Mukutmanipur
If you are bored with the monotonous lifestyle, it’s high time to set out with your backpack and explore a new place. When it is about getting rid of the daily chores and living in the heart of nature, Mukutmanipur is a great destination for you.
This is a small town located in the Bankura district of West Bengal is a place where you can find the confluence of Kumari and Kangsabati Rivers. Located near the Jharkhand border, this place has become a weekend destination, this small town has become a famous tourist destination. It has the next biggest dams in India and which is one of the prime tourist attractions.
The lush greenery of the location and hillocks are like a dream for people. The natural magnificence is the well recognized among the travelers. The still water of the dam appears like a natural mirror painted with blue color reflecting the amazing blue sky. The lake stretches as far as your eyes reach and beyond that. Moreover, the sunrise and sunset resemble the place like heaven.
Even when this place has not many attractions, yet the beauty of the few places attracts visitors from the corners.
Top 4 Major Tourist Attractions in Mukurmanipur:
Parasnath Hills
This is one of the prime attractions of the place, which falls within the Giridh district is named after Jains 23rd Tirthankara. This is a known Jain pilgrimage center along with visitors’ destinations. Not only the Jains but also people from different walks of life frequently visit this destination.
As per the locals and ancient history, it is said that 20 from 24 Teerthankars have achieved the deliverance from the highest peak present in this range which is Sammet Sikhar. There are more than 20 temples present in this destination and from which some are over 2000 years old.
Kangsabati Dam
This is the major attraction of this place and which is why Mukutmanipur gets thousands of visitors coming from the corners of the nation throughout the year. The dam was built back in 1956 on the infamous Kangsabati River. Undoubtedly, the view is breathtaking throughout the year and during the sunset and the blue colored water with the sun setting on its background looks picturesque.
You can go for a long drive on the road running by the dam and spend a romantic time with your beloved ones.
Ambikanagar
This is another popular destination among the tourists which is located 55kms away from Bankura. This place is popular for the Jain pilgrimage and attracts visitors from the corners of the nation. This is an ancient city which is located by the river popular for the tribal culture and population.
Undoubtedly the religious placed are worth having a look, but the handicrafts available here are made from grass and bamboo. These are handmade and hence have unique look and is worth spending money on.
Deer Park
If you are an animal lover, this is a great place for you. This famous Bankupuria deer park is located in the mid of Mukutmanipur dam. Such a unique forest receives a lot of appreciation from the travelers. You can also avail a boat ride to reach the dam. Once you reach the place, you can hire any motor rickshaw or walk in order to cover the place. It is said that there are over 40 deer in the park. Moreover, the greenery of the place adds to its natural splendid. If you are lucky, you might find different species of birds and eagles here.
It is a great spot for the kids and adults at the same time. The greenery of this spot mesmerizes you, the deer will amaze you and the serenity will keep your mind calm throughout.
Best time to visit Mukutmanipur
Monsoon is said to be a great time to visit the place and pleasant for the visitors. However, some of the places remain closed during heavy rainfall. This is the reason why the best time to visit the place is in winters when the entire town is surrounded with green.
Spending time amidst the serenity is enough to let your stress go away. Mukutmanipur is a great weekend destination that can ensure a romantic long drive by the riverside, family time in the deer park and famous pilgrim places for the seniors.
So just get your ticket booked and set out for a great weekend.
How to Reach Mukutmanipur
By Road: Mukutmanipur is well connected with nearby cities by road. Private and state buses run very frequently between neighboring towns (Bankura, Medinipore, Kharagpur, Purulia, Jamshedpur of Jharkhand) and Mukutmanipur. You can hire a taxi or cab also to reach Mukutmanipur.
It is also directly accessible from Kolkata by road. There have three routes between Kolkata and Mukutmanipur. The shorter route is about 222 km journey via Tarakeswar, Arambag, Bishnupur, and Bankura. The second route is about 228 km road distance via Medinipur and Goaltore. And the third route is about 270 km journey via Dankuni, Bardhaman, Durgapur, and Bankura, which is about 48 km extra journey but the road condition is much better to compare with the shorter route. You can travel by bus also from Kolkata (Dharmatala or Esplanade) to Mukutmanipur.
By Rail: Bankura is the nearby railway station to Mukutmanipur. You can board a train which has a stop at Bankura. From Kolkata you can catch Rupashi Bangla Express at 6:25 am from Santragachi, Rajya Rani Express (UnReserved) at 6:30 am, Aranyak Express at 7:45 am from Shalimar, Howrah - Purulia SF Express at 4:50 pm, Rani Shiromoni Fast Passenger (UnReserved) at 5:45 pm, Howrah - Chakradharpur Fast Passenger at 11:05 pm, Howrah - Bokaro Steel City Fast Passenger at 11:05 pm from Howrah to reach Bankura.
It is 50 km road distance between Bankura and Mukutmanipur and it will take 1 hour 15 minutes journey by car. Regular bus services are also available to reach Mukutmanipur from Bankura.
By Air: Dumdum Airport at Kolkata is the nearest airport to Mukutmanipur.