now, one can see a good population of indigenous physicians (Baidyas) in Satury, Ramkenali and Neturia Blocks. WWF had conducted survey over the years and discovered many Medicinal plants in this area and later on, with the co-operation of Forest Department of West Bengal Govt., a botanical garden had been set up over there together with lodging facilities for the tourists. The unique botanical garden is just 20 km. journey from Baranti.

A place of pilgrimage for Vaisnavs

When the whole of India was awash with the wave of “Love & devotion” (Bhakti-Prem) as preached by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the devotees, in their droves, were getting converted to Vaisavism, the rising religious cult at that time and then one day Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had set his foot in this sacred land. In fact, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had camped down here for a while in Kotalodi village near Baranti on his way back from Puri. It is said that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had stayed in Birinchidham temple for a few days at the request of the king of Panchakot. In this area, a lot of Rash Mandir and Rash Mancho (place for performing Rashmela) had been discovered in the ruins and they exist even now. Thus this area is considered as very sacred by Vaisnav Community.

Maithan dam from Baranti (38 km.)

Maithan dam is nestled between West Bengal and Jharkhand. It measures 15912 ft. in length and 165 ft. in height while the total area of the dam measures around 66 sq. km. The irrigation dam together with hydro-electricity generation unit have been standing over the Barakar river for last 50 years. The Maithan dam looks majestic. The Maithan dam looks more spectacular to a tourist visiting from the tranquil ambience of Baranti. This contrast and dichotomy is just seen to be believed. A Famous and Historical “Ma Kalyaneswari” Temple is situated here.

Panchet dam from Baranti (22 km.)

Panchet dam is situated over Damodar river in Jharkhand. Earlier, one could reach Baranti by going over Panchet dam but then, after the erection of Bridge over Dishergarh, the distance has been reduced substantially. Amongst the project of DVC, the Panchet is the biggest one. It is 22155 ft. in length and 138 ft. in height. Now, some 1214000 acre ft. water can be stored at the dam. Panchet dam facilitates both irrigation as well as hydro-electricity generation.

Churulia from  Baranti (14 km. from Asansol)

Churulia is located at a distance of 14 km. from Asansol, well across Jamuria. The renowned poet, Kaji Najrul Islam was born here. At one time, the family of the poet came over here as “Ayma”. “Ayma” means that the most competent soldier or very efficient royal Employees and their family who had settled down on the land, Patronised by the Pathan Sultans of those days. The system was known as “Ayma” and they used to be called “Aymadars”. The Poet’s father was one Aymadar, having settled down in Churulia. The Churulia could have been a sacred pilgrimage for all Bengalis owing to huge contribution of the poet to Bengali literature but then this has not happened because of utter in difference of common Bengalis.  A Nazrul Academy had been founded over here in 1958. Besides, there is one Hari Palwaan Mazar along with a Mosque. There is also a ruin of a fort locally called “Raja Naruttam Garh“. Historically, this area was quite impregnable for foreign army across Shergarh forest. The area was under Panchakot estate. At the time of emperor, Sher Shah, the first incursion of foreign army had taken place. Initially, Churulia was attacked but there were many tanks surrounding the Forte. The capital of Raja Noruttam Das was Churulia. According to the historians like Mr. Waldheim and Mr. Prabadh Kumar Chatterjee, the fort had been built by the kings of Panchakot. These asides, Churulia is dotted with many knocked down temples and old Statues. The tourists visit Maithan dam and then move on to see Churulia on the way back to Asansol to catch train to Kolkata.

