Baranti

Baranti is a small, quiet and scenic place in the Purulia district of West Bengal. There is a 1 km long irrigation project dam, between two small hillocks, Muradi Hill and Baranti Hill. You can get a grand view of Baranti Lake. It's also a picnic spot, where people from nearby areas, such as Asansol, come for a day-long picnic. Reportedly, it's best in winter.

Another side of the dam/lake is Muradi, an area with a lot of accommodation, including state accommodation. This side is nearer the rail station, health centre and other facilities, and has also a better view of the lake.

This article also covers Garh Panchakot, a fortified area owned by the Rajas of Panchakot, the Singh Deo dynasty, reputed to have been established in 90 CE. It is said that the Singh Deos lost out to Bir Hambir of Bishnupur Raj around 1600, albeit for a short period. The Maratha raiders, locally known as Bargis, ransacked the place in the 18th century. The Singh Deo family, ultimately, moved out to Kashipur, in present-day Purulia district.

By car
You can take either use the historic Grand Trunk Road or the modern NH 19 (previously NH 2) to get into Asansol first. Just before entering to Neamatpur, turn left to Disergarh Bridge across the Damodar River to Sarbori More on Barakarar Purulia Road to Subhas Morh, turn left to Kotaldih village then to Ramchandrapur village and Muradi village to Baranti. You can also take Raniganj Punjabi More-Mejia More-Shaltora-Santuri-Baranti/Muradi. This route is 35 km shorter than Asansol route.

Get around
Cycle rickshaws are available for local movement in Muradi. Some hired transport is also available near Muradi railway station.

Buy
The nearest urban shopping centre is at Asansol, 23 km by train from Muradi railway station.

Eat
Eat at your place of stay. There are no eateries. Baranti Tourist Point (see "Sleep" below) has a good restaurant, which serves fish from Baranti Lake.

Drink
It is best to carry your own drinks. The restaurant at Baranti Tourist Point sells soft drinks and packaged drinking water.

Go next

 * Biharinath - 25 km
 * Maithon – 38 km
 * Mukutmanipur - 105 km
 * Susunia – 40 km

Those who have their own transport can easily make it to these places.