Trip to Mukutmonipur

IT was a spur of the moment decision. Otherwise nobody could think of making a trip to Mukutmonipur in Bankura in the month of April.
Actually due to a depression, there has been heavy rain the day before that brought in a change in weather .My friend from Kolkata  was on a visit to my place in Durgapur  and this time he was not with his family.
Mukutmanipur is about 105 km from Durgapur via barrage and Bankura town.It is a straight route till Khatra. There is another route via Ranigunj that passes by the Susunia hills and goes to Bankura. Amarkanan also comes in this route.  We started around 9.30 am. Direct buses are available or one may take bus for Midnapore or purulia and break journey. If on a bus get down at Khatra and take an auto or hired  cab. Just  after crossing the canal at Khatra the road turns right. This part of the road is very beautiful. One  can see the hills far away and there are palash trees all over . The road passes beside small villages. Needless  to mention that this will be a treat to the eyes during spring.

Mukutmonipur

Mukutmonipur is just 6/7km from Khatra. At zero point the road takes a turn towards the barrage on Kangsavati river. Before that you shall find a road on right that takes you to Peerless resorts. There is also a mid budget hotel midway in which we put up. You can find many eateries near the zero point that offer snacks and simple meal. Most of these were closed due to off seaon. Some stalls selling handicrafts were open however. This place seemed to me to be getting some customers year round due to proximity of colleges and budding film enthusiasts.

Place for stay

A tourist resort run by wbfdc is located very near the zero point. It is built on a small hill and offers the best location .Though  ideal for most tourists the place could be bit difficult if your group consists of elderly people  . It also  requires prior booking.There are some other hotels nearby that  offer ac, non ac rooms. Most people come here on day trips and picnics but staying gives a time to spend late evening and  morning  in a serene place.
The main attraction of the place is the barrage with a wide road on top. You can go deep inside but a formal permission need to  be taken from the local office. The road atop the barrage offers breathtaking view of the lake with hills jutting out from the water on one side and small villages on the other . You can get a splendid view of sunset. There is a confluence of three rivers about 8km ahead which we could not make. Visit the local temple also .
Medium budget hotels and lodges are available like Green View, Monalisa, Anupama.




Place is ideal for a short trip and draws crowd on weekends. Another time to visit could be during the rainy season. I asked the hotel manager and he said rainy season would be just as fine because you don't have much to see here except the lake which will be full at that time.