Introducing Purulia
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Purulia is what mystical places are made of. Incredible natural beauty, elusive tribal folk culture, gorgeous dances, mythological connections, and friendly people. And there are springs when the whole district gets stained with the bright red palash flowers. Autumns bring feathery white kaash and summers are dense green. It is nature at its most verdant state and the entire district is one red earth country. Dust rises from its rural lanes in dusty red, brick brown, and deep saffron colours. Oxen patiently plough the grooved yellowish brownfields and deep crimson water lilies cover the glassy ponds. To this sublime natural beauty of Purulia, another shade of red is also often added and that is the colour of blood. For many years, Purulia has been rocked by violent Naxalite -Maoists activities and the district is a hotbed of controversial trouble.
Purulia: Quick Facts
| Where | Western West Bengal, on the Chota Nagpur plateau |
| From Kolkata | ~250–300 km; 5–6 hrs by road or train |
| Top spots | Ajodhya Hills, Marble Lake, Bamni Falls, Joychandi Pahar, Garh Panchkot |
| Famous for | Chhau dance, palash flowers |
| Best time | February–March (palash bloom) and October–November |
| Days needed | 2–3 days |
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Purulia, the land of masked Chau dance and golden brown fields
Though this has become less in recent years, still now traveling to Purulia is not advised during elections. It is a part of the infamous Red Corridor (a region in the eastern, central and the southern parts of India that experience heavy Naxalite-Maoist insurgency) and acts as a gateway to the neighbouring states of Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Many industrial belts surround this region and it is also extremely rich in minerals. Different indigenous communities call Purulia home and the district is well known for its beautiful masked dance called Chau. One of the 20 districts of West Bengal in India, Purulia is headed by a city with the same name and though many rivers flow through it, the region is drought-prone. This dryness lends a crisp golden sheen to the bucolic landscape and the whole effect is strangely photogenic.
More from West Bengal: Terracotta Trails
Pregnant and travelling in Purulia
I visited Purulia during winter when its famous red earth was bone dry and the evenings were cold. An overnight train from Kolkata took me to Baghmundi station, where my homestay host and guide awaited with a full itinerary. Being pregnant and time-crunched, however, made my travel plan get reduced in half and I spent two days relaxing under the Purulia sun. Thanks to my host‘s careful driving, I also managed to explore a few nearby places and post-dinner Chau masked dance performances livened up the evenings. That trip was my last work assignment before taking a maternity break at home in Germany and it was a wonderful way to leave India. Purulia was beautiful at the time of my visit and the legendary undulating land was covered with intense smelling shrubs. Green Ayodhya Hills were reflected in calm lakes and ladies from the local indigenous communities sang while collecting kindling wood from the forests. Their cheerful children often trailed behind them, minding goats while the men drank tea under the trees.
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Discover Purulia, the land of surprises
A mild winter sun blanketed the countryside in a sleepy stupor and wildflowers carpeted the wet surroundings of waterfalls. That winter in Purulia was very charming for me and here are some glimpses of my visit. Images speak louder than words and I hope these pictures will make you fall in love with this legendary district. Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “We live in a beautiful world, that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” This holds true for Purulia, the land of surprises.
Purulia Travel Tip
Purulia is a large district and there are many places to visit. I was a guest of Chowburu Tourism and explored places near Baghmundi. It is a homestay and travel consultant company that specializes in small treks to Ayodhya Hills, Dolma Hills, visits to the forests, Chau masks artists’ homes and tribal villages. They also organize day trips and Chau mask dance performances. You can contact Chowburu‘s Sujit Chandra Kumar via email ([email protected]) or call +91-9732294515 to make a reservation.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE
Places to Visit in Purulia
- Ajodhya Hills – forests, dams and tribal villages.
- Marble Lake & Upper/Lower Dam – Pumped storage project views.
- Bamni & Turga Falls – best after the monsoon.
- Charida village – home of Chhau mask makers.
- Garh Panchkot – fort ruins and temples at the foot of Panchet hill.
- Joychandi Pahar – rock climbing hill.
- Deulghata – ancient temple ruins.
2-Day Purulia Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive, Ajodhya Hills – Marble Lake, Bamni Falls, Mayur Pahar sunset.
