We all are swamped in our day-to-day lives, and most of us do not have spare moments to relax. But if you are tired of the monotony of regular life and looking for a getaway near Kolkata, then you need to visit the Mukutmanipur Dam. Located in Bankura, this is a quaint destination tucked amidst nature. This is an ideal location for people looking for natural escapades close to Kolkata. Next time you get a long extended weekend or a typical weekend, you need to plan a trip to this location. Keep reading this article; I will mention everything you need to know about Mukutmanipur Dam. This will be a helpful read for you if you plan a trip to the Mukutmanipur Dam soon.
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Mukutmanipur Dam
The Mukutmanipur Dam or Kangsabati Dam is a beautiful Dam located in the Bankura district in the sub-division of Khatra. This reservoir is located on the Kangsabati River and is one of Bankura’s most beautiful and picturesque locations. Also popular as the Gorabari Dam, the Mukutmanipur Dam is the heart of tourism in Mukutmanipur and Bankura. The construction of this reservoir goes back to the 1950s. Moreover, the primary purpose behind the creation of this beautiful Dam was to provide water to the significant dry regions of West Bengal. This Dam stretches for a length of 11.27 km. Furthermore, the Dam is 38 metres wide and can store up to 1.04 cubic km of water. However, this is the only Dam in India that the Central Water Commission of the Government of India has recognized as a dam of national importance.
The Kangsabati River is a picturesque river originating from the Chota Nagpur plateau. It passes through the districts of Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, Purba and Paschim Medinipur before dumping into the Bay of Bengal. This river plays a vital role in agricultural needs and provides water for irrigation. Along with that, it also helps in sustaining the ecological system locally as well. However, the scenic beauty of the Mukutmanipur Dam is the primary reason it is such a popular sightseeing spot in Bankura. Surrounded by lush greenery, the Dam offers a beautiful view. So, if you ever visit Bankura, you must see this Dam here.
How to reach
- By air
If you are travelling by air, the nearest airport to Mukutmanipur Dam is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport in Kolkata. From the airport, the distance to Mukutmanipur is 212 km, and it would take around 5 hours and 20 minutes to reach there. You can cover the Kolkata to Mukutmanipur distance by road via NH 16.
- By train
Mukutmanipur’s nearest railway station is the Bankura Junction. You will find regular trains from the Howrah railway station to reach Bankura. Bankura to Mukutmanipur is about 54.8 km, and you can reach it in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, the most convenient way to reach Mukutmanipur from Bankura is to hire a car from the railway station.
- By road
You can travel by road to Mukutmanipur from nearby cities and towns. Kolkata to Mukutmanipur is about five and a half hours away by road. You can easily take a car to get there from Kolkata.
Mukutmanipur distance from other nearby popular locations:
The distance from Howrah to Mukutmanipur is 214 km, and the journey takes 4 hours and 50 minutes.
The distance from Bishnupur to Mukutmanipur is 76 km, and it would take 1 hour and 51 minutes to reach there.
Durgapur to Mukutmanipur is 100 km long, and it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there.
The distance from Purulia to Mukutmanipur is 76.5 km, and the time to reach it would be 2 hours.
The best time to visit
The ideal time to visit this location is the cooler months, from October to March. This is the time when the Mukutmanipur weather is most pleasant. You can enjoy the Mukutmanipur Dam’s surroundings most comfortably when the temperature and humidity are low. However, some people prefer visiting here during monsoon as well. Monsoon season is the ideal time to witness the Dam and the reservoir in full glory. So you can visit during that time too. But remember that the rain can be a dampener in your travel spirit. You can, therefore, also see after the monsoon to enjoy the entire reservoir and the lush greenery as well.
Avoid visiting here during the summer as the location gets extremely hot and humid during the summer season. With temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees, it becomes too unbearable to face the heat. If you are visiting at that time, exploring the location would become extremely uncomfortable, and there will be chances of heat stroke due to longer hours of exposure to the sun. So plan your visit accordingly.
Things to do in Mukutmanipur
- Enjoy the scenic view of the Dam and its surroundings. After all, this is not something we get to witness in our daily lives.
- The spot of the Dam is a popular picnic spot. So if you visit there, you can indeed have a picnic with your friends and family.
- This location is also popular for boating. Moreover, people visiting here love boating in the blue water, so do not miss out on that.
- The location is very rich in floral and faunal variety. So, if you are visiting, make sure you observe all that.
- Bird-watching is yet another popular activity that you can enjoy here. This location houses and attracts various birds, which you will love looking at.
- this can be the ideal spot for photographers to click on perfect pictures. So take advantage of that chance and capture whatever you can see here.
Places to visit in Mukutmanipur
Other than the Dam, there are many places nearby that you should also explore when visiting Mukutmanipur.
- Musafirana Viewpoint
This is a popular Mukutmanipur tourist spot that offers a panoramic view of the City. From lush greenery to river water and the elongated sky, the view is spectacular.
- Pareshnath Temple
This Shiv Mandir is located close to the Kangsabati Dam. During the construction of this Dam, the workers discovered the idol while digging the ground. It is a popular tourist spot and an important religious site in Mukutmanipur.
- Banpukuria Deer Park
Located 8 km away from Mukutmanipur, this is a wildlife sanctuary that houses a variety of deer. From sambar deer and spotted deer to barking deer, you can spot it all here. Other than that, you can also spot monkeys, peacocks, rabbits, and other animals here. It can be a good location to visit with your whole family.
- Noadihi Baroghutu Sunset Point
This is a small hill that offers splendid views of the setting sun. Located 15 km away from Mukutmanipur, it is a tourist spot where visitors specifically visit to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets.
- Jhilimili 12 Mile Forest
This is an offbeat destination near Mukutmanipur that you can also check out. Located 30 km away from Mukutmanipur, this is a beautiful forest area where you can enjoy being extremely close to nature. Massive Sal and Mahua trees in the forest create a mesmerizing atmosphere that is too interesting to explore.
- Talberia Lake
The Talberia Lake, or the Talberia Dam, is another tourist spot near Mukutmanipur that you can visit. This location is famous for picnics, swimming, fishing, boating, etc.
- Mukutmanipur Hotels
You can find some low-price hotels in Mukutmanipur that you can check out for a decent stay. Also, you will find some government-run lodges and hostels for a decent budget stay. You can check out a good quality Mukutmanipur resort here that you can opt for, or stay at some resorts in Bankura and travel to Mukutmanipur. Some of the popular resorts are
- Peerless Resort Mukutmanipur
Address: Baraghutu Road, Mukutmanipur, West Bengal
- Mili Resort
Address: Mukutmanipur, Bansnala, West Bengal
- Sonajhuri Prakriti Bhraman Kendra
Address: Mukutmanipur, West Bengal
- Aranyak Resort Mukutmanipur
Address: Dam Road, Mukutmanipur, near Sports Academy, Khari Dungri, West Bengal
- Hotel Amrapali
Address: Mukutmanipur Road, Gorabari, Mukutmanipur, West Bengal
Wrapping Up!
So that was all about Mukutmanipur Dam, and now I am sure you are interested in visiting this spot. If you enjoy visiting offbeat locations, this can be an excellent option to explore. The beauty of this location and the surroundings will win over your heart once you see it. Also, it can be a perfect weekend destination to visit from Kolkata. Plan a trip to this beautiful location now if you have a short holiday.
Moreover, a location like Mukutmanipur is enough to rejuvenate and de-stress you. So let me know when you are planning a visit to this location. And let me know if this particular article on Mukutmanipur Dam is helpful for you when planning a trip to this location.
