Jhargram is located in the south western part of West Bengal. Beyond the Gangetic plains of Bengal, Jhargram offers the most exotic undulating topography culminating in hill ranges of Belpahari, Kankrajhor in the North to the serene and meandering Subarnarekha River in the South. It is a paradise for nature lovers with bountiful forests of sal, teak, peasal and mahul, wild elephants, deer and birds in its vicinity. It is a favorite destination for people who love forests. The ancient temples, royal palaces, cultural feats of folk music and tribal dance, makes it an extremely attractive destination for tourists who enjoy discovering the unknown and unaffected beauty of nature in this area.
Historical Perspective
It is said that Emperor Akbar sent Man Singh here around 1592 AD. Sarveshwar Singh and his elder brother were appointed to defeat local tribals rulers namely Santhals, Bhumij and Lodhas etc. Sarveshwar Singh along with Rajput Military and Cavalry invaded deep forest of Junglekhand after defeating tribal Mallas and later set up kingdom with capital of Jhargram. Man Singh left his officers Sarveshwar Singh and elder brother here.
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| tourist places in Jhargram |
Younger brother Sarveshwar Malla Deb wanted to stay in Bengal and he was made Raja of Junglekhand and his elder brother made the Raja of Bhishnupur or Mallabhum. Henceforth the Malla Rajput rule established in Bengal and divided the state in two parts one is main capital of Bishnupur and other is Jhargram.
Places of
Interest
Jhargram is that location of nature
where natural and green Beauty of Jangal, verdant villages, hillock , river and
waterfall at the same place. Not only the picturesque beauty but also
gregarious people who inhabit this place will make the heart swell with
happiness. A number of birds including some of the rare and migratory birds can
be seen perched on these trees. The dense forests is home of many species like
bear, peacock, rabbits. The,Kangsabati,Subarnarekha , Dulung, Tarafeni, Jhargram Rajbari, Salboni, Hatiri, Belpahari,Tapabon, Khandarani as well as life and
culture of the tribal population gives the actual the actual feeling of
happiness of mind.
Culture & Heritage
Jhargram is the rich place of Folk
Culture. A unique cultural heritage developed here in the form of folk dance,
songs etc. centering different believes, rituals, social programs. Some of the
main folk dance and folk song of Jhargram are Bhuang Dance, Chang Dance, Chhou
Dance, Pata Dance, Langrae Dance, Ronpa, Jhumur Song, Bhadu Song, Tusu song.
Some of the main festivals of this area are Tusu Parab,Baha Parab, Karam Puja,
Bhadu Utsav, Badna Parab which bearing the cultural heritage of this area.
Different festivals, Folk Dance and folk songs which are tightly related to the
daily life makes this place unique.
TRIBAL ACTIVITIES
Jhargram is the store of tribal dances. The Santals, Mundas, Bhumijs, Lodhas and Sabars (aboriginal tribes) co - exist here. They express their social performances, religious rites and rituals through their dances. There are few rare tribal folk-dances: Bhuang, Chang, Chhou, Dangrey, Jhumur, Panta, Ranpa, Saharul, Tusu and Bhadu dances.
The folk dances, ancient temples, royal palaces and eco-tourism make Jhargram more attractive places for visitors.
Tourist Attractions
There are several tourist-attracting
places throughout the Sub-Division.
Jhargram Raj Palace:
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| sarveshwar singh |
JhargramRaj Palace is most important and precious attraction of Jhargram District. It
is a big and well decorated palace with unique architectural attraction. This
palace is the silent witness of huge historical incidents. This palace can be
seen in many popular films too.History of Jhargram Legend has it that around 1574.AD Man Singh had come to conquer Bengal on behalf of Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great from Rajasthan(Erstwhile Rajputana Kingdom). He appointed two of his loyal officers in the army,Sarveshwar Singh and his elder brother to defeat the local tribal rulers of the region known as Jungalkhand, the area was populated by Tribals known as Santhals, Mallas ,Bhumij and Lodhas.The area belonged to Malla Raja. Raja Sarveshwar Singh together with the Rajput Military force and Cavalry invaded the deep forest region known as Junglekhanda, and defeated the tribal rulers the Mallas and adopted the surname Malla Deb and set up his kingdom with it's capital naming it Jhargram. In order to commerate this victory every year an idol of Malla Raja is made and killed on Vijaya Dasami (Dessehra) day.
