PURBASTHALI BARDHMAN – 120 KMS FROM KOLKATA

• Weekend Tour

Purbasthali is a small town just 120 kms from Kolkata, located in the district of East Bardhaman, between Katwa and Nabadwip. It is situated on the banks of a beautiful Oxbow lake that is created by the River Ganga. This lake is 2 to 3 km long and attracts lots of migratory birds during the winter season. Bird-watchers will surely have a gala time here. The whole place of Purbosthali (also known as Chupir Chor) is generally covered by fruits and flower garden as well as vegetation. As of now, there are 04 fabulous cottages within the park area adjacent to the Oxbow lake where guests can stay and enjoy local cuisine.

Places to see at Purbasthali: There is an Oxbow lake by the side of the Ganga and is known for its clear water and heavy growth of sweet water plants. This lake attracts a lot of migratory birds during the winter months and becomes a favorite place for bird watchers. Besides, there are some fruit and flower gardens to check out for. Guests can also take a short tour of a a ruined temple and few Zamindar Mansions located around the village.

Nearby attractions Purbasthali: There are some places of attractions like Nabadwip, Krishnanagar and Mayapur located nearby. Nabadwip is famous as the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a Hindu Saint and also as a onetime great seat of learning in Bengal. Mayapur is the headquarters of ISKCON. Other nearby attractions include Natungram, which is a village famous for manufacturing wooden dolls, the Kathaiababa Ashram and the Kapil Muni Ashram.

Things to do Purbasthali: You can enjoy boat ride on the clear water of the lake and engage in bird watching. The water is so transparent that you can see the underwater vegetation for a long distance. You can also take village walks and take a bicycle ride through mustard and paddy fields. Recently, local authorities have built a watchtower where you can spend some early evening hours to catch a glimpse of the flocks of birds returning home.

How to reach Purbasthali: If you are taking your own car, then start from Kolkata and take the Barrackpore – Kalyani Expressway to reach Tribeni after crossing Ishwar Gupta Bridge. Continue, straight through STKK road to reach Kalna, Dhatrigram, Samudragar and finally to Purbasthali. You can also visit Purbasthali by taking a direct train from Howrah / Sealdah heading towards Katwa. It would take around 2.5 hours to reach Purbasthali Station. Catch a Toto rickshaw from the station to reach the Chupir Chor Pakhiralaya area.

Best time to visit Purbasthali: The best time to visit the place is during the winter months of October to March. You must go for bird watching either during the early mornings or late afternoon.

Lodging and dining facilities in Purbasthali: Recently, 04 cottages have been built by the local Panchayat Committee within the Park area adjacent to the Oxbow lake. All the cottages are well-furnished with attached western bathrooms with hot-water geysers, LCD Televisions with DTH connection, King-size comfy beds, wardrobe, sofa-cum bed and other facilities. Food is essentially Bengali cuisine and is served in the dining Area of the resort. Arrangements for boat ride and local sightseeing are done by the caretaker of the resort.