The GRAND CANYON of Bengal

Tripoto
31st Dec 2022
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Day 1

Today we're sharing the story from the last page of the year 2022.
Vlog: https://youtu.be/NaLpkUVwg8c
We went on a one day trip from Kolkata on our two wheeler, along with Saheb da' & Mishti on 31 Dec 2022. So this is about another weekend or day trip getaway from Kolkata – Gangani. Also known as the Grand Canyon of Bengal, because of its unique landscape. Located about 130 km from Kolkata near Garhbeta town, Gangani (Gongoni Danga) can be a slightly different place to explore apart from the mountains and sea beaches of our beautiful Bengal. We haven’t yet visited the Grand Canyon that usually gets everyone in awe. But if someone says that there is a small version of the Grand Canyon in Bengal, would you believe it? The name of the place is Gangani. Located on the banks of the Shilavati River in West Medinipur District of our beautiful Bengal.

🤔 Why should you visit Gangani?
Tucked away in the south-western corner of West Bengal is Gangani (or Gongoni), a nearly 70- feet deep natural canyon carved by the River Shilabati. Although far from the original in look and in size, the place is popularly called the Grand Canyon of Bengal. At different hours of the day, especially during early morning and late afternoon, the rocks throw up a kaleidoscopic play of colours. There's a popular belief of local people about this place. It was the upheaval resulting from a fight between the demon Bakasura and the Pandava brother Bheem which dented the rocks. Local people also refer to it as Gangani Danga.

🛵🚗 How did we reach on bike?
To reach this place by road on our two wheelers We drove through Mumbai Road or NH6 till the intersection of Kharagpur and Midnapore Town. Then we took a right onto NH60 going past Midnapore, Salboni, Chandrakona and finally reached Garhbeta. From Garhbeta we took left through the town towards Gangani.
The route was like: Kolkata – NH6 – Bagnan – Uluberia – Kolaghat – Karagpur – NH60 – Godapiasal – Salboni– Garhbeta. – Gangani

🚆🚌 How can you reach by public transport?
By Train
The best option is to take the Rupasi Bangla Express that leaves Santragachi Station at 6.25 AM. It reaches Garhbeta Station at around 9.30 AM. From Garhbeta, you can hire a rickshaw or van to Gangani.
You can also take the Aranyak Express from Shalimar Station at 7.45 AM. It reaches Garhbeta at around 10.50 AM.
By Bus:
If you want to take a bus, then take a bus to Chandrakona Road or Chandrakona Town. From there, you have to get a auto/ toto/ rickshaw to reach Gangani.

🎉🎊 What will be the cost for picnic/ day trips?
Picnic party in car: ₹200/-
Picnic party in bus: ₹10/- per person
Otherwise picnic party: ₹10/- per person
Bike parking charges: ₹10/- per bike
Four wheeler parking: ₹100/-
Pay & Use toilets: ₹5/- per person each time you use

🍲 Where to Eat near Gangani?
THE EXPRESS FOOD PLAZA
Subhajit Ghosh: 9933488566
Giridhari chowk, Medinipur
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zft1hrAgVVQkrcSu9

🏫 Where to stay at Gangani?
The government tourist resort at Gangani is still under construction (Dec 2022) thus it’s recommended that you stay at Garbeta town which has a limited number of good hotels. Ideally, stay at Bishnupur where you have enough options when it comes to hotels and resorts.

🤘 What are the other places to visit near Gangani?
There are a few ancient stone and terracotta temples at Garhbeta town that you can visit. In fact, the town has a huge number of ancient and ruined structures. Visit the Sarbamangala Temple, Krishna Raj Jew Temple, Kongareshwar Shiva Temple (locally known as Bura Shiva temple) and others.
You can also visit Salboni from Gangani.

Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals
Photo of The GRAND CANYON of Bengal by Explorer Pals