Bhonsraghat – A retreat of quiet beauty

A stone’s throw from Kharagpur, on the lap of the Subarnarekha, lays Bhonsraghat, a retreat of quiet beauty. It is ideal for a day-trip or a picnic. The drive itself is half the fun.

The picturesque road lay straight as an arrow for about 35 kilometres from Kharagpur. In the spring season the foliage of the Hijli forest will greet us. Once, it covered a huge area around the famous Hijli jail. Many freedom fighters took shelter in the forest to escape the British authorities. Now, only a fraction of the forest exists. But the beauty is still apparent. Fresh leaves on sal, Sonajhuri and eucalyptus trees shine as the sun rays fall on it. It is a feast for the eyes.

After crossing a few kilometres you can find a settlement named Salwa, where you can have tea and snacks like singara .

The best aspect of the journey is its surprises at every turn. All of a sudden, the jungle opened into a breathtaking khoai, which is the local name for a barren moor land where soil erosion, mainly caused by rain, has created amazing patterns on the ground. The grandeur of the landscape will keep us transfixed.

Greenery and fire-coloured simul and palash enveloped the road for the rest of the trip. The melodious call of koyels breaks its tranquility.

After crossing the Keleghai river, a largish settlement called Khesiari makes its appearance. It houses an old Sarbamangala temple. The deity bears a resemblance to the Jagannath idol of Puri. The architecture of the temple also has Oriya influences.

At Bhonsraghat, we can get the wonderful wide-angle view of the Subarnarekha. In summer, the river becomes almost dry. Thin blue streams trickled through silvery sand to merge with the arc of the horizon.

Four ramshackle wooden bridges that are usually submerged by the river during monsoon connect the banks. The view is spectacular.  A fleet of country boats is visible at a distance. Fishermen are found casting their nets. A thick green cover of Sonajhuri and eucalyptus bordered the banks. The slowly flowing water is cool and transparent, allowing refreshing midday dips.

This pleasant trip is ideal for relaxing of mind and will freshen us with its charm.

How to go ?

Kharagpur is about 135 km from Calcutta. It is easily accessible by road or rail. Bhonsraghat is about 40 km from Kharagpur. Driving is the best option. Buses also ply from Kharagpur to Bhonsraghat.

Where to stay ?

There are several hotels in Kharagpur. The best option is the Technology Guest House on the IIT campus. Enquirers can be made at the IIT extension office in HC Block, Sector III, Salt Lake, Calcutta 106.
Ph: 23379793