JHARGRAM
Jhargram is a fast developing tourist destination and also a weekend destination in the Indian state of West Bengal. The district of Jhargram is guarded by River Kangsabati to the north and River Subarnarekha to the south. Tourism around Jhargram is mostly centered among dense Sal forests, Elephants, Ancient Temples, Verdant Villages and Royal Palaces. Jhargram district covers an area of 3037.64 Sq. km. out of which 268249 hectare is agricultural land and 59497 hectare is under forest coverage. Jhargram district is a part of Chota Nagpur Plateau which gradually slopes down towards east while the hilly terrains of Jhargram occur in the north-western part of the district. The altitude of Jhargram is about 81 meters (265 feet) and the highest point of the district is Kakrajhore area with an altitude of about 300 meters. Jhargram itself has a heritage of royal past as the Malla Kingdom ruled over this region of Jhargram for over 400 years. Jhargram district was formed in the year 2017 as 22nd district after splitting away from Paschim Medinipur. Jhargram has a rich Folk Culture and the local inhabitants mostly belong to tribal groups. The natural and green landscape of the forests along with verdant villages, hillocks, rivers and waterfalls all comprises Jhargram a paradise for nature lovers. The region of Jhargram is a dual blend of rolling plateau made up of laterite soil of Gangetic Alluvial Plains, which is highly conducive for cultivation. But the climate of Jhargram is very dry making it adverse for agriculture (except the monsoon season) and the rivers are only rain fed, for which irrigation is the only way to support agriculture at Jhargram. The economy of Jhargram is mainly Agro-based, but apart from that other professions have been introduced to boost the economy of the region. The region of Jhargram is mostly inhabited by ethnic groups of folk and tribal culture. These groups mainly include aboriginals like Sabar, Lodha, Santal, Munda, Birhore and others. Jhargram offers some of the most exotic vistas of Bengal’s landscape that unfolds the pristine beauty of nature with folk music and dances for tourists.
Places to visit around Jhargram:
Chilkigarh Kanak Durga Temple:
One of the prides of the Jungle Mahal is Chilkigarh located around 14 km away from Jhargram and the main attraction of this spot is Kanakdurga Temple. From Jhargram by hired vehicle, tourists can reach Chilkigarh via Jambani. The Kanak Durga Temple at Chilkigarh of Jhargram is covered by dense forest of medicinal plants on the west and Dulung River on the east. The temple of Kanak Durga dates back to more than 650 years old and the main shrine here is Goddess Durga.
Sabitri Temple (Mandir):
Sabitri Temple at Jhargram is located at a distance of 03 km away and it dates back to around 350 years old. The idol inside the temple is of Goddess Sabitri who was the ancestral deity of the Malla Dev dynasty of Jhargram.
Kendua:
Kedua is a quaint village of Jhargram located at a distance of 10 km away from the town. Kendua is mainly known as a hot spot of migratory birds, as the village is dotted with dense Sal trees all over making it an ideal spot for migratory birds like Asia Open Bill Stork to lay their eggs. This birding hot spot of Kendua is situated between Jhargram and Chilkigarh. Apart from Asian Open Billed Story other species like Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond-Heron, Indian Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Rufous Treepie are also spotted at Kendua. The best time to visit Kendua is from the mid of May to the early November.
Jhargram Raj Palace:
The main attraction of Jhargram is the Royal Palace also known as Jhargram Raj Palace built in 1922 CE during the reign of Raja Narasingha Malla Dev Bahadur. This palace is an opulent Italianate structure set amidst lush green lawns and gardens all over. The palace is located at a distance of 03 km away from Jhargram town and is an exquisite example of royalty, history and heritage. Jhargram Raj Palace is spread over an area of 30 acres of land.
Medicinal Plant Garden:
The Amlachati Medicinal Plant Garden is an ex-situ conservation site of medicinal plant species of South Bengal under Silviculture division, Jhargram Research Range. Amlachati Medicinal Plants Garden is located at a distance of 14 km from Jhargram. This Ex-Situ conservation site in Jhargram has a huge collection of around 704 species of medicinal plants both indigenous and exotic.
Junglemahal Zoological Park:
Junglemahal Zoological Park earlier known as Jhargram Zoo is located at a distance of 03 km away from Jhargram town and was established in the year 1980. This zoo was established as a Deer Park. This zoological garden endeavours to breed the endangered species for display, exchange & rehabilitation in the wild. Apart from Deer, this zoo also houses Snakes, Bears, Black Rabbits, Bears, Crocodiles and various kinds of Monkeys. This zoo is spread over an area of 21.54 hectare.
Chilkigarh Raj Palace:
Chilkigarh Royal Palace is another major attraction of Jhargram located at a distance of 12 km away from Jhargram. Chilkigarh Royal Palace is located around 1.5 km away from Kanak Durga Temple and lies on the opposite side of Dulung River.
Krish Garden:
Krish Garden is a popular tourist destination along with a children’s amusement park located at Salboni area of Jhargram covered with exotic forest of Sal, Teak, Peasal and Mahul. Krish Garden is situated at a distance of 10 km from Jhargram and close to National Highway 06 (NH6). Krish garden is spread over an area of 10 acres and is a perfect holiday destination, picnic spot and for family parties.
Eco Tourism Center and Tribal Museum:
Jhargram Eco Tourism Center is situated about 02 km outside Jhargram Palace on State Highway. This beautiful forest retreat welcomes tourists to embrace the essence of nature. The Eco Tourism Center houses a tribal museum displaying the indigenous tribal culture of Jhargram district. Tribal folk performances are also held on weekends.
Folk Culture of Jhargram:
Folk culture has occupied a conspicuous position in the life of the rural people of Bengal and Jhargram is no exception. Though the customs, beliefs and rituals are varied widely, but the folk culture of West Bengal reflects the rich cultural heritage of the state. Jhargram is the golden treasury of tribal dances spread over the eight blocks of the district. Some of these tribal dances are Langre, Sarpa, Dangrey, Saharul, Bhuyang, Chang, Mundari, Ranpa, Tusu, Bhadu, Jhumur, Baul, Kirtan, Parab Nach, Patanach, Kathinach, Manasa Mangal, Shitala Mangal etc.
Art and Craft of Jhargram:
Just like folk culture, the local handicrafts of a region also represent the artistic excellence of the tribal people of that district. The people of Jhargram district practice handicrafts to make excellent items like Sal Leaf Plates, Stone Crafts, Pottery, Bamboo Baskets, Babui Ropes and others.
How to reach:
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata is the nearest airport to Jhargram which is at a distance of 188 km away. Kolkata Airport is well connected with regular flight services from all major cities of India and some international/ foreign flights also.
By Rail: Jhargram Railway Station is the nearest rail head to Jhargram which is well connected with train services from Howrah and Tatanagar. The distance from Howrah to Jhargram station is about 157 km and the journey takes about 03 hours by train from Howrah railway station. Jhargram railway station is on the Kharagpur – Tatanagar section of Howrah – Nagpur – Mumbai route which is an express train route.
By Road: Jhargram is very well connected by good roads/ highways with other nearby cities like Medinipur, Kharagpur, Durgapur, Asansol, Bankura, Purulia, Haldia, Contai, Digha, Kolkata and Howrah. Jhargram lies at a distance of 178 km from Kolkata by road. The route to Jhargram is via NH6 (Mumbai – Kolkata Highway) which is a journey of about 04 hours.
Best time to visit:
Winter is always the best time to visit Jhargram from October to March.
WBTDCL JHARGRAM RAJBARI TOURISM PROJECT
WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project earlier known as Jhargram Rajbari Tourist Complex is so far the best accommodation at Jhargram run and maintained by West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project is an eco-friendly accommodation that offers calm and comfortable staying options for tourists at Jhargram. WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project is located in front of Jhargram Royal Palace with huge premises and serene atmosphere. Within the complex of WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project there are fountains and children playing area. WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project is an excellent property with well laid out nice cottages, lawns, pond and huge open area. The staffs of WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project are very courteous and helpful towards tourists. WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project has a separate dining area that offers varieties of meals. WBTDCL Jhargram Rajbari Tourism Project has 12 separate each having 02 rooms.
Amenities available:
Well furnished rooms with attached bathrooms.
All rooms are equipped with AC facility.
24 hours running hot and cold water.
Rooms are quite spacious with dressing table and wardrobe.
In house restaurant facility available.
24 hours room service available.
All rooms have LED TV.
Intercom facility available.
Arrangement of car for local sightseeing.
Tariffs:
AC Cottage – Annex part (Other side of the road): 2900/-
AC Cottage – Main Building: 3500/-
AC Double Bed Room (First Floor – Main Building): 3200/-
AC Deluxe Cottages: 4000/-
AC Double Bed Room (Main Building 1st Floor): 4000/-
AC Four Bed Room (Main Building 1st Floor): 4600/-
Executive Suite Room (Three adults allowed): 6000/-
GST as applicable, payable at spot.
Senior Citizen discount @ 10% on room tariff is applicable.
Extra person charge @ 20% on the room tariff.
Extra cot charge @ 30% on the room tariff.
HOW TO BOOK: Call 9831311606 , 9830381306 and get the current rooms availability status or use the query form below. Or visit us at 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003, near Manindra Chandra College. Or drop your query by Whats app in the above numbers.
