Mukutmanipur Tourism And Travel Guide

Mukutmanipur is located 55 km from Bankura at the confluence of rivers Kumari and Kangsabati. It is the site of the second largest earthen dam of country and is known for its mesmerizing natural beauty. The prevailing peace and tranquility is what attracts tourists all the way from Kolkata. The lush greenery, the vast stretch of blue waters, the clear blue skies and the silence is therapeutic and helps to calm nerves. Mukutmanipur is close to some popular tourist attractions of the state like Bankura, Joyrambati and Bishnupur and tourists often look to combine these places while on a visit to Mukutmanipur. Here is a snippet of travel guide to see the village, its culture and enjoy its tourism.

By Air: 

Due to the lack of an airport, tourists have to depend upon Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata located 117 km and 260 km respectively from Mukutmanipur. Durgapur airport has recently opened services and is hence yet to enjoy the kind of connectivity which Kolkata does. Kolkata airport is one of the major airports in the eastern part of the country and is well connected all cities of the country. From the airport, tourists can avail of cabs or buses to reach Mukutmanipur.

By Rail: 

Mukutmanipur does not have a railway station either and the closest railhead is Bankura located 55 km from the village. There is a large number of express and superfast trains passing through Bankura that helps to connect with Kolkata and other neighboring towns and districts. From Bankura station, it is a 2-hour journey to Mukutmanipur. Local transport is available outside the station that helps to ferry people to their desired destination.

By Road:

In the absence of an airport and a railway station, Mukutmanipur has to rely solely on road transportation for connectivity. There is a well-developed network of road that runs between Mukutmanipur and other neighboring towns and districts. State tourism buses and private buses operate regular services between Mukutmanipur, Bankura and other towns. From Kolkata people can travel by bus or even drive down to Mukutmanipur. The drive through the beautiful Bengal countryside is an added treat.

Getting Around:

Mukutmanipur has a decent network of transport system that helps people to go for sightseeing, explore the tourist destinations and the neighboring tourist attractions like Bankura. Motor and cycle rickshaws are popular modes of transportation in Mukutmanipur and most locals are found using them regularly. Totos are also used regularly and there are frequent bus services between Mukutmanipur and neighboring towns.

Summer (April to June): 

When it comes to experiencing a sizzling hot summer, Mukutmanipur is not unlike most of the other regions of Bengal. Mercury rises steady and temperatures of 45°C are not uncommon at all. It is scorching hot, extremely humid, sultry and unpleasant. The locals are barely able to manage to go about their regular duties. Moving around and sightseeing can be extremely uncomfortable. The heat makes it not only tough to move around but could also lead to health-related problems like sunstroke, nausea etc. Summer is best avoided in Mukutmanipur.

Monsoon (July to September): 

The firs rains of the monsoon bring a huge sigh of relief among the people as it marks the end of a scorching hot summer. Rains bring a freshness, infuse a new lease of life to the surroundings, the trees seem to spring back to life and the lush greenery all around adds cheer and joy. Bengal countryside during monsoon is a beauty to behold and extremely enjoyable. It is a good time to visit Mukutmanipur during the monsoon months if tourists are willing to deal with some added humidity and transportation problems arising out of increased showers.

Winter (October to February):

The best time to visit Mukutmanipur is undoubtedly during the winter season. The weather is at its best and treats tourists well. The skies clear up, no rains or clouds, the monsoon rains infuse freshness in the greenery all around. Humidity is also at its lowest and hence it is not uncomfortable or unpleasant for tourists. The chill in the air feels good against the face and is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. The early mornings are to be cherished and enjoyed. Mukutmanipur experiences increased footfalls during these months.

Witnessing Sunrise & Sunset: 

Mukutmanipur is located at the confluence of rivers Kangsabati and Kumari and there is the Mukutmanipur Dam built over Kangsabati River. Waking up early for a visit to the dam to witness a stunning sunrise or a beautiful sunset can be among the best things to do while in Mukutmanipur. There is a road that runs along the dam and driving down the road during a sunset can be extremely romantic. As the setting sun casts it’s magic on the surroundings and paints the sky in a golden Hue it turns the entre place ethereal.

Family Outing at Bonpukuria: 

Located at the center of the Mukutmanipur dam is the Bonpukuria Deer Park. Shrouded with greenery, it is the home to a fairly large number of deer and different species of birds. A boat ride ferries people to the park. It is enjoyable for the kids as they see the deer grazing and strolling around. Taking a walk through the park can be a refreshing experience. It is also worth a visit for bird lovers and photographers as they can find a fair number of birds in action here. They can spend hours enjoying the activities of these four-winged beauties.

Tripping through Jhilimili and Sutan Forest:

If tourists are looking for a rendezvous with nature then a trip to Jhilimili and Sutan forest is a must. It is a mere 45 km drive from Mukutmanipur and a paradise for nature lovers. A thick growth of trees on either side of the road makes a bike ride a fascinating experience here. There is a viewpoint here which offers a stunning view of the hilly terrain and green forest cover. It is home to a variety of species of migratory birds and so is a favorite haunt of bird lovers. One can also find a variety of trees like sal, piyal, shimul, palash etc.

Touring Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur:

Bishnupur in Bankura district is extremely popular for the beautiful terracotta temples that are found here. The intricate terracotta works on the walls are show stealers. Bishnupur is a few hours drive from Mukutmanipur and certainly worth a visit. It is an opportunity to witness some of the finest specimens of art that is famous all over the country. There are several temples found scattered all over the place like Jor-Bangla, Rasmancha, Madanmohan, Pancha Ratna temples etc.

Mukutmanipur cuisine is completely dominated by Bengali flavors. Cooked in the famous mustard oil and using the popular Bengali 5 spices known as ‘Panch foran,’ the food is bursting with flavors. Tourists can choose from a wide array of veg and non-veg food items. Rice, lentil, and fish are the most popular elements in food. Among the dishes that are extremely popular here are macher jhol, Shukto, chingri macher malai curry, fried eggplant etc. Sweet dish is the most coveted part of Bengali cuisine and there is no dearth of sweets in Mukutmanipur. From roshogolla to cham cham, from sandesh to pantua, it is a paradise for sweet lovers.

A small town that it is, Mukutmanipur does not boast of big malls or supermarkets. However if you are looking for something that is local and has the flavor of Bengal, then one could drop into Mukutmanipur Bengal Handicrafts stores where one can find handcrafted items that are popular in Bengal like jute and bamboo item, clay statues, terracotta statues, wood carvings etc. There is also a Mukutmanipur Terracotta Center from where tourists can purchase terracotta decorative showpieces and pieces of jewelry to take back home as a souvenir of the trip or for gifting purpose.