My trip had actually started off on 22 Dec from Kolkata and after spending 3 days at Shantiniketan and soaking in the festivities of Paush Mela started off on my way to Jhargram. I had three route options with the shortest being 209 kms and the longest being 310 kms. I opted for the longest one as it was mostly through NH 16 and I knew that I will have a comfortable drive through that. My choice was good except for the last 34 kms as road widening work was going on.
After a trip around the Jhargram Rajbari started off for a drive to Kanaka Durga Temple and Chilkigarh Rajbari. The temple is quite famous in this part. My next step was Chilkigarh Rajbari. The temple and the palace is separated by Dulung River. The Chilkigarh Rajbari is good architectural wise but it needs urgent maintenance. Like the Jhargram Rajbari which has been renovated and presently the ground is being used as a Guest House, the same maybe done for Chilkigarh Rajbari too. Roads at this part is unexpectedly good and the drive is quite rejuvenating. Jhargram has very few options as far as restaurants are concerned among them Green Park Bar and Restaurant is the best. The best part is that the bar is totally separate from the restaurant. The restaurant offers good food at affordable rates, it's located on SH 5 just at the turn towards Jhargram Rajbari. After a great day of sightseeing and mouth watering food at Green Park Restaurant, returned to the Rajbari complex for the night stay.
Started off my day a tad bit late and after breakfast started off for Jhargram Zoological Park. The zoo is more of a Deer Park than a zoo. A good visit for kids. After zoo, started off for Ghagra Waterfalls, which is a good 46 kms away from the zoological park. But the drive is awesome through the forest regions. The waterfall is quite famous with the locals and a favourite picnic spot. But being December the waterfall was mostly dry but still it's worth a visit and for spending an hour or so. One can plan a small picnic or barbeque out there too. I will surely do that the next time I visit this place. Again my stop for a late lunch was Green Park Restaurant. After lunch it was time to head back to the Rajbari complex knowing fully well that it was the end of a great trip. Jhargram is surely ready to shrug off it's tag of an area of unrest and violence and welcome visitors with open arms. A great weekend destination near Kolkata.
