Baranti (Boronti), an amazing weekend destination

Baranti (Boronti)

An amazing weekend destination

Imagine a lake, and a conical  hill covered with thick vegetation. If this is your idea of a retreat, then Baranti, also called Boronti, in Purulia District, is the place to be. And it is close enough to stop by for the weekend for some much-needed rest.

Sunset at Baranti (Boronti) Lake

Muradi located on the Adra – Asansol rail line is the nearest rail head of Baranti (Boronti). However in order to reach Baranti (Boronti) it is best to arrange vehicles from Adra or Asansol.

Bullock Carts at Baranti (Boronti) Village

As one approaches Baranti (Boronti) past several rugged hills a blue line in the distant horizon slowly turns out to a huge lake, the Baranti (Boronti) Reservoir.

Baranti (Boronti) Reservoir is a man made lake formed by an embankment. Drive along the curved embankment to reach the village of Baranti (Boronti).

Check in at one of the resorts at Baranti (Boronti). After a quick bite head out to explore the village.

Take the meandering red mud road past the scattered beautifully painted mud houses of the Baranti (Boronti) village.

Cottages at a resort in Baranti (Boronti)

Get back to the resort and after a bath indulge yourself in a whole some meal of bhaat, dal and alu-posto. The last one is must have in Baranti (Boronti).

Evening is the perfect time to stroll along the embankment of the lake. Sunsets are spectacular as the fiery ball dips into the western shores of the lake, streaking the water and sky with a riot of colours.

The lake is a heaven for bird watchers and during winter (which is an ideal time to visit this pocket), several species of migratory birds can be spotted. Spring, too, is a good season, when the palash blooms, turning the entire region into a sea of red.

Baranti (Boronti) Lake

If you’re in the mood for solitude (or romance) then stick around to admire the natural splendour of the star-studded night sky. You can even spot the occasional meteorite, shooting through the entire length of the sky (giving you ample time to complete your wish).

Ancient temple at Garhpanchkot

Next morning head out for an excursion Garhpanchkot, Panchet Dam and Joychandi Hill.

Located at the base of the Panchet hill, Garhpanchkot offers a stunning landscapes.

It is not just the natural beauty that attracts tourist to Garhpanchkot but the scattered ruins dating back to 5th century are also a prime attraction of Garhpanchkot.

Ruined temples and fragmented portions of the forts are all that remains of the Garhpanchkot. The famous five pinnacled (pancha – ratna) temple, which suffered some damages few years ago, is being restored.

Semaphore Tower, Joychandi Hill

You can drive further across the Panchet Dam and although the scenery is breathtaking photography is an absolute no no.

Next stop is the towering rocky cliffs of the Joychandi Hill. The bare rock formation forms an amazing spectacle. The hill is crowned with a Chandi Temple.

The chief attraction of the Joychandi Hill is a steep ascent to the temple via a 480 step meandering staircase, which goes past a semaphore tower.

Semaphore, popularly known as visual telegraph or optical telegraph, was a most popular communication technology in the pre –  telegram days.

It is a system of conveying information by means of visual signals, using towers with pivoting shutters, also known as blades or paddles. The signals were observed from the next tower by means of telescope and relayed on to the next tower. More on Semaphore Tower.

The greatest attraction of the Jaichandi Hill top is the amazing views it offers and if you are lucky you can spot the train on the Adra – Asansol line meandering through the planes hundreds of feet below.

Rocky outcrops of Joychandi Hill

Finally its time to head back to Baranti and if you are short of time take the night train back to Kolkata from Adra but for the more leisurely traveller it is best to spend the second night in Baranti (Boronti) and take the morning train from Asansol.

Necessary Information:

Getting There: Adra and Asansol are the most preffered railheads. Cars to Baranti (Boronti) can be arranged from both the places. Fare aprox. Rs800

Places to stay and eat: Baranti (Boronti) has nine resorts with rooms and cottages. The resort serves basic but excellent food. Alu – posto is a must have. Room tariff is about Rs500 – 1200

Getting around: The village of Baranti and surrounding area is best explored on foot. For the excursion to Garhpacnkot, Panchet Dam and Jaichandi Hill a car is necessary. Fare about Rs1400