- Day 2: Charida mask village, Joychandi Pahar, Garh Panchkot.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Purulia?
February to March for palash blooms, and October to November after the monsoon for waterfalls and green hills.
How do I reach Purulia from Kolkata?
By train to Purulia or Barabhum stations (about 5–6 hours), or by road.
What is Purulia famous for?
Purulia is famous for Chhau dance and masks from Charida village, the Ajodhya Hills and palash flowers in spring.
How many days are enough for Purulia?
Two to three days cover the Ajodhya Hills, Charida and Garh Panchkot.
Svetlana, the photographs are wow! Being in the “unsafe belt” we have never ventured there. Though recently some friends from Kolkata did go there and I loved going through their pics and experience too.
Just a query is Dolma = Dalma (Jamshedpur / Tatanagar)?
Thank you Monika. Purulia was an awesome experience. Yes Dolma is the Dalma in Jamshedpur. It is quite close from the place where I was in Purulia.
I have heard so much about Purulia. This is the first time I am seeing a proper blog post on it! Love that desolated feel… so different from Kolkata!
Purulia is the world away from Kolkata and looks like it. It is rich, historical, filled with natural beauty and abundant with indigenous culture.
you know…….purulia is not rich as you telling in this site…😁
I like it very much.
Thank you for sharing… excellent pictures!
Thank you.
I have been there for about 15 days , but then I was not aware that Purulia may be a place to visit 🙂 but now after reading and seeing your great picture , I think I missed a chance to explore this beautiful place .
Thank you. Purulia is a beautiful unsung travel gem.
Purulia is such an stunning place, we have had heard about the traditional Chau dance before but now we know where it is from…:)
Thank you. Purulia is full of surprises. I am sure you will love it there.
wow nice photographs and wonderfula nd vivid description of Purulia, never heard about such an wonderful place.
Thank you. Purulia is very unsung.
See, Purulia is a peaceful place.It is as much safe for tourists as in other districts of west bengal.Your comments would definitely leave a negative impact on the tourists who might come during election time.Being a Purulian and also a polling personnel I never found tourists facing difficulties in any way during election.More over about visiting Purulia,I would suggest viewers to please look into the official website of Purulia.It is updated and full with data that one needs before coming here.All important phone numbers,train and bus names,hotels address ,tour guide everything is there.
Thank you for your feedback. I have visited Purulia during winter and have found it to be very peaceful. However, my friend who has been born and brought up there have advised me to postpone my visit during the elections. I trust him completely and since this is a personal blog which leaves an impact on my readers. I would pass this advise to them as well. It is better to be safe than sorry. This has nothing to do with the destination, but the fact that election times at most places in the world are pretty volatile and that includes advanced countries like Germany too, where I have been living for years.
Hi Svetlana,
Just finished your beautifully-written about purulia. And what stunning photos! . I also have a blog and write the same “Ayodhya Hills Purulia”. Please check and share your views.
Thanks
Ruma Dey Baidya
Thank you Ruma. I am glad that you enjoyed the Purulia post. It is a beautiful and less explored district of West Bengal which deserves more attention. Looking forward to your post.
Purulia is the most beautiful place in West Bengal as well as India.It is place of pure adventure.i also visit this place.its a wonderful experience.i also write something different in my blog.if you want to see ,you can check it.
Thank you very much.
Loved your blog.
Just One information: “Naxalite Maoists”
Naxal & Maoists are two different ideologies. It would be best to write “Naxalites & Maoists”, in my personal opinion.
Thank You
Soumodip Roy
Thank you. I will make the necessary changes. Looking up the details of the Naxalites-Maoists.
PURULIA PACKAGE
Hi.. after reading your blog traveled to Purulia. Purulia can mesmerize anyone with its natural beauty. Thanks for bringing up such an informative blog.
Thank you. Purulia is beautiful.
There is no railway station in Purulia called Baghmundi rather it is Barabhum . I think it should be corrected.
Thank you for letting me know. I will make the changes.
I am born and brought up at Purulia, its such a beautiful place. People here are very humble and kind. Really enjoyed your vlog, best wishes for your future.
Thank you. I am happy that you enjoyed the post.