The reservoir
Still water with hills on three sides. Sunrise and sunset from the bank are the two events of the day.
travel guide
Murguma: the quiet side of the Purulia hills
Murguma is a reservoir on the far side of the Ayodhya hills, about 366 km from Kolkata, with hills all around, a few homestays and villages where Chhau and Santhal traditions are still living practice. It is the emptiest place we take people in West Bengal, and that is the whole reason to go.
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The short version
- Road distance from Kolkata
- 366 km
- From Barrackpore side
- 331 km
- Usual drive time
- 7 to 8 hours from Kolkata or Barrackpore
- Best time to go
- November to February. February for the palash and the Chhau season
- Suits
- Couples, quiet holidays, people interested in Chhau and village life
travel guide
What you actually see there
The homestays
A handful of small places, cooked food, no menu. Book directly and confirm again a week before, because these are family run.
Ayodhya Hills and Charida
On the same trip, an hour or so away: the falls, the dams and the mask village. Nobody comes all this way for only one of them.
How to reach
By car through Bankura and Purulia towards Jhalda, about 366 km from Kolkata and 331 km from Barrackpore, seven to eight hours with breaks. The last stretch is a narrow village and forest road, so an MUV is better than a sedan. Trains to Purulia or Jhalda with a car from there also work; tell us which you prefer and we plan around it.
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What we tell people before they go
Small things that decide whether the day is good or tiring.
Carry cash, medicine and a power bank. There is no ATM, chemist or reliable signal at the lake.
Do not plan to arrive after dark. The last 30 km has no lights and elephants use the area.
Three days minimum from Kolkata. Two days is all driving.
Road distances and drive times here are checked on road routing data and then widened for real traffic. Timings, ferry hours and entry rules change with the season, so ask us the day before you go and we will tell you what the road is like that week.
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Cars for this trip
These are the trips on our list that match this guide. Pickup is from your gate.
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We pick up from these areas
A day trip works best when the car reaches you early, from your own side of town.
questions
Questions about Murguma: the quiet side of the Purulia hills
Is Murguma better than Ayodhya Hilltop for a stay?
Murguma is quieter and prettier at the water, Hilltop is closer to the falls and has more rooms. Many trips do one night at each, and the car stays with you throughout.
How far is Murguma from Kolkata?
About 366 km by road, seven to eight hours. From Barrackpore about 331 km, because you leave from the north and skip the city.
not sure yet? send the date anyway. If we cannot do it, we will say so.
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Tell us the date and we plan the day
Send the date and how many people are going. We tell you which car fits, when the car should start, and the full price in writing before you decide.