Purulia

The Land of Hills & Heritage

Purulia is a beautiful district in the western part of West Bengal. It is known for its hills, forests, and ancient temples. The place reflects Bengal’s rural charm and tribal culture.Often called the “Gateway to the Chotanagpur Plateau,” Purulia is full of natural beauty and heritage. Green hills, clear lakes, and peaceful villages make it a calm and refreshing destination.

The famous Chhau dance brings colour and energy to the land, while old terracotta temples tell stories from Bengal’s past.For travellers who love nature, tradition, and quiet surroundings, Purulia is a perfect getaway — simple, soulful, and full of life.If you want a customized Purulia tour or travel package, please contact us and we will make your trip peaceful and memorable experience.

About Purulia

Purulia lies in the westernmost part of West Bengal and shares its border with Jharkhand. It is a land of red soil, sal forests, and small, gentle hills. The Ajodhya Hills and the Kangsabati River shape its beautiful landscape. The region has a long and rich history. In ancient times, it was part of the Mahajanapada called Vajra Bhumi. Later, it came under the rule of the Maurya, Gupta, and Malla kings of Bishnupur. Their legacy still lives on in the temples, sculptures, and traditional art found here. Purulia is simple and peaceful. The villages are quiet, and the people are kind and welcoming. Most locals depend on farming, handicrafts, and folk art for their livelihood. Tribal groups like the Santhals, Bhumijs, and Kurmis live close to nature. They preserve their age-old customs, songs, and dances with pride.

The district is also famous for Chhau Dance — a vibrant masked dance that blends martial arts, drama, and music. It is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

If you are looking for a trip to Purulia, we can organize customized tours and travels based on your travel preferences.

Best Time to Visit Purulia

The best time to visit Purulia is October to March.
The weather remains cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring villages.
During summer (April–June), the region gets hot and dry.
The monsoon season (July–September) brings greenery and fresh waterfalls but also makes travel a bit difficult due to muddy roads.

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Purulia

Cheliama

Cheliama is a heritage village about 45 km from Purulia city. It is one of the oldest villages in the region and holds great historical value. The village is famous for its ancient Jain temples and terracotta carvings that date back to the 9th century.

Joychandi Pahar

Joychandi Pahar is a beautiful hill near Raghunathpur, about 45 km from Purulia city. It is a popular place for rock climbing and hiking. At the top of the hill stands a temple of Goddess Chandi, offering a wide and lovely view of the plains below.

Saheb Bandh

Saheb Bandh is a beautiful lake located in the centre of Purulia city itself. It was built in the 19th century and is one of the main attractions of the town. Every winter, many migratory birds visit the lake, making it a lovely spot for birdwatchers .

Baranti

Baranti is a quiet and beautiful village surrounded by hills, forests, and a peaceful lake and this is about 70 km from Purulia city. A small dam across Muradi Lake adds to its charm and beauty. The village is known for its calm surroundings, colourful sunsets, and simple rural life.

Kashipur Rajbari

Kashipur Rajbari is a historic palace located about 40 km from Purulia town. It was once the residence of the rulers of the Kashipur estate, who played an important role in the region’s history. The old palace still reflects the royal charm and architectural style of Bengal’s past. Nearby, visitors can see ancient temples and ruins that display a blend of Hindu and Jain art.

Deulghata

Deulghata is a historic temple site located about 35 km from Purulia town, on the banks of the Kangsabati River. It is famous for its ancient terracotta temples built between the 9th and 11th centuries. Only a few temple towers remain today, but the place still shows the beauty of Bengal’s old temple art.

Muruguma Dam

Muruguma Dam is a quiet and scenic reservoir located around 50 km from Purulia town, close to the Ajodhya Hills. It is surrounded by green hills, forests, and small villages.

Upper Dam and Lower Dam

Upper Dam and Lower Dam are two scenic reservoirs located near Baghmundi, about 75 km from Purulia town, in the heart of the Ajodhya Hills. The calm blue water, forested hills, and gentle breeze make these places perfect for picnics and quiet nature walks.

Charida Village

Charida, also known as the “Mask Village” of Bengal, is located near Baghmundi, about 65 km from Purulia city. This village is famous for its handcrafted Chhau dance masks, made by skilled local artisans. Visitors can watch the mask makers at work and buy colourful masks as souvenirs. It’s a lovely place to experience Purulia’s living folk art and traditions up close.

Panchet Dam

Panchet Dam is built on the Damodar River, near the Jharkhand border. The vast reservoir, green hills, and open sky make it a peaceful spot for a day trip or picnic. It is located about 65 km from Purulia town.

Top Things to Do in Purulia

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Trek through Ajodhya Hills and enjoy the scenic waterfalls and forest trails.

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Watch a Chhau dance performance and feel the rhythm of Purulia’s tribal culture.

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Visit Charida Village to see how colourful Chhau masks are made by hand.

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Explore the ancient temples of Deulghata and Cheliama, rich in terracotta art.

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Relax by Saheb Bandh or Baranti Lake and enjoy peaceful sunsets.

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Take short drives through red-earth villages and sal forests to experience rural Bengal.

How To Reach Purulia?

