Jhilimili is a perfect place to spend a day or two in Nature’s lap. It is located at the border of Purulia, Bankura & Midnapur close to Mukutmanipur Dam (The second biggest earthen Dam of India). It has an average elevation of 228 metres (748 ft) and the road from Ranibandh to Jhilimili offers a magnificent view of dense forests with varying heights. It is a treat for eyes and soul. You can spot small adibasi villages on the way.

Our Story

We started for Jhilimili on a Friday evening in the month of August, 2016. I always prefer night journey so we took Chakradharpur Passenger which dropped us at Bankura around 4 a.m. We booked a car and asked the driver to enroute via Mukutmanipur Dam. Long drive, morning breeze, first rays of sunlight – washed away all the tiredness of overnight journey. The Dam was beautiful, the gates were open and water was roaring through the gates. We rented a boat and I will surely recommend everyone to have an early morning boat ride in the reservoir. The vast waterbody, hillocks and the lush green surrounding in the fading shades of orange was spectacular. We went to Bonpukuria Deer park, situated on an island in the middle of the Mukutmanipur Dam. We hired a Motor Rickshaw to reach the deer park. You can also enjoy a walk to the park. We spotted few deers and birds in the forest.

Best Time to Visit:

You can visit it at any time of the year. During rainy season the lash green will soothe your eye. And I am sure it looks spectacular in Autumn with Palash in full bloom.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Reach Bankura. Drive to Jhilimili via Mukutmanipur. Overnight stay at Jhilimili.
• Day 2: Drive to surrounding places (Mayurjharna forest, Talberia Dam, Sutan Forest)
• Day 3: Have breakfast. Drive back to Bankura Station

Where to Stay?

You can stay at Rimil Paryatan Niwas. To book this property kindly send us your enquiry.

Our next point was the mohona of Kangsabati and Kumari. You can visit Pareshnath Temple next but we skipped that. We hit the road again and headed towards Jhilimili. The beauty lies in the journey from Ranibandh to Jhilimili. You will pass by small tribal villages, decorated mud houses and dense forest treating your eye with different variations of green. Jhilimili is situated at an elevation and there are few watch towers before Jhilimili. We stopped at Baro mile view point. It offers a panoramic view of the Mukutmanipur area, greenery and the dam at a distant. A little before lunch we reached Rimil Paryatak Nibas, only stay option in Jhilimili. It’s on top of a hillock surrounded with Sal, Segun trees. We spent rest of the day at leisure. The place is very peaceful. If you roam around a little, you will realize how simple life can be. The staff of the lodge was good and polite. They tried hard to fulfill all our demands and we were happy with their service. After sunset, all you can hear is cricket’s buzzing (not the game). I was quite enjoying it being far away from the noise of the city. The occasional screaming of foxes made it more exciting. We had our dinner around 9.30 and after a small chitchat we hit the bed.

Next day, we booked a car for sightseeing. After breakfast, we headed towards Mayurjharna Forest. It’s actually an Elephant Reserve but we weren’t lucky enough to spot one. This is located over parts of Paschim Medinipur and Bankura. There was nothing much to see but the road itself was splendid. We went back to the lodge for lunch. Then we went to Talberia Dam. This is a must visit. It’s serenity will enchant you. Next we headed for Sutan Forest. The road was great and it was one of the best rides I ever had. This place is mainly inhabited by different tribes. There’s a watchtower and from the top of it all you can see is green. It’s like a green ocean. Previously Maiosts were very active in this area and you still can see the signs of Maiost activities. The last stop for the day was Yamuna Bridge Park. It’s nicely decorated and perfect to get clicked. We headed back to our lodge with fully contended hearts. It was raining whole night. I fell asleep listening to the raindrops.

Places to visit:

• Mukutmanipur Dam
• Paresnath Mandir
• Deer Park
• Yamuna Bridge park
• Talberia dam
• Mayurjharna
• Sutan Forest

Next morning, we started back for Kolkata. On the way, we again went to Mukutmanipur Dam, visited Pareshnath Mandir and a park named ‘Musafirana’. It can be a one day trip but if you want to have it in a more relaxing way I will suggest plan for two days, you won’t be disappointed.

About the Author:

I am Madhurima, a software engineer by profession and a banzara by heart. Infected with life and traveling is my medicine. Don’t go by the names, sometimes a place you have never heard of before, can give you a lifetime experience. Take the risk, get out of your comfort zone, feel the adrenaline rush. I am here to share my stories and you can find some really helpful information.

Note: We always say everyone to travel responsibly and safely along with respect Nature and local cultures. Don’t leave your plastic wastage in the hills, leave only your footprints there. Save Nature, save animals, save our planet. So get out of your comfort zone, start to explore the new and be #banzaras.