Garbeta is a sub-divisional town in the Paschim Medinipur district of the Indian state of West Bengal. While it may not be widely known as a tourist destination, the surrounding region and West Bengal, in general, have various attractions that tourists might find interesting. Keep in mind that the information might have changed, and it's a good idea to check for the latest updates. Here are some general suggestions for exploring tourism in and around Garbeta:
Gongoni or Gangani is a popular tourist destination located in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. Gongoni is known for its unique landscapes, which include red soil, small hills, and a riverbed with pebbles and stones. Here are some key features and attractions associated with Gongoni:
Red Soil Landscape: Gongoni is famous for its striking red soil, which gives the area a distinctive appearance. The color of the soil is due to the presence of iron oxide.
Riverbed of Pebbles: One of the notable features of Gongoni is its riverbed covered with pebbles and stones. The Gongoni River flows through this region, and visitors can explore the riverbed, making it a picturesque location.
Scenic Beauty: The scenic beauty of Gongoni attracts nature lovers and photographers. The combination of red soil, riverbed, and surrounding hills creates a visually appealing landscape.
Religious Significance: Gongoni is also known for its religious significance. There is a Shiva temple in the vicinity, and the place is considered sacred by locals.
Adventure Activities: Some visitors engage in adventure activities like trekking or hiking in the surrounding hills. The unique terrain provides opportunities for exploration.
This blog is about another weekend getaway from Kolkata – Gangani. Also known as the Grand Canyon of Bengal, because of its unique landscape. Located about 130 km from Kolkata near Garhbeta town, Gangani (Gongoni) can be a slightly different place to explore apart from the mountains and sea beaches of Bengal.
Gangani is a natural canyon situated near the town of Garhbeta, in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. Gangani, also known as the The Grand Canyon of West Bengal, is almost 70 feet deep and is formed due to natural erosion of the Shilabati River. Due to its scenic beauty, the place has become a popular tourist spot.
Paschim Medinipur district (before separation of Jhargram) had a total forest area of 1,700 km, accounting for 14.31% of the total forested area of the state. It is obvious from the map of the Midnapore Sadar subdivision, placed alongside, is that there are large stretches of forests in the subdivision. The soil is predominantly laterie. Around 30% of the population of the district resides in this subdivision. 13.95% of the population lives in urban areas and 86.05% lives in the rural areas.
Entry point:
As one enters the area, there is red rocky land that leads to a sharp drop to the SHILABATI valley or "canyon floor". One can view the splendour of the laterite cliffs floating above. “Wind and water have collaborated over millions of years to carve and chisel a craggy ravine-filled landscape of forbidding splendour.” Locals call it Gongoni Danga or Gongoni Khola. The more imaginative city folk have christened it as the Grand Canyon of West Bengal.
The local municipality has developed steps for visitors to go down through the gorge, several stories deep, the river has carved out over the years. As one descends the colours change to various hues of yellow. In the dry season, there is not much water in the river, but as the rains come, the river occupies many of the deeper parts of the canyon alleys. As one gets deep into the canyon, one gets a feeling of actual shapes and sizes of imaginary things. Some piece looks like a lion, another has look of a pagoda. There is a large cave with an interesting story
Mythology
According to local folklore, the PANDAVAS, the central characters of the Indian epic Mhahabharata, arrived at this place during their period of exile. The five brothers came with their mother KUNTI . The land was terrorized by a demon named BAKASURA. The fearsome demon demanded a person from nearby villages volunteer every day for his daily requirement of meat. The Pandavas were staying with a Brahmin family, and it was the turn of the latter to meet the demon’s demand. At Kunti’s behest, BHIM agreed to go. A fierce battle, lasting for several days, started and in the end the legendary hero killed the demon. The village folk believe, “And that earth-rattling battle left the land all wrinkled and crumpled,” and that, according to some of them, was how Gangani Danga was formed.
To know more, visit Bishnupur town in Bankura District, state West Bengal, India
New Mukherjee Lodge
Pokabandh, Bishnupur, Bankura
Phone 8250623299, 9614472230
Director: Mr. Subhadeep Mukherjee
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