Belpahari is a tribal village situated at a distance of 35 km from Jhargram in West Bengal. The pitch black road from Jhargram to Belpahari is thickly forested with a variety of tropical trees on both sides. The place is surrounded by Sal, Mahua, Piyal, Sonajhuri and Eucalyptus trees. The peaceful and serene environment of this village is mesmerizing. A beautiful waterfalls is located at Ghagra, little distance away from Belpahari. Tarafeny Barrage is situated nearby and is worth a visit.
Sightseeing
Khandarani Lake
Khandarani Lake is an irrigation dam surrounded by captivating forests and ubiquitous expanse of mountains. The murmuring water currents mingled with shimmering sunlight finding their way into the vast swathes of agriculture land through the Dam channels make the onlookers gaze spell-bound at the mystifying marvels of nature. During the winter season, different species of birds including some migratory birds flock to Khandarani Dam and spend their winter in utter abandon and rant the air with their incessant flap and flutter. You can take an idyllic stroll along the bank of the lake or just sit back and watch the scenery unfold in front of your eyes. The luxuriant growth of flora and foliage around Khandarani will leave you awestruck.
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| Khandarani Lake |
Ghagra Waterfalls
Nestled in the midst of dense foliage interspersed by rocks and boulders, the Ghagra Waterfalls is an unexplored tourist spot. The cascading streams of Ghagra falling over the craggy rocks offer visitors a sight to behold. This spectacular waterfall attracts visitors for its uncanny splendour and majestic flow of unfettered water currents. The rustic environs, enigmatic bushes and overarching rocks lend an inexplicable aura to the place. Shooting of the Bengali film “Behula Lakhindar” took place at this very spot. The grandeur of the waterfalls is best experienced during the monsoon.
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| Ghagra Waterfalls |
Gadrasini Hill
Gadrasini Hill is situated at a distance of 8 km from Belpahari. The tranquility of this place will make feel calm and peaceful. Gadrasini Ashram is located at the foot of the Gadrasini Hill. People from various walks of life travel to this place to spend their time in serene meditation as the Ashram is a centre of spiritual gospels and practices. Inspired by the ideals of Lahiri Maharaj and Swami Yogananda, the centre offers the pilgrims unique opportunity of basking in spiritual enlightenment. Apart from the ashram, there are two temples of which one is dedicated to Lord Shiva whereas the other one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also check out the Debi Ma Guha and Jagadananda Siddhi Guha. Far from the madding crowd, Gadrasini Hill is heaven for colorful birds and is a great place for bird watching and photography. And lastly don't forget to enjoy the fabulous bird's eye view of the surrounding areas from top of the hill.
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| View from top of Gadrasini Hill |
Tarafeni Dam
Tarafeni is situated at a distance of 7km from Belpahari. It is another attractive place where tourists get enthralled at the sight of impetuous sway of the river currents against the rocky boulders, particularly during rainy season. It is the place where the visitors gaze on the meandering currents of the river criss-crosing the zig-zag paths. This barrage is an important source of providing drinking water to thousands of the people in the area. Tarafeni River receives its share of water mainly from Mukutmanipur Dam. Its beauty becomes more sparkling when the Barrage releases surplus water from the channels and the dancing and leaping currents of water leave one wondering at the marvels of nature.
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| Tarafeni Dam |
Kanaisor Hill
Kanaisahar is situated at a distance of 10 km from Belpahari. Flanked on each side by dense forest, Kanaisahar Hill stands out as a towering glory of nature. Overlooking villages situated at the foot hills teeming with agricultural activity and countrymen attending to their household chores, this hilly spot offers a panoramic view. A village mela is held every year in the month of July on the top of the hill. People from far and wide swarm to this place to offer worship to the mountain god. A religious festival is held for 5 days in the season of autumn by the tribals of this area. They gather in thousands to add colours to this historic festival. In the mela colourful stalls displaying a wide range of homemade toys, articles and handicraft add to the feverish tempo to the mela. Kanaisahar offers a rare chance of adventure as well as sightseeing.
Laljal Cave
Laljal Cave lies 19km from Belpahari. Lalajal is a scenic mountain village. The village has Belapaharira primitive cave-men, including antiquities. Here the spring water is slightly reddish. Copper and iron mixed with water is quite tasty. Local residents say, because of the red color of the water in the name of the village lalajala. Deopahare west of the village there is a primitive cave man. Sinlahara south-eastern part of the mountain range. The village is north Ranipahara. Abahelitai witness remains a place of ancient civilization. The area is one of the great natural wonders of tourist attractions.
Kankrajhore Forest
Kankrajhore is situated at a distance of 23km from Belpahari. It is enveloped with verdant forest and amazing skyline leaves one mesmerized by the sheer chastity of nature’s elegance that allures visitors by its abundant growth of woods and undulating hilly terrain. Mazy paths criss-crossing wild greenery with Sal, Pial, Kendu, Simul, Bohera, Haritoki etc. leading to Kankrajhore without even the notion of travelling a distance of 23km which is something one can cherish forever. Kankrajhore is also a familiar haunt for those who want to familiarize themselves with the unique and interesting facets of tribal lives. The teeming populace of tribal engaged in their household chores, offers the visitors a rare opportunity to have a first-hand insight into the rich cultural heritage of the tribal community. Doves of visitors have the lure of staying with the local tribes in their well-carved houses sharing their staple diet and indulging in their folklores.
Dhangikusum and Dungri Falls
Dhangikusum is situated at a distance of 13km from Belpahari on way to Kankrajhor, just turn left from Chirakuti and reach at Dhangikusum View Point. Mazy paths ups and downs criss-crossing roads and wild greenery with Sal, Pial, Kendu, Simul etc. which is something memorable. Dhangikusum (locally known as Dungri) Falls is just 1km from the view point. Dhangikusum Village is popular for their stone craft and you can purchase the handicraft products.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Belpahari is during the monsoon.
How to Reach
Trains are available from Howrah to reach Jhargram. Belpahari is 56 km from Jhargram. Buses and jeeps are plying from Jhargram to Belpahari via Shilda.
Accommodation
Binpur II Panchayet Samiti Guest House
Tariff: Rs. 600-900 per room
Tel: 9800033633
Tarafeni Cottage
Tel: 9733795340, 8900360222
Belpahari Guest House
Tel: 8972999926
Belpahari Forest Bungalow
Booking: DFO, Jhargram, Paschim Midnapore, Tel: 03221-255010.
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