Bishnupur

In 2016, we were trying to explore the places beyond Bengal's sea scapes and Shantiniketan. And the source of such exploration used to be Weekend Destinations. During one such research, we came across Bishnupur, a temple town near Calcutta, created by the Malla kings that ruled this area during 17th century. But accommodation in Bishnupur was a problem because the WBTDC property was undergoing renovation or had some limitations. That is how we came across Banalata Resort, which is next to the Joypur Forest and near to Bishnupur. This trip was done during the monsoons, the time when the the green of the leaves take a more vibrant hue, paddy fields are flowing with water, clouds hung heavy in the sky and at times allows the sun to peek through the rain. This trip makes us quite nostalgic since it was amongst the first trips with our son.

Shyam Ray Temple

There are two routes to reach Banalata Resort from Calcutta:

• The shorter one (~145kms) was Calcutta-Arambag- Kotulpur - Banalata Resort, Joypur forest - but back in those days there were contagious stretches of pathetic roads
• The other one was (~190kms) Calcutta - Durgapur Expressway - Burdwan - Kotulpur - Banalata Resort, Joypur forest. 

The 2nd route, though longer was  recommended.

We left Calcutta around 8 AM in the morning and paused for a breakfast at Azad Hind Dhaba, Gopalpur. In 2016, then NH2, even though 4 laned used to be generally empty and maintaining constant good speeds were achievable. We quit NH2 near Purta Bhawan, Burdwan and took the 2 laned SH2 towards Joypur forest. 

Tea at Azad Hind Dhaba

Stuffed Parathas

The road was generally good and we reached Banalata at 2 PM - since we took multiple stops for photography.  The resort is spread over a huge area - with their own ponds, vegetable cultivation, country chicken, even emu...Katla was fresh out of the pond and the 'desi' chicken - even though a little hard and bony was tasty enough. Rice from their own fields and I had a photo of my son clicked at the "dheki". Some photos.

Jor Bangla Temple

Shyam Ray Temple

Rashmancho