Oxygen ★ Sabyasachi - A Progressive Thought

Address:	Bagmundi, Purulia district, West Bengal, India
How to go:	Black diamond train from howrah or various (express, non express, volvo) buses from Esplanade.
Pros:	Chou Dance in festivals, ayodhya hills, bamni falls
Cons:	Local Transport, lack of hotels, shops, foods etc.
What to visit ?	Ayodhya hills, Bamni falls, Charidha village and markets, Chou dance, Pakhi pahar, Khairabera Dam, Garpanchakot, Mithon reservoir, Panchet reservoir, Maa kalyaneswari temple.
Company:	Family or friends (photographer)
Minimum day/time to visit:	3 days max
Locality:	Township
Expenses:	5000INR around
More Information:	Purulia, located in the western part of West Bengal, is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful district that offers a unique blend of tribal heritage, rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and ancient temples. It is part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, making it geologically and ecologically distinctive. The region is ideal for nature lovers, trekkers, and those interested in indigenous cultures and rural tourism. Ayodhya Hills Location: Near Baghmundi, around 40 km from Purulia town. Highlights: A picturesque range of hills that form part of the Eastern Ghats. Great for trekking, rock climbing, and nature walks. Home to Bamni Falls, Turga Falls, and Marble Lake. Upper and Lower Dam (part of the Purulia Pumped Storage Project) offer stunning sunset views. Rich in tribal culture—especially the Santhal and Munda communities. Nearby Mayur Pahar and Sita Kund also attract trekkers. Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather and lush greenery). Charida Village (The Village of Mask Makers) Location: At the base of Ayodhya Hills, around 5 km from Baghmundi. Known For: Traditional Chhau mask-making, a craft integral to the Purulia Chhau dance, recognized by UNESCO. Around 150+ families are involved in this craft, passing down skills through generations. You can interact with artisans, watch the mask-making process, and even buy masks as souvenirs. The masks are colorful, elaborate, and depict characters from Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Cultural Tip: Visit during Chhau dance festivals or around Holika/Dol Utsav when performances are frequent. Pakhi Pahar (Bird Hill) Location: Near Charida and Ayodhya Hills. Why Visit: Named for its massive bird carvings on rock faces—an initiative by local artists and sculptors. It’s a giant outdoor sculpture park, aiming to raise awareness about bird conservation. Offers panoramic views and is perfect for photography and short treks. Turga Falls and Bamni Falls Turga Falls: A small but scenic waterfall surrounded by dense forest, good for picnics and nature walks. Bamni Falls: Tucked into the hills, accessible via a trek. It's more offbeat and less crowded. Other Notable Attractions in Purulia Joychandi Pahar A hill with a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Famous as a rock climbing spot and for its scenic beauty. Also a filming location for Satyajit Ray’s Hirak Rajar Deshe. Garh Panchkot Ruins of an ancient fort and temple complex at the foot of the Panchet Hill. Located near Panchet Dam, ideal for a historical and nature combo trip. Panchet & Baranti Dams Man-made lakes offering boating, peaceful sunsets, and birdwatching. Surrounded by forests and hills, ideal for eco-tourism and camping. Local Culture & Festivals Chhau Dance: A masked dance form blending martial arts and storytelling, performed during festivals. Tusu Parab and Baha Parab: Tribal harvest festivals with music, dance, and rituals. Traditional tribal lifestyles, handicrafts, and folk art are prevalent throughout the region. Accommodation Eco-resorts, forest bungalows, government lodges, and homestays are available in and around Ayodhya Hills, Baghmundi, and Baranti. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during winter and festivals. Travel Tips Carry cash, as remote areas have limited ATM or card facilities. Respect tribal customs and seek permission before taking photos. Some treks can be steep—wear proper footwear and carry water/snacks. Mobile network may be weak in remote forested zones. You may visit in winter between November to January. Better to go with group to reduce expenses. Best time to go on Durga puja or Holi festival to enjoy chou dance. You must hire a car to visit all these. Well, I would suggest hire a car for the whole day in Purulia and cover all places in core Purulia like Ayodhya hills, Bamni falls, Charida village and markets, Pakhi pahar, Khairabera Dam etc. If you want to cover Chou dance and cultural events in any festival time, give one more day in Charitha or pakhi pahar area. Some group organised beautiful programs. Another day you can leave for Asansol and hire another ride for Garpanchkot, Panchet (same side) and visit Joychandi at the same same day.