Valki Machan Trip

 

About Valki Machan :

Jamuna Dighi (Valki Machan Forest) in Burdwan district is 7km from Mankar station on the Howrah-Asansol section of Eastern Railway and 13km from Paraj on Durgapur Expressway near Panagarh. It offers the perfect destination for a quiet weekend.

Green paddy fields on either side of the road, and the abundance of Sirish, Mango, Jackfruit and Sishu trees provide a welcome change from the city scenery.

A sprawling 25 hectares in Jamuna Dighi is used for pisciculture under the State Fisheries Development Corporation. Thirty-nine ponds, each spread over 22-25 bighas have been dug for the purpose. Big fishes like Rui, Katla and Mrigel are cultivated here. The fisheries department also maintains a garden here.

A part of the area has been turned into a tourist spot. Former office buildings have been transformed into rest houses, with modern facilities. Amrapali Tourist Complex offers good accommodation. Boating facilities make the stay special.

Seven km from Jamuna Dighi lies Valki forest. The huge forest, which begins at Jamuna Dighi, crosses Bengal and enters Jharkhand. It gets thicker on its way to Panagarh and was once infested with bears.

How to reach :

Take a train from Howrah station, preferably Black Diamond, and get down at Mankar station. One has to reach Jamuna Dighi by road. Or take a bus via the Durgapur Expressway and get off at Paraj More. Buses and other transport to Jamuna Dighi are available from here. I will suggess you a different way. Take Santiniketan Express from Howrah and get down at Guskara station. Outside the station you will take a private van and transport to Jamuna Dighi. Its a 15-20 minute journy.

Staying :

The State Fisheries Development Corporation of West Bengal rest house is an option. Contact Bikash Bhavan, Salt Lake, for booking. Contact No : 033-23376470

You can also stay in Aranya Sundari Tourist Lodge. Contact No : 03452-200604 / 9434537543

I stayed in State Fisheries Development Corporation of West Bengal rest house. Both A/C and Non A/C rooms are available here.