Photo Credit: © RAJDIP.IN | Photograph taken by the author.
A Memorable Family Adventure to Purulia: Exploring Ajodhya Hills with Vagabond Riders 2020
The Beginning of a Beautiful Journey
Every journey becomes special when we share it with the people we love. Sometimes, it is not just the destination that makes a trip memorable, but the laughter, conversations, adventures, and unforgettable moments we collect along the way.
Our journey to Purulia began on 25th December 2025, although the excitement and planning had started much earlier, on 27th October 2025, when we began making hotel and travel reservations. This was my first family trip with my lovely wife and tech-savvy son under the banner of Vagabond Riders 2020. I was eagerly looking forward to spending quality time with my family and fellow riders away from our regular, busy schedules.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
On the morning of 25th December, we woke up at 4:00 AM, filled with excitement and enthusiasm. After completing our preparations, we started our journey from Hridaypur at around 6:30 AM in our trusted golden chariot—a bus that would carry us towards an unforgettable adventure.
Our route took us through Dumdum, Dunlop, and Dhulagarh. The journey itself was filled with anticipation, as everyone looked forward to exploring the natural beauty of Purulia.
At Panchla, Adhikary-da had arranged a wonderful round of refreshments for everyone. It was a thoughtful gesture that added warmth to the beginning of our trip. After enjoying the refreshments, we continued towards Purulia via Jharkhand.
Inside the bus, the atmosphere was lively. Music, jokes, conversations, and fun activities kept everyone entertained. Although the journey was long, the cheerful company made the time pass quickly. We enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks along the way, ensuring that our energy remained high throughout the day.
Our first sightseeing stop was Ghagra Forest and Waterfall in Jhargram district. The natural surroundings offered a refreshing break from the road journey. It was wonderful to experience the beauty of nature with my family and fellow members of Vagabond Riders 2020.
By around 7:00 PM, we finally reached our hotel. The management handed over the room keys to each family, allowing everyone to settle in comfortably. After freshening up, we gathered in the common area, where stories, travel experiences, and laughter continued late into the evening.
At around 10:30 PM, we had dinner at the hotel. After discussing our plans for the following day, we returned to our rooms, excited about the adventures that awaited us in the Ajodhya Hills.
Day 2: Exploring the Beauty of Ajodhya Hills
The next morning began with another exciting adventure. We headed towards Turga Dam for a short trek with our entire group. The peaceful surroundings, fresh air, and beautiful natural scenery made the early morning experience truly refreshing.
The Ajodhya Hills region of Purulia is known for its picturesque landscapes, rocky terrain, forests, dams, and natural beauty. Every turn offers something different, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
After returning to the hotel and freshening up, we boarded our golden chariot to explore the hilltop attractions, including the upper and lower dams.
At the upper dam, we encountered a small but memorable situation. A security guard requested that we move our bus away from a restricted parking area and warned that he might call the police if we did not comply. We respected his instructions and cooperated without any argument. After all, responsible travel means respecting local rules and the people who help protect these beautiful destinations.
The views from the upper dam were spectacular. On one side, we could see a vast lake stretching across the landscape, while the opposite side revealed dense forests and mountains. The contrast between the water, greenery, and rocky hills created a breathtaking scene.
We spent some time enjoying the surroundings and having snacks before continuing towards our next destination.
Marble Lake: A Hidden Gem in the Hills
Our next stop was Marble Lake, also known as Tarpania Lake. The moment we arrived, the peaceful atmosphere and striking landscape captured our attention.
Once an open-pit mining area, this destination has become a popular attraction in the Ajodhya Hills region. The rocky surroundings and calm blue water create a unique setting that feels quite different from the usual tourist spots.
We spent some quality time enjoying the beauty of the lake, capturing memories, and appreciating the peaceful environment. It was one of those places where you naturally want to slow down, look around, and simply enjoy the moment.
Travelling with family and friends made the experience even more meaningful. The destination was beautiful, but sharing it with our loved ones made it truly special.
