Forests have always been an attraction of mine. The ambience, the anticipation of what is lurking between the leafy branches and the cacophony of sounds is just too exciting to describe on paper. To me any jungle or forest, irrespective of its density, invokes a sense of instant thrill.
Now, being a full-time employee at an organisation takes away most of the waking hours of your life. So, finding time to travel far and wide is at a premium. And this is exactly why I think weekend trips are such a lifesaver.
And if you want to spend a weekend at a forest retreat near Kolkata, then Joypur Forest in the Bankura district is the place to be. At 140 km from Kolkata, it is only a few hours’ drive from the city.
A sanctuary characterised by dense jungles and winding roads; it is a unique landscape to spend a weekend at. The place is yet to go mainstream and hence, the usual touristy crowds are minimal. The State highway runs through the forest and offers one of the most engaging drives in Bengal.
Being in the district of Bankura, the summers tend to get quite hot. I would personally suggest booking your trip in the winter months. As it is a heavily forested area, it gets quite chilly and safari in winter is an adventure on its own.
Accommodation wise there is the Banalata Resort. It is a sprawling property that is situated right at the edge of the forest. There are hotel rooms and cottages and as the area is quite expansive it provides a nice, open ambiance.
There are gardens spread out over lawns with flowers and colourful flora. And as the place is involved in bird farming, you will find numerous ducks, swans, parrots and emu birds loitering within the compound.
The location of the resort is ideal for taking a stroll along the jungle road. You can just walk out of the resort and within a few minutes find yourself in the company of towering Pal, Simul, Palash and Teaks trees of the forest.
There are also a few hiking trails, although I would recommend exercising caution during these hikes due to the presence of venomous snakes in the region. There is a diverse catalogue of fauna in and around Joypur Forest.
Elephants, wild foxes and wolves thrive amongst the dense green covers. There are spotted Deers that are quite a common sight if you venture into the forest. It is a rich ecosystem that is a breath of fresh air amongst the otherwise civilized plateau of Bengal.
Apart from jungle hiking, bird watching and nature walking, there are a few nearby spots that is worth checking out during your stay at Joypur Forest. The Jor Bangla Temple is situated 14 km from the resort. It is an ancient terracotta architecture approximately built in the 17th century.
Apart from jungle hiking, bird watching and nature walking, there are a few nearby spots that is worth checking out during your stay at Joypur Forest. The Jor Bangla Temple is situated 14 km from the resort. It is an ancient terracotta architecture approximately built in the 17th century.
Lastly there is a remarkably interesting place that is situated inside the Forest that you should check out. The now abandoned Piardoba Airfield sits in the middle of the forest, with its runway still visible amongst the dense foliage.
The Airfield was setup in 1943, during the 2nd World War and it hosted the United States Army Airforce before its deployment further east. A true relic from the past, it was used as a base for the massive US Airforce Bombers.
Today, it is just a sprawling stretch of tarmac amongst a sea of green; a fascinating sight that stands out from the dusty pages of history.
So, as you can see, Joypur Forest has a lot to offer for the wanderer amongst all of us. It has nature, it has adventure, and it has a rich history. And most importantly it is very easily accessible. A weekend spent here will not be a weekend you regret.
Happy Exploring!!
Accommodation Details: -
Banalata Resort- https://hotelbanalata.com/
Address- Resort Banalata, Joypur, Bankura, West Bengal, India, 722138
Contact- +91-9732111701/707
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