JHARGRAM

jhargram

Jhargram is located at a distance of around 169 Kms from Esplanade, Kolkata, which is one of most fabulous destinations around the city. Situated between the Subarnarekha river and Belpahari valley, this place abounds in natural beauty as well. The tropical forests couple with the fragrant red soil to give a distinct flavor of aboriginal culture in eastern part of India. Jhargram has the heritage of a royal past and the hindu temples and palaces here testify to it. It is a part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region beyond the Gangetic plains close to the western borders of West Bengal. The region is a paradise for nature lovers with bountiful forests of Sal, Mahua, wild elephants, deer and birds it is also the heart of natural forests covered by lush and dense tropical hardwoods which gives the
visitors a back to natural feeling.

Jhargram Raj palace: 

 This is the second time I visited this place. Last time (2 year back), we were allowed to enter the premises, but entry is restricted now. This time security does not allow us to enter the premise. In fact, nothing to see here except just roaming around near the gate. This becomes a private hotel and it should be not publicised as a tourist destination for general tourists. I do not like this place.

TRIBAL ACTIVITIES

Jhargram is the store of tribal dances. The Santals, Mundas, Bhumijs, Lodhas and Sabars (aboriginal tribes) co - exist here. They express their social performances, religious rites and rituals through their dances. There are few rare tribal folk-dances:  Bhuang, Chang, Chhou, Dangrey, Jhumur, Panta, Ranpa, Saharul, Tusu and Bhadu dances.

The folk dances, ancient temples, royal palaces and eco-tourism make Jhargram more attractive places for visitors.

Aims of Jhargram Tourism

To do proper publicity about such places which because of their historical importance, may attract tourists.
To promote eco tourism and organize adventure activities for tourists.
To maintain the historical and cultural traditions of local people residing in Jhargram and to promote them.
To provide cheap, clean and satisfactory facilities to tourists in matters of transport, accommodation, food and recreation.
To get factual and informative literature printed which highlight tourist spots their importance and other details, and make such literature available to tourists which will serve as a guide and provide necessary information to them in order to help them to explore this part of West Bengal.
To enhance and encourage the participation of travel agents and tour operators in efforts of the state Government for providing necessary facilities to domestic and international tourists.
To organize cultural shows on occasion of different fairs festivals with a view to attracting more and more tourists.

Jhargram tour plan from Kharagpur:

 I have checked few travel agents. And finally, I selected four seater Swift Desire (AC) car for day long tour in Jhargram. The cab cost me INR 1900 for day long tour .

Our plan is to cover few important places inside Jhragram City first, then covers tourists places outside city. Here is the list of tourist places in Jhragram
Eco-Tourism Centre & Tribal Museum (outside city)
Jhargram Mini Zoo (Inside city)
Jhargram Raj Palace (Inside city)
Sabitri Temple (Inside city)
Kanak Durga Temple (outside city)
Chilkigarh Raj Palace (outside city)
Kendua village tour (outside city)
Medical Plant garden (outside city)

Eco-Tourism Centre first: We first planned our visit to Eco-Tourism Centre as it comes before entering Jhargram city from Kolkata (Kharagpur side). But local people could not tell the exact location of this place. We are actually interested to see the Tribal Museum. I know many things are written on Internet, but when you actually look for the place and ask local people with that reference, you may not find good direction. Even our Google Map could not locate this place. Hence, we could not visit that spot. Anyway, after some search we left for the next tourist spot Jhargram Mini Zoo which is 2 Km from city centre.

Jhargram Mini Zoo: It is famous for the deer park. An exclusive big area is kept only for deer park. When we entered the park, it was raining; a peacock was spreading his wing before us. An important point about this place is that most of the animals are kept in very natural environment in the bigger cases (spaces). It’s not like zoo where animals are fighting for their own space. I mean we find this quite spacious. We spent about 40 minutes in the Zoo.

Kanak Durga Temple:

This my favourite sightseeing places in Jhargram. You should keep at least 2 hours for this place. This is really a nice place to hang out with your family. In my previous post Jhargram tour, I have narrated history about Kanak Durga Temple. In this post, I have highlighted some additional information about this place.

Forest with medicinal plants:

We have to reach Kanak Durga Temple through a brisk jungle walk. We parked our car in parking lot. Then we started our jungle walk towards temple located other side of the jungle. From Parking lot to mandir, it’s a 300 meter journey though jungle (but nicely maintained in garden like environment) on the both side of the road, you see various types of medicinal plants and many big trees are nicely labelled. Many places you find deep jungle both sides, and many roots are coming from tree tops and winding other trees. My Daughetrs told me that this place may be perfect for shooting Hobbit movie. On the way you will cross a bridge over a deep narrow canal. If you look through, you feel like a mini Amazon basin. In fact, I would not be surprised, if I locate an anaconda near the canal. Now you understand the nice 300 meter walking experience through the forest before reaching the Temple premises.

Some quick facts for tourists

Jhargram tour: This is a very nice weekend tour or sightseeing tour from IIT Kharagpur. Jhargram is about 47 km from IIT kharagpur campus. Hence this is an ideal one day tour from Kharagpur.

Tour cost: We have book AC car (swift desire) for INR 1900 . Price may be about 2000 depending on season and car type etc. If you come from kolkata, it is better to check in jhargram and take car from there. In that case, car price would be less. From jhargram, it could be a local sightseeing.

 How to reach Jhargram? : You can reach jhargram by train or car. Many trains are running between Howrah and jhargram. Check time table on online.

Other tourists places in Jhargram: since I have come this place from Kharagpur, I only managed to these local tourist spots in jhargram. But if you stay at jhargram, then you can plan Belpahari tour. If time permits, I will plan my next jhargram tour to belpahari tour.

Best time to visit jhargram: Winter is always the best time to visit these locations. However, you can enjoy Dulung river tour and jungle trip in rainy season. But avoid heavy mosoon season. Puja vacation is the best time to visit these tourist spots in and around jhargram.

ANY ENQUIRY 

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** thanks for gobinda roy for information.