Purulia, the westernmost district of West Bengal, is a land of red soil, Chau Dance, and red blooms of Palash. Lush green landscape with occasional stretches of rocky and undulating terrain, rustic charm of the countryside, and the purity of ingenious tribal life make Purulia a perfect tourist destination for weary city dwellers. Ayodhya Hills (Bengali: অযোধ্যা পাহাড়), an L-shaped stretch of rolling hillocks covered with dense forest, is one of the most visited places in Purulia. Once what was one of the most remote areas of the state is now one of the most sought out travel destinations of Bengal.

In this article, I will write a 3-day itinerary for Ayodhya Pahar, the places to see in Ayodhya Hills, the best time to visit, accommodation options and driving route from Kolkata, and more essential information.

About Ayodhya Hills (অযোধ্যা পাহাড়) in Purulia

Ayodhya Hills in Purulia is a part of the Dalma Hills range and is the easternmost part of the Chhotanagpur Plateau. The area of Ayodhya Pahar is 320 sq. km area spreading across four blocks (Arsha, Jhalda, Baghmundi, and Balarampur) in the Purulia district. The word “Ayodhya” (locally called Ajodhya) came from a Dravidian Word ‘Ajhaida’ (Ajhai – Large, Da – Daha).

Hills are mostly covered with Sal and Segun forest, with other plants like Mahua, Palash, Kusum, Neem, Bel, etc. The forest is quite dense in some parts and home to many animals like deer, pigs, foxes, and elephants.

About Ayodhya Hills (অযোধ্যা পাহাড়) in Purulia

Ayodhya Hills in Purulia is a part of the Dalma Hills range and is the easternmost part of the Chhotanagpur Plateau. The area of Ayodhya Pahar is 320 sq. km area spreading across four blocks (Arsha, Jhalda, Baghmundi, and Balarampur) in the Purulia district. The word “Ayodhya” (locally called Ajodhya) came from a Dravidian Word ‘Ajhaida’ (Ajhai – Large, Da – Daha).

Hills are mostly covered with Sal and Segun forest, with other plants like Mahua, Palash, Kusum, Neem, Bel, etc. The forest is quite dense in some parts and home to many animals like deer, pigs, foxes, and elephants.

How to reach Ayodhya Hills from Purulia station

From Purulia station, Ayodhya Hilltop is around 40 km. It takes 2 hours by cab from Purulia station, or you can catch a bus from Purulia bus terminus and reach there in two and a half hours. The shortest road goes via Sirkabad, which is at the foothill of Ayodhya hill. There are another two roads to the hilltop – one is via Baghmundi and another one via Jhalda.

Places to see on your Trip to Ayodhya Hills (অযোধ্যা পাহাড়) in Purulia

A tour to Ayodhya Pahar circuit includes the following tourist places –

• Sita Kund
• Mayur Pahar
• Durga Bera/ Tarpania Lake/ Marble Lake
• Murguma Lake
• PPSP Dams
• Charidah village
• Khairabera Lake
• Matha Forest and Sonakupi village
• Pakhi Pahar
• Pardi dam
• Usuldungri Sunrise View Point
• Bamni Falls
• Turga Falls
• Deulghata Temple