Located at the feet of Baranti Hills in the Purulia district of West Bengal is a picturesque retreat on the outskirts of Kolkata, the eastern city of India. By the banks of Muradi Lake, the serenity of the village life and calm nature of Baranti attracts various species of birds and wanderlust tourists alike. Some Eco-Resorts in the area cater to venturing tourists with basic yet fairly descent accommodation in the midst of unadulterated nature. In Spring, nature in Baranti smears itself with exuberant color of love and passion; Red.
We decided to drive and bike in groups of two each. We hit the road early morning at 05:00 am. The Durgapur Expressway was almost empty with infrequent trucks passing by. We took refreshment halts few tens of kilometers apart to rejuvenate and take off with new zeal. Roadside coconut water, fresh from the nearby villages and roadside tea stalls are a must go on this route.
We reached at around 11 am. 'Palashbari Ecological Resort' was the place to be, in the middle of plush 'Palash' Red Forests at Baranti foothills, close to Muradi Lake.
'Palash', the tropical species of the Butea family of flowers announces Spring in Baranti with its Splendid glory. This is home to resident and migratory birds and the place is constantly filled with their magical chimes. The place is in the middle of villages surrounded by small lakes, hills and sub-tropical forests. A stroll through them makes one fall in love with nature immediately.
Spring, called 'Basanta' in Bengal, marks the season of new bloom. Flowers bloom anew and plants springs back to life with colours and fragrance.
Early Morning walk followed by Date Palm (Khejur) Juice collected by villagers from Palm trees overnight. Another must have experience in rural Bengal.
Nature at Baranti has its mesmerizing charm. It changes colour throughout the day and plunges into realms of dreamy rays at sunset.
The sun sets on the Muradi Lake with the promise of a brighter tomorrow, yet again.
