Belun Eco Village:
Belun Eco Village is a low lying area near Katwa in Burdwan district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Belun Eco Village is also known as Katwa Jol Bari. River Shibai flows nearby Belun Eco Village for which the water of Shibai River submerge the surrounding low lying areas of Belun Eco Village during the monsoon season creating a marshland for a couple of months. As the flooded water recedes, Belun Eco Village harbours a unique eco system and the whole region becomes home to healthy population of diverse mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies. The local inhabitants of Belun Eco Village started nature conservation system to sustain the fragile eco system of the region which in turn led the local villagers to live and co exists with nature in harmony. At Belun Eco Village tourists can experience the rural village life of Bengal. At Belun Eco Village tourists can witness the local village shepherd boy herds their cows or the local fishermen brining their catch to the local market or the farmers plough their land all comprises Belun Eco Village a perfect gateway from the madding crowd. Belun Eco Village is full of lush green winding farmlands along with that this is that habitat of numerous species of birds (both native and migratory) and wide species of butterflies. Tourists can also spot numerous wild animals like jackals, foxes, fishing cats and civets which are spotted regularly at Belun Eco Village. Belun Eco Village has somehow escaped the fruits of modernization and hence one can experience local village culture throughout the day at Belun Eco Village.
Activities and attractions in and around Belun Eco Village:
Belun Eco Village being a small village, but it offers tourists with numerous local watchable and adventurous activities to witness and experience.
Kalyanpur Ghat: Located at a distance of 18 km from Belun Eco Village, Kalyanpur Ghat is known to spot Gangetic River Dolphins. Here at Kalyanpur Ghat River Ganges takes a sharp bend where a large expanse of water harbours the most endangered species of Gangetic River Dolphins.
Shibai River: The bank of River Shibai at Belun Eco village is an ideal place to spot birds and wildlife. Tourists can also opt for a long walk on the banks of River Shibai with cold mud pressing the heels.
Though River Shibai seems timid in winters and other times of the year, but in monsoon the river banks gets flooded and creats an endless stretch of marshland. As the water recedes, tourists sit with a binocular to spot more than 600 species of local fauna including birds, reptiles, mammals and insects.
Choto Pukur: Choto Pukur is mainly a pond or lake located in close proximity to Belun Eco Village. Choto Pukur is a large water-body mainly known for still water rafting for bird watching as the surrounding wetlands is visited by thousands of migratory birds like Bramhiny Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Wooly-Necked Stork, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Common Coot, Blue- Tailed Bee Eaters, Indian Pitta and many others every year in winter.
Nayachar: Nayachar located at 20 km from Belun Eco Village is a river island of Ganges. The island is uninhabited by locals and known as a haven for both native and migratory birds. It takes an hour to reach Nayachar from Belun Eco Village by boat.
Katwa: From Belun Eco Village tourists can visit Katwa located at 14.8 km away. Katwa lies at the confluence of River Ajay and River Ganges. Katwa is an important center of Vaishanvism. Keshab Bharati and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu both have visited Katwa. Tourists can visit the ashram of Vaishanvism at Madhaitala. Apart from that Shah Alam Darga built by Mushidkuli Khan is also worth visiting.
Attahas: Attahas is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Sati located at 16.4 km away from Belun Eco Village. Attahas Temple is site that houses the lips of Goddess Sati and here the goddess is worshiped as Phullara. Apart from that Attahas is also popular as a nesting site of Open Billed Stork and a healthy population of fruit bats.
Still Water Rafting: Still Water Rafting at Belun Eco Village is an important activity for tourists. One can opt for still water rafting in Choto Pukur Lake.
Bird and Butterfly Watching: Belun Eco Village is known as a haven for both migratory and native birds along with thick population of butterflies. Tourists can search the surrounding lush greenery in and around Belun Eco Village to spot these birds.
Village Walks: At Belun Eco Village Tourists can opt for a leisure village walk through the narrow trails of the village setting and interact with the local community to get a deep insight of their daily lifestyle. One can also get involved with these local villagers and lay hand along with them in their daily activity which is also a worth enjoying activity at Belun Eco Village.
Angling: At Belun Eco Village tourists can opt for angling both in Choto Pukur Lake and in the nearby river side. Apart from that there is a pond at Belun Eco Village where 56 species of indigenous fishes are conserved and tourists can also opt for angling activity in this pond.
Riverside Picnic: At Belun Eco Village tourists can opt for a river side picnic which is arranged by the local resort authorities on request. The local resort authorities may charge something to arrange this picnic by the riverside.
Night Trails: Night Trails at Belun Eco Village is the most thrilling and adventurous activity for tourists. Night Trails are arranged by the local authorities of Belun Eco Village and during this trail one can spot wild animals like Jackals, Civets, Owls and others.
Camp Fire: Tourists can opt to set camp fire within the resort premises and enjoy the night sky studded with stars.
Nature Interpretation Centre: Beside Shibai River at Belun Eco Village the local authorities have set up a Nature’s Interpretation Centre where tourists can often spot birds and other wild animals. Within this Nature Interpretation Centre there is a pond where 56 species of Indigenous fishes are conserved. The garden within the premises has some of the rarest species of plants.
Nature and Wildlife Photography: At Belun Eco Village nature photography is the most common activity tourists can try. The surrounding landscape of Belun Eco Village offers tourists with ampule options of nature photography. Apart from that Belun Eco Village also houses numerous species of flowering plants are also worth clicking.
Other Activities: Other activities in Belun Eco Village includes Ghrials and Gangetic Dolphins Survey, bird population survey, spiders and butterflies survey, awareness campaigning for snakes and reptiles, trees planation works and take special classes in local schools and in other community centers of local children.
How to reach
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport to Belun Eco Village located at 175 km away. From Kolkata Airport either by road networks or by rail route tourists can reach Belun Eco Village.
By Train: Katwa is the nearest railhead to Belun Eco Village located at 13.2 km away via Kandi – Katwa road. Katwa is well connected by regular trains both from Sealdah and Howrah railway stations. From Katwa by local transport one can reach Belun Eco Village. Apart from Katwa Railway Station, tourists can also reach Bardhaman Railway Station and from there by a hired vehicle one can reach Belun Eco Village located at 67 km away.
By Road: Belun Eco Village is best visited by road. From Kolkata a drive of 03 hours will reach at Belun Eco Village. The route is via Durgapur Expressway and drive along Bardhaman to reach Belun Eco Village which is journey of 175 km. Apart from that tourist can also avail Delhi highway to reach Belun Eco Village which is a journey of 180 km.
Best time to visit:
Belun Eco Village is best visited in during the months of monsoon and winter. Those who are interested to witness the river at its peak along with dramatic sky at the backdrop for them monsoon is the best. And those are interested in bird watching and butterfly watching for them winter is the best time.
Belun Eco Village Hotel