The Highest Peak of Purulia
Where the Sky Meets the Sal Forests – and Your Soul Finds Stillness
Purulia – a name that dances between myth and wilderness. Known for its rugged hills, fiery soil, and tribal rhythm, it’s a land where every rock whispers a story and every gust of wind carries the fragrance of the Sal forest. Among its many natural marvels, Chemtaburu, the highest peak of Purulia, stands as the crown jewel – a silent sentinel rising proudly above the Ajodhya Hills, overlooking valleys bathed in mist and legends.
Yet, to truly experience Chemtaburu’s majesty, one must not just visit – one must journey. And the best way to do that is from a place that understands the rhythm of this land – Bon Polashi Eco Hut & Camp, nestled in the heart of Murguma, the perfect basecamp for seekers, trekkers, and dreamers alike.
🏞️ The Call of Chemtaburu: A Peak of Mystique
Chemtaburu isn’t merely a hill – it’s a feeling.
Located within the Ajodhya Hills range, this mighty peak stands at an elevation of around 700 meters (2,297 ft), making it the highest natural point in Purulia district. But numbers can’t capture what it truly offers.
When you stand atop Chemtaburu, the landscape stretches endlessly – undulating hills wrapped in green, shimmering water bodies like Khairabera Dam and Murguma Lake glinting in the distance, and the orange dust trails of tribal villages painting the valley floor.
At sunrise, the horizon blushes in gold; by sunset, the world melts into shades of crimson and violet. The wind sings through the trees, carrying the faint echo of Chhau drums from distant hamlets.
🥾 The Trek to Chemtaburu: Where Adventure Meets Solitude
Trekking Route Distance: ~20 km (round trip from Khairabera side)
Best Time to Visit: October to February (cool, clear, and perfect visibility)
The trail to Chemtaburu is not for those who rush; it’s for those who listen. The route winds through dense Sal and Segun forests, across dry streambeds, and up rocky ascents that open into breathtaking clearings.
You can approach the trek from Khairabera Dam or Bamni Falls side – both offering unique scenic routes. From Bon Polashi Eco Hut & Camp, it’s a short drive to the starting point, and then, your ascent begins.
The first leg takes you through whispering forests – shafts of sunlight slicing through the canopy, wildflowers dotting the path, and the occasional call of a hornbill overhead. As you climb higher, the path grows steeper and rockier, and soon you find yourself looking down at a mosaic of green valleys and red earth.
The final stretch demands endurance – but when you reach the top, the view rewards every drop of sweat. From the summit, you can see almost all of Purulia’s major landmarks – the Ajodhya Plateau, Khairabera Reservoir, Baghmundi Valley, and on clear days, even the distant Jharkhand borders.
🌿 What Awaits at the Summit
Chemtaburu is unlike other peaks – it’s not crowded, not commercialized, and that’s its magic.
🪶 The Wind & the Silence:
Up here, silence has a sound – a deep, meditative hum that comes from the rustling of grass and the gentle whoosh of hill wind.
🌤️ Panoramic Views:
The entire Ajodhya range unfolds before you like a living map. Murguma’s emerald waters glint to the north; Bamni Falls hides somewhere in the folds of the forest.
🔥 Tribal Shrines:
At the top, you’ll find small, sacred rock formations – worshipped by the local tribal communities who consider Chemtaburu the abode of spirits and protectors of the forest.
📸 Golden Hour Photography:
Dawn and dusk transform the landscape into a surreal canvas – a dream for photographers who love natural light and earthy tones.
🧭 The Two Routes: Choose Your Adventure
1. The Khairabera Route (Easy-Moderate Trek)
Starting Point: Khairabera Dam (approx. 10 km from Bon Polashi)
Highlights: Gentle forest paths, views of the reservoir, tribal hamlets
Perfect For: Families, beginner trekkers, and photographers
This route is ideal for those who want a balance of challenge and relaxation. You’ll begin your walk along the dam’s edge before entering the sal forest that gradually ascends toward the peak. The shade and gentle incline make it a pleasant hike, and Bon Polashi’s guides often include stops to identify native plants and birds.