By Air :

The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi and it is about 150 km away and it will take 3- 4 hrs drive. Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is around 280 km away and it will take 7-8 hrs drive.

By Train :

Purulia is well-connected by train. Regular trains run from Howrah, Asansol, and Ranchi to Purulia Junction.

By Road :

Purulia is connected by good roads to Kolkata, Durgapur, Asansol, and Ranchi.

Things To Know Before Visiting Purulia

Accommodation

Hotels and lodges are available in Purulia town, Baranti, Ajodhya Hills, and Raghunathpur.
Most of these are basic to mid-range properties that primarily cater to domestic travellers. While they offer decent comfort and hospitality for the domestic tourists, international travellers should keep their expectations low.

Weather

Purulia has a dry climate. Summers (April–June) are very hot with temperatures around 40°C.
Monsoon (July–September) brings good rain and greenery.
Winters (October–February) are cool and pleasant, perfect for travel.

Footwear

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring hills and temples (remove the shoes while visiting the temples).
For short walks or lakeside visits, sandals or sneakers are fine. If you plan trekking, carry a sturdy pair of shoes with grip.

Language

Bengali is the main language. Hindi is also spoken in most towns and villages. English is understood in hotels and by local guides. Learning a few Bengali or Hindi words adds warmth while speaking with locals.

If you don’t speak Hindi/Bengali, an accompanying English speaking guide is recommended.

Connectivity

Mobile networks are good in towns like Purulia, Raghunathpur, and Baranti. In the hills and remote villages, the signal may be weak. Internet access is available in hotels and lodges but not everywhere.

Health Precautions

Carry bottled or filtered water. Apply mosquito repellent, especially near forested areas.
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for daytime outings. Keep basic medicines handy since pharmacies are limited in remote areas.

Local Etiquette

Dress modestly, especially while visiting villages and temples. Ask before taking photos of people or tribal performances.
Respect local customs and traditions. In tribal areas, be polite and avoid loud behaviour.

Cash & Payments

ATMs are available in major towns like Purulia, Raghunathpur, and Balarampur. Small villages may not have ATMs or card facilities. Carry enough cash, especially small denominations, for local markets or small shops.

Essential items to pack: Please remember to carry international adapter to charge your devices with ‘Indian power sockets’. Also, carry mosquito repellent cream & basic medicines/tablets, sunscreen lotions & hats.

Shopping in Purulia

Chhau Masks: The most famous handicraft of Purulia. Available in Charida village and local fairs.

Tribal Jewellery: Handmade metal and bead ornaments crafted by local artisans.

Terracotta Items: Small figurines, pots, and decorative pieces from rural artisans.

Handicrafts: Bamboo and wooden crafts are sold in local haats (weekly markets) and fairs.

Local Sweets: Try traditional Bengali sweets like murki and pithe, often made fresh in village shops.

Folk Instruments: Traditional drums and musical instruments used in Chhau dance are also available.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Purulia?

October to March is the best time. The weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and trekking.

How many days are needed to explore Purulia?

A 3 to 4-day trip is enough to cover major places like Ajodhya Hills, Baranti, Deulghata, and Charida. Since the sightseeing places are scattered across the district, so travelling between them requires some time and you would need to do ‘day excursions’ to visit those places.

Is Purulia safe for tourists?

Yes. Purulia is safe for travellers. People are friendly and helpful. Regular travelling precautions such as safeguarding valuables, avoiding secluded areas at night, listening to the driver or the guide need to be followed as they would in any other destination. Also, staying at decent hotels is suggested.

Is Purulia safe for solo or female travellers?

Yes. It is generally safe. Staying in known hotels and travelling during the day is recommended.

What should I pack for a trip to Purulia?

Carry cotton clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a light sweater for winter.

Which area is best to stay in Purulia?

Ajodhya Hills and Baranti are great for nature lovers. Purulia town offers better connectivity and basic hotels. But all these places have ‘basic hotels’ suitable for the domestic tourists.

Do I need a rental car or is public transport sufficient in Purulia?

Public transport is available, but for comfort and flexibility, a private cab or organized tour is highly recommended.

How far is Purulia from the nearest airport?

What types of accommodation are available in Purulia?

Hotels and lodges are available in Purulia town, Baranti, Ajodhya Hills, and Raghunathpur. Most of these are basic to mid-range properties that primarily cater to domestic travellers. While they offer decent comfort and hospitality for the domestic tourists, international travellers should keep their expectations low.

How far in advance should I book hotels?

Generally it is advisable to book accommodations, at least 3–4 months in advance to ensure they are available.

What is the local cuisine of Purulia?

The local food in Purulia is simple, tasty, and homely. People usually eat rice, dal, vegetables, and fish in their daily meals. You can also try local Bengali dishes like pithe (sweet rice cakes), posto (poppy seed curry), and aloo chokha (mashed spiced potatoes). In villages, food is often cooked with mustard oil and fresh seasonal ingredients, giving it a rustic flavour.

Are ATMs and card payments available in Purulia?

Yes, in towns and tourist areas. Carry cash for small stalls and remote areas. For the customized Purulia tours and travels- you can contact us with your travel preferences and we will make your trip a happy & memorable experience.