A Family Trip to Asansol, For the Love of Mountains and Waterfalls
We know vacations help us to relax and cope with the stress of daily life. But as life gets busier by every hour, we forget that stepping away from stress is necessary. Moreover, research says that families who take at least one vacation every year are more prone to thriving mentally, emotionally and physically.
Family vacations are all about having fun. But it is not mandatory for vacations to be expensive or extravagant. So in case you are looking for places to visit without burning a hole in your pocket such as waterfalls near Asansol or hill stations near Asansol, you have landed on the right page.
1. Usri Falls
The serene and beautiful Usri Falls is located in Giridi, Jharkhand. A popular spot for picnics with family and friends, the falls can be reached within 30 min from Asansol by road.
The water of the Usri Falls is fed by River Usri (a tributary of the Barakar River). The plunge of the River Usri is about 12 meters from the ground level. On hot summer afternoons take a dip in the cool water of the river and wash all your worries.
There are various modes of transportation available from Asansol like Tongas, taxis, and auto rickshaws that take you directly to Usri Falls.
2. Bamni Falls
Bamni falls is located in the Purulia district, West Bengal and is spread over an area of 6259 sq. km. This spot is famous among tourists not only for the waterfall in itself, but also the rich diversity of flora and fauna around.
It takes approximately 4 hours to reach Bamni falls from Asansol.
3. Paglajhora Falls
On the third place in our list is the gorgeous Paglajhora Falls. You can make a quick stop at the waterfall while you are on your way to the hill stations of Darjeeling.
Explorers and adventure seekers also choose to hike on the hills around the falls since there are a lot of trails meant for trekking.
4. Susunia Hills
A prominent tourist destination, and found in the district of Bankura, West Bengal, the Susunia Hills is known to be the second highest peak of Bankura.
The hills are considered to be holy amongst the local people while travellers from various places come in search of the Sila Lippi as well as natural spring or “Dhara”. One popular narrative that can be heard in the locality is about the “Narasingha Stone” which stands at the mouth of the natural spring. This stone is believed to have belonged to King Chandravarman.
Susunia Hills is easily accessible by rented cabs, taxis, and buses.
5. Biharinath Hill
Located only 45 min drive away from Asansol, Biharinath Hills has gained a steady stream of travellers and tourists in the recent past.
Also known as the Araku Valley of West Bengal, the beauty of the Biharinath Hill is amplified by the River Damodar on one side and Purulia on the other side.
6. Joychandi Pahar
Joychandi is the ideal retreat for mystics and lovers of peace and serenity. It is located in the centre of Purulia, and 48 km away from Asansol, it is a preferred hill station for hikers and trekkers.
An arduous climb of 500 steps will reward you with a panoramic view of the surrounding forests and winding roads.
7. Koro Hills
The Koro Hills lies roughly 1 hour 45 min away from Asansol and is a relatively lesser known tourist spot. The dense foliage of the forests and abundance of natural trails make it a favourite spot for adventure. Camping in the forest and trekking the hills are very common among travellers.
8. Kurseong
A pleasantly old-fashioned hills station located in the subdivisions of Darjeeling, West Bengal, Kurseong was known as a tiny village with bounty of harvest and greenery.
It was not until the expansion of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train project in the 1880s. At present, the Toy Train runs the entire length of the town and offers stunning views of Tea Gardens of Ambootia, Castleton and various other tea gardens.
Kurseong is also famous for its orchids that grow in heaps and bounds during spring.
In order to reach this hill station from Asansol, one can opt for overnight buses to reach Siliguri and hail for a cab to reach Kurseong. Trains from Asansol to New Jalpaiguri station are also available, followed by a hired cab ride to Kurseong.
9. Lolegaon
Lolegaon is situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. and is truly nature’s heaven. Ethereal scene with rich green backwoods along with the tranquility of the valleys, a visit to Lolegaon promises the rise of Kanchenjunga amidst the layers of fog and clouds in the wee hours of the morning.
A wonder town of Lephas, Lolegaon can reached within a 4 hours’ drive from Siliguri.
Reaching Lolegaon would be easiest by road- a bus ride from Asansol will take you to Siliguri, followed by a drive of 4 hours with picturesque views of the rolling hills and greenery. You can also choose to travel by train from Asansol to New Jalpaiguri Station and reach Siliguri bus and cab stand, and continue your journey to reach Lolegaon.
10. Shillong
One of the most beautiful hill stations locaed in the north-eastern part of the country, Shillong stands at an altitude of 1496 m above the sea level.
Popularly known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is nestled between the valleys of Brahmaputra and Surma. This hill station is the best destination to relax and unwind with your family while being surrounded by greenery.
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Shillong would be a flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport, Kolkata and land at Guwahati airport.