2. The Bamni Falls Route (Moderate-Challenging Trek)
Starting Point: Near Bamni Falls viewpoint (approx. 18 km from Bon Polashi)
Highlights: Waterfall views, steep rocky ascent, wild orchids
Perfect For: Adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts
This route combines the thrill of climbing with the beauty of natural water features. During the post-monsoon months, streams cross your path, and the distant roar of Bamni accompanies your climb. The ascent is steeper, but reaching Chemtaburu from here feels like conquering a hidden fortress.
🐾 Flora, Fauna & the Living Forest
Chemtaburu’s forests are alive. They breathe.
From the earthy scent of wet leaves to the chorus of cicadas, the entire ecosystem hums in harmony.
Flora: Towering Sal trees dominate, accompanied by Palash, Mahua, and Kusum – the holy trio of Purulia. In spring, the forest catches fire in a riot of orange blossoms.
Fauna: If you’re quiet and lucky, you might glimpse herds of deer, langurs swinging in the canopy, or peacocks crossing the trails.
Birdlife: Chemtaburu is a paradise for birdwatchers – Indian Rollers, Grey Hornbills, and rare migratory species visit during the winter months.
Bon Polashi’s eco-guides, many from the tribal villages of Baghmundi, share folk tales about these creatures – stories that blend myth, ecology, and ancient wisdom.
🛖 Bon Polashi Eco Hut & Camp: Your Gateway to the Wild
Set against the serene backdrop of Murguma Lake, Bon Polashi Eco Hut & Camp isn’t just a place to rest – it’s an experience that mirrors the soul of Purulia.
🌾 What Makes Bon Polashi Special
🏕️ Eco-Living, Reimagined: Stay in bamboo cottages or mud huts built using traditional methods – cool in summer, warm in winter, and completely in tune with nature.
🍃 Organic Cuisine: The on-site kitchen serves meals made from local produce – think red rice, saag, smoked fish, and Mahua-infused delicacies.
👣 Local Guides, Local Stories: Every trek or tour is led by local tribal experts who know the forest like their ancestors – each path, each call of a bird, each legend.
🔥 Evenings by the Fire: As night falls, the camp glows under starlight. Traditional Chhau performances, folk music, and storytelling around a bonfire turn your stay into a cultural immersion.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Chemtaburu
Season Features Recommendation
October – February Clear skies, pleasant weather, ideal for trekking ⭐ Best Time
March – June Hot but great for photography, wildflowers in bloom Moderate
July – September Lush greenery, slippery trails, waterfalls active For adventurous souls
For most travellers, winter and post-monsoon are ideal. The visibility is excellent, and the landscape glows in vivid colours.
📍 Nearby Attractions to Explore from Bon Polashi
If Chemtaburu is the crown, these nearby spots are its jewels – all within short driving or trekking distance:
Khairabera Dam: Scenic reservoir surrounded by forested hills – perfect for sunrise walks or boating.
Bamni Falls: A hidden cascade tucked deep in the Ajodhya Hills – spectacular after monsoon.
Marotir Lake & Upper Dam: Tranquil, photogenic, and perfect for evening reflections.
Gorshaburu Peak: Another major summit nearby, often trekked together with Chemtaburu for a twin-peak challenge.
Tribal Villages of Baghmundi: Experience authentic Purulia life – from pottery to drum-making to Chhau rehearsals.
📸 Why Chemtaburu Captures the Spirit of Offbeat Purulia
Uncrowded Beauty: Unlike mainstream hill stations, you’ll often have the trails all to yourself.
Cultural Connection: Every step introduces you to tribal stories, rituals, and ecological wisdom.
Sustainability in Motion: Bon Polashi ensures zero-plastic travel, community-led tourism, and forest preservation.
Healing Silence: In Chemtaburu, you don’t just escape the city; you escape noise – both external and internal.
💚 Final Words: Touch the Sky, Feel the Earth
Chemtaburu isn’t just the highest peak of Purulia – it’s a mirror to your inner wilderness. Standing at its summit, watching the mist roll over the red soil below, you understand that this isn’t about conquering a hill – it’s about surrendering to one.
And when you return to Bon Polashi Eco Hut & Camp, tired yet fulfilled, the evening fire crackles like an old friend welcoming you home. Because here in Purulia, travel isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about listening to silence, embracing simplicity, and discovering the rhythm of the land.
So pack your backpack, lace your boots, and come trace the winds of Chemtaburu –
Where the sky meets the soul. 🌄