Welcome to Purulia – not just West Bengal’s rugged red-soil retreat, but also a surprise paradise for birdwatchers and chill-seekers alike! Whether you’re a pro birder armed with binoculars or just someone who thinks “owl” is just a night emoji, this offbeat district on the Chhotanagpur plateau will charm your socks off with feathered friends, lush forests, serene lakes, and rock-cut artistry that literally takes flight. Get ready to flap into the wild world of Purulia Tourism Circuits – birding style!
What Makes Purulia Fly High in the Birding Circuit?
But here’s the kicker – this rustic terrain hides a secret: an astonishing 300+ bird species, both resident and migratory, spread across shimmering lakes, forest canopies, grasslands, and rocky hills.
In the Purulia Tourism Circuits, birding isn’t just a hobby – it’s a treasure hunt!
Top Birding Hotspots in Purulia Tourism Circuits
Saheb Bandh – The Migratory Bird Magnet
Located in: Purulia Town
What to Expect:This 50-acre man-made lake is like a five-star spa for winged migrants. Come winter, birds from Siberia and Europe check in without visas!
Spot These Beauties:Eurasian SpoonbillNorthern PintailLesser Whistling DuckGarganeyPurple HeronIndian Spot-billed Duck
Ideal for early morning strolls with a flask of chai and a camera.
Murguma Dam – Quietude + Quack
Near: Ajodhya Hills
Activities: Boating, Birding, & “Doing Nothing Club” loungingThis tranquil dam is surrounded by tribal villages, gentle hills, and bird calls that could double as meditation music.
Feathered Guests Include:Kingfishers (Common, White-throated, Pied)Indian CormorantsPond HeronsPurple SwamphenRed-wattled LapwingIndian Roller 
A hotspot for those who like their birding served with serenity.
Matha Forest Range – Forest Symphony
Near: Balarampur
Vibe Check: Pure, wild, and whispering secrets from the canopy aboveBirding here is like attending a forest opera – except the lead soprano might be a Rufous Treepie.
Star Cast:Peafowl (because who doesn’t love some drama?)Green PigeonBabblersMinivets (scarlet and small but feisty!)Alexandrine & Plum-headed ParakeetsIndian Grey Hornbill
Bonus: Camping in the nearby Malgudi Resort or Eco Stay for a “night in the nest” experience.
Ajodhya Hills & PPSP Upper Dam – The Feathered High Ground
Elevation = Elevation of spiritsThis entire zone is a biodiversity buffet. From rocky slopes to wooded trails to dam edges – every step is a tweet waiting to happen.
Avian Line-up Includes:Indian Eagle-Owl (hoo-hoo says hello at night)Nightjars (Jerdon’s, Savanna)Coppersmith BarbetPuff-throated BabblerDrongos (Ashy, Black, Hair-crested)Black-hooded OrioleCrested Serpent Eagle
Pro Tip: Hire a local guide like Subhra Pakhira (aka “The Birdman of Ajodhya”) for the best experience.
Pakhi Pahar (Bird’s Hill) – Birds Etched in Stone
Located near Baghmundi, this isn’t just for birdwatchers – it’s also for bird art watchers! Around 60 rock-carved bird murals by legendary artist Chitta Dey perch on cliff faces like real-life graffiti from nature itself.It’s a fusion of geology, art, and ornithology that’s both Insta-worthy and deeply meditative. #BirdsOfStone
When to Visit for Peak Birding?
