Day 1:
Ayodha Hill Tour
Mode of Transport: For hassle-free commute and make most of your time, hire a cab for the day’s sightseeing.
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
You begin your tour by visiting the most prominent tourist spot in Purulia, PPSP Upper Dam and PPSP Lower Dam.
Purulia Pump Storage Project (PPSP) is the first pump storage hydro power station of India. These dams provide a vantage point for the tourists to enjoy the view of the Ayodha Hills and forest areas.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hour
3 km from Upper Dam is the Marble Lake / Echo Lake.
The crystal clear blue lake is surrounded by marble canyon. The sight is unusual. Amidst lush green forest cover, sits a serene oasis. Due to its surrounding, you can hear the echo of your voice. A peaceful spot and visited by fewer people.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hour
Next stop will be at Bamni Falls.
Just 2 km from Marble Lake, Bamni Falls is a cascading waterfall. You have to go down some steep rocks to get any near to the falls. Not a place for elderly tourists. At the entrance, you will find shops to get some refreshments.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour.
Turga Falls is adjacent to Bamni Falls, but the viewpoint is around 10 km from Bamni Falls.
Turga Falls appears similar to Bamni Falls. Adjacent to the falls is the Turga Lake.
Time duration: 30 – 45 min
The last attraction for the day is Mayur Hill/Peacock Hill.
This is the peak of Ayodha Hill. From here, you get to see the entire view of Ayodha Hill. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This is an ideal location for viewing the sunset. Stay and watch the sunset and call it a day.
Time duration: 1 – 2 hours
Also read: Best Area To Book your Hotel in Purulia
Day 2:
Explore the culture of Purulia
Mode of Transport: For hassle-free commute and make most of your time, hire a cab for the day’s sightseeing.
09:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Begin your day by paying a visit at the Pakhi Hill.
Pakhi Hill is truly a sight to behold. The face of the rock has sculptures of more than 60 birds. This art work is still in progress and being carried out by Chitta Dey and his team.
In the news: Livemint
Time duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Charida Village is 15 km from Pakhi Hill.
This village is very popular and is famous for the tradition of mask making. Masks are made in every house and every house has a shop. These masks are used in Chhau Naach, the traditional dance of the region. These masks are often bought as souvenirs.
In the news: The Hindu
Time duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Immerse in lush green nature
03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Next destination is Khairabera Dam.
Just 10 km from Charida village, Khaibera dam is a paradise for nature lovers. The picturesque landscape of and the reservoir lying in the lap of green vegetation. An instagrammable destination in a true sense.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hour.
The final place to visit, Murguma Dam.
It takes almost 45 mins to get here, but make sure you get the glimpse of sunset at this point. Another gem of a tourist spot which you should not skip at any cost.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour.
Advice: Baranti and nearby attractions are more than 100 km from Ayodha Hills. It is best to check-out from Ayodha Hills and check-in at Baranti. There are multiple accommodation options in Baranti. The journey takes 2.5 hours. Best would be to check-out before evening and reach Baranti by 08:00 PM.
Also read: Garpanchkot Tour Plan
Day 3:
Indulge in Heritage
Mode of Transport: For hassle-free commute and make most of your time, hire a cab for the day’s sightseeing.
09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Explore the temples and ruins at Garpanchkot.
Garpanchkot is a place of historical and architectural significance. Here, you can see the remains of Panchkot palace. The ruins of the fort is surrounded by ancient temples where you get to see some of the stunning architectures. The temple to look for is Panchratna.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hour.
Joy chandi Hill is 20 km from Garpanchkot and takes around 30 mins.
There is a temple at the peak of Joy Chandi Hill. A stairway makes your journey to the peak much easier. Also a good spot for photographers. Satyajit Ray’s famous film ‘Hirak Rajar Deshe’ was shot at this spot.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
Later, head towards Banda Deul and Telkupi Deul.
These are 11th century Jain temples. Banda Deul and Telkupi Deul are 15 km apart. Telkupi Deul is located in middle Damodar River and submerged. Boats are available on the bank of the Damodar River that take you closer to the temple. It is a must visit for history lovers and believers.
Time duration: 1.5 -2 hours.
To wind up your day’s tour, watch the sunset at Baranti Lake.
The lake is a reservoir and a pretty large reservoir. The ambiance around the lake is serene and scenic. Watching the sunset at this location will leaves you spellbound.
Time duration: 1.5 -2 hours.
