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-   -   A Rhymelogue: Drive to Ajodhya Hills, Purulia (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travelogues/195259-rhymelogue-drive-ajodhya-hills-purulia.html)

For long, we had plans to drive to the Western part of Bengal. However, WESTERN disturbances kept the ambitions down SOUTH and ensured that our livelihood and lifestyle remained stationed at EAST with occasional trip to NORTHERN tip.
Finally, the desire turned into reality and what better way if we have two favorite companions as well.

An earnest and humble poetic attempt through my travelogue. Hope you bear with me.

Dewdrops still keeping the grass fresh
Kissed by the winter sun
Our Ertiga's tyre started to roll
Destination Purulia - time for frolic and fun :)


Two of our favored companions
Joined from city's fringes
Soon we hit NH19
After crossing the Ganges


Spring in the wheels aplenty
This time of the year
Bikers gang to cycling race
Scenes seen here and there

Langcha Mahal, Langcha Sagar, Langcha Kutir
Langcha this and that
Solving the langcha jargon maze
Adi Langcha Bhuwan was the option looked at.

Fuel for tummies filled to broom
It’s now time for some zip zap zoom

Forget the messy days
Panagarh Bypass now a treat to drive
Songs, chat and banter
Ensured memories to thrive

Google or Human, the dilemma crept springing in
Enroute to Durgapur barrage
G win some H win some
TeamBHP poll's thread has long age.

Forced to drop my limerick lines
Once spotted the "Purulia 78km" signs


Ethereal rustic old world charm
Thrilled our senses at twists and turns



Splash of green in the barrage of sepia
Plunging banyan root's soul searching yarns







Where red lily canopy decorates life's priceless
The silence of zero waves
Can only form a wrinkle spark
When the li’l bundle of joys pelts the magic weaves



Peripheral vision at its candid best
Amidst love to drive and live to drive
Unbridled joy of yet-un-tolled roads
Spurns untold stories till Purulia arrive.



Back to limerick one more time
Reached per schedule just on time.


An oasis for carcinogized urban habits
Ensured it’s a mirage no-dreamer
The name is Tree, Hotel Pearl Tree
Beside Big Bazaar in the city center



Scale tilts a tad towards
Value of money to value for it
Delicious food, central ac, covered parking
Make up for it





Missed your chances this season
To visit the Planetarium, Birla Museum and the Science City?
No worries ! Purulia has in store
A three-in-one entity





Liked by kids and so by us
With Toys to jump and toys to hop
Post DNA Rolls and Gravity thrills
BigBazar time for us to shop





A touch of hocus-focus once again..

As the body sun sets down the horizon
As the pre-slumber slowly captured the senses
An obnoxious thought suddenly perplexed my mind

The reverberation - my son asked few days back
Baba, what would if the Maoists captures us in Purulia?
Thankful! Sudden IPL auction mind wind thread was so kind

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sipping on piping hot tea made by better half
Day 2 started on a sweet note
It’s now time to clean my chariot
Can’t get better than a ProKlear coat


Post a filling breakfast with decent spread
Off we set out for journey ahead



Leaving the arteries of Purulia trail
Time for Ajodhya – the holy grail

Scenes of rural Bengal at its very best
Piercing tarmac with trough and crest



Spot the spot for shutter’s delight
Buddy and me compli and compete




High and low keys formed by contrast shadows
Alley of trees in stunning meadows


Selfie shots to “we time” pose
A touch of candid with abstract dose




Triangle, parabola, ellipses galore
Natural formation on the lake so pure


Billowing dust whirls covers up road
Ox-hoots sideline as we rode



Is it complete? No it’s not !
Long tail Drongo waits fame-shot


Wide angle depicts panoramic canvas
Backdrop hills and highland grass


Shut down wide and go tele-lens
Railways stance acts as fence
Zoom-in more to the woman sight
Carrying workload on her shoulder’s might





Uncommon Bhuchung -Di to scarce Tiger crossing
Names amuse and sounds interesting

Getting closer and closer to a journey break
There lies Chorida where maskers make


Legacy Chhou art at highest high
Some masks still soft some are dry

Just like Ghurni where potters play
Same applies here with sand and clay



Kathakali idols amuse a lot
So does Ravana who is hot



Round eyed Kartick and Durga’s crown
Guarantee to erase a face of frown


Visit gets over with some memento masks
Time to scale up the hilly tasks
Gmap signal lost and masks
Uncle would you help? My friend asks.



