BELPAHARI
Belpahari is village in Binpur II CD block in Jhargram subdivision of Jhargram district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Belpahari is an abode of nature lovers for its picturesque landscape full of green woodlands of mostly Sal, Segun, Mahua, Arjun and other trees. Belpahari comes under Jangalmahal Tourism Circuit. The region of Belpahari is covered with natural red soil. Belpahari is mostly inhabited by tribal people of mainly Munda and Santali tribes. Belpahari is a part of Chotanagpur Plateau region and comprises of forests, hills, lakes, and waterfalls. Agriculture adds to the mainstream economy for the people of Belpahari along with that these local villagers are also dependent on forest produce. Apart from that presently stone craft eking has also became another decent source of livelihood for the villagers of Belpahari. Laterites stones which are found in hills of Dankikusum (a village in Belpahari) are painstakingly carved into plates, bowls, idols, household items and decorative products by village artisans of Belpahari. Pottery has also became popular in Belpahari in which clay are mounded into objects of the desired shape and heating them to high temperatures to increase their strength and hardening which has also became very popular art in Belpahari. Despite being a disturbed place in the past, at present with the efforts of tourism department of West Bengal and the local people today Belpahari became a popular tourist hub far away from the madding city crowd.
Activities and attractions in and around Belpahari:
Being a small village of Jhargram sub division, Belpahari offers tourists with ampule local attractions and different activities to experience and enjoy.
Ghagra Falls: Ghagra is a popular waterfall located at 07 km away from Belpahari amidst lush greenery and wilderness. Ghagra Waterfall passing through a canyon of rocky pedestal of black stone attracts tourists for its amazing natural grandeur. The word Ghagra is a derivation of the word ‘Gagra’ which means ‘Kalash’ or ‘Pitcher’. The uncanny splendour and the majestic flow of the water currents with rustic environs makes Ghagra Waterfall a must visit spot in Belpahari.
Tarafeni River Dam: Tarafeni Barrage or Tarafeni River Dam is another attractive tourist spot in Belpahari. Built over River Tarafeni this barrage or dam is located at 05 km away from Belpahari. The sight of the dam is very calm and offers stunning views of nature against the dramatic sky.
Khadan Dungri: Khadan Dungri also known as Rangin Pahar or Madara Hill is a new tourist spot in Belpahari circuit. Located at a distance of 10.8 km from Belpahari via SH 5, Khadan Dungri has been compared with that of ‘Uluru Rock’ in Australia. From Belpahari via Odulchua village a walk of few hundred meters will reach at Khadan Dungri. Khandan Dungri is a colouring hillock with numerous red, white and yellow coloured stones formed naturally which gives the impression of this colourful hillock.
Gadrasini Hill Cave: Gadrasini Hill is a popular tourist spot in Belpahari for the panoramic 360 degree view of the surrounding forest. Gadrasini Hill is located at a distance of 08 km from Belpahari. At the foothills of Gadrasini Hill there is Gadrasini Ashram.
Khandarani Lake: Khandarini is a pristine lake set amidst natural surroundings and is located at a distance of 9.8 km from Belpahari via SH 5. Khandarini Lake is located in a village of Belpahari and guarded by green hillocks at the backdrop. Though boating facility is not available at Khandarini Lake, but tourists can opt for a long walk by the lake side. The lake periphery is a safe haven for migratory birds during winter.
Dhangikusum Falls: Dhangikusum is a scenic waterfall is Belpahari. The waterfall is known for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for adventure tourists. Dhangikusum Waterfall is also known as ‘Jungle Mahal’s Niagra’ and is located at 15.7 km from Belpahari via SH 5. This waterfall is also set amidst lush greenery with hills at the backdrop.
Ketki Lake: Ketki is a beautiful natural lake in Belpahari surrounded by forests and small hills from all sides. Ketki Lake is located at a distance of 18 km from Belpahari and is a beautiful place for tourists and children. The fountain of Ketki Lake emerges from the Cherang Hills which is in the edge of Singhadoba and Burijhor village.
Laljal Hill Cave and Temple: Laljal Cave is a black stone structure with a cave set at a height of 200 meter located at a distance of 19 km from Belpahari. During monsoon a red coloured water flows here which is mix of iron and copper and hence the name Laljal. This place is a remains of ancient civilization and some archeological fossils were also found during excavation.
Kankrajhor Forest: Kankrajhor is a tropical hilly forest located at a distance of 35.9 km from Belpahari. Kankrajhor Forest is popular among tourists for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and scenic views. Bird watching, forest trails, Dharagiri Falls and tribal drumbeats are some of activities to explore in Kankrajhor Forest. The forest area of 9000 hectares of hardwood trees like Kusum, Saal, Segun or Teak, Mahua and Akashmani are abundantly found in Kankrajhor Forest.
Kanaisor Hill: Kanaisor Hill or Kanaisahar Hill is a towering glory of nature with rugged tarrain located at a distance of 12 km from Belpahari. Each side of Kanaisahar Hill is abundant in dense wilderness. The hill top offers stunning view of the surrounding villages along with agricultural activity of the local villagers. A fair is held here in the month of autumn which lasts for 05 days.
Kanak Durga Temple: Kanak Durga Temple is another religious tourist spot in Belpahari. This 500 year old temple on the banks of Dulung River was founded by King Gopinath. The surrounding periphery of the temple is full of rare species of trees.
Village Trails: At Belpahari tourists can opt for a leisure walk through the village trails to meet the local people and get deep insight of their daily activity. As Belpahari is inhabited by Santali, Mundari, and Kurmali tribes hence tourists could get the chance to know about their rituals, customs and culture.
Bird Watching: Belpahari is great spot for bird watchers as the region of Belpahari is home to both rare and migratory bird species like Gray Bellied Cuckoo, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Spotted Dove, Little Cormorant, Indian Roller and many others. The dam, lakes and wilderness are the places to spot maximum bird activity in Belpahari.
Landscape Photography: Belpahari also offers ampule chances to landscape photographers with some of the best clicks for its natural lakes, streams, hillocks and lush greenery. The view of morning sunrise and evening sunsets are also the sights worth clicking.
How to Reach:
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport to Belpahari located at 204 km via NH 16. From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport tourists can either avail train, bus or private car service to reach Belpahari.
By Train: Jhargram Railway Station is the nearest rail head to Belpahari located at 37 km away from Belpahari. From Howrah railway Station there are many trains connecting Jhargram. On reaching Jhargram tourists can opt for a bus or hired vehicle to reach Belpahari.
By Road: Belpahari is well connected by good motor-able road from Kolkata and Medinipur, Kharagpur, Durgapur, Asansol, Bankura, Purulia, Haldia, Contai, Digha. From Kolkata via NH 16 tourists can reach Belpahari. From Kolkata at a distance of 178 km by road is Jhargram and from there another 37 km by road will reach at Belpahari.
Best time to visit:
Belpahari can be visited throughout the year. The best time is November to February when the climate remains cool and is the best time for maximum tourist activity. Monsoon at Belpahari has another charm as during this time the surrounding greenery becomes denser and many streams reappear. Summers are best avoided for the scorching heat.
Belpahari Hotel
Call @ 9831311606