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Belpahari, Jhargram: Weekend Trip – Places to Stay & Visit

Belpahari is a small village located in the Jhargram district of West Bengal. It is a famous offbeat weekend getaway near Kolkata.

If you can’t make time for a long holiday tour in the mountains, just pack your bags and plan a beautiful weekend trip to Belpahari. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and for those who want to explore the rural life of West Bengal.

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This amazing tourist spot is still unknown to many. The perfect blend of forest and hills in the area, add new feathers to the tourist map of Jhargram. The hill-water-forest flavors of nature will make your trip a relaxing one.

In this article, you will get to know the following details about Belpahari,

  1. Location
  2. How to reach
  3. What to see
  4. Things to do
  5. Best Time to Visit
  6. Places to stay
  7. Nearby attractions

So let’s explore the place in detail.

Location of Belpahari, Jhargram

Jhargram to Belpahari distance35 kilometers
Kolkata to Belpahari distance200 kilometers
Kharagpur to Belpahari distance70 kilometers
Midnapore to Belpahari distance70 kilometers

Belpahari lies at the foot of the Dalma Mountains, which are part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It is well connected to both Jhargram and Kolkata.

How to reach Belpahari

Belpahari is well connected to Kolkata and can be reached by car, bus, and train.

By Car:

If you are planning to travel by road, you can take your own car or hire a cab from Kolkata to Jhragram. The approximate travel time in a private car is 4 hours. From Kolkata, you can reach Jhargram via NH6. The distance between Kolkata to Jhargram is 178 km by road. The cabs might charge 4000 INR- 6000 INR/-.

You can then take the SH 5 to reach Belpahari from Jhargram. It will take you about an hour to reach.

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By Bus:

Buses are also available from Kolkata to Jhargram. You can get SBSTC buses from Esplanade. From Jhargram, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep or local bus to reach Belpahari.

By Train:

You can also travel to Jhargram via train. I would recommend you travel via train, as it is the fastest and cheapest way to reach your destination. You can avail of any local train from Howrah junction to Jhargram station. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Jhargram station from Howrah Junction.

You can also take a train up to Kharagpur Junction and then hire a cab or get on a local bus to Jhargram. It will take about an hour to reach Jhargram from Kharagpur.

You can then hire a taxi or take a shared jeep or local bus to reach Belpahari from Jhargram.

The nearest Airports to Belpahari are Kolkata Airport and Durgapur Airport in case you are planning to reach by plane.

What to see in Belpahari

Beautiful road through forest in Jhargram

Belpahari is one of the scenic tourist destinations in the Jhargram district, where you can enjoy spectacular views of hills, water, and forests. This small hamlet boasts a pristine forest of eucalyptus trees that is ideal for relaxing weekend trips amidst nature or for some adventure.

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The forest is home to various species of trees, such as Shawl, Mahua, Piyal, Sonajhuri, Shirish, and Eucalyptus, that create a captivating landscape. The forest also offers a serene atmosphere, with the cool shade of the trees and the nearby water reservoirs providing a refreshing escape.

If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and history of Belpahari, you can read the famous novel “Aranyaka” by Bibhutibhushan Bandhopadhyay, which depicts the simple life of the people here, as well as the villages, hamlets, springs, and jungles.

Things to do in Belpahari

There are a lot of things that you can do in Belpahari and its surrounding areas such as,

1. Experience the Ghagra Waterfalls

The Ghagra Waterfalls are one of the most popular attractions in Jhargram and are situated close to Belpahari. The waterfall offers a spectacular sight, as they cascade down from a height of about 20 meters. Make sure to add this place as part of your Belpahari sightseeing.

The waterfall is also a famous picnic spot in the area, where you can have fun with your friends and family.

2. Trek the Garrasini Hill

If you are looking for a challenge, you can try trekking up Garrasini Hill, which is quite steep and rugged.

The reward is a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surroundings from the top of the hill, where you can see the colorful rocks that sparkle in the sunlight. The red, yellow, and white hues of the stones resemble the Uluru Mountains of Australia. You can also visit a cave temple dedicated to a goddess and an ashram at Garrasini.

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The hill is about 8 km from Belpahari, and you can reach it by going through the village of Gohalberya and then following a jungle path for a few hundred meters.

3. Admire the Khandharani Dam

Another scenic spot near Belpahari is the Khandharani Dam, which is a large reservoir filled with clear blue water. You can trek to the dam and marvel at its beauty along with the hills and forests that border it. The dam is a perfect place to relax and experience nature.

4. Take a walk

You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the black pitch path that runs through the small village of Aguibil, 8-10 km away. You can visit this place during your Belpahari sightseeing. As you stroll through the village, you can admire the stunning views of the hills, the forests, and vast reservoirs on both sides of the village: the Garrasini Dam on one side and the Khandharani Dam on the other.

Best time to visit Belpahari

The best time to visit Belpahari is during the spring and winter seasons when the natural beauty is at its peak.

In winter, the mountains are covered with a misty veil that creates a heavenly atmosphere. The low-lying villages are enveloped by fog in the early morning hours, adding to the charm of the landscape.

In spring, the hills and the settlements are adorned with infinite green, yellow, and red shades of shawls, Kendur, Behera, and Mahua. The region is rich in Mahuya trees, which fill the air with their fragrant scent from the beginning of spring.

Places to stay and eat in Belpahari

There are many beautiful guest houses and homestays in Belpahari where you can stay during your trip.

One of them is the Belpahari Guest House, where you will receive a warm welcome from the friendly and helpful staff. They can also help you arrange a car for your trip to the Belpahari Jungle and other local attractions. You can enjoy some extra benefits here, such as a night safari, a bonfire, and many more.

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Another popular place to stay is the Belpahari Forest Bungalow, a nature resort that is maintained and operated by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL). The bungalow offers comfortable and cozy accommodation with all the amenities and facilities you need. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings, the wildlife, and the tribal culture of the region.

Some other accommodations are Atithi Niwas, Oasis Homestay, and Aranya Sundar Guest House.

These places will also provide you with delicious and authentic rural food that will make your stay more enjoyable. You will appreciate the cordial behavior of the staff and the homely atmosphere of these places.

The resorts and homestays will charge you between Rs.1000-3500 per night.

Other attractions near Belpahari

The Jhargram district has numerous other attractions located close to Belpahari.

AttractionDistance from Belpahari
Jhilimili28 kilometers
Mukutmanipur53 kilometers
Kanaishwar Hill11 kilometers
Ghatshila45 kilometers
Jhargram Raj Palace40 kilometers

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These are some things to know about Belpahari in Jhargram.

It is a perfect destination for a relaxing and refreshing getaway. You can enjoy the beauty of this place in any season, as the climate is always mild and pleasant among the hills and forests. The nights are cozy and cool, ideal for a good sleep.

So, why wait? Grab your bags and head to this amazing location on the weekends. And don’t forget to bring your cameras along. You will surely want to capture some stunning pictures with the mountains, reservoirs, and forests as your backdrop!


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