Baranti to Susunia (38 km)

Chatna is located 13 km. away from Bembura town and 7 km. north of Chatna, Susunia hill lies across 3.2 km. wide from the east to the west. It is said that Susunia hill is much older than even the Himalayas. At the top, stones of different shapes and sizes got collected to form the popin peak while the picturesque stream called Gandheswari flows down the foot hill. A mountain fort was built on the Susunia hill by Chandra Verma of Jodhpur, Rajasthan after capturing Bengal in the 4th century AD. In the later part of the 4th century, Chandra Verma had been killed by Samudra Gupta and of late every year in late November, they set up training camps for rock climbing for trainees in Susunia hill. In this area, a lot of stone incriptions and artifacts had been found during Chandra Verma’s time. The Susunia hill is carpeted with the greens of Sal;, Segun, Polash, Arjun and Amloki and Mahua vegetation. The greens light up in flames by the blooming palashs in the spring. Springs at the foothill and 5 ft. stone statue on the opposite stand testimony to the skills of the local Artists. Recently Govt. of West Bengal had recognized this place for Eco-tourism and has been taking various steps to develop the area. Susunia hill is 40 km. from Baranti. In the morning, one can start either by Tata Sumo or by Maruti van from Baranti and take one’s lunch at Susunia

Baranti to Joychandi Hill (22 k.m.)

Joychandi Hill is just 40 minutes journey from Baranti by car. One has to go along Barakar-Purulia Road after crossing Subhas Road and reach Raghunathpur town within half an hour. Joychandi hill is tucked away at the end of Raghunathpur town. Alternatively, one can get down at Joychandi railway station, 3rd station from Muradi by train and then either by Rickshaw or by bus, one can reach the spot. One can glimpse the rough and rugged hill top from the Joychandi rail station itself. Every year, different training camps for mountaineering students are organized in this area. It is, in this area, many scenes of the celebrated film “Hirak Rajar Deshe” by Satyajit Ray are sighted, lying scattered all over the place. Satyajit Ray had spotted beauties in these rugged terrains. The hill and hillocks, men and natural beauties always used to attract the great film Director. The famous Chandi temple of 150 years vintage, is perched up the top of the hill. At the foot of Joychandi hill, the sprawling Raghunathpur town had come up. The town has became famous for Tushar art and they are exported abroad. The Tushar development Centers as established by Govt. of West Bengal in Raghunathpur town is an added attraction for tourists.  

A walk along Panchet Hill (Treaking Route)

Baranti is 262 km. away from Kolkata while Panchet hill stands at the border of Bengal and Jharkhand just 10-11 km. away from Baranti. Panchet hill with its 2200 ft. high Rock, sprawls across 3162.40 acres land. The ked at one corner of the Panchet hill, 6977 meters long Panchet reservoir had been built up in the year 1959 while on the other side, lies the ruins of the historic capital, Garh Panchakot and knocked down temples of Lord Birinchinath. Round the year, water gushes forth from the two mountain springs. One is Gomukh dhara while the other one is Hunuman Dhara near Birinchinath temple. Besides, a large number of small streams course down the different points of the hill during the monsoon and the sights look wonderful. At one time, the hill and its surroundings had become major cultivation centers for Buddhism and Jainism. A few caves nearby still bear the imprints of such religious practices. Despite modern development, there are still some pockets in the hill, remaining inaccessible and unexplored. Men, over the years, built different roads to access the hill from time to time but under the wear and tear of environments, those roadways got obliterated to form new pathways. Although, Panchakot lies so close to Kolkata, but it is yet to engage the attention of city falks who pine for exotic outings and challenging treks amidst the Natural beauties. A trekking in Panchakot hill could become an early induction before the challenging trekking around the Himalayas. It all starts from Baranti dam to Ramchanderpur-Kinauti and then on to reach Barakar-Purulia road after Subhas Road. From there, one reaches Gobramore via Raghunathpur. One can walk on metal led road here to reach Panchet reservoir. 3 km. on the south western side of the Panchet dam, one can see a mountain stream locally nicknamed as “Hadhodi”. A hilly pathway moves into hill, 100 km. away from this mountain stream. Sometime back, the forest department had renovated and rebuilds a hilly track to reach the peak of the hill but over the year owing to lack of maintenance, this hilly track had been badly damaged, rendering the road unworthy for vehicular traffics, even though, this hilly track is the most vital route for the trekkers even now. However, after undertaking several uphill and downhill treks along the steep ditches on one side, trekkers steadily move through the dense woods of Sal, Mahua and Kendu and stop at a distance of 7 km. At the terminal point, the forest department had constructed a concrete room, open on all sides with circular roofing for the trekkers to sit and rest for a while. In fact, the whole trekking starts at “Hodhadi” and ends at “Hodhadi”, a absolute round trip taking almost four and half hours.


