Murguma- Purulia's most sought after destination – GetBengal story
A meditative hill, and at its base, a river rests in silence. As far as the eye can see, stretches of green forests filled with sal, palash, and teak trees surround the scene. Amidst this quiet beauty stands Murguma, a serene reservoir at the foothills of the Ajodhya Hills. This small tourist spot in Purulia’s Jhalda II Block has grown around the waterbody. Murguma changes its look with every season, though the monsoon is especially magical; each season paints it with a new charm. It's truly an offbeat destination worth exploring at any time of year.
Purulia is famously called the “Land of Palash”, and come spring, the entire landscape bursts into a fiery celebration of red and orange. The flame-like blossoms of the palash tree, also known as the Flame of the Forest, not only paint the terrain with breathtaking colours but also carry deep cultural significance in the region’s folk art and tribal festivals.
From the hilltop of Ajodhya Hills to the Upper Dam, Lower Dam, and Mayur Pahar, people from across the district and beyond gather at Murguma throughout the year for picnics. Murguma has now evolved into a complete tourist destination, not just for sightseeing in the Ajodhya Hills, but also for enjoying the reservoir and its peaceful surroundings.
Located under Kotshila Police Station, this region is surrounded by natural waterfalls that spring to life during the monsoon. A walk through the forested paths reveals streams flowing down the hills, turning into seasonal waterfalls like Kamsutia, Machkanda, Pititiri, Girgiri, and Parapani, each with a charm of its own.
If you are looking to take a short break from the city’s noise and rush, Murguma is the perfect getaway. Spend your day relaxing by the serene reservoir and soaking in the beauty of nature.
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One of the most popular nearby spots is the Ukamburu View Point, also known as the Suicide Point. Don’t be afraid of the name — it has nothing to do with its literal meaning. This point marks the top edge of a hill, surrounded by steep drops and the reservoir on three sides. It's just about 1.5 km on foot from the main site, but during the monsoon or on stormy days, caution is highly advised.
You can also take a leisurely walk through Murguma village, where, during festivals, locals beautifully decorate their homes with vibrant wall art. If you’re travelling in your own vehicle, you can easily explore nearby reservoirs, mountain streams, and the scenic Pakhi Pahar (Bird Hill) as well.
If you’re travelling from Kolkata, you can take the Rupashi Bangla or Chakradharpur Passenger train. Muruguma is about 55 km from Purulia station. Just a short distance from the station, there’s a bus stand. From there, you can reach Muruguma by bus via Begunkodor. If you’re coming by road, take Ranchi Road and travel through Begunkodor to reach your destination.
West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC) has also set up a government-run accommodation named Murguma Tourism Property, offering a reliable and comfortable stay option for tourists. This well-maintained facility is located close to the main reservoir and provides a peaceful ambience, along with meal services and guided support when needed.
In addition to this, there are only a few other resorts available for stay, so it’s best to book in advance. These resorts also offer meal facilities, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. There are eco-tourism setups that allow you to stay close to nature. In addition, several private homestays have recently come up in the area.
Note: Translated by Sabana Yasmin
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