Bamni and Turga falls
Bamni has a long flight of steps down and back up, which is harder than it looks. Turga is easier. Both are thin in the dry months and full after rain.
travel guide
Ayodhya Hills, Purulia: waterfalls, a plateau and mask villages
Ayodhya Hills is the biggest hill trip in West Bengal that does not involve going north: a plateau in Purulia with Bamni and Turga falls, the Upper Dam, Marble Lake, and the Chhau mask makers of Charida on the way. About 367 km from Kolkata, so plan three days. In February the palash makes the whole drive worth it on its own.
travel guide
The short version
- Road distance from Kolkata
- 367 km
- From Barrackpore side
- 333 km
- Usual drive time
- 7 to 8 hours from Kolkata, 7 to 8 hours from Barrackpore
- Best time to go
- November to February, and February for the palash
- Suits
- Families of four to seven, groups of friends, three day holidays
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What you actually see there
Upper Dam and Marble Lake
The pumped storage dam on the top and a flooded old quarry with green water. Both are short stops, best in the morning.
Charida mask village
A village of Chhau mask makers where you can watch the work and buy directly. One of the best hours of the whole trip.
Murguma
A quiet reservoir on the far side of the hills, 366 km from Kolkata, with a few homestays. Add a night here if you want the emptiest part of Purulia.
A three day plan that works
Day one: leave at 5.30am, reach Ayodhya Hilltop by afternoon, rest. Day two: Upper Dam, Marble Lake, Turga, Bamni, and Charida in the late afternoon. Day three: an early start for Murguma or straight back. Trying this in two days means eating fifteen hours of driving in a 48 hour trip, and we say so when people ask.
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What we tell people before they go
Small things that decide whether the day is good or tiring.
Elephants move on these roads. Finish all driving before dark, and never stop for a herd on the road.
Bamni falls is a long climb back up. Skip it if anyone in the group has a knee or heart problem.
Rooms at Hilltop and Murguma are limited. Book three or four weeks ahead for February.
Road distances and drive times here are checked on road routing data and then widened for real traffic. Timings, ferry hours and entry rules change with the season, so ask us the day before you go and we will tell you what the road is like that week.
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Cars for this trip
These are the trips on our list that match this guide. Pickup is from your gate.
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We pick up from these areas
A day trip works best when the car reaches you early, from your own side of town.
questions
Questions about Ayodhya Hills, Purulia: waterfalls, a plateau and mask villages
How far is Ayodhya Hills from Kolkata by road?
About 367 km, seven to eight hours with breaks. From Barrackpore it is about 333 km, which is a little shorter because you skip the city.
Is it better to drive or take the train to Purulia?
Both work. Many families take the train to Purulia or Barabhum and we keep a car there for the hills. If you are four or more with luggage, the car from your gate usually works out simpler.
not sure yet? send the date anyway. If we cannot do it, we will say so.
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