What about having a wonderful and memorable weekend trip to Garpanchkot?

Two nights and three days are good enough to have a short yet fantastic weekend trip. Whether you prefer to go with your friends, family or fiancé, Garpanchkot will be a nice place to visit. Ruins of Panchkot fort and palace are there on the foothill of Panchkot after which the place is named. This historical fort still bears the marks of the Bargi attack in Bengal.  Garpachkot is only 5 hours drive from the city of Kolkata. However, there are other routes too to reach this picturesque plateau. The place is best known for lush greenery, lakes, dam, hills, forests as well as historical and natural attractions. 
Many Garpanchkot hotels offer modern amenities at an affordable rate. Some of the facilities even have cottages, tent houses, and swimming pools to make the weekend more appealing. 

When to visit 

The place is serene. This serenity is the key attraction of the place. Also, the natural scenic beauty allures tourists from different parts of the country. You can visit the place any time to rediscover yourself. Though the temperature remains moderate throughout the year, the place experiences a hot summer. Also, the winter months are notably cold. The temperature may go down as low as 3 degrees Celsius. But the actual beauty of the place is evident during monsoon. The forest and bushes become even greener. The black monsoon clouds come rolling down the Panchkot hills making the place heaven. However, you should be careful due to the presence of various poisonous insects and venomous snakes. Spring is another time when you can enjoy the beauty of the place to the fullest. With the vibrating reddish-orange hue of Palash, Shimul sprinkles all around the place. It will allure you to play Holi with nature. 

How to reach  

• By car – If you take your conveyance from Kolkata, it will take about 5 hours via Durgapur Asansol highway or NH19. The road distance from Kolkata is around 245 km. Use GPS as a supporting road map to reach the place. 
• By train – The nearest railway station to Garpanchkot is Kumardobi. The station can be reached by Black Diamond from Howrah station. However, Asansol station will be more accessible. Cabs are available from the station to Garpanchkot hotels. It takes around one hour to reach there. Some hotels offer pick-up and drop facilities against a nominal charge. 

Nearby places of attraction 

• The ruined Garh or fort of Garpanchkot is surrounded by a series of temples carrying historical and architectural legacy. 

• Visit JoychandiPahar in Purulia. The red soil of the place is the paradise of Palash and Sal trees. 

• Another good place to visit is Baranti lake. It is located in the Rarh region of Bengal. It is an undisturbed virgin picnic spot. 

• A visit to the Panchet Dam shouldn’t be missed. The dam is built on the River Damodar with adjoining Panchet reservoir. 

• If time permits have a visit to the 500-years old Kalyaneswari temple on the bank of the river Barakar. 

Then what are you waiting for? Pack your bags. Winter will be a good time to visit Garpanchkot. Choose a hotel and book your room for the next weekend.