A tad of limerick and touch of hocus
Trying to get your attention and focus


Retracing the chariot wheels
Traversing through the Baghmundi alleys
A sign of spoon and fork at the junction fork


Munching miles had its effect showing
Sensex Bear effect on stomach fuel gauge
But Our Ertiga pulled with élan and torque

As if completely ignoring the picnicker’s presence
Lower dam lay beside us with a melancholy tone
Tired of greater than 40 micron heaps of praise
He needs embraced hands standing alone


The upper dam commands a breathtaking view
Hemispheres either side full of tranquil water
As the silver black tarmac separates the halves
Lower dam hands the crown to its deserving elder



An earlier research on network of nets
Hotel Akash Hilltop was the chosen one
Amidst the okayish offerings around
Seemed to be second to none



Shelly’s If winter comes can Spring be Far behind
Takes a derailment owing to global warming
Roads and plants fails the rain water harvest test
Duster trails cue us still drive feels charming

Child is the father of man precisely said
Taking the baton ahead Wordsworth wins
As the car tunneled through the smoke and dusts
Destination next – Bamni falls, father looses to twins



Bamni falls in winter season is not in might
Each attraction is picturesque in its own right
A word of caution for kids and elders
Mark the steps filled with boulders


A fork hill up, B fork down
Retrace back to Purulia town

B fork ensured different view
Valley and date palm in golden hue


Memories captured in card and mind
Would come back surely if God is kind

Come back once more in different season
Lush green post rain and Palash the reason

Sunset time now day gone by
Marble lake pass by Muruguma bye




As I borne in mind the surreal sight of the setting sun
Hindered by the Date Palm and the electric lines
A silhouette so perfect with blackish high notes
Natural photoshop vibrancy shines



As the projector beams the light arrow
Breaking the silence of the darkness
Just like a traditional batsman’s shots in the V
Surround sleeps back again leaving front in keenness

As the Ertiga’s speedo shows the devilish red marker
Ensures sweep past the obscured village outline
Overpowering distant train horns and minor diesel clatter
“Khagam” in Sunday Suspense audio thriller is apt and fine


Soaking the atmosphere with nip in the air
As the hissing Cobra emanated from the speaker
The place, the drive got an icing layer
Till Purulia lights make trance go weaker

A mix of Mughlai and Asian delights
Post some game zone action in the mall



Ambient lighting and cozy bed
Humpty and Dumpty had a great a fall

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Post checkout and a leisurely stroll
Day 3 camera started to roll



Agenda set by friend before
After a thorough research made to the core

Weathering for centuries and sands of time
Lay an ancient temple past its prime



Peepal tree guards terracotta art
Guillotine legacy now falls apart

Rich in heritage, history, old world charm
Deulghata MAA, tomare Pronam



The road to soul search is incomplete
Unless you hop by and walk on feet

Life in urban vs life here
More of stress vis more of cheer
Crossing farming land and primary school
Mom hen guarding her chicks to full

Dwellings run on well and ponds
Duck groups swim there all in bonds



Small boys chase kites one wins prize
Little thing matters them as surprise

As we crossed the last village mile
Many waved hands and many had smile

Time for lunch at Purulia town
Hotel Akash Sarovar is pretty well known



As Ertiga’s tyre rolled for one last time
Soil of Purulia deserves a hymn

A lone SOLDIER on a diverse front
Fighting a lone battle
Finding it hard, finding it strong
Terrorists’ chin catches a rattle

The lexis have found HIM too often,
HIS once stubborn body has taken it all,
Blood oozes out of the shell bursts,
Another shot, and HIS memoirs can reach town hall.

