A day's trip - Shobuj Dwip (Green Island)
The historic Maithon Dam constitutes one of the most successful river valley projects in India. Being a part of the First Five Years Plan after independence this project is the most challenging one.
Located just 65kms from Durgapur also known as the Ruhr of India, this place is an absolute delight for a weekend outing.
Though it is quite hot in this region during the summers but one can easily opt this place during the other seasons. Winter is a bit crowded.
So we booked a cab from Durgapur and reached there within an hour.
(Cab Charges Rs3000 to Rs.4000 according to seating capacity)
After reaching we roamed around the tightly secured dam for some time and enjoyed the scenic beauties.
(Photography is strictly prohibited in the dam area)
The view of the river Damodar and the archipelago are really enchanting. So we headed towards a boating center and booked one for Rs.1100.
The boat took us to an island named SOBUJ DWIP and we spent some time there amidst the lush green ambience surrounded by water and some other islands. A peaceful destination for the nature lovers and photographers.
After spending almost 45 minutes in SOBUJ DWIP we returned to the main land gathering some amazing experiences to cherish.
You need approx. 2 hours for the trip of SOBUJ DWIP. Also there are other nearby islands where you can visit.
Charges are staring from Rs.300, Rs.400, and Rs.800 respectively. You can also avail speed boats for Rs.600 which will give you a ride across the river but will not stop in any of the islands.
(All charges are per boat & each boat can carry a maximum of 7 people. Also there are a number of boating centers).
As we had taken foods with us so we don’t had any meals there. For your convenience foods are a bit priced in the dam area.
We had a bit time issue so we cannot stay further in Maithon, but if you don’t have so, then do relax & watch the sunset. You will have an awesome experience.
From Maithon we headed towards the nearby Kalyaneshwari Temple, a 1000 years old heritage. This place along with its religious importance also carries some fascinating history like human sacrifices (NaraBali), ancient cave routes etc. The temple remains open till 8pm.
And thus our weekend tour ends. If you are coming from distant parts across India you may opt to stay in Maithon, plenty of lodges & resorts are there with all amenities provided.
Kolkata is about 4hrs from Maithon.
