BARANTI
Baranti is a small tribal village in the Raghunathpur sub division of Purulia district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Baranti is a popular and a fast growing tourist destination, especially as a winter gateway. The village of Baranti is characterised by undulating lands and rugged hills along with a massive sized lake (Baranti Reservoir/ Muradi Lake/ Baranti Lake) formed by an embankment. Baranti is guarded by Panchet Hill (Panchakot), Gorongi and Biharinath Hill from all sides with Baranti River flowing nearby. Baranti is known for its scattered hills and jungles all around which are popular for short treks and hikes. Set amidst lush greenery, Baranti offers tourists with rare sightings of wild animals like deer, porcupine, wild boars, foxes and others. Apart from these Baranti also forms the natural habitat of wide species of birds and butterflies which are frequently spotted. The picturesque village of Baranti offers spectacular sunset at the western horizon of the lake, streaking the lake waters and the sky with a riot of colours. This magnetic charm of the sunset at the backdrop of Baranti Lake is so far the most demanding view among tourists visiting Baranti. But the surrounding beauty of Baranti gets further intensified in the spring season when the whole region of Baranti gets bloom with countless Palash Flowers (Parrot Teak) filling the whole village and the surrounding wilderness with a magical charm which is worth admiring and hence it is also known as ‘Flame of the Forests’. Apart from Palash trees, other trees like Sal, Segun and Mahua are also found in abundance at Baranti. Being a part of Purulia district, the crisscrossed roads of Baranti are covered with red laterite soil. Inside the village of Baranti tourists can also witness lush green paddy fields those gives an authentic tastes of rural Bengal. The local houses of Baranti are intricately designed with hand drawn wall paintings. Baranti gives tourists a revitalizing trip with a homely ambience among the tribal eccentricities.
Places to visit around Baranti:
- Garh Panchokot: Garh Panchkot is a tourist spot lies at the foothills of Panchet Hill in Purulia district. Garh Panchkot is located at a distance of 12 km away from Baranti and is mainly known for the ruins of Panchkot Palace that caries the testimony of the Bargi (Maratha) attached during the 18th century. Garh Panchkot is surrounded by mountains from all sides and offers stunning view of Panchet Dam on the banks of River Damodar.
- Joychandi Hill (Jaychandi Hill): Jaychandi Hill (also known as Jaychandi Pahar) is a popular tourist location of Purulia district located at a distance of 21 km away from Baranti. Jaychandi Hill has an average elevation of 155 meter (509 feet) and has a great significance and revered by the Bengalis as the iconic film ‘Hirak Rajar Deshe’ by Satyajit Ray was filmed here. A temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi stand atop the peak. Apart from this the ruins of the Old Semaphore tower of the pre-communication telegraph system add as an extra attraction.
- Biharinath: Biharinath Hill set at an elevation of 1449 feet also known as the ‘Araku Valley of Bengal’ of Bankura district is located at a distance of 18 km away from Baranti. Biharinath is known for the temple of Lord Shiva lies at the foothills of Biharinath Hill (the highest hill of Bankura district).
- Panchet Dam: Panchet Dam is located at Dhanbad district in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Panchet Dam is located at a distance of 23.5 km away from Baranti and in a day trip tourists can easily visit here from Baranti. Panchet Dam is built over River Damodar and measures about 45 meter in height, 11 meter wide and 7000 meters in length. The southern bank of Damodar River is flanked by Purulia district of West Bengal.
- Maithon Dam: Maithon Dam is located in Dhanbad of Jharkhand state and is located at a distance of 33 km away from Baranti. Maithon Dam measures about 4789 meter (15712 feet) in length and 50 meter (165 feet) in height. From Baranti in a day trip tourists can easily visit Maithon. Or one can also combine Garh Panchkot, Maithon and Baranti in a day trip. Maithon Dam is the biggest dam of Damodar Valley Corporation and it stands on Barakar River.
- Raghunathpur Village: Raghunathpur is town in Purulia district and located at a distance of 27 km away from Baranti. Raghinathpur village is known for its exquisite Tussar Silk Sarees. Raghunathpur forms the lowest step of Chota Nagpur Plateau. As Raghunathpur village is located near to Adra, hence tourists can easily visit here while returning from Baranti.
- Kalyaneshwari Temple: Kalyaneshwari Temple is situated in Asansol of West Bardhaman district and is located at a distance of 31 km away from Baranti. As Kalyaneshwari Temple is located at a distance of 05 km away from Maithon on the banks of River Barakar, hence it is better to visit here from Maithon Dam during Baranti tour.
- Susunia Hill: Susunia Hill is located on the southern part of West Bengal in Bankura district and located at a distance of 34 km away from Baranti. Susunia Hill is mainly known for its holy spring, flora and rocky cliffs and hills which is a base for many mountaineers. Susunia Hill is a part of Eastern Ghat and also a reserve for many medicinal plants.