Spring (Feb-March): Palash trees on fire + increased bird activity = photographer’s heaven
Winter (Nov-Jan): Best time for migratory birds and cozy treks
Monsoon (July-Sept): Romantic but slippery – come only if you’re into forest saunas
Birding Tips from the Purulia Wild Squad
Binoculars First, Zoom Lens Later: Start with spotting, not clicking
Whisper Mode On: Birds gossip, but don’t like eavesdroppers
Local Guides = Goldmine: They know calls, nests, and secret spots
Hydrate & Don’t Litter: Even birds hate plastic
Download Merlin or eBird App: For ID-ing and bragging rights
Carry Jhumur Music: To blend in with the rhythm of the land
When to Visit for Peak Birding? Spring (Feb-March): Palash trees on fire + increased bird activity = photographer’s heaven Winter (Nov-Jan): Best time for migratory birds and cozy treks Monsoon (July-Sept): Romantic but slippery – come only if you’re into forest saunas Birding Tips from the Purulia Wild Squad Binoculars First, Zoom Lens Later: Start with spotting, not clicking Whisper Mode On: Birds gossip, but don’t like eavesdroppers Local Guides = Goldmine: They know calls, nests, and secret spots Hydrate & Don’t Litter: Even birds hate plastic Download Merlin or eBird App: For ID-ing and bragging rights Carry Jhumur Music: To blend in with the rhythm of the land
Why Purulia Tourism Circuits Rock for Birdwatchers
It’s not just about birds. It’s about the experience – the red earth crunching underfoot, the villagers guiding you to a nesting site, the smell of Mahua flowers, and folktales of owl gods whispered by moonlight.Here’s what makes birding here unforgettable:
Low Crowd Density: You won’t be elbowing influencers for space Cultural Immersion: Catch a Chhau dance after your day’s checklist Ecological Diversity: Hills, lakes, forests, scrub – every habitat’s covered Rare Sightings: Rusty-spotted Cat might just say hi en route
Where to Stay: Nest-Like Dens
Ajodhya Forest Rest House – Basic but blessed by owls Matha Eco Resort – Glamping with a view
Baranti Lake Homestays – Watch lapwings from your porch
Charida Villager Stays – Birding by day, mask-making by dusk
Purulia Town Hotels – Comfortable base for Saheb Bandh mornings
How to Reach the Birding Nirvana
Nearest Airport: Durgapur (Kazi Nazrul) or Kolkata
Railhead: Purulia Junction | Also nearby: Barabhum, Adra
Road Routes: Connected via NH18, easy to drive or rent cabs from Kolkata, Asansol, RanchiCar Tip: Local jeeps are best for forest trails. Negotiate well. Or bring your own “bird mobile”
Birding + Festivals = Soulful Combo
Time your visit during:
Chaitra Parva – Spring festival + full bloom birding
Joychandi Utsav – Culture, crafts, and calling coppersmiths
Bandhna Parab – Post-harvest fest with tribal music as your morning alarm clock
Did You Know? Fun Birding Facts from Purulia
The Rusty-Spotted Cat, world’s smallest wild cat, was first documented here in West Bengal Saheb Bandh attracts Siberian birds – yes, Purulia’s a Siberian stopover! 
Indian Eagle Owls mate for life – some serious #RelationshipGoals White Palash trees exist here – as rare as a bird selfie where the bird doesn’t fly off Peafowls in Garh Panchkot dance best post-monsoon – rain + rhythm = romance. So,Who’s Purulia Birding For?
Retired uncles with Nikon superzooms
Students chasing birding credits
Families introducing kids to nature (Binoculars > iPads!)
Solo travelers finding meaning in birdcalls
Artists seeking living muses
Insta-glory hunters (But no filters needed here!)
Final Thoughts –
Feathered Freedom Awaits in Purulia!
If you’re still wondering whether to add birding to your Purulia Tourism Circuits bucket list, here’s the tweet-sized pitch:“Fewer people, more parrots. Less pollution, more peacocks. No malls, but a million melodies. That’s Purulia Birding, folks! ”
If you’re still wondering whether to add birding to your Purulia Tourism Circuits bucket list, here’s the tweet-sized pitch:“Fewer people, more parrots. Less pollution, more peacocks. No malls, but a million melodies. That’s Purulia Birding, folks! ”
So pack your gear, tune your ears, and fly down to Purulia. Whether you’re chasing the elusive Nightjar or just sitting quietly beside Murguma Lake watching the sunrise with some feathered company – you’ll leave a different person.
Because in Purulia, the birds don’t just sing… they teach you how to listen. 