May 29, 2013 05:23 PM
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(Updated May 29, 2013 05:25 PM)
Garpanchkot is a short drive of 280 kms (approx. ~5-6hrs drive) from Kolkata mostly along NH2. Located in the districts of Purulia, it is housed in one of most pristine hill locations that overlook the gorgeous and evergreen Panchet Dam and the Garpanchkot Hill. It is a perfect holiday spot if you are planning to spend the weekend with your family and loved ones.
Transport:
By Road: Almost a straight drive from Kolkata to Asansol post which one needs to break from Niyamatpur to Disregarh and from there straight to Garpanchkot. Road condition for the first 260 kms is pretty well set and maintained. As you approach the Garpanchkot Hill, roads tends to narrow down into villages which consists of numerous speed breakers that can hit your car’s underbelly if you are not careful.
By Train: From Howrah take a Train to Barakar. From Barakar station, hire a car/auto to the spot, distance being 15kms.
Accommodation: The only recommended place to stay is the WBTDC Resort located just below the Garpanchkot Hill. It is well spread out and covertly houses 8 bungalows. Booking has to be done from Kolkata office prior to visiting the place. Spot Bookings are strictly not recommended. The rooms are pretty well maintained and the staff is really courteous – ready to take orders. Food, a must say, is really good – homelike, cheap and available in a variety of choices. Non-AC Rooms range from 1000 onwards. AC Rooms range from 1400 onwards. I am amazed at the quality of the WB Resorts that are so well maintained by the Govt. The small alleyways droned and covered/shadowed by the crouching tree tops leads all the way up to highest point of the resort. The place is filled with lush greenery – it is a rendezvous point during monsoons. The Hill can be easily viewed from the room windows or the balconies. One can enjoy the morning tea/evening snack in the quiet balcony overlooking the Hill. The resort even houses a parking space for cars and tourist buses.
Places of Interest:
Some nearby drivable destinations from the resort includes:
Sunrise and sunset is truly a spectacular mirage if observed from the nearby Panchet Dam (which is itself 4.6 kms in length). The short drive to Panchet Dam takes around 10 mins from the resort. The serene valleys surrounding Panchet combined with blend of river water and ever-expanding horizon gives a stark contrast to the uniform beauty all around. A spiral drive down from the dam to the depth might take you to the hydroelectric plant – which is itself a picturesque from the dam. Gushes of wind sweep across creating ripples and as the birds migrate in the evening sky, you are easily reminded of the nature’s vastness. Taking pictures from the Dam is prohibited, although you can negotiate with the CISF Jawans.
A 10-15km drive to Garh Remains – with ruins of palaces in tune with Islamic styled mosques and Panchatantra Mandir is a popular tourist destination. The place is usually empty – only some shattered remains of old buildings lay erected here and there. Nobody is sure about the original history behind the emperors who ruled Garh.
A 45 mins drive to the nearby Maithon Dam is a must do – although the road conditions in Jharkhand is pathetic. At times, there are no roads, potholes one hand deep can severely touch your car’s underbelly. A boat ride in the midst of river Barakar surrounded by lush green hillocks is mesmerizing. From here one can visit to the famous Kalyaneshwari Temple packed with devotees and pandas.
My Recommendation:
If you are planning to spend a quiet weekend without much travelling, best reside in the resort and enjoy the greenery taking short strides of walk absorbing the latent serenity and spending time with your loved ones.
~Somjeet~
