Galudih: Wilderness Beckons

This part of Jharkhand’s East Singbhum district boasts of a rough edge in its landscape: there’s a hint of robustness in its hillocks, a ferocity in its streams, a wildness in its jungles.

There was a time when Galudih was one of those small settlements where you went for a peaceful sojourn. Unfortunately today, the station and the highway crossing area have been affected by the bustle of trucks, buses and autos. The resorts and hotels are located close to this busy junction and there is more peace and quiet to be had once you enter their comparatively secluded premises. The nights, especially, will be enchantingly tranquil.

The calming Dharagiri Falls, north of Ghatsila

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

To discover the pristine Singbhum, one will have to take short trips from Galudih. The athletic types can take a long walk, crossing the railtracks towards the west where the barrage on the Subarnarekha river can be seen in its vastness. You can also take a car or hire an auto. If you time it right, you will get to see an incredibly large setting sun hovering between the crest of twin hillocks past the barrage. Early morning, the next day, you could go to Jadugorah Rankini Devi Temple along the road over the barrage, or to Burudih instead.

Burudih is simply stunning. You pass picturesquely geometrical harvest fields and mirror-still large ponds. About 8 km after leaving the highway, turn left to take a fairly wide road, struggle up a slope, turn once again, right under your feet there is a huge pool of water, almost a perfect oval in shape. On the other three sides, tree-clad hills stand still and silent. Be sure to take a walk around the lake, or even a dip in the clear water. If you are planning to spend some time there, it is advisable to carry a picnic hamper or at least a few sandwiches.

Ghatsila has long been a popular draw in eastern Jharkhand, and the resultant crop of hotels and the crowds have taken away some of its sheen. One can hire a car from either Ghatsila or Galudih and take trips to Panchpandavas, a rock formation that looks like a huddle of five human figures, or Rankini Devi Temple. Also go to Raat Mohana, where the fast-flowing Subarnarekha has managed to knife a course through rocky ground. Dharagiri Falls is about 10 km north of Ghatsila.

Pristine waters of Burudih Lake

Taking a car ride up to Satgurung can also be very attractive. For the last 3 km the road winds through a sal forest. The name Satgurung is the result of the small stream circling the hill seven times. But the motor road crosses it only twice. Exploring the jungle (with caution) and a stream bath can be invigorating, and since you have come so far it would be foolish not to cross the state border and visit the ecotourism centre at Duarsini in Purulia. Staying at the quaint Forest Rest House here is an experience in itself (book from West Bengal Forest Development Corporation in Kolkata; Tel: 033-22258549). This rest house, however, was under renovation at the time of print.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

The stretch from Galudih to Ghatsila is peppered with resorts as well as guesthouses. The Country Club Galudih Resort (Cell: 09199868541; Tariff: ₹900-1,400) on NH33 boasts the best accommodation in the region. The resort has over 100 rooms spread across four fortress-style buildings, a kids’ park and boating pond, sightseeing tours, a restaurant and bar.

Rajanigandha Guest House (Cell: 09831047709; Tariff: ₹600-700) is more homely, offering four budget rooms in Galudih, on Hatchali Road.

For meals, the resorts offer standard fare. The roadside dhabas are not bad either – tamatar tarka and paneer for vegetarians and chicken and mutton dishes for staunch nonvegetarians.

When to go October-March, when the weather is cool or during the rainy season Location In east Singhbhum district, on the banks of River Subarnarekha Air Nearest airport: Ranchi Rail Nearest rail: Galudih Station, Ghatsila