MUKUTMANIPUR
Mukutmanipur is a village in Bankura district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Mukutmanipur is an ideal gateway for one or two day weekend trip from Kolkata. Mukutmanipur mainly comprises of calm and peaceful natural surroundings and meandering flow of rivers amidst lush greenery all over. Mukutmanipur is nestled at the confluence of two rivers namely River Kumari and River Kangsabati. Mukutmanipur is the home to the second largest earthen dam in India is surrounded by mysterious hillocks. Blessed with serene nature and breath-taking view, Mukutmanipur is a hidden treasure surrounded by green forests and hillocks. The physical geography of Mukutmanipur is abundant in having uneven lands with hard rocks and some low hills. The Kangsabati River Project is visible here at Mukutmanipur. Far away from the crowds of commercialization, Mukutmanipur still has the aroma of tribal cultural and rural life with spectacular sights for tourists. Mukutmanipur is also regarded as ‘Queen of Bankura’. Mukutmanipur has developed as a significant tourism hub in West Bengal for its scenic landscapes, recreational activities and natural beauty.
Local watchable in and around Mukutmanipur:
Being a small tribal village, Mukutmanipur offers tourists with stunning local attractions and handful of activities to experience.
Mukutmanipur Dam (Kangsabati Dam): The second largest earthen dam in India, Mukutmanipur Dam also known as Kangsabati Dam measures about 11.27 km in length. Mukutmanipur Dam is located in Khatra subdivision of Bankura district at the confluence of Rivers Kangsabati and Kumari. The dam is popular among tourists for recreational activities like boating, fishing, rock climbing and trekking. The Dam is located close to Bangopalpur Reserve Forest, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Dam also offers stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Pareshnath Shiv Temple: Pareshnath Shiv Temple at Mukutmanipur is an open temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. This place is considered sacred by the local inhabitants of Mukutmanipur. The idol of Lord Shiva was found while digging the ground during construction of the dam. The temple periphery offers stunning view of the sunset to the far horizon. Pareshnath Shiv Temple is located at Mukutmanipur Dam Road.
Musafirana Viewpoint: Musifirana Viewpoint is a viewpoint in Mukutmanipur with vast stretches of water on one side and lush green valleys on the other side. Musafirana Viewpoint is located at Kamarkuli Ranibandh, at a distance of 07 km from Mukutmanipur via Mukutmanipur Dam road. Musafirana Viewpoint offers captivating view of the moonrise at the backdrop of the vast water body. Apart from Musafirana Viewpoint also offers panoramic view of Mukutmanipur village.
Bonpukuria Deer Park: Bonpukuria Deer Park is a small park with Spotted Deer inside fenced area. Bonpukuria Deer Park is located at a distance of 02 km away from Mukutmanipur Dam and lies within Ranibandh Block. The route to Bonpukuria Deer Park from Mukutmanipur is through the forest area. Bonpukuria Deer Park is also a picnic spot. From Bonpukuria Deer park tourists can visit Bonpukuria Village and witness tribal painted huts.
Ambikanagar Temple: Ambika Temple is situated at Ambikanagar Village where Goddess Durga is worshipped as ‘Maa Ambika’. Ambikanagar Temple is situated at a distance of 4.5 km via Ambikanagar road and Mukutmanipur road. Here at Ambikanagar Temple tourists will get the raw fragrance of ancient rituals of Bengal.
Jhilimili 12 Mile Forest: Jhilimili Forest (also known as Jhilimili 12 Mile Forest) is a popular destination for nature lovers located at a distance of 45 km from Mukutmanipur. There are three viewpoints at Jhilimili Forest which offers breath-taking view of the hilly terrain covered with lush greenery. The forest of Jhilimili is abundant in king sized Sal, Mahua, Shimul and other trees. One can also witness live painting sessions of colourful butterflies all around. There is also an Elephant crossing zone at Jhilimili and anytime one can encounter with herds of Elephants. Apart from these Jhilimili is also inhabited by wide species of birds.
Sutan Forest: Sutan is another beautiful forest village located at 40 km from Mukutmanipur and 07 km from Jhilimili Range. Sutan Forest is also abundant in green shades of Sal, Piyal, Mahua, Palash and Shimul trees. Sutan Forest is surrounded by hillocks and becomes charming is the day time with blooming Palash and Krishnachura Flowers. Sutan Forest Village is a homeland of a tribal group. The forest of Sutan is rich in fauna species with distinctive flowers and seasonal birds. The virgin forest of Sutan is connected with the Dalma forest range via Dooarsini and looks like Southern Dooars for its unspoiled luxurious greenery.
Talberia Lake: Talberia Lake is a natural lake near Mukutmanipur located 06 km away from Ranibandh. The lake is covered by dense forest and tribal villages. Talberia Lake can be visited as sightseeing near Jhilimili.
