Jhargram & Chilkigarh | West Bengal |

Jhargram & Chilkigarh | West Bengal |

Jhargram is small city located in the state of West Bengal with a rich historical and cultural background. Surrounded by dense forests this place is mystical. A perfect place to spend few days in the lap of nature surrounded by friendly tribal population, you are bound to be mesmerized not only by its picturesque beauty but by the gregarious people who inhabit this place. The chirpings of birds will make your heart swell with happiness and you will feel as if you are in paradise.

Jhargram was founded by Sarveshwar Singh of the Chauhan clan of Rajputs from Fatehpur Sikri in Rajputana. He became the king and called his capital Jhargram. Jhargram means a forest village circumscribed by canals and walls. The locals call it Ugal.

Jhargram is a place where humans live in harmony with the flora and fauna without any disturbance. The place is full of beautiful and thick trees and medicinal plants. A number of birds including some of the rare and migratory birds can be seen perched on these trees. The dense forests is home of many species like bear, peacock, rabbits.

Chilkigarh Rajbari is located 1.5 km away from the Kanak Durga temple and located another side of Dulung River, after visiting this place most people feel that this is most historically rich place after Kanak Durga temple.

A 30 min tour covers this place mostly. Starting for this place from Kanak Durga temple the main road turning right leads to this Rajbari. On the way, lush green field and distant jungle are the real eye catchers. Going past the down slope Dulung River is crossed over a rocky bed type bridge. Local tribal people can be seen taking bath in the river and getting sun kissed on the river beds. Herds of cows and other cattle are found bathing while crossing river. It’s beautiful country life – a life that gets easily framed in your mind will took everyone for surprise. After crossing the valley, the main entrance of Chilkigarh Rajbari can be reached. It looks more like a historical monument counting its day before getting lost in the oblivion.

On the entrance of the palace ground, one can have 360 views of this place. Chilkigarh Rajbari resembles big building displaying its wounds due to the negligence of its authority. A West Bengal government office placard is there pasted on the building facade. But there are no signs of any people around. A big chariot (Lagannath dev rath) was parked inside a hall. In that vast complex, on the left side of the entrance, there stands a beautiful Temple,  local people called it Shiva temple. There is a beautiful temple depicting cultural richness of Jungle Mahal and Jagannath temple standing just opposite to the Shiva temple. This temple is extremely beautiful, and its old architecture on the walls depicts richness of the local culture. But, this is a neglected heritage site. The whole mandir is bounded behind an iron gate. Jungle and bushed are eating its beauty. There is no signboard about this place. On being checked with the localists, it is being informed that it is a Jagannath temple.

There are much more stories associated with the Jhargram rajbari. But a person of history and nature will always feel Chilkigarh rajbari tour experience much more fulfilling.

Others Visiting Places

Sabitri Mandir

At a distance of 3 km from Jhargram, a splendid temple built around 350 year ago is situated. The temple has intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. A lot of devotees come to pray and seek blessings in the temple.

Kendua

10 km from Jhargram there is a quaint village with the name Kendua. The village is a famous spot for bird watching. The village is replete with lush green trees amongst which birds are live and hide. A lot of migratory birds also migrate to this place and can be seen. The locals are very friendly and make sure you interact with some of them to get the essence of this place.

Medicinal Plant Garden

Known as Amlachoti Medicinal Plant Garden by the locals, this medicinal plant garden is filled with a number of plants that are used as medicines to treat people. The place is covered by trees and plants including trees full of fruits and a lot of plants that cure deadly diseases. It is the best place to spend some time around nature.

Ketki Falls

A beautiful waterfall named Ketki lies in the picturesque beauty of Jhargram. The fall is replete with water and the gushing of water provides the travelers with a spectacular view.

Tribal Museum

Tribal Museum in Jhargram is a must visit place to explore and learn about the tribal that lived in and around this place. The museum is full of artistic and interesting things that will leave you awestruck. The rich history and culture can be seen in the museum through various artifacts.

Rabindra Park

Rabindra Park will provide you with the best of both worlds as it is a park in which a restaurant exists. This an ideal place to spend some quiet time amidst nature eating scrumptious food. The place is full of lush green trees and blooming flowers.

Jhargram Mini Zoo

Do not let the name fool you. The mini zoo is actually spread over a vast area with an entire section dedicated to deers calling it ‘Deer Park’.  There are plenty of birds and animals to see which are well kept and healthy. Snakes, peacocks, bears, crocodile and black rabbits are among the few species that can be seen here.

Dulung River

A pristine river flows through Jhargram which is sacred to the tribal. The place is tranquil with water flowing softly surrounded by trees and greenery. You can even enjoy tea while sitting near the banks from a quaint tea stall that is situated along the banks. This is the best place to spend some peaceful time and relax.

Fairs and Festivals

Tusu

This is a  harvest festival celebrated during winter in the latter days of Poush (January-February).

Baha

Celebrated during the spring season in the months of April and May, this festival is celebrated on the advent of spring when flowers bloom and trees turn lush green.

Bandhu

Celebrated during August and September is festival is associated with the harvest of rice. Princess of Kashipur who later became the Goddess of Crops is prayed to. Songs are sung by women in praise of her and people seek blessings from her.

Badna

Celebrated on the day of Kartik Amavasya in the month of November, this festival is celebrated for animals. Animals help people in daily life and act as companion. The five day celebration is filled with lively rituals and joy.

Best time to visit

The beauty of Jhargram is at its peak during the winter season. The weather is pleasant and windy and the place looks tranquil. Travelling to Jhargram during monsoon season should be avoided as the place gets muddy and is not fit for sightseeing.

How To Reach

By Rail: Jhargram has its own Railway Station which is well connected with other places in the state of Kolkata.

By Road: National Highway 6 connects Kolkata and Jhargram. The highway is well maintained and easy to drive on. The distance you will have to cover is around 175 km. rental cars are easily available that will take you to Jhargram. A number of Public and private buses also run from Kolkata to Jhargram.

Where To Stay

There are many hotels & guest house in jhargram in affordable price. You can easily find them from many online booking sites.

Others staying places

Jhargram Rajbari Complex

Chetona Eco Village Resort & Tourism

Dulung Guest House

etc....