HIS strife, in distant suburbs of West Bengal,
Forays HIS well being to the lord.
THEY haven't heard HIS reciting voice,
Blame it on the line or the vocal cord.

Caring for the brain-child HE carries,
With the perennial hope of settling down.
Waiting for HIM to comeback,
Never say die to regain the crown.

Times passes, all settles down,
HIS CHILD now aids in FATHER’S plight
Another classic it better be,
Fighting it tough, fighting with might.

The glory, comes wrapped in the tricolor,
The JAWANS shed their tear,
All HIS dreams are touching down,
This calls for party to locals and to cheer.


Rejoice !! as coming spring is a landmark step
Immortalize the time to relish and cherish
Many more springs must spring to life
Tourists’ delight ! just the solitary wish

Pardon me for being away so long
During your bloodshed practice
Tried to pay a humble tribute
Through my travel and pen’s justice.

Epilogue:

• Majority of the BHPians prefer to take the
Kolkata- Burdwan- Panagargh - Durgapur- Asansol - Niamatpur - Raghunathpur -Purulia
However, as I have plan to visit Panchet, Baronti, Garpanchakot later on – I chose
Kolkata- Burdwan- Panagargh – Durgapur – Bankura – Purulia route to keep the curiosity alive for the first route.
• Breakfast options can be at Café Coffee Day on NH19 or at Shaktigarh Langcha shops. Lunch options could be taken at Durgapur or if one chooses to move on then at Pather Sathi near Hura town. This motel is about 36 km before Purulia and though I personally did not dine there, observed many cars lined up in their premise.
• Bankura to Purulia road is excellent with Toll yet be set though the markings are already in place. There is a stretch of around 2-3 kms where the tar is broken though.
• Hotel Pearl Tree is more in a central position with adjacent mall and movie hall. The hotel is luxurious and looks posh but food prices are on higher side. Hotel Akash Sarovar has a better view and a little away from hustle and bustle and food prices are standard.
• Purulia to Ajodhya hills can be reached either via Baghmundi or via Sirkabad. We initially planned to go via Baghmundi and come down via Sirkabad. However, as we were running short on fuel and there are no fuel stations on the Sirkabad route as specified by the locals, we had to return through Baghmundi only.
• The Mask village Chorida is about 65 km from Purulia. Mementoes range from as low as ₹50 to a high range. The chou dance season starts from first week of February as told by them.
A word of caution for the drivers before entering Chorida village. Try to park your car either before the shops start or after the series of shops end. The parking space just in front of each shop is filled with numerous pins of varied sizes that are used for hanging the masks. This might be a serious concern for the car tyres.
• Apart from WB tourisms premise, Hotel Akash Hilltop seems to be a decent option. It has a standalone building with rooms on the upper floor and 3 cottage/tents having air conditioners and clean toilets. For the plush option wait for the Resort Kushal Pally of the Pearl Group of Hotels which would be opening soon.
• Purulia-Ajodhya is best enjoyed during late Feb – mid March timeframe where the hills turn red with Palash (Butea Monosperma). For more on this can refer to Samba’s iconic thread
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...urists-10.html

It’s subhojitb signing off for now. Cheers !! :)

What a fantastic treat! You Sir , are an artist with both your words and the lens. The commentary is refreshingly new and stands apart. The beauty of rural Bengal mesmerizes :thumbs up

Sir, am 100% sure that you are a poet by passion and something else by profession. while going thru the travelogue, got confused if i should read your words or drool on the snaps. This brings me to a very famous song from Jagjit Singh- "Apni marzi se kahan apne safar ke hum hain, rukh hawaon ka jidhar ka hai, oodher ke hum hain".

Thanks so much DriveTrain for such an encouraging comment.Feels really good that trying a different tone was well greeted. Indeed, the rustic beauty of the entire Chotanagpur plateau stretch is a treat to the eye.

