GANGANI – THE (GRAND) CANYON OF BENGAL

     

    Welcome to the “GANGANI – THE (GRAND) CANYON OF BENGAL”. Whenever the word “Canyon” is used about a destination in India, the first name which pops into mind is that of the hill station of Mahabaleswar. Yet, in the most unusual place in India lies a full-fledged gorge which at first look gives you the feeling of Grand Canyon of Arizona, USA.

LOCATION:

                Located in the Small town of Garbeta In the District of Purba Midnapure on the bank of river Silaboti this gorge of red soil gives an astonishing view that you can not prepare for. Locally know as “Gongoni Danga” or “Gongoni Khola” this marvelous piece of art work is done by the nature itself through years of soil errosion and with the help of The river Silaboti and rain. 

In the plain lands of Bengal such a landscape is uncommon and exceptional, which is why this gorge is often referred to as Grand Canyon of Bengal. A stair case has been built up by the government to make the cannyon accessable to every one.

Here is a video if want to then check it out:

“Grand Canyon” of West Bengal – Gangani.

HOW TO REACH:

To reach GANGANI – THE (GRAND) CANYON OF BENGAL the usual way to go to  Garbeta by boarding the Rupasi Bangla Express from Santragachi Station to reach Garhbeta Railway Station. Cycle Vans are available at the station, and it’s a 5 KM journey from Railway station to Garbeta. Another way is by road which we did.

 Fastest way to travel from Kolkata is by Using NH6 to Kharagpur then take right towrads Bankura or Asansole on NH 14 and then left turn from Garbeta more to Gangani Hoomgarh road and then after 5 minutes drive from Garbeta more take right turn towrads Gangani Cannyon. Total distance is 178KM from Kolkata and takes about 2 hrs 30 minutes to reach.

This is the view from the top of the cannyon towards the river and the valley on the other side. It’s mesmorising if visited during the end of summer and the beginning of monsoon when the clouds are covering the sun from time to time. The picture of the valley from the top will stay with you as long as you live. 

LOCAL FOLK TALES:

But according to the locals this was created during the battle between Bheema and Bokasur and the blood spilled from the Boksura caused this structure to take place.

However, the story is debatable. As per Hindu Epic Mahabharata, Pandavas stayed at a place called Ekachakrapura during this incident. The demon Bakasura lived in a nearby hill. There is a place called Ekachakra near Rampurhat which is believed to be the Ekachakrapura of Mahabaharata. It even has a pond surrounded by trees named as Panadav Tala, where Pandavas were supposed to have stayed during their exile.

Now I don’t about the legends but how ever its created it one hell of view that you can experience at GANGANI – THE (GRAND) CANYON OF BENGAL.

This is the picture from side of the canyon. Isn't this mesmerizing ?? I have edited the picture to some extents due to the problem I faced due to low light.

WILD LIFE:

                This whole place is well known for active Elephant Zone and if you are lucky enough you can see them but be very careful cause they are not that friendly ac cording to locals. Also this place is known for  wild Bore attack although there are not so many records but the locals will caution you about it.

The River Silaboti:

                The river is not that big or deep but be careful if your looking for a swim cause the current is fairly strong and if you are dragged on to the northern part of the canyon through the river then its dangerous cause of some deep depression in the river bed due the water flow during the rainy season and no one knows how deep it is. According to the locals death of tourist during bathing in that zones happens every year due to careless behavior.

But if you are looking for a weekend gateway with family or friends then Gangani is the best place to visit.

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