I still remember the first breath of air I took in Purulia. It wasn’t heavy with city dust or rushed by noise—it was slow, fragrant, and filled with the quiet pulse of nature. The land itself seemed to whisper that time here flows differently, inviting me to let go of hurry and simply exist.
Purulia unfolds like a painting in earthy tones—rolling hills softened by sal and palash trees, patches of red soil glowing under the sun, and tribal villages where colours are stitched into daily life. Walking through one of these villages felt like stepping inside a dream. The huts, painted in bright blues, ochres, and greens, stood adorned with hand-drawn motifs that told stories of harvest, festivals, and gods. Each wall was both home and canvas, carrying the pride of a culture rooted deeply in the land.
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| Colourful tribal huts |
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| Colourful tribal huts |
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| More huts |
The pace of life here was unhurried. I saw women weaving baskets in doorways while children played barefoot in the dust, their laughter carrying farther than any horn or machine ever could. Men rested under banyan trees, speaking in gentle cadences as though even their words respected the stillness around them. As a visitor, I felt strangely at home—Purulia doesn’t overwhelm, it embraces.
Temples rose here and there, some modest, some ancient, their stones worn smooth by countless hands folded in prayer. I visited the Panchet Hill temples, where myth seems to rest in the quiet shade, and Ayodhya Hills where shrines peeked from forests as if nature itself had hidden them away. Standing before these places, I felt the hum of faith that has outlived generations, carrying both serenity and mystery.
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| Garpanchokot Terracotta temple |
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| Temple ruins |
But what delighted me most were the evenings. As the sun set behind the Ajodhya hills, painting the sky with orange and gold, the villages slowly lit up with folk songs and dances. The Chhau dancers, with their vibrant masks, leapt like flames in the dark, telling epics through movement. It was art born not for museums, but for life itself.
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| Lake |
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| Mask making |
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| Jaggery making |
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| GI tagged masks of Purulia |
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| Quarry |
Purulia is not a place you simply “visit.” It’s a rhythm you learn, a gentleness you carry back within yourself. For the traveller hungry for spectacle, it offers landscapes, temples, and art. But for the soul weary of noise, it offers something rarer—time that flows softly, like a river you can sit beside forever.
And as I left, I knew Purulia wasn’t behind me. It had settled quietly inside me, like a song I’ll never forget.
Important information
🌿 Purulia Travel Guide from Kolkata
✨ Why Visit Purulia?
Purulia, in West Bengal, is a treasure chest of hills, forests, tribal culture, ancient temples, and folk art. It’s where slow-paced village life meets colourful traditions, and where nature lovers and seekers of peace find their escape.
🚆 How to Reach from Kolkata
By Train:
Board a train from Howrah or Sealdah to Purulia Junction (approx. 6–7 hrs).
Popular trains: Rupashi Bangla Express, Purulia Express, Aranyak Express.
By Road:
Distance: ~ 290 km.
Duration: 6–7 hrs via Durgapur Expressway & NH19.
Roads are scenic, especially as you approach Ajodhya Hills.
By Air:
Closest airport: Ranchi (90 km). From there, hire a cab to Purulia.
🌄 Top Attractions in Purulia
1. Ajodhya Hills & Forests
Stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Trekking trails, waterfalls like Bamni Falls and Turga Falls.
Great for camping and nature photography.
2. Tribal Villages
Painted mud huts in vibrant blues and reds.
Experience traditional crafts, simple living, and warm hospitality.
3. Temples & Sacred Spots
Panchet Hill Temples – ancient shrines with mythological roots.
Joychandi Pahar – temple atop a hill, also famous for rock climbing.
Cheliama Village – terracotta temples & old structures with intricate carvings.
4. Folk Culture & Festivals
Chhau Dance – colourful masked dance-drama, best seen during festivals.
Local fairs (especially Charak and Poush Mela) showcase crafts, food, and music.
5. Saheb Bandh Lake
A serene water body in Purulia town, great for birdwatching.
🍲 What to Eat
Local Delights:
Handia (traditional rice beer).
Chhatu’r Dalna (gram flour curry).
Posto’r Bora (poppy seed fritters).
Freshly cooked tribal meals—simple, earthy, unforgettable.
Where to Stay
Ajodhya Hills Eco Resorts – cottages amidst greenery.
WBFDC Nature Resorts – budget-friendly forest stays.
Local Guesthouses & Homestays – authentic experience of rural life.
🕰️ Best Time to Visit
October to March – Cool weather, perfect for trekking & sightseeing.
Spring (Feb–March) – Forests glow with red Palash blossoms, Purulia at its most photogenic.T
Travel Tips
Carry cash, ATMs are limited in remote areas.
Respect tribal customs when visiting villages.
Pack light but include trekking shoes & warm clothes for winters.
Don’t miss sunrise at Ajodhya Hills – it’s soul-stirring.
