Traveling to the western edge of West Bengal is a distinct experience. As soon as you cross into the district, the soil turns a rusty red and the air feels drier. This isn’t your typical hill station vacation. The list of Places to visit in Purulia is diverse, ranging from deep man-made lakes to crumbling terracotta history. If you are trying to plan a trip here, the challenge is figuring out how to fit everything into a short window.
Here is a straightforward breakdown of the locations you actually need to see, along with a schedule that works.
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The Core Locations
When people ask about the best Places to visit in Purulia, they are usually talking about the circuit around the Ajodhya Hills.
1. The Ajodhya Plateau This is your starting point. It is a high tableland covered in Sal trees. Most of the other Places to visit in Purulia are located around this central hill. The driving loop here is fantastic, with smooth roads cutting right through the forest.
2. The Waterfalls: Bamni and Turga You will find two main waterfalls here. Bamni Falls is for people who like a workout; you have to scramble down a rocky path to reach the water. Turga Falls is much easier to access. Both of them are standard inclusions on any list of Places to visit in Purulia.
3. The Blue Quarry (Marble Lake) Locals call this the Blue Dam, but it is actually a stone quarry that flooded over time. The water is a striking, deep blue color against the white stone walls. It is visually very different from the other Places to visit in Purulia, making it a great spot for photos.
4. The Mask Village (Charida) This is not a nature spot, but a cultural one. Charida is where the Chhau dancers get their masks. You can walk down the main street and see the artists painting these huge, colorful faces. It adds a necessary splash of color to your tour of Places to visit in Purulia.
5. Garh Panchkot and Joychandi If you like history, you have to go to the foot of Panchet Hill to see the Garh Panchkot ruins. It’s an old fort lost in the jungle. On the other hand, Joychandi Pahar is a massive rock monolith. Climbing it gives you a clear view of the entire dry landscape, which is why it’s one of the top Places to visit in Purulia.
My 3-Day Plan
You need a solid plan to hit the main Places to visit in Purulia without rushing. Here is how I structured my three days.
Day 1: Arrival and The Dams I reached my hotel and had lunch. My first drive was to the Upper and Lower Dams to see the reservoirs. I finished the day at Mayur Pahar, which is a great viewpoint for watching the sun go down over the forest.
Day 2: The Active Loop I started the morning with the trek to Bamni Falls. After climbing back up, I drove to Charida Village to pick up a souvenir mask. In the late afternoon, I went to Marble Lake. This route covers the most popular Places to visit in Purulia efficiently.
Day 3: The Way Out After checking out, I drove towards Joychandi Pahar. I did the short climb to the top. My final stop was the Garh Panchkot temple ruins before I headed to the train station to go home.
3 Specific Hotels to Consider
Finding a good base is half the battle when exploring Places to visit in Purulia. Here are three places I recommend based on what you might need.
1. PearlTree Hotels & Resorts (Luxury in Town) If you want a proper city hotel with a gym and a swimming pool, pick this one. It is a 3-star deluxe property.
- Verdict: Good if you want comfort and don’t mind driving a bit to the hills.
2. Kushal Palli Resorts (Luxury on the Hill) This is a 4-star resort located right on top of the Ajodhya hill. You stay in individual cottages.
- Verdict: It costs more, but you are sleeping right next to the major Places to visit in Purulia.
3. Hotel Akash Sarovar (Budget with a View) This is a solid 3-star hotel in the main town that sits right next to the Saheb Bandh lake.
- Verdict: You get a nice view of the water and good food without spending too much.
Popular Foods in Purulia.
1. Posto (Poppy Seed) Dishes
Purulia (along with Bankura) is famous for its obsession with Posto. The most iconic dish is Aloo Posto (Potatoes with Poppy Seeds), but you will also find Posto Bora (Poppy seed fritters). The version here often uses less water, making it rich and nutty.
- Must Try: Aloo Posto with hot rice and Dal.
2. Desi Murgir Jhol (Country Chicken Curry)
In the hilly areas like Ajodhya Hills, the local Desi Murgi (Country Chicken) is very popular. It is cooked in a spicy, thin gravy (Jhol) with potatoes, ginger, garlic, and whole spices. It tastes much better than broiler chicken due to the free-range meat quality.
3. Pitha (Rice Cakes)
If you visit Purulia during winter (especially during the Tusu Festival or Makar Sankranti), you must try the different varieties of Pitha. These are sweet rice cakes made with rice flour, coconut, jaggery (gur), and milk. Dudh Puli and Patishapta are favorites.
4. Khaja
This is a layered, crispy sweet made from wheat flour, fried in ghee, and dipped in sugar syrup. While famous in Odisha, the Khaja found in Purulia’s local fairs (Melas) is a very popular traditional snack.
Best places in Purulia to must visit.
1. Ajodhya Hills
This is the most popular places to visit in Purulia, known for its rolling hills, lush green forests, and waterfalls. It is a part of the extended Eastern Ghats and offers great trekking spots.
- Must See: The views from the hilltop, especially during monsoon or spring (Palash season).
2. Baranti Lake (Muradi Lake)
places to visit in Purulia. A quiet and serene reservoir located between two small hillocks, Baranti is perfect for nature lovers. The sunset here is spectacular, with the sky turning shades of purple and orange over the water.
- Must See: The sunset reflection on the lake water.
3. Garh Panchkot
Located at the foothills of Panchet Hill, this place is famous for the ruins of an ancient fort and temples. It has a mysterious, historical vibe, surrounded by thick forests.
- Must See: The ruins of the terracotta temples and the old fort walls.
4. Joychandi Pahar
This rocky hill is a favorite for trekkers and rock climbers. It is also famous as the shooting location for Satyajit Ray’s film Hirak Rajar Deshe.
- Must See: The panoramic view of the surrounding plains from the top.
5. Charida Village (Village of Masks)
This unique village is home to the artisans who make the famous Chhau dance masks. Every house here is a workshop where you can see these colorful, intricate masks being made by hand.
- Must See: Artisans painting the large, vibrant masks.
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