
Murguma
Purulia as the Gateway to the Eastern Plateau Purulia, located on the western edge of West Bengal, marks the easternmost stretch of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Its terrain forms a striking blend of rolling uplands, rugged highlands, and scattered hillocks-collectively representing the lowest eastern step of the greater Chota Nagpur system. With its natural diversity and cultural depth, Purulia has evolved into one of Eastern India’s most promising trekking and adventure destinations. Purulia District: Landscape, People, and Cultural Identity Purulia’s landscape is shaped by the Dolma Range and vast belts of dry deciduous forests. This environment creates a dramatic setting for trekkers, especially along the hilly borders adjoining Burdwan and Jharkhand. Culturally, Purulia is the home of the world-famous ‘Chhau’ dance. The Santal and other indigenous communities are deeply intertwined with the forests, relying on them for food, herbal medicine, and spiritual practices. The region is also witnessing ongoing negotiations between development and ecological preservation. Projects like the Purulia Pumped Storage Project (PPSP) and the proposed Turga Pumped Storage Project (TPSP) highlight the delicate balance between livelihood, biodiversity, and infrastructure. Responsible trekkers must remain mindful of this socio-cultural ecosystem and respect local rituals and festivals such as the Manasa festival and Chata Parab. Ajodhya Hills: The Core Trekking Zone of Purulia Ajodhya Pahar-popularly called Ayodhya Hills-is the epicenter of trekking in Purulia. Located within the Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area, Baghmundi town serves as the logistical hub for visitors. The landscape features lush forests, seasonal waterfalls, wildlife-rich habitats, and major water bodies such as Muruguma Dam and Khairabera Dam on the Kangsbati River. These features make Ajodhya Hills the most prominent and scenic trekking region in the district. Trekking Difficulty and Trail Nature The well-known Ayodhya Hills trail is designed as a 2-day circuit. Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate – suitable for beginners, families, and experienced trekkers. Historically, the area was popular for rock climbing, but trekking has gained equal prominence in recent years. Trails here are mostly rocky, requiring proper footwear. The maximum height touched in the classic circuit is around 610 m, making altitude sickness virtually nonexistent. Instead, trekkers must prepare for tropical terrain challenges and wildlife risks described in Section VI. Geomorphology and Peak Elevation Analysis of Ajodhya Hills Composed of ancient granite and gneiss formations, Ajodhya Hills form a rugged, rocky extension of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. This geological structure creates sharply defined peaks and uneven trekking pathways. Clarifying the Highest Peak of Ajodhya Hills Conflicting elevation data has long caused confusion for trekkers. The two major peaks are: Chamtuburu / Chemtaburu Elevation: 699 m to 720 m Status: Highest peak of Ajodhya Hills and all of southern West Bengal Gorgaburu Incorrectly claimed as 855 m by some local outlets Reliable data places it around 677 m or 642 m Thus, Chamtuburu (~720 m) is the true highest summit of Ajodhya Hills. Additional Peaks and Climbing Zones Other important peaks include: Gajaburu / Ganjaburu (~602 m) – a popular trekking objective Matha Buru (478 m) – admired for serene beauty Baghmundi’s rocky cliffs also serve as a prime training area for budding mountaineers. Summary of Key Peak Data Peak Name Consensus Elevation (Meters) Designation Note Contradictory Claim (Meters) Chamtuburu / Chemtaburu ~720 m Highest Peak of Ajodhya Hills and Southern West Bengal. N/A Gorgaburu ~677 m Second Highest Peak. 855 m Gajaburu (Ganjaburu) ~602 m Significant trekking objective/viewpoint. N/A Mathaburu 478 m Popular for aesthetic beauty. N/A Trekking Routes and Planning Details The Ajodhya Hills experience is typically structured as a 2-day trekking trail accessed via Jhalda or Sirkabad. The Classic 2-Day Ayodhya Trek Circuit Day 1: Ascent to Ayodhya Hills Top Start Point: Near Sirkabad or foothills Distance: ~13 km Duration: 7-8 hours Elevation Gain: 330 m → 610 m Features: Rocky tracks, dense forests, small streams, cascading waterfalls Day 2: Descent + Local Sightseeing Distance: ~8 km Duration: 3–4 hours Elevation Drop: 610 m → 228 m Highlights: Upper & Lower PPSP Dams, Muruguma Dam, Bamni Falls, Charidah Chhau-mask village Summit-Focused Treks Routes to Chamtuburu or Gajaburu are graded Moderate and popular for clear trails and panoramic views. Many treks include stops at mythological sites such as Sita Chatal. Trekkers must preserve at least five hours of daylight for safety due to nocturnal wildlife activity. Travel Logistics and Seasonal Considerations Best Time for Trekking Ideal Season: October-March Coolest Period: December-January Avoid: Extreme heat (late March-June) Monsoon months (July-September) due to slippery trails Kolkata-Purulia Connectivity Purulia Junction (PRR) lies ~250 km from Kolkata and is the main access point. Train Travel Fastest: Vande Bharat Express – 4h 48m Other Trains: Howrah-Purulia Superfast, Rupashi Bangla Fare Range: ₹220 to ₹1,800 Bus Travel Duration: 7-8 hours Fare: ₹240-₹310 Private Taxi To Purulia Town: ~3h 48m Direct to Ajodhya Hills: 7-8 hours Purulia → Ajodhya Last-Mile Travel Shared Jeeps: ₹70-₹100 per person, 2-3 hours Private Cars: From ₹11.25/km Kolkata to Purulia/Ajodhya Logistics Mode of Transport Primary Origin (Kolkata) Approximate Duration (to Purulia Jn) Estimated Cost Range (INR) Post-Purulia Transfer Vande Bharat Express Howrah (HWH) 4h 48m ₹1,000–1,800+ Shared Jeep (2-3h, ₹70–100) Standard Superfast Train Howrah/Shalimar 5h 40m – 6h 50m ₹220–1,100 Shared Jeep (2-3h, ₹70–100) SBSTC Bus Esplanade/Karunamoyee 6h 55m – 8h 00m ₹240–310 Shared Jeep (2-3h, ₹70–100) Private Taxi (Direct to Hills) Kolkata 7–8 hours (Total Journey) ₹4,500 – ₹7,900+ N/A (Direct Drop-off) Stay Options, Guides, and On-Ground Support Hiring Guides Guide Fee Range: Freelancers: ₹500-₹1,500/day Local Guides: ₹1,000-₹2,500/day Licensed Guides: ₹3,000-₹15,000/day Best practice: Book through trusted homestays or tour operators. Accommodation & Camping Stay options include: Guesthouses Eco-cottages Homestays in Baghmundi Government rest houses Tourism lodges Camping is allowed but requires prior intimation to Police & Forest Department. Local eateries near Durga Lodge provide meals if informed earlier. Permits and Rules No permit for trekking Permission required for PPSP zones Mobile networks are reliable throughout the hills Safety, Gear, and Environmental Preparedness Essential Gear Requirements Trekkers must carry: Waterproof high-ankle trekking boots Moisture-wicking layers Quick-dry pants Rain and wind protection GPS/maps 3L drinking water +