Things to do at Baranti:
- For short treks and hikes Baranti is an ideal destination. Baranti offers tourists with few options for trekking and hiking upto Baranti Hill but a local guide is recommended.
- Baranti is also an ideal destination for bird watchers and photographers nearby to Kolkata, as the whole village is also inhabited by numerous species of birds.
- The topography of Baranti is ideal for landscape photography. The abruptly grown hills at Baranti which are scattered all over the plains giving those an unassuming look. Along with that Baranti Lake surrounded by rocky and green hills make it a perfect frame.
- Tourists visiting Baranti can indulge in boat ride on Baranti Lake, as one will get to witness numerous small paddle boats on the side of the lake.
- Tourists can leisurely stroll around the curved embankment of Baranti Lake in the evening and enjoy the spectacular sunset view on the western shores.
- Nights at Baranti are same spectacular with the star studded sky with the Milky Way stretching all across the galaxy. One can also witness occasional meteorite shoots through the entire length of the sky.
- Tourists can also opt for a leisure village walk through the narrow trails of Baranti meandering past village mud houses with children playing around and bullock carts making their way through the farmlands.
- In the evening tourists can opt to enjoy tribal dance which are performed by the local tribal villagers of Baranti of Purulia.
How to reach:
By Air: There are two different airports located at two different states from where tourists can get access to Baranti. The first nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport at Ranchi in Jharkhand state. Birsa Munda Airport is well connected with different parts of India and Abroad as well. On reaching Birsa Munda Airport tourists will get both railway and roadway to reach Baranti. Birsa Munda Airport is located around 207 km away from Baranti via Ranchi – Purulia Road.
The second nearest airport to Baranti, Purulia is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata located at a distance of 236 km away from Baranti. From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport tourists will get both railways and roadways network to reach Baranti.
By Train: Adra is the nearest rail head to Baranti located at a distance of 28.2 km via Durgapur – Purulia – Raghunathpur Road. From Adra railway station tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Baranti.
Or tourists can also take a train upto Asansol Railway Station and from there by a local on Asansol – Adra rail route of South Eastern Railway Zone one has to reach at Muradi railway station. From Muradi Railway Station tourists will get buses and hired vehicles to reach at Baranti located at a distance of 06 km away.
By Road: Baranti is well connected by good road way networks with Kolkata located at a distance of 235.7 km away by National Highway 19 and it takes around 5.5 hours to reach Baranti. Apart from that Baranti is also well connected with Asansol, Bardhaman, Durgapur, Dhanbad and Chittaranjan by good road way networks. From Kolkata or any of the above said places tourists will get vehicles on hire in order to reach Baranti village.
Best time to visit:
Though Baranti can be visited throughout the year, but tourists are advised to avoid the summer season to visit Baranti as the temperature rises to the extreme level. Winters are best to enjoy the surrounding view and also to visit the nearby places. But in the month of March – April the whole region of Baranti gets bloom with colourful Palash flowers and to witness these view one need to visit Baranti in the spring time. Baranti also offers great view of the surrounding landscapes during monsoon season and the overall greenery becomes denser.
SPANGLE WINGS RESORT
Spangle Wings Resort at Baranti, Purulia is situated between Baranti Hill and Baranti lake and offers a quick access to both these spots. Spangle Wings Resort is set amidst the landscape of lush greenery. Spangle Wings Resort offers tourists with a homely ambience and is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate both mind and soul. Staying at Spangle Wings Resort tourists can easily engulf the beauty and serenity of the village of Baranti. Spangle Wings Resort has 12 rooms and tents facility to accommodate large group of tourists. Tourists at Spangle Wings Resort will get a comfortable homely feel and a warm welcoming on entering the resort. Spangle Wings Resort has a multi cuisine restaurant that offers exquisite food to the guests. Due to its location Spangle Wings Resort offers quiet a good view of Baranti Lake and Baranti Hill from the resort periphery. Staffs at Spangle Wings Resort are very co-operative and helpful towards guests. Within the premises of Spangle Wings Resort lots of organic vegetables are grown.
Amenities available:
Multi Cuisine Restaurant
Pick up and drop facility
Travel desk available
Intercom Telephone
Doctor on call
Electronic surveillance
Good Staffs
Room service available
Rooms are with attached western toilet
Good network coverage
Tariffs:
Standard room – double sharing (AC): 1800/-
Deluxe room – double sharing (AC): 2000/-
Superior room – four sharing (AC): 2900/-
Premium room – four sharing (AC): 3200/-
Tent – double sharing: 1200/-
Dormitory room (08 bed): 400/- per person.
Child(ren) upto 10 years are complimentary, above 10 years are charged full.
Extra person charge @ 300/-
Taxes as applicable on the above tariff, payable at spot.
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).
