Trekking in Purulia

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 + filtration
• High-energy food

Essential Gear Checklist

Category	Specific Item Recommendation	Rationale / Purulia Context
Footwear	Waterproof, broken-in Trekking Boots (High-Ankle)	Essential for ankle stability on rocky trails and protection against low-lying ground hazards.
Layers	Moisture-Wicking Base Layers, Lightweight Insulation	Manages sweat during ascent; crucial for cool evenings.
Outerwear	Waterproof/Windproof Jacket, Poncho/Raincoat	Protection against sudden downpours and temperature drops.
Navigation	Physical Map, Compass, GPS Device (Offline Maps)	Standard redundancy; valuable if hiking alone or deviating from main trails.
Safety/First Aid	Headlamp/Torch (High Lumens), Basic First Aid Kit	Critical for avoiding falls and detecting nocturnal wildlife.
Hydration	Reusable Water Bottle (3L capacity minimum), Water Filtration System	Necessary for extended treks through areas with streams.

Wildlife Hazards and Snake Safety

Purulia is home to India’s most venomous snakes:

• Indian Cobra
• Russell’s Viper
• Common Krait (most dangerous)

Others include Indian Rock Python and Rat Snakes. Safety Protocols

• Never trek after sunset
• Avoid leaf litter, rocks, and crevices
• Keep tents fully sealed
• In case of a snakebite, immobilize the limb and rush to a hospital with anti-venom

Wildlife Risk Table

Hazard Category	Primary Species Identified	Risk Assessment	Mitigation and Safety Protocols (Purulia Specific)
High Venom Risk	Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)	HIGH. Most poisonous snake in the district. Highly active and dangerous at night.	Strictly avoid nocturnal hiking. Use powerful ground light around camp/trails after dark. Maintain high vigilance during early mornings/evenings.
Moderate Venom Risk	Indian Cobra (Naja naja), Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)	Moderate. Vipers are highly potent; Cobras often diurnal.	Wear high-ankle boots. Do not disturb potential snake habitat (piles of rocks, logs). Know the nearest medical facility with anti-venom.
Physical Hazard	Indian Rock Python (Python sp.)	Low (Non-venomous, but large).	Maintain distance. Do not attempt to photograph or handle.
Terrain Risk	Rocky, Uneven Trails and Water Crossings	Moderate (Risk of sprains, slips, falls).	Use broken-in boots with good tread. Use trekking poles for stability near water bodies and dams.

Final Recommendations for Trekkers

Trekking in Purulia offers a rare combination of scenic beauty, accessible trails, and vibrant cultural experiences. Key Takeaways

• Target Chamtuburu (~720 m) as the true highest peak
• Reach Purulia early and take shared jeeps to Baghmundi
• Hire responsible guides for a safer, more informed trek
• Complete all trekking activities well before sunset
• Inform authorities before camping