Joypur Forest | Secret Nature Escape Destination In Bengal

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and recharge from the hectic demands of daily life. Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, escape to Joypur Forest for a rejuvenating weekend trip from Kolkata. This offbeat gem in West Bengal, once overlooked, has recently emerged as a popular weekend destination from Kolkata, drawing a growing number of tourists from different places.

In this continuation of the Bankura travel series, I’ll share our experiences exploring Joypur Jungle, our stay at the most popular Banalata Resort (Joypur), and all the essential details you need for your visit. Join us as we take you on a virtual tour of this exciting destination!

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Joypur Forest – