The last trip was in March 2023 to Varanasi. I was already getting restless because for four months the girls gang had not done even a weekend tour. So when my cousin suggested Ghatshila, I did not even ask her why Ghatshila - I simply asked her to go ahead and book the tickets.
The train Janshatabdi was at 6.20 and she asked me dozen times, if I can make it to the station that early. What she did not know was I could even sit in Howrah station the night before. I was that desperate to travel.
I had zero expectations about the place. My cousin loves hills and mountains and I am inclined more to water bodies. I knew she had studied it all, watched a dozen videos, asked her colleagues about key spots, costs, transport etc. That saved my bandwidth to repeat that exercise.
It is only when we ordered lunch in Ghatshila, she told me how many pieces chicken would be in there. Hell! That is some study. And youtubers are so dedicated these days, but where is the fun of discovery if I have to know how many pieces of chicken will float in the gravy.
In my blogs, I mostly write to raise curiosity, sort of story telling which kind of grows on the reader, and even with grammatical errors, stays with the reader. Also I do not post too many photographs to keep the curiosity intact. I remember, in Meghalaya, one youtuber even captured her journey inside the Mawsami caves. After watching that, I felt no adventure or thrill to enter the cave . So I and my cousin sat in the bus while the rest of the tourists went in. The point here, random bloggers and youtubers definitely know what to write but only conscious travelers know how much to share so that future travelers can have an enjoyable experience.
Now back to my Ghatshila trip!
We chose to travel on 12th August, ready to board the train at 6.20 AM and return the same day boarding the Janshatabdi train scheduled at 5.30 PM in Ghatshila.
A few days before the trip, I was curious to know what to expect there and I came across, one video on Burudih lake and my God, I loved Ghatshila already. I thought just visiting this lake and being back is worth the trip.
I am actually that kind of traveler - touristy places, maximum spots coverage, a dozen selfies, a thousand poses with ten thousand angles is definitely not me. My cousin sort of likes to cover it all. She goes to Darjeeling and wants to do Pashupati Mandir, that kind of coverage. For me, I always think, I will be back to the place, then why the hurry? It is India, not abroad that we have to worry much about costs. That reminds me - With agent charges, the chair car n Shatabti cost us around INR 400 (To and Fro)
Pather Panchali, a 1955 Bengali film directed by Satyajit Ray is my all time favorite. I am personally still unsure if I was curious to know more about Ray's work because of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay who wrote Pather Panchali or was it the other way round? It is in Ghatshila the novelist lived when he wrote that novel. Me and my cousin have that inclination to visit author houses, we recently did Jorasanko Thakur Baari in Kolkata which is Rabindranath Tagore's abode. I visited Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's house in Naihati. On the way to Jharkhand, we saw Deulti which is Sarath Chandra Chatterjee's house.
Now about Burudi lake
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Ghatshila, Jharkhand, lies the picturesque gem known as Burudi Lake. With its tranquil allure and serene ambiance, Burudi Lake stands as a testament to nature's splendor. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the lush greenery that surrounds it, creating a breathtaking vista that captivates every visitor.
Burudi Lake is more than just a body of water; it's a haven of tranquility and a haven for nature enthusiasts. The verdant hills that embrace the lake offer a perfect backdrop for relaxation and introspection. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the water's edge or a moment of quiet contemplation on its banks, every experience at Burudi Lake is a soothing balm for the soul.
I can just drop a few photographs here, which I have but that will kill the enthusiasm to visit. I am narrating my experience, only so that people visit.
Adventure seekers are not left behind, as the lake offers opportunities for boating and water activities that add a touch of excitement to its serene charm. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange, the reflection on the lake's surface creates a spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.
The lunch spot is close by. That is were we had lunch and my cousin loves desi chicken. That is precisely what they serve with basic means. It cost around INR 250/-
Burudi Lake is more than a destination; it's a symphony of nature's beauty and a place where time seems to stand still. Whether one seeks solace in its tranquility or yearns for an adventure on its waters, this hidden paradise in Ghatshila promises an experience that rejuvenates and replenishes the spirit.
The other spots we covered before Burudi, worth mentioning are
Ramkrishna Mission
Surya Temple
Phuldungri
Subarnarekha river
Dharagiri
You need to have the stamina for some trekking, walking, climbing to be able to complete this trip without feeling burdened or exhausted.
If seniors visit, it is better to stay for a day and if they are interested to just visit one or two spots, it can easily be managed without stay - returning home the same day.
Another round of satisfaction for conscious travelers is to support local business, local eateries, local guides and local auto drivers there. When one has the power to pay, let us make sure the deserving earns that and one trip at a time, one tourist at a time can make a huge difference to the local economy, in a big way.
The auto drivers will charge anywhere between INR 1500 to 1700 depending on the circuit you want to cover and obviously higher if you want to cover all the routes. There is no over charging or bargaining because the chart is put up and there is no room for negotiation.
Our return train was late by over 4 hours and only later we learnt, that trains being late are pretty common in this route.