Wondering what to do on a lazy weekend in Bhagalpur. Here’s a list of getaway spots when in the land
of Karn- Angpradesh
1. Kuppaghat- Located on the banks of River Ganges,
Maharshi Mehi Ashram is a must go for those looking for serenity. There are
meditation halls, yoga space and long courtyards.
Word has it there is a tunnel in the Ashram which was
used as a secret passage and an escapade in the olden times. You can see that
too. Speculations say the tunnel opens up in Munger, 64kms from Bhagalpur.
The Ashram houses beautiful orchards and the west boundary
touches the Ganga waters. It is a beautiful experience to stroll in the gardens with your family members or even as a lone walker.
2. Chandan Dam- Built on River Chandan,
the area has a lot to offer. The garden is well maintained with benches
and seasonal flowers. The other side of the dam gives an ecstatic
view to the calm waters of Chandan. The place is a photographer’s delight.
If you are lucky enough, the guard may open the doors of
the dam from the control room and you can witness the gushing waters of Chandan
Nadi. You can spend an entire day with your loved ones listening to the birds chirp, some barbecue and a walk in the county. The best months to visit are from November
to February.
3. Hari Mora- Just two hours by road and you
are in the steppes of Bhagalpur. A perfect spot for a picnic in the
lap of nature. This is the place for all the fun activities you have been
planning with your family and friends.
The cliff there gives you an opportunity to wake the
hiker in you and for those who are not so much into physical activities, this
place is well endowed with scenic beauty and your pictures become more exotic
than ever without any passport and visa.
As dawn sets, the location provides
a perfect setting for a memorable bonfire. If you want to have a day to
remember with your gang of buddies or your kids have been repeatedly asking to
take them some place where they can run all day, this is it.
4. Mandar Hill- Mythologically important for
many, Mandar Parvat is one of the definite places to visit when in Bhagalpur.
From history to the modern-day photography, you gonna find it all, here. The hill has beautifully carved and painted steps to reach the top. Tired of the trail, despair not for sugarcane juice is available at every 100 mts when climbing up and down the hill. A Jain mandir is situated
at the top- an apt place to meditate and take in the mesmerizing
scene of the civilization from the height.
The temple of Lord Vishnu and Laxmi in the middle of
the Paaphari pond is enchanting. You can try boating too. Pickle stalls, gift shops and eatery outlets throng the foothills.
A picturesque panorama awaits you at Mandar.
5. Tila Kothi- Located in Nathnagar, Tila Kothi
is one of the residences of Rabindranath Tagore. It is both of historical and literary
importance.
The campus is now used as a part of the Tilkamanjhi
Bhagalpur University. The youth often horde the grounds keeping the space alive.
Regarded as a jewel of the illustrious past of Bhagalpur, this place is indeed
a yes for those looking for a heritage walk.
6. Vikramshila Ruins- Known for its historical
importance, Vikramshila University ruins is a perfect outing site for all. The naturally
wrecked structure has a mysterious facet to itself which compels you to explore
more about it.
Excavations are still underway. That which has been
unearthed narrates an untold story of an era gone by. The gallery-like area gives a
wholesome spectacle. From there, you walk a few steps to find the undaunted Buddha statue that stands
there from centuries. The place is well facilitated with parking and cooking
zone.
7. Trikut Pahad- Though not in or around Bhagalpur,
but at a convenient distance. Trikut Pahad falls under Deoghar district in the
state of Jharkhand. The three hills (hence Tri-kut) have religious significance.
An interesting attraction is the ropeway with its smooth trail providing an awe-inspiring sight of the topography beneath. The uneven mountainous
terrain and the little patches of unreachable greenery make it worth every
penny to take the ride. Once up the hill, the vista is spectacular. You get to
see Ravan’s helipad for his Pushpak-Vimaan, as they say.
A number of stalls and shops swarm the entrance. From
ironware to wooden toys there is a range of items you can browse from. Local
handicraft, showpiece, jute-ware, mats, dupatta, handbags, purse and a wide array
of home-made achaar await you at Trikut Pahad.
Don’t forget your trekking shoes!