CANTEEN
Baranti Wild Life & Nature Study Hut
[Canteen is Registered under Ministry of Health Government of West Bengal]

MENU CHART
Bed Tea Biscute

Breakfast [Depends on availability]

Loochi (6 piece) Curry/Fry/Dal or Chapati (4 Piece) Curry/Fry/Dal or Kachuri 4 Piece)  Curry/Fry/Dal 
or Parata (4 Piece)  Curry/Fry/Dal  or Bread (4 Piece) and Butter/Jam Boil Egg(1)/Omlet (1)/Sweets(1)/Fruits(1)
Tea (1)

Lunch [Depends on availability]

Rice (Panjab Deradoon)
Potato Fry/Begun Fry/Potato Verta
Dal
Seasonable Vegetable  Curry
Egg Curry (1P)/Fish Curry (1P)/Chicken  (3-4P)
Chatni
 Papad(1)

Evening Snacks [Depends on availability]
Muri
Veg Pokora
 Tea (1)

Dinner   [Depends on availability]

Rice/Chapati
Potato/Begun Fry/Potato Verta/Seasonable Vegetable  Curry
Egg Curry (1P)/Fish Curry (1P)/Chicken  (3-4P)
Salad

Ø  Water Filter – Hot Water – Freeze -  Micro Oven are  Available
Ø  Extra Menu with extra charges.  
Ø  Full Food Package from Bed-Tea to Dinner - 220.00 Per day per person.

Please inform Canteen before 48 hours of Journey regarding your Food requirements – Phone - 8001703373.


@ Various Fair Chart - Baranti @

Train Fairs @-  From Kolkata to Asansol

(1)12019 Satabdi - 375.00
(2)12023 Jana Satabdi - 290.00
(3)12385 double taker - 216.00
(4)13317 Black Dimond - 64.00
(5)53139 Chitta Ranjan Passenger (Night)¡  - 83.00
(6)58011 Chakradhar Pur Passenger (Night) - 83.00
(6) Local (Via Burdwan – Assansol)- 33.00

Frm Asansol to Muradi

(1) Local -4.00
(2) Express -14.00

Bus Fair @- From Kolkata(Esplanade/Karunamoyee) to Asansol

(1) VOLVO- 350.00
(2) S.B.S.T.C.- 100.00

Car Fair
Tata Sumo
Maruti
Muradi to Baranti
250.00
200.00
Asansol to Baranti
750.00
700.00
Adra to Baranti
700.00
650.00
Baranti – Garhpanchokote-Panchyet Dam -Joychandi Hills and Raghunathpur Silk Market
1200.00
1100.00
Baranti - Garhpanchokote - Panchyet Dam - Maithan – Kalyaneswari Temple
1300.00
1200.00
Baranti - Biharinath - Susunia
1300.00
1100.00
Baranti – Joychandi
700.00
650.00
Baranti - Maithan - Churulia- Asansol
1400.00
1300.00
Baranti – Ajodhya Hills
1800.00
1700.00
Please inform Car before 48 hours of Journey as per your requirments Directly
 Phone -  9734284072























The wild animals of the Hill, The Trees & Plants of the Jungle , The birds of the Lake and forests and the Poor people of the tribal villages are expecting your love and affection.”

Baranti Wild Life & Nature Study HUT
Tel: 9874887046