Introduction

Surrounded by the thick forests of West Bengal’s Junglemahal area lies the historic royal town of Jhargram, brimming with a wealthy past and diverse cultural traditions.

Learn about the best places to visit in Jhargram in a weekend getaway or longer stay. Exploring the palatial history of the Malla rulers, sites like Jhargram.

The town was the capital of the Malla rulers from the 16th century onwards and still contains many majestic palace buildings, old temples, and lively tribal practices that showcase its enduring heritage.

Its verdant landscape dotted with rivers, waterfalls and quaint villages offers plenty of sights to explore. This guide covers the top attractions and things to do in Jhargram.

Places to Visit in Jhargram

The prominent places to visit in Jhargram are:

Jhargram Raj Palace

Built in 1931 by the Malla Deb royal family, this regal property fuses Italian and Indo-Saracenic styles into an opulent palace complex housing 10 heritage hotel rooms.

Marvel at the architecture and soak in the splendor of royal lifestyle at the meticulously maintained lawns and gardens.

Chilkigarh Palace

The capital of the historic Jamboni Kingdom, Chilkigarh palace lies in ruins barring the office premises occupied by the Government. The crumbling ruins spread across vast acres nevertheless provide fascinating glimpses into the palace’s former majesty.

Belpahari

This quaint hilly town located around 60 km from Jhargram is dotted with natural attractions like Khandarani Lake, famed for its vivid crimson sunsets, the rapids at Ghagra Waterfalls by the rocky banks of a river, and Tarafeni River Dam across the Subarnarekha river.

Other Attractions

Jhargram also encompasses sites like the 15th century Kanak Durga Temple, the village of Kendua known for migratory birds, Alboni and Salboni forests known for their flora and fauna.

Things to Do

There are abundant options for sightseeing across Jhargram’s various palaces, temples, forests and villages. Tours around the attractions and tribal villages can also be arranged. Other popular activities include:

• Boating across Khandarani Lake

• Picnicking along the riverside at Ghagra Waterfalls and Tarafeni River Dam

• Shopping for local handicraft items and stone utensils

• Birdwatching at Kendua village

• Nature trails through forests like Hatibari

You can also check out our guide on tourist attractions to visit near Diveagar.

Accommodations

Jhargram offers these stay options:

Jhargram Rajbari Tourist Lodge

Run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, this lodge provides decent rooms ranging from standard to family suites.

Jhargram Raj Palace

The heritage hotel rooms at the palace offer a luxurious royal experience alongside modern amenities.

Bakkhali Government Tourist Lodge

Located around 158 km away at the beach town of Bakkhali, this property managed by the West Bengal Forest Development Corp offers budget rooms with basic facilities.

Distances and Transport

Jhargram is located about 168 km from Kolkata, the nearest metropolitan city. The roads are well laid out and the journey takes around 5 hours. Local transport including taxis, autos and buses ply regularly between Jhargram town and key attractions like Belpahari, Chilkigarh etc.

Key Attractions

Jhargram Raj Palace

The grand residence of Jhargram’s rulers, the Raj Palace complex houses Durga temples, guest houses, servant quarters, and elaborate gardens alongside the main palace. Marvel at the unique architecture and visual splendor.

Chilkigarh Raj Palace

Constructed in the 19th century by Raja Gopinath Singh, this enormous palace complex borders an ancient Durga temple and sprawls over acres of land by the Dulung riverbank. A portion now lies in rubble while other buildings house government offices.

Kanak Durga Temple

The 500 year old temple complex dedicated to the patron goddess of Jhargram’s royalty encompasses ancient stone architecture alongside newer structures housing a gleaming golden idol. Catch the vibrant Durga Puja celebrations managed by the royal family.

Hatibari Forest

Hatibari Forest

Explore the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna as you hike through this dense protected sal forest interspersed with tribal villages along the Subarnarekha river valley. Spot migratory birds at the sanctuary too.

Conclusion

With its fascinating blend of history, architecture, nature and culture, Jhargram promises an immersive experience whether you seek luxurious heritage stays, adventurous jungle treks or laid-back boating trips across lively villages.

Most places are located within 100 km from Jhargram town center and can be covered in a 3-4 day trip. Hopefully this guide has helped outline the key attractions in Jhargram for a memorable vacation!