Not very far from Kolkata, is Ayodhya Hills in Purulia district of Kolkata fast gaining popularity as a weekend tourist destination. Standing at an altitude of 610 meters, the beautiful Ayodhya Hills is a part of Dalma hills in Jharkhand and extended part of the Eastern Ghats. The natural beauty of the hills lies in its lush green forests, roaring waterfalls and different species of flora and fauna found here. Visitors come here to enjoy a weekend of tranquility and serenity in the lap of nature.
According to Hindu mythology Ram along with Sita had stayed in Ayodhya Hills during their exile. During their stay, Ram is said to have pierced the earth’s crust with his arrow to bring out water to quench Sita’s thirst. The place is known as Sita-kunda.
Reaching Ayodhya Hills
Ayodhya hills can be reached from Kolkata very easily. Several buses are available. You can also take a train from Howrah and reach Purulia town. From there Ayodhya Hills is just 42 kilometers. Durgapur Expressway connects Kolkata to Ayodhya. Regular buses ply from the main town to the top of Ayodhya hill.
Attractions & Activities
Adventure enthusiasts can come to Ayodhya Hill and try out mountaineering and rock climbing. Gangabaru is the highest peak of Ayodhya towering at a height of 2,220 ft above the sea level. The place is surrounded by rocky cliffs and to climb them one must really be adept in rock climbing. Trekkers can enjoy hiking from Sirkabad to Ayodhya. The 13 kilometer trail cuts through the dense jungle of Shimul and Palash. When the flowers are in full bloom it seems that the forest is in flame. It is a sight to behold.
Early morning is the perfect time to take a brisk walk to the Bamni Falls. After spending the morning you can then return for lunch. Then there is Mayur Pahar or the Peacock Hills. You can get a beautiful view of the Ayodhdhya Hills and the lush forests below. Watching the sun set from this point is a memorable experience. The nearby Pakhi Hill is a perfect spot for bird watchers. The dense forests are home to many wild animals like leopards, pangolin and Madras Tree Shrew. Herds of elephants form adjoining jungles also migrate to these forests seasonally.
Spending a day just loitering in the forests amongst the mahua trees can be a good experience. You can even wander to the small tribal villages spread over the area. Tribals in this area are known for their hospitality. They invite visitors to their house and offer a cup of tea. Tribal villages are fascinating. They are small picturesque mud huts cuddled together in an area. The mud hut walls are decorated with simple yet beautiful paintings.
Other attractions like:
- Charida village
- Paprakocha Dam
- Marbel lake
- Durga Mandir
- Pakhi Pahar
- Mayur pahar
- Marbel Lake
- Khairabera
- Suisa (museum)
- Gaghkocha Falls
- Dowry Khal
- Upper dam
- Lower dam
- Thurga falls
- Usuldungri
- Deuli
Pakhi Pahar 
Paprakocha-Dam 
Mayur Pahar 
Mask display at charida village 
Mabel Lake 
Lower Dam 
Upper Dam 
Durga Mandir 
Bamni Falls in Purulia at Ayodhya Hills in west bengal
Accommodation
Cottage accommodation 
Modern accommodation 
Tent accommodation
Finding an accommodation is easy. With the growing popularity of Ayodhya hills as a tourist destination many new places have come up suiting all tastes and budget. West Bengal Comprehensive Area Development Corporation has guest houses. Forest rest house is also available. Most of the hotels have dining facilities. Roadside eateries are also available.
Malabika, at its foothills, Run by WBCADC, Nilkuthidanga, Purulia, 03252-225726
Rs. 300, Dormitory: Rs. 100
Kolkata Booking: 033 22377041-43
The best time to visit Ayodhya Hills is between March to September. So get your backpacks ready as your next weekend destination maybe the exotic Ayodhya Hills.
Kallol Ghosh says:
Very nice place. Accommodation good. Niharika’s(Malabika) rooms are fantastic. But there are no room service at all. It’s bad.
Santanu saha says:
need 1 dbl bed room on 31st January for 2 person