Thanks so much su1978 for such high praise. Feels really honoured :) Don't know about words but the rural beauty is such that lenswork becomes so easy. Add to that I don't have a Dslr lol:

If you aren't a poet by profession
You sure are one by passion|
The magic of the multi hued nature
Your camera can beautifully capture||

Hats off on a well strung travelogue
In a manner that isn't really in vogue||

Here I am making a fool of myself
Forgetting the phrase "Know thyself"|
No poet I am, even by a whisker
You my friend, seem to be a master||

stupid:

Amazing! This travelogue of yours is certainly a different one. I am wondering whether I should say it to be a "poem written with pictures" or "picture painted with poems". Keep travelling:thumbs up

Best,

Thanks so much dailydriver for such an amazing piece of gem.
Hold me at gun-point, still I would not believe that your writings are devoid of poetic ink. Hopefully, would have a chance to meet you in person someday. While your "little brother" meets his "elder cousin" (my Ertiga) and share pleasantries about "daily drives" and "travelogues", we two can have a chat about poetry and a little bit about ping-pong over a cup of freshly-brewed coffee :)

Thanks so much Golam for such a fantastic one-liner.
Indeed, each of the responses I have received brings out the best of the latent-talents filled with love for nature and passion for arts.clap:

Wow! That is a very unique way to tell a story; and i thoroughly enjoyed living the journey through the lens and verse. I guess you would be the first one to post a rhymelogue. Not many would dare in future too; as it is not easy to carve a story with verse and still keep it interesting too. The best part is that you kept the reader gripped through the journey and some wonderful snaps too.

Great going. Cheers!! :thumbs up

Thanks so much dhanushmenon for such an encouragement. Nothing is more satisfying from a writer's perspective than the enjoyment of his/her readers through his/her writing. Again, the seeds of the inspiration came from Satyajit Ray's Hirak Rajar Deshe movie where the entire movie is composed of brilliant verses.

Note: For those who have not yet visited Ajodhya Hills and plan to stay away from state tourism properties, Kahirabera Eco Adventure Resort is another good option. It is around 11 kms ahead of Chorida and adjacent to Khairabera Dam overlooking the hills. They have luxurious cottages and tents and other adventure activities.

For more can refer to :

http://www.ecoadventureresorts.net/
also
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractio...st_Bengal.html

Hello Subhojit,

Thats an excellent travelogue narrated in a quite different style. Very thoughtful!

Heard about this resort from a colleague of mine - I believe its owned by Priya Entertainments. Did you check out the property? If yes, if you can share your thoughts please. The indicated rates for the tents seems too high (around 6-7K) - Does it deserve to be such is my question?

Regards,
Sayak

Though I may be mistaken, I believe that Hotel Akash Hilltop in Ayodhya is run by Hotel Akash Sarovar group of Purulia, while the Calcutta based Priya Entertainments operates the Eco Adventure Resort at Khoirabera Lake.

I am sorry I have not stayed at either of these two hotels, as I think both of them have opened in last 1-2 year. But Khoirabera lake was really wonderful. I felt it was very pristine with only a few travellers visiting it. Let me please add a picture of it.


Regards,
Rahul

Rahul-da,

Thanks! The Murguma-Ajodhya-Khairabera belt is an awesome area. Recently travelled to a place called Matha (Sorry Subhojit for using your thread) we spent a night under the open sky and slept in a tent. Beautiful!














Regards,
Sayak

Was is a private accommodation? If not, please provide the details of the place and accommodation related information, so that we may also visit it some day.please: Is it in Purulia?

Yes Dada, it was a private accommodation. Nominal cost of Rs 2500 for 2 adults all inclusive: food and lodging.

They dont have a website. Heres the tripadvisor page: https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Rev...st_Bengal.html

Phone # 9051766001

There is also a Matha Tree House nearby run by the Govt.

Regards,
Sayak