3 km from railway station on the outskirts of the town, the palace was built around a rectangular courtyard. The ground floor of the palace has now been turned to a hotel. Special permission is required to visit the entire palace. There are also temples of four-faced Shiva, Lokeswar, Bishnu and Manasa Devi.
Chilkigarh Rajbari, Chilkigarh:Located a distance of 12 Kms from Jhargram the Chikligarh Palace and the Durga Mandir are worth a visit. It is a historical place. Long wall around the Palace to protect from Borgi. It is the main tributary of the Subarnarekha. It originates in the north-west portion of the division near Dulungdiha (J.L.No. 100, P.S. : Binpur) and runs generally in a southern direction near the western boundary of the division till it enters Jamboni Police Station.
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| Chilkigarh Rajbari, Chilkigarh |
Royal Palace of Dhalbhum kings is at Chilkigarh after crossing Dulung river. The king participated in the fist mass revolt against the British. There are many deities in the palace premises. It is also famous for its Jangal Mahal Fort and temples. Inside the forest Kanak Durga Temple was built in Pit style. The deity with three eyes , four hands, riding on horseback is made of eight metals. Recently deity was looted by Bhaskar Pandit. The ancient deity of 300 years installed in the temple. It is said that human sacrifices used to be held here. At Navami night goat and buffalo sacrifies are made before Kanak Durga. It is an ideal picnic sport. Accommodation is also available here.
Kanak Durga Temple: Visit to Kanak Durga Temple gives a thrilling experience of natural beauty. It is about 14 km away from Jhargram town. The century-old temple is located in the forest beside a small charming river named Dulung. Several uncommon species of trees, birds and monkeys can see here. There’s a spot called Kendua on the way to Kanak Durga. Migratory birds visit the area in winter. A half an hour visit through the dense forest gives a charming experience.
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| Kanak Durga Temple |
Deer Park (Jungal Mahal zoological Park): This
small zoo and about 2 km from the town. This Zoological Park was opened by the
state forest department. Deers, snakes, crocodiles, black rabbit, wolf,
peacocks, bears, and various types of monkeys and several varieties of trees
can see here. It is a good place to visit with children.There are snakes, bears, black rabbits, bears, crocodiles and various kinds of monkeys and trees.
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| Deer Park |
Forest turns the jungle into little Zoo in this area. Different types of wild animals and birds here. Near about 1000 Deers. It is also known as Jhargram Mini Zoo.
The display, care and awareness are such level to promote conservation of wildlife. Junglemahal Zoological Park will endeavour to breed the endangered species for display, exchange & rehabilitation in the wild. As such the flora & fauna exist in their natural pristine glory unhindered and unaffected. The Junglemahal Zoological Park will be 'Showcase' of rich biodiversity of Lateritic eco-systems of the State of West Bengal. At present Park has 147 Nos. Mammals, 65 Nos. Birds, 147 Nos. Reptiles. The total area of Park is 21.54 hactre.
Savitri Temple: The temple is about 350-year-old. The stone idol
of Savitri Devi is being worshipped by Molladev Royal family for several
centuries. A big pond behind the temple gives a nice cynic beauty.
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| Savitri Temple |
Kendua (to see migrating birds): Many migrating birds gather here and staying here for a couple of months, lay their eggs and fly away. It is located between Chilkigarh and Jhargram. It is 9kms away from Jhargram town and situated on the way to Chilkigarh. Migrating birds come here in the month of May, presence of these birds indicate monsoons ahead. By mid November they fly away for once again to return back in Kendua.
