Garpanchkot, also known as Garh Panchkot, is a scenic destination in the Purulia district of West Bengal that attracts tourists with its green hills, natural beauty, and historical heritage.
Situated at the base of the Panchkot Hills, Garpanchkot offers a glimpse of the ancient Panchkot kingdom that flourished here centuries ago. You can explore the ruins of the old fort, temples, and palaces that dot the landscape, or enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding forests, lakes, and waterfalls.
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The drive through nature towards the place offers you relaxation, away from urban life.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about Garpanchkot,
So let’s explore these points in detail.
How to reach Garpanchkot
| Kolkata to Garpanchkot distance | 250 kilometers |
| Asansol to Garpanchkot distance | 32 kilometers |
Garpanchkot is a scenic destination that can be reached from Kolkata in less than six hours. You have three options to travel there: by car, by bus, or by train.
By Car:
The most convenient way to reach Garpanchkot by road is to hire a private cab from Kolkata. You can also take your own car The journey will take about five hours via the NH19 or the Durgapur Expressway. The distance is around 250 km.
By Train:
Another option is to take a train from Howrah to Kumardubi Station or Asansol Station, which are the nearest railway stations to Garpanchkot. You can choose from several trains, such as the Black Diamond Express, the Shaktipunj Express, or the CoalField Express.
From the station, you can rent a car and drive to Garpanchkot. The cab fare may vary from 600 to 1000 INR depending on the type and size of the vehicle.
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By Bus:
You can take a Volvo or SBSTC bus from Esplanade to Asansol, which is the nearest city to Garpanchkot. From Asansol, you can hire a cab or take a local bus to Garpanchkot.
History of Garpanchkot
Garpanchkot is a historical site that traces its origins to the Singh Deo Dynasty, which ruled over the region in the 16th century AD. The name, Garpanchkot, derives from the word “Garh”, meaning fort, and the hill where the fort was built, called Panchkot or Panchet. The king of Kashipur, a nearby place, constructed a temple on the hilltop. The hill covers an area of 18 sq km and rises to a height of 2100 feet.
Today, only the ruins of the entire kingdom stand as the scattered terracotta temples on the Southern Panchkot foothills, as the fort was destroyed by the combined forces of the Marathas and the Mughals in a fierce battle. Garpanchkot is a place of unforgettable beauty and historical significance.
Things to do in Garpanchkot
Garpanchkot is a hidden gem in West Bengal that offers you the perfect holiday vibes. You can travel to this amazing place during the weekends to enjoy the scenic beauty and the splendid landscape of the Panchkot Hills.
You can explore the rich history and culture of the place by visiting the terracotta temples that showcase different architectural styles, such as Pancha Ratna, Jor-Bangla, and Pirha. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the Panchet Dam nearby.
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Garpanchkot is a paradise for nature lovers, as you can walk through the dense forests of Tamal, Sal, Palash, and Sonajhuri, and listen to the chirping of the birds. It is also a romantic place for couples, as you can spend some quality time with your partner in this serene and peaceful abode.
The ruins of the ancient fort of Garh Panchkot is another prominent attraction of Garpanchkot. The fort was built during the 7th century and is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. You can explore the fort and admire its architecture and history.
If you are looking for some adventure, you can also trek up to Panchkot Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The hill is covered with tropical trees and looks lush green in monsoon. You can also indulge in rock climbing, rappelling, and other activities on the hill.
At Garpanchkot, you can also chat with the local people to understand their culture, stories, and history woven in Garpanchkot. You will surely forget all your worries and stress through relaxation, in this ultimate green abode.
Therefore the temple ruins, springs, woods, towering Panchet Hills, and the Panchet Lake altogether make this place a perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata.
Best time to visit Garpanchkot
The best time to visit Garpanchkot is in the months of November – March when the weather is pleasant and the nature is vibrant. The place is located at a higher altitude than sea level, which makes it cooler than the surrounding plains. The average temperature ranges from 3°C in winter to 45°C in summer.
Summer can be very hot and uncomfortable, so it is advisable to avoid visiting Garpanchkot during this season.
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The monsoon season brings out the lush greenery and the rolling clouds of Garpanchkot, creating a dreamy landscape. The place looks even more enchanting during the spring season when it is adorned with aromatic flowers and colorful blossoms of Paalash, Krishna Chura, and Simul trees.
If you want to experience the mystical charm of Garpanchkot, I would recommend you visit during the spring or winter seasons, when you can enjoy the fresh air and the stunning views of the valleys.
Places to stay at Garpanchokot
There are many hotels and resorts in Garpanchkot. They are a perfect place to stay amidst the beautiful nature and hills.
The Panchet Residency is one such eco-friendly resort. Located at the foothills of Panchkot Hill, the resort provides all the luxury amenities along with green lawns, hill views, generators, air-conditioned rooms, and parking lots.
There are luxury cottages called the Banjara Huts, and village Telkupi. They are well maintained with western bathrooms, hot water geysers, refrigerators, comfy beds, and TVs. There are spacious dining halls along with deluxe and suite rooms. Tour guides are also available. The hotel staff is from the nearby villages and they are well-behaved as well.
There are other resorts such as the WBFDC Resort which have all the facilities, TV, AC and other canteen facilities.
What to eat at Garpanchokot
The hotels in Garpanchkot serve simple Bengali cuisines like rice, fish curry, or Bengali Macher Jhol with other side dishes like potato fry, and dal. They serve both lunch and dinner.
At dinner, they generally serve chicken curry and roti. Charges are minimal, about 100-120 INR.
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Other attractions near Garpanchkot
There are many attractions near Gar Panchkot and the spectacular views of these places can comfort your eyes and soul.
Some well-known attractions near Garpanchkot are,
| Attraction | Distance from Garpanchkot |
|---|---|
| Joychondi Pahar | 20 kilometers |
| Panchet Dam | 15 kilometers |
| Maithon Dam | 33 kilometers |
| Kalyaneshwari Temple | 28 kilometers |
| Baranti | 12 kilometers |
These are some points you must know about Garpanchkot.
This is a beautiful and iconic destination in West Bengal that you can visit all around the year. The appealing place is ideal for a weekend destination with your friends and family.
The real beauty lies in the serenity of the place.
Cover Pic: Skasish, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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