Dhole Samudra – Vast waterbody surrounded by green cover

Dhole Samudra is a vast waterbody bordered on all sides by a green cover of sal, piyal and akashmoni. Considered to be a morass created many years ago, this 200-acre lake looks like a miniature sea in the heart of a forest. It has become popular among the locals as Dhole Samudra.  This little oasis is located in the forests of Joypur-Gokulpur in Bankura.

Apart from an occasional trumpet and the shrill laughter of an elephant and a hyena, the silence of the area is overwhelming. There is no village in the vicinity, not at least within a kilometre of the lakes.

The early morning mist over the water lends an almost magical quality to the surroundings. The chirping of birds is a welcome break for the ears tired of the cacophony of car horns on city streets

Gokulpur is also known for its temples built in 1726 by Malwa Raj Gopal Singh. There are three temples carved out of stone that have withstood the ravages of time.

The temples are built on elevated stone structures similar to pedestals. The temple walls adorn decorations depicting stories from the Ramayan and Mahabharat.

There is an open area of more than 2000sq m inside the forest where helicopters used to land in the days of the Raj. Locals call it the chatal (courtyard). Now the place is a tangle of overgrowth.

One can visit Bishnupur, Jairambati and Kamarpukur from Dhole Samudra. While Bishnupur is known for several terracotta temples, the twin villages of Jairambati and Kamarpukur are famous for the religious icons Sri Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada.

The visiting places like Mukutmanipur, Panchmura and the Susunia hills can also be reached from here.

There are some tribal villages beyond the forest borders, about 22km from Gokulpur.  A visit to these villages can be a revelation. The frugal lifestyle, coupled with the simplicity of the tribals, is worth watching.

How to go?

Take a train from Howrah to Bishnupur. From there, a car or a Trekker can be hired for reaching Joypur.

Where to stay?

Banabitan, a tourist lodge located near the forest, is a good option. There are many hotels and lodges available in Bankura and Bishnupur.