Khoai Sonajhuri Forest | Bolpur | West Bengal |

Khoai Sonajhuri Forest | Bolpur |

Whenever we plan a weekend to Shantiniketan its Visva Bharati which comes to our mind. But next time it could be Khoai which is a ecological formation of small canyons resulting from constant erosion caused by wind and water. The Khoai Shantiniketan region in Bolpur is marked by a patch of dry forest of Sonajhuri trees on an eroded landscape of red laterite soil. This unique look of the forest was immortalised by Rabindranath Tagore in many of his compositions. The Sonajhuri forest in Khoai is surrounded by the famous Kopai River, the river to which all Bengalis are introduced as “Amader Choto Nodi......” . The weekend to Khowai is incomplete without a visit to the Saturday Haat, where artisans of Shantiniketan sell their wonderful artefacts sitting in the forest.

Best Time To Visit

October to March is the best time to visit Sonajhuri.

How To Reach

The nearest railway stations are Prantik and Bolpur. There are regular trains from Howrah.You can take Auto Rickshaws as well as manual rickshaws to reach Sonajhuri from the station. Tourists can also reach Bolpur by bus from Kolkata. There are regular luxury bus services connecting Kolkata and Bolpur. If you are taking your own car then the shortest route would be taking NH19 first and NH114 from Nababhat then take the road towards Ghuskara keeping the 108 Shiv Mandir to your right to reach Sonajhuri via Bolpur Railway Station.

What To Do

Sonajhuri is probably one of the cleanest forests of West Bengal. Morning strolls inside the beautiful forest is itself a treat. And if you come sometime during winter, the entire forest ground is covered with tiny golden sonajhuri flowers. Visit to the Saturday Haat is a unique experience. Vehicles are not allowed inside the Haat. So the place is absolutely pollution free. Hundreds of artisans come to the Haat with their artefacts. As there is no electricity the Haat starts by 11 in the morning continues till the sun sets. The artefacts are so unique that you feel like buying whatever you see and especially the prices make you feel that the place is “shoppers’ paradise”. Apart from designer dress materials all modern and fashionable accessories are available in the fair and that too at a very reasonable price. Bauls sitting under the sonajhuri trees and singing with their single string instrument, ektara, brings a different charm.

Where To Stay

Sonajhuri Athiti Nibas ( Sonajhuri Resort ) 
Sonajhuri Athiti Nibas
Sonajhuri Durgabari
Sonajhuri ( Near Sanibarer Haat )
Santiniketan,Birbhum
Pin : 731235
West Bengal
Mobile:09635200496, 08972726167
Email:ghoshchitraghosh@gmail.com

Shakuntala Village Resort Address: Khoai, Santiniketan, Birbhum
West Bengal-731235, India
09232637439, 08116994188
booking@shakuntalavillageresort.com

Others Places

Santiniketan Bolpur

Shantiniketan is a neighbourhood of Bolpur city in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal, India, approximately 165 km north of Kolkata. Known to few, mainly as Rabindranath Tagore's home and now a university, Santiniketan is a small town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal.

Tarapith

Tarapith is a Hindu temple town in Rampurhat II CD block in Rampurhat subdivision of Birbhum district of the Indian state of West Bengal, known for its Tantric temple and its adjoining cremation grounds where sādhanā are performed.

Kopai River View Point

The Sonajhuri forest in Khoai is surrounded by the famous Kopai River, the river to which all Bengalis are introduced as “Amader Choto Nodi......” .

Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1977. This wooded area is located near Santiniketan in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Kankalitala

The small rural town is located about 7 km from Santiniketan. The drive, and if you prefer the walk, takes you through the beautiful landscape of semi urban India. The stunning fields and village setting will take you by surprise. There is also a small temple that is considered to be highly sacred by its devotees that you can see. however, it is better to go to Kankalitala on a pleasant day to enjoy your trip fully.

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