Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- List of Places to Visit in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Panchkumari Trek
- Turga Trek
- Best Things to Do in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Activities and Tours
- Adventure Sports
- Jeep Safari
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Food and Drink Scene of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Where to Stay in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Dhokra Craft
- Patachitra paintings
- Local Culture and Customs of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Best Time to Visit Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Where to Go Next from Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Bishnupur
- Kolkata
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Located in the Rarh region of West Bengal, in Eastern India, Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is a secluded paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts. The reserve is spread over 160 square kilometers including the Ajodhya Hills, Baghmundi, Jhalda, and Bandowan, and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lush forests, trek to lofty peaks, witness breathtaking views, and explore local culture and customs.
List of Places to Visit in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Mayuri Kanan- Butterfly Park
Located in the foothills of the Ajodhya range, Mayuri Kanan- Butterfly Park is a captivating spot for nature lovers, especially children. A vast garden with an artificial waterfall, artificial lake, and thousands of colourful butterflies make for a soothing retreat.
Turga Falls
Located on the outskirts of the Ayodhya Reserve Forest, Turga Falls is a picturesque waterfall with lush greenery and crystal clear water. A perfect spot for picnic, the area around the waterfall has several small food stalls serving traditional Bengali cuisine.
Futiari
A historical spot situated on the banks of the Revero, Futiari has a significant cultural and mythological significance in entire Rarh region. The place is believed to be the hunting spot of the demon king Ravana, mentioned in the Hindu epic, Ramayana.
Natural Attractions of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Ajodhya Hills
The Ajodhya Hills is the primary attraction of the Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area. With an altitude of 2,500 feet, the hill range offers several mesmerizing viewpoints like, Mayuri viewpoint, PakhiPahar, and Turga viewpoint. Trekkers can choose from many trails, including PanchKumari, Rydak, and SantaliPahar, and spot a variety of wildlife and flora.
Chandidas Falls
A gurgling cascade located in the heart of the Ajodhya Hills, Chandidas Fall is yet another natural wonder of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area. The waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil environment, is a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Bamni Falls
Bamni Falls is an adventurous spot for tourists visiting Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area. The waterfall consists of three levels, and the final level is at a height of 60 feet. Visitors can take a dip in the pool beneath the waterfall, while more adventurous visitors can trek up to the second level of the falls.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is a haven for trekkers and bikers. Here are some popular hiking and biking routes in Ajodhya Hills:
Panchkumari Trek
This trek is believed to be the most scenic trek of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area. Panchkumari Trek is a 7-km-long trail, which starts from Dwaranda and passes through dense forests, offering stunning views of the entire range.
Turga Trek
The Turga Trek is known for the splendid view of Dhanbad that it offers. The 8 km trek is a moderately difficult one and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
Best Things to Do in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Activities and Tours
Adventure Sports
Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, and trekking are popular in the area.
Jeep Safari
A jeep safari through the wilderness of the Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is an exhilarating experience. The safari takes visitors through the dense forests, where they can witness a variety of wildlife and flora.
Week-Long Itinerary for Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Here is a week-long itinerary for Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area:
- Day 1: Reach the Baghmundi Area and take a relaxed walk around the Ajodhya Hills.
- Day 2: Trek to Pakhi Pahar and enjoy the sunrise.
- Day 3: Visit the Chandidas Falls or the Mayuri Kanan Butterfly Park.
- Day 4: Take a jeep safari in the forest, visit the Bamni or Turga Falls.
- Day 5: Visit the Futiari area and understand the region’s mythological and cultural significance.
- Day 6: Go on Panchkumari trek, which is one of the most scenic hikes of the region.
- Day 7: Head back, exploring any other spots missed in the first six days.
Food and Drink Scene of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Must-Try Dishes
- Luchi- AlurDom: Luchi and AlurDom is a classic Bengali cuisine and the staple meal of this area.
- ChenaMurki: A traditional northeast Indian sweet made from cottage cheese and sugar syrup.
Local Beverages
- Handia: A typical tribal drink made from rice and country alcohol adds to the essence of the local drink culture.
Where to Stay in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Camp Eco-friendly
- Baghmundi Tourist Lodge
- Forest Hill Holiday Stay
What to Buy in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Dhokra Craft
Dhokra craft, also known as the lost wax process, is a traditional art form of West Bengal. The indigenous tribes of the region create jewellery, home decor items, and other artefacts using this technique.
Patachitra paintings
Patachitra painting is a traditional art form of West Bengal that has gained immense popularity worldwide. These paintings depict mythological characters or social events and are made on rectangular pieces of cloth using natural brushed, pigments, and colours.
Local Culture and Customs of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
The local culture of the Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is a blend of tribal and Bengali, with a significant impact on mythology, folklore, and traditional arts and crafts.
Best Time to Visit Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
The winter season from November to February is the best time to visit Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. Visitors may witness the region’s abundant wildlife and the blooming of wildflowers in full bloom.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Do:
- Respect the tribal communities’ customs and beliefs.
- Support the locals’ livelihood by purchasing local products.
- Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes for treks and hikes.
Don’t:
- Litter the surroundings.
- Disrespect the local culture by wearing revealing clothes.
Safety and Health
Safety in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Beware of leech bites during the monsoon season.
- Hire local guides for hiking and trekking.
Health in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
- Carry sufficient drinking water and take precautions to avoid dehydration.
- Keep a first aid kit with you in case of emergency.
Getting to Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, about 257 km away from Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area.
Bus Stations Near Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Baghmundi and Jhalda are two significant bus stations close to Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area.
Other Options
Visitors can also hire cars or taxis from nearby cities like Kolkata, Asansol, or Ranchi.
How to Get Around in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area
Local transport is not available in Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area. Still, visitors can hire private taxis or rented bikes to explore the area.
Where to Go Next from Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Bishnupur
Located about 200 km away, Bishnupur is a small town famous for its terracotta temples, and silk and cotton products.
Kolkata
The famous city of joy, Kolkata, is about 270 km away from Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area. Kolkata offers several cultural and historical spots like Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and BelurMath.
Conclusion
Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is a serene paradise and an ideal destination for tourists seeking natural beauty, adventure, and culture. Plan your trip to Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area and explore the scenic landscapes and traditional Bengal culture.
