Legend has it that the place got its name from the hills that look like crowns set over the meandering rivers of the land. Indeed Mukutmanipur, a quaint and quiet retreat in Bankura, is quite the crowning glory of the region. t2 spent a night at Peerless Resort Mukutmanipur to absorb the laid-back ambience and admire the scenic beauty of the place.
Before you head out
Where is it: Mukutmanipur, Bankura
Best way to get there: a 4.5-hour drive from Calcutta
What to visit: Mukutmanipur Dam, Jhilimili forest, Banpukhuria deer park, Bikna dokra village
Where to stay: Peerless Resort Mukutmanipur
Rates: Upwards of Rs 4,484 per day per cottage. Special seasonal packages are available too
You’ll also cross acres and acres of farmland growing paddy
The TelegraphPeerless Resort Mukutmanipur is a 5.5-acre property with 25 cottages, either lake- or garden-facing. “Since it can get rather hot during summer, guests prefer indoor activities during the day. The evenings are pleasant and that’s when they head out for sight-seeing,” says resort manager Pallab Sengupta.
The TelegraphMukutmanipur Dam offers the most beautiful views of the lake, especially during sunset. Built in the 1950s over the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers, the dam is 11km long and allows pedestrians and motorists on it
The TelegraphMost of the roads are lined by tall, white and fluffy Kashphool
The TelegraphTry the famous Mecha sandesh from nearby Beliator. They look like laddoos but the chhana- and khoya-based sweet has a distinct taste
The TelegraphGuests are welcomed by two Bankura horses at the entrance.
The TelegraphThe spacious rooms offer a view of the lake or the garden from the windows.
The TelegraphDrive into Bikna, a dokra village, to watch artisans create the beautiful metallic figurines. “We are about 75 families living here and dokra has been our profession for generations,” said Subhankar Rana, one of the artisans. Prices are less than those in the city too
The TelegraphThe view from Mukutmanipur Dam
The TelegraphVenture into the Jhilimili forest. Amidst the Sal and Piyal trees, you can hear birds, frogs and water cascading down the rocks. And if you’re in luck, you may spot a herd of elephants
The TelegraphA section of Mukutmanipur Dam is decorated with colourful artwork. The nearly kilometre-long stretch has images of boats and fish. It has been cordoned off to vehicles so visitors are free to walk over it and take pictures
The Telegraph