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| jhilli lake kendua |
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| kendua bird forest |
Kakrajhore Forest: It is 8 km away from
Gadrasini hill at the lap of Singlohor hill. Hidden beauty of mountains and
forest welcoming every one. This a ideal place for to Jungle lovers &
trekkers. Moyurjharna is very close to Kankrajhore. Here the nature explore
herself will all beauty.It is a trekking wonderland in the tropical, hilly forestlands of Midnapur. 'Kankra' means missing while and 'Jhor' means jungles and forests. Kankrajhor comprises 9,000 hectares of hardwood trees including kusum, shaal, segun or teak, mahua and akashmani. Cashew nuts, coffee and oranges are cultivated at Kankrajhor.
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| Kakrajhore Forest |
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| Kakrajhore Forest |
Rohini: This is a historical village situated on the bank of Dulung River. Birthplace
of famous Vaishnav saint Rashikanandaji Maharaj. Now it is visiting spot.
Hatibari Forest Bungalow: It is
about 22 km from Gopiballavpur. This place has the real attraction of forest.
Towering trees stand in pin-drop silence as sunlight filters through the leaves
creating shadows in on the ground. The serene ambience of the river and the
forest will make every one speechless. The River Subarnarekha surrounded by
forest on both sides.
Jhilli Pakhiraloy (Jhilli lake): It is about
22 km away from Gopiballavpur. The huge water body in the forest gives a great
cynic beauty. A huge numbers of migratory birds visit the area in winter.
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| jhilli lake |
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| jhilli lake |
Ghagra Water Falls, Belpahari:
Ghagra is about 7 km north from Belpahari. It is
actually a waterfall passing through a canyon of black stone. The word “Ghagra”
came from the word “gagra” which means a Kalash filledup with water. Actually
the shape of the canyon is like a kalash. Tharafeni dam is very closed to
Ghagra.
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| Ghagra Water Falls, Belpahari |
Bandarvula Tribal
Interpretation Centre: It a museum created by the state
government with a focus on rich tribal art and culture. The Tribal
Interpretation Centre is inside shal forest and about 1 km from Jhargram town.
There is some cottage for the tourist and a open stage for cultural programmes
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Tapoban
Forest:It is about
7km away from Rameshwar temple. The place is on the bank of Subarnarekha River.
This forest land is considered the most holiest among the local from the
ancient time. It is believed that this place was the ‘Ashrama” of great Balmiki
of Ramayana. One can visit Lob-kush mandir, Sita kunda, Sita nala here.
Rameswar
Temple:The
Rameshwar temple is located beside the Subarnarekha river. Rameshwar is about
65 kms away from Jhargram. Local; people believes that Sita requested Ram
memory to construct the temple of Lord Shiva and the temple constructed with
assistance of Vishwakarma. The temple is of ideal combination of architecture
and science. It has no window but Sunlight comes inside the temple.
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| Rameswar Temple jhargram |
Gadrasini
Hill: This hill
situated about 6 Km away from Khandarani Dam with appealing beauty of nature.
There is a temple at the top of the hill at the 300 meter height. Here the
nature is very calm with hill, trees, birds and flowers.
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| Gadrasini hill & Khandarani Dam |
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| Khandarani Dam |
Khandarani Dam: Khandarani Dam snuggled
in the lap of pristine nature.It is the place where myriad-faceted nature comes
in its fullest magnificence. Here the lake meets with captivating forests as
well as mountains. The multi-colored migratory birds spend their winter here.
The beauty of nature spreads in everywhere around Khandarani Dam Area.
Laljal Cave:It is about 68 Km away from the city of Jhargram. The clean road through the forest gives the pleasure for eyes. The last 3 km of the journey through the red-dirt road on a rocky hill. The place witness remains a place of ancient civilization. The cave is at the high of 200 meters with black stones . It is believed that it was the living place of primitive cave man about 5000 years ago. Some fossils found here by archaeological excavation which are preserved in museum. Water is mixed with Copper and iron. Local people say because of the red color of the water in the name of the area is laljal.
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| Laljal Cave |
Rabindra Park
Sitala Mandir, Chandipur
Jungle Mahal
Medical Plants Garden (Kalaboni)
Dherua (for the banks of Kansai river)
Sevayatan is known for Kechenda Bandh (lake) & surrounding forests
Tribal Museum
Alampur
Labels: India, jhargram, tourism, West Bengal
