Balurghat in One Day
Whether you are staying in Balurghat or around it or if you are planning to visit this wonderful small township of Dakshin Dinajpur in West Bengal, you will get various places to visit in Balurghat. Balurghat is also an important stop over for those who are going to visit hill stations of north Bengal.
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After enjoying a day in Balurghat , they can head towards these places like Darjeeling, Kurseong etc. There are forests, picnic spots, lakes, religious places and historical monuments in this town that can be covered in a day.
Arriving at Balurghat
Balurghat is well connected through the common means of transport like rail and road. If you are traveling to Balurghat from Kolkata then you have two direct trains. Tebhaga Express will arrive about 10 PM and it starts at Kolkata Chitpur station about 12 noon. Gour Express reaches Balurghat at 9:40 AM and it is overnight journey from Kolkata Sealdah station the night before. If you arrive at night take rest in the nearyby hotels and start your one day Balurghat trip early.If you are reaching in the morning, have your breakfast and start your local trip of Balurghat. Covering Balurghat in one day will be comfortable if you hire a car or taxi. Those who are arriving Balurghat from Malda Town can avail Malda Town-Balurghat Passenger that starts at 6:40 AM and reaches Balurghat at 9:40 AM. There is Balurghat-New Jalpaiguri Intercity Express that reaches Balurghat in the evening.
If you are planning to go on a local trip for Balurghat in one day, you better start from the nearby areas of the town. The early you will start would be better. Have your breakfast in the nearby hotel or restaurant and start your journey. Here is the itinerary for your Balurghat Trip in one day.
Itinerary for Balurghat in One Day
First Spot: Raghunathpur Forest
Raghunathpur is only 1 km from Balurghat town. This forest will give your journey a fresh start with its pristine environment and scenic beauty. If you could start your journey very early you could enjoy the sunrise at the banks of River Atrayee. Spend some time in this forest to take fresh breeze and enjoying the dense forest. You can take rest and have some light food at the forest bungalow of Raghunathpur.Second Spot: Dogachhi Forest
Your next destination would be another forest towards the west side of Balurghat town. This is about 6 km away from the town. Enjoy the boat ride in the canal. If you are visiting Balurghat in winter then you may be lucky enough to watch migratory birds as well as varieties of local bird in this canal that passes through the forest. Picnics can be organized if you are planning to stay in Balurghat for more than one day.
Third Spot: Sarongbari
Your next destination will be Sarongbari towards south east of Balurghat towards Hili. This is a small forest better known for picnic parties. You will enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this forest and would appreciate the nature watch at this place. You can take some rest in a hut that is built by the village panchayat and has drinking water arrangement there.
Fourth Spot: Hili
Have some tea and light snacks at the road side eateries or small restaurants around. Take some rest and move towards the Martyr’s Column at Hili. During the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971 that took place to liberate Bangladesh, more than 400 soldiers of India and Pakistan were killed. On December 12th 1971, the soldiers were cremated at a field in Hili and there a martyr’s column was built. This is a place worth watching to offer your respect for Indian Soldiers.
Fifth Spot: Khanpur
Now you can take a turn towards Khanpur that is located on the North West side of Hili. Khanpur is known for another important movement “Tebhaga Movement” that was started by the sharecroppers in order to get their share of crops increased to 75%. The movement was brutally oppressed by the British forces and about 21 people of this area got killed in 1947. There is a monument constructed in the memory of these people who just died courageous death in order to fight for a cause. Visit this monument and remember those martyrs. Khanpur is located on Patiram-Trimohini Road and is about 18 km away from Balurghat. Before you start heading towards your next destination, you can have your lunch at various eateries on the Patirampur Road. You can enjoy good food at Hotel Suruchi or Pradip Hotel and get refreshed before you visit your next destination.
Sixth Spot: Patiram Thakur Estate
Located towards North-West of Khanpur, Patiram Thakur Estate is located on the bank of river Atreyee on the Balurghat-Malda Highway. This estate still has old buildings of famous Thakur Family.
Seventh Spot: Bolla Kali Temple
Located about few kilometers towards west of Patiram Thakur Estate, the famous religious spot of Balurghat, Bolla Kali Temple is located. Visit this temple that has a legend associated with it. Once the Zamindar of this place was arrested by the British Rulers for non-payment of taxes and with blessings of Goddess Kali he was released the next day. The Zamindar had built a temple to show his gratitude to the Goddess. It was a Friday following the Rash Purnima day so every year Kali Puja is observed on this day. Visit the temple and get blessings of Goddess Kali here and then head towards your next destination to enjoy your evening.
Eighth Spot: Tapan Dighi
Towards South West side of Bolla Kali Temple, Tapan Block houses a wonderful man-made water body , Tapan Dighi. This artificial lake was constructed by King Laxmana Sen of Sen Dynasty so that he could make offerings to his ancestors. This lake is 2 km long and 1 km broad. On the northern bank of Tapan Dighi, a ruined mound belonging to the era of Buddha can be seen. You can also visit Manohali Village where you will get to see many historical ruins. 
Tapan is about 35 km away from Balurghat Town and you will be able to come back within an hour. You can have your evening tea and snacks and roam around in the shops or you can visit the Balurghat Municipal Market. After you are through with your shopping, have dinner at the eateries opposite to the Municipal Market.