Bardi Pahar: Bardi Pahar is a small hillock and terrain area in Sarenga block in Bankura district located at 35 km from Mukutmanipur. River Kangsabati flows beside this hillock forming a small gorge near the cliff. Bardi Pahar offers stunning view of River Kangsabati flowing beside. Bardi Pahar is associated with the memory of Durjan Singh, a local zamindar who led the revolt against the British. There is an ashram on Bardi Pahar which is considered a place of peace and meditation.
Sobuj Dweep: Sabuj Dweep or Sabuj Dwip is an island on the banks of River Kangsabati in the Raipur block of Bankura located at 26.3 km away from Mukutmanipur via Pairachali – Hirbandh – Manbazer – Barabhum – Balarampur Rd/Raipur – Khatra Rd. Sabuj Dweep is an offbeat tourist spot near Mukutmanipur. At Sabuj Dweep tourists can enjoy outdoor activities like birding, hiking, and fishing. They can also participate in the resort’s eco-tourism activities.
Panchmura: Panchmura is a village of terracotta artisans who well skilled in making jewellery, home decor items, idols, sculptures, wall hangings from terracotta. Panhmura is located at 59.8 km from Mukutmanipur and 23 km from Bishnupur. Panchmura village is a part of the Rural Craft Hub initiative by the Government of West Bengal and UNESCO. At Panchmura there is Tridhara Milan Mandir which is a Tridhara Milan Mandir. In a day tour from Mukutmanipur a visit to Panchmura is worth.
Bishnupur: Bishnupur is a popular tourist destination is Bankura district of West Bengal located at 72 km from Mukutmanipur. Bishnupur is the temple town of Bankura district. Bishnupur welcomes tourists with its lavish heritage, proud culture, brilliant architecture and tales of terracotta. The rich essences of Hindu mythology amidst innumerable architectural structures with majestic footprints of terracotta artwork are the main components of visiting Bishnupur.
Things to do in Mukutmanipur:
Mukutmanipur offers tourists with great activities which are worth enjoying by tourists.
Nature Trail/ Walk: Nature trail or nature walk by Kangsabati Dam at Mukutmanipur is an activity worth remembering. In the evening close to sunset as the sky is painted with hues of orange shades, a long walk by the Dam is a romantic experience. Or one can also take a long walk in the early morning hours during sunrise. Apart from that one can also have a village walk by the trails of Mukutmanipur and meet the local inhabitants and get a deep insight of their daily lifestyle.
Bird Watching: As Mukutmanipur is a village area and surrounded by lush greenery and water bodies, hence it is obvious that one can spot numerous species of birds in and around Mukutmanipur. Some of these birds are Eagle Owl, Grey Heron, Green Billed Malkoha, Stork Billed Kingfisher, Common Coot, Indian Nightjar, Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Jungle Owlet, Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Bluethroat, Hoopie, Pacific Golden Plover, Drongo, Lesser Whistling Duck, Monarch, Spotted Owlet, Indian Roller are to name but a few.
Boating: At Mukutmanipur boating is also an activity worth enjoying. The vast expanse of azure water surrounded by lush green forests and hillocks makes a perfect place for boating in River Kangsabati. One needs to start the boat ride from the estuary. Or one can also opt for an entire boat ride from the starting point of the dam as well.
Galactic Evening: The view of the galaxy filled with countless stars at the backdrop of Mukutmanipur village from the dam of River Kangsabati is worth remembering. The entire view merged with orange shades of evening sunset paints a romantic ambience on the sky. One can lay back on an easy chair and enjoy the star studded sky in the evening or one can also go for a long walk by the Dam road.
Bi – Cycling: While at Mukutmanipur tourists can opt for a bi-cycle ride by the vast stretches of the dam road and witness the local village life. Cycling gives a pleasure both to the mind and both. At Mukutmanipur one can indulge in this sport and visit the local watchable all around.
Local Delicacies: The local delicacies at Mukutmanipur are also worth tasting. Tourists are served with fresh vegetables which are grown in the local farmlands of Mukutmanipur along with that tourists can also taste the preparation of fresh fishes caught from the local ponds. Apart from that during winter season numerous edible items made from the fresh jaggery extracted from the Palm trees are also worth tasting.
Tribal Dance: In the leisure evening tourists can also opt to indulge in the local dance performed by the local inhabitants of Mukutmanipur with a camp fire. The sound of the ‘Dhamsa and Madol’ (local folk musical instrument) played by the local people are very pleasant to the ears.
Culture and Festivals of Mukutmanipur:
At Mukutmanipur winter comes with a wrapping of freshness and festivities. The aroma of tribal fair along with folk songs, dances, cultural functions and different type of local artefacts showcases an untouched beauty of the local culture.
Tusu: Tusu is a popular harvest festival celebrated by the locals of Mukutmanipur on the ‘last day of Poush’ (January – February). This festival is dedicated to the ‘Folk Goddesses’ Tusu. The worshipers pray for their overwhelming wealth and happiness for their household. One should not miss the ‘Cock Fight’ held at Tusu festival. Tusu is also known as ‘Makar Parab’. A home-made drink named ‘Hanriah’ and dance on Dhamsa Madal’s beats add extra charm to this festival.
Karam Festival: Karam Festival is also celebrated at Mukutmanipur on the ‘Bhadra Ekadashi’ in which the locals worship the deity ‘Karam Devta’ who represents strength, youth and vitality. This is celebrated on the 11th day of the full moon between Augusts – September. In this festival only one branch of a Karam tree is being separated from the tree and unmarried girls worship the branch. The festival is celebrated to ensure good cultivation and the happiness of children. It is popular among the Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, and Santhal peoples.
Bandna (Saharai): Bandna (Saharai) is an agriculture-oriented festival in which domestic cattle and agriculture appliances are worshiped. In this tribal festival the villagers of Mukutmanipur wash their cattle and decorate them with ornaments and natural colours and sing ‘Ohira’ to acknowledge the contribution of the animals in their lives. Through this festival the Santhal people show their gratitude to ‘Ma Bhagabati’ for golden-yellow paddy fields. This festival is celebrated in the month of November.
Raichran Mela (Fair): Raicharan Mela usually held in the month of February and is one of the attractions of Mukutmanipur. This fair is named upon a freedom fighter Raicharan Dhabal Deb who committed suicide instead of giving in himself to the British rulers. People celebrate Raicharan mela to recall his dedication towards the country. Folk culture, local artefacts, handcrafted items and fun-loving people turn the fair into a festivity every year.
Palash Utsab: Palash Utsav is the festival of colours and the locals of Mukutmanipur celebrate this with great enthusiasm. Palash Utsav is mainly celebrated during Holi when the whole region of Mukutmanipur blooms with red hues of Palash flowers all over. At Palash Utsav the locals wear bright dresses and flower ornaments and celebrate Holi with nature.
How to Reach:
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata is the nearest airport to Mukutmanipur located at 237.8 km via NH 16. From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport tourists need to reach Bankura located at 212 km by train, bus or hired vehicles. And from Bankura one can hire local vehicles or bus to reach Mukutmanipur located at 55.3 km via SH 2.
By Train: Bankura Railway station is the nearest rail head to Mukutmanipur located at 55.3 km away. From Kolkata regular train services are available to reach Bankura which is 233 km by rail route. From Bankura tourists need to avail vehicle or bus service to reach Mukutmanipur.
By Road: Mukutmanipur can be reach directly by private vehicles from Kolkata, Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan, Panagarh and other parts of the state. Apart from that tourists can also avail bus services to reach Bankura and from there by another bus or hired vehicle one can reach Mukutmanipur.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Mukutmanipur is between October – March when the climate is cool and comfortable and the natural surroundings are at its peak. This period is ideal for local sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers are best avoided due to hot and humid climate. Monsoon makes the region lush and green, but it also limits outdoor activities.
BAROGHUTU TOURISM PROPERTY – MUKUTMANIPUR
WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property located at Mukutmanipur in the Bankura district is operated and managed by WBTDCL (West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited) is a unique eco-resort nestled in the hamlet of Baroghutu, near Mukutmanipur at a distance of 04 km away from the main town. WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property is nestled amidst excellent natural landscape and offers stunning natural beauty of the whole region. The accommodations of WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property are divided into rooms and charming cottages with all sorts of modern amenities. WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property also features a unique amphitheatre. WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property is situated nearby the confluence of Kumari and Kangsabati Rivers. WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property has a viewpoint that offers panoramic view of the surrounding greenery and the rivers. WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property also offers the view of Mukutmanipur dam. WBTDCL Baroghutu Tourism Property also offers free car area for private vehicles and the staffs are very cordial and always ready to help tourists.
Amenities available:
All AC rooms with attached washrooms
Complimentary breakfast
Free Car parking area
Western type toilets
In house restaurant
Room service available
Tea and coffee maker
24 hours running hot and cold water
Tariff:
AC deluxe double bed cottage (ground floor – zone 01): 2600/-
AC standard four bedded room without balcony (zone 02): 3000/-
AC standard double bed room with balcony (zone 02): 2000/-
AC standard double bed room without balcony (zone 02): 1800/-
GST as applicable on the room tariff, payable at spot
30% of tariff for extra bed/Mattress (subject to availability)
20% of tariff for extra person without extra bed.
10 % Discount (senior citizen, cancer patient and single occupancy) will be applicable on Weekdays (Mon-Thurs) only.
Only one discount will be applicable per person per room.
No discounts on Weekends (Fri-Sun) and Govt. Holidays
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.
Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3).