After enjoying Marble Lake, we continued our journey towards Charida, popularly known as Mask Village.
Mask Village: Discovering the Art of Purulia
Charida, or Mukhosh Gram, is famous for its traditional handcrafted masks used in the celebrated Purulia Chhau dance. The village preserves a remarkable artistic heritage that has been passed down through generations.
As we explored the village, we discovered colourful masks depicting gods, demons, mythological characters, and other traditional figures. Each mask reflected the creativity, patience, and craftsmanship of the local artisans.
Hundreds of families in and around the village are associated with this traditional craft. These masks play an important role in Purulia Chhau, a vibrant folk-dance form that combines dramatic movements, music, and storytelling.
It was fascinating to see how ordinary materials are transformed into such expressive works of art. The intricate designs, bright colours, and detailed decorations fascinated everyone in our group.
The visit was more than just sightseeing. It gave us an opportunity to appreciate the cultural identity of Purulia and the dedication of the artisans who continue to preserve this traditional art form.
An Unforgettable Bonfire Night
After a wonderful day of sightseeing, we returned to the hotel, where preparations for the evening's bonfire party were already creating excitement.
As darkness fell, the glowing bonfire became the centre of attraction. Music filled the air, everyone gathered together, and the atmosphere gradually transformed into a lively celebration.
For me, the evening became particularly special because I danced for the first time in my life with my wife and son, surrounded by my fellow members of Vagabond Riders 2020.
It was a moment I will always cherish. Sometimes, we become so occupied with our daily responsibilities that we forget to enjoy simple pleasures with our families. That night reminded me how beautiful life can be when we step outside our routines and create memories together.
There was music, dancing, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of togetherness. Everyone participated with enthusiasm, and the bonfire made the entire experience even more magical.
We concluded the evening with a delicious dinner at the hotel. Tired after a full day of exploration and celebration, we eventually returned to our rooms, carrying happy memories of an extraordinary day.
Day 3: A Refreshing Morning and the Journey Home
The following morning arrived with mixed feelings. We were happy with everything we had experienced, but we also knew that our wonderful trip was coming to an end.
One of the highlights of the morning was tasting fresh Khejur Ras (date palm sap) near Turga Dam. The experience added a local flavour to our final morning and gave us another beautiful memory to take home.
Afterwards, we returned to the hotel, completed our checkout formalities, and prepared for the journey back home.
At around 11:00 AM, our golden chariot began its return journey, taking us through the Duarsini Forest area.
At Duarsini, we witnessed a traditional cockfight and enjoyed some snacks before continuing our journey. The stop offered another glimpse into the local surroundings before we resumed our long drive home.
As the bus rolled along the familiar roads, everyone carried a collection of memories from the past few days. There were photographs to look back on, stories to share, and countless little moments that would continue to bring smiles to our faces.
Finally, at around 11:00 PM, we reached home safely.
Gratitude to Vagabond Riders 2020
This trip to Purulia was much more than a holiday. It was an opportunity to strengthen family bonds, build friendships, discover beautiful destinations, and experience the joy of travelling together.
From the scenic beauty of Ajodhya Hills and the peaceful waters of Marble Lake to the traditional artistry of Charida and the unforgettable bonfire night, every part of the journey offered something special.
I am sincerely grateful to the core team members of Vagabond Riders 2020 for organising such a wonderful family trip. Their efforts gave my wife, my son, and me the opportunity to become part of a beautiful experience that we will remember for years to come.
For me, the greatest achievement of this journey was not simply visiting new places. It was seeing my family enjoy every moment, spending quality time together, and creating memories that photographs alone can never fully capture.
As we returned home, one thought stayed with me: the best journeys are those that bring people closer together.
Thank you, Vagabond Riders 2020, for making this trip so memorable. The journey may have ended, but the memories will remain with us forever.
Until our next adventure, keep riding, keep exploring, and keep creating beautiful memories together!