Just a month before the lockdown I happened to visit my hometown Jamshedpur for a weekend to celebrate my parents’ 35th anniversary, and went for a 2 days road trip to this amazing place called Ayodhya Hills or locally called Ajodhya Pahad in Baghmundi area of Purulia district in West Bengal. Located in the easternmost part of the Chhotanagpur Plateau, an extended part of the Eastern Ghats range, this place is popular among families, local mountaineers and also rock climbers. Mostly during the winters, people from nearby areas flock into Ayodhya Hills for picnics or a weekend get - away.
We left home early at about 7am from Jamshedpur for Ayodhya Hills in order to avoid traffic jam. The roads are unexpectedly smooth and by 11 am we were half way through, with the help of GPS. But after that, the whole way we had to only rely on passersby, as internet was no more available. Also there are a very few hotels for snacks and food. So, carrying ample food or light snacks is recommended.
By about 1pm we finally reached Ayodhya Hill Top. After crossing many ziz zag roads, hilly terrains, villages, towns and farms, we were at this small tourist spot. At first I was disappointed as it was just a small village with few hotels scattered here and there with nothing much to see. But the surprises revealed themselves later, one by one.
We had our lunch at a small dhaba; dal, chawal, sabji, fish curry and papad. It was an organic and simple Indian lunch but as satiating as ever. We also checked into a nearby hotel; not a very fancy one but newly constructed and spic and span. The rooms were pretty huge with windows letting the sweet wind and day light enter, making us not miss the AC at lot.
After freshening up a little we left for a ride in the neighbouring areas. A few kilometres ahead, we came across the upper dam and lower dam constructed by the Purulia Pumped Storage Project. The dam is surrounded by hills and lush green Sal tree forests and is a potential place for tourism.
After a quick spin around the dam and sighting the beautiful sunset, we came back to our hotel and had chai at the dhaba nearby where we had had lunch that afternoon.
After resting for a while in our hotel, we went out at about 7 pm. Darkness had already prevailed by then. There were no street lights and it was pretty chilly. The roads were pitch dark with only few lights coming from the hotels and dhabas spread across the streets. The only sound on the roads was the clattering of the crickets. The star lit sky looked beautiful like a bride ready to walk down the aisle. The cold wind touched our faces as we walked across the pitch dark roads. It was a different kind of a thrill. To live in a place far off from the madding crowd, with no internet, no television and only fresh organic food, pollution free air to breathe is a luxury in itself. It felt like we were on a retreat from our toxic city lives. We were done with our dinner pretty early, by about 8pm and went back to our room.
The next day seemed even more beautiful as it had drizzled a bit and it was still cloudy. We freshened up and checked out of our hotel by about 9 am and after a sumptuous breakfast, left for our further adventures. There were some really interesting places to be covered that included ‘Pakhi Pahad’ which means the hills of the birds and the ‘Bamni Falls’.
After covering the places in the near proximities, we headed towards the Bamni Falls, situated about 3 kms away from the Ayodhya Hill Top. We passed across beautiful forests, small villages and tall trees but very few people. As we reached the falls, we came across tourists and local shops. One has to hike down about 100 steps to reach the main falls. It was equally fun and thrilling. The scenic beauty from there can only be seen to be believed. I had seriously never thought that such a beautiful place exists so close to my home town. The place for me depicted the unblemished purity of nature, not ravaged by human habitation.
Purulia is well known for the world famous 'Chhau' dance and tribal masks and jewellery. After coming back from the falls, do not forget to buy some exclusive hand-made jewellery and masks and gift them as souvenirs to your loved ones.
After spending an amazing time there, we headed back home. The two days were pure bliss.
No internet, no fancy hotels, no exotic cuisines; but the chirping of birds, the rustling sound of dry leaves, farm fresh organic food, the clatter of crickets at night and a pitch black sky full of stars, made every moment worth it. Also it would be wrong to not mention the honest, hard working and helpful people there.
This off beat, remote place took our hearts away and my parents were too happy to celebrate their anniversary at such a special place.
India has so much more to offer than just the ones we know or see or hear about frequently. Let’s travel and discover some undiscovered lands.
