Jhilimili is an enchanting offbeat destination situated amongst nature in the district of Bankura in West Bengal. It is basically situated at the border of Purulia, Bankura, and Medinipur districts and is about 70 km from the main town of Bankura.
The place also goes by the name ‘Darjeeling of South Bengal,’ which is justified due to the presence of such admirable nature and the landscape views. ‘Jhilimili’ translates to sparkling in the Bengali language; this is exactly how the setting looks. The seeping sun rays through the gaps of the dense woodland turn it mystical.
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In Jhilimili, you can witness beautiful green forests with narrow vermillion-colored paths traversing through them. The breathtaking beauty and the pleasant weather of the place make Jhilimil peaceful and a perfect weekend destination.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about Jhilimili,
Let’s explore the points in detail.
How to reach Jhilimili
Jhilimili is well accessible by air, road, and rail route.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Bankura is Durgapur Airport.
Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is approximately 212 kilometers away is also a good option.
You can then take a taxi, bus, or rail to Bankura town. To reach Jhilimili, take a cab or a bus from Bankura.
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By Train:
Bankura is 233 kilometers from Kolkata via rail. Trains from Kolkata are available daily. To reach Jhilimili, take a cab or a bus from Bankura Railway Station.
By Car:
Bankura is well connected by road to Kolkata and other regions of the state, including Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan, Panagarh, etc. To get to Jhilimili, take a cab or a bus from Bankura Town.
The natural beauty of Jhilimili
Jhilimili, situated on a hillock offers travelers to view of the beauty of surreal nature. Located in the Katra subdivision in Bankura the tourist destination has large dense thick forests with tall trees. Sunlight does not enter the thick forest covers in some areas and these places remain dark and mysterious even during the daytime.
The beautiful Kangsabati River flows through the woods and gives this place an iconic touch. The charming atmosphere and the scintillating gentle breeze from Kangsabati will make you fall in love with this place.
The red lateral soil and the micaceous earth make this place more colorful and alluring. There are a few watch towers that offer you amazing 360-degree views of the surroundings. During the winter you can witness elephants descending from the foothills of Dalma hills.
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If you are traveling from Raiganj to Jhilimili you can experience a beautiful experience with forests on both sides of the route.
You can also visit the Sutan forests which are 45 km away from Mukutmanipur and 70 km away from Bankura town. Both Jhilimili and Sultan forests together are known as the “Baro mile er jungle,” which means 12 miles of forest land.
Things to do in Jhilimili
- When you reach Jhilimili, the first thing you can do is take a long breath and fill your lungs with fresh forest air.
- Walk the forested roads and indulge in adoring the spectacular natural beauty. Winter mornings give an illusion of the hilly terrain.
- You can go for a hike through the giant groves of Shimul, Mahua, and Saal offer you breathtaking views of the landscapes and a sense of peacefulness.
- Stay there for a night to enjoy the experience that the woods have to offer. Jhilimili is definitely a place where you must stay to know it.
- Next, you can savor some local Tele Bhaja that is available if you walk a bit towards the market.
- If you are visiting during the weekdays, you will get to see the everyday life of the children and people there. Small schools are there where the kids sit together and study. Vegetable markets are set up, taking a small area, and this is fun to look and be at.
- When you are done venturing the locality, drive to the Talberia dam. Stand there and soak in the mesmerizing view.
- Also, visit Sutan Lake which is within a 7 km range of Jhilimili. Near the lake, you can view different species of flora and fauna and colorful seasonal birds.
- If you are lucky enough you may have a golden glimpse of the vibrant colored peacocks and butterflies.
- Go for boating on the huge waterbody and let your body sway with the cool breeze of the atmosphere.
- Do not miss out on the local food, as they are simple yet mouth-watering.
- Have a picnic at the picnic spots along the banks of the Kangsabati River.
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Best Time to Visit Jhilimili
The best time to visit Jhilimili is during the monsoons, springs, and winter (October to March). This is because during this time, the weather is pleasant and the trees are flooded with wonderful blossoms.
During the monsoon, the forests and nature wear a green robe and the scenery looks spectacular. You can walk along paths through the forests and see a variety of birds. During winter you can see the mist-covered mountains which make nature look more marvelous.
Summers in Jhilimili are not so comforting although a mild breeze continues to blow during the evenings.
I would recommend you visit Jhilimili during mid-January because of the yearly ‘Tusu’ festival, which is also a big attraction in the region. It is one of the most important events hosted in Jhilimili.
Tusu Parab is a festival celebrated by the tribes on the auspicious day Makar Sankranti, to honor Goddess Tusu. The festival is held on the banks of the Kangsabati River. Tribals from all over West Bengal come to sell their wares and enjoy the music and dance celebrations. The cheerful clamor of people singing and dancing, along with the bustle of the market, transforms this quiet natural beauty into a hive of movement and color.
Places to stay in Jhilimili
Rimil Ecotourism Center, located in Rimil near Jhilimili is an ideal place to stay. This government guest house is rented out on a private basis. The location is excellent for staying amidst the green forests. This place has a rural vibe around it. There are also various indigenous settlements near the resort.
The resort is located in the heart of the forest and overlooks the breathtaking scenery of this attraction. The staff is very friendly, and there is delicious food available in the lodge, but the prices are a bit high.
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Hotel Aparajita, Ahla Lodge, Hotel Amrapali, Peerless Resort, Sonajhuri Prakriti Bhraman Kendra, Charulata Resort, and Charulata Panchapally Tourist Complex are among the other similar hotels and lodges in Jhilimili.
There are many restaurants near Jhilimili where you can get quality meals.
Other attractions near Jhilimili
There are many destinations near Jhilimili where you can experience the serenity of nature too.
These places include the Mukutmanipur Dam, Musafirana Viewpoint, Kangsabati Dam, and Sutan Watchtower.
Don’t forget to click the lovely pictures of these exquisite tourist attractions.
Jhilimili and the other neighboring tourist destinations are the treasures of Bankura. The breathable beauty will be perfect for you if you love nature and all its elements in raw form.
Plan a trip and dive into an exceptional adventure. Relish the wilderness and look through a rustic canvas with many friendly locals. Get to spend an ideal weekend with friends or family and unwind yourself.
Other places to visit in West Bengal
- Ramdhura (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Daragaon, Burmaik (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Ghurni – Exploring Krishnanagar’s Hidden Gem And Its Clay Dolls
- Mim Tea Garden (Darjeeling) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Bandel Church (Hooghly) | The Basilica of the Holy Rosary
- Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) – 5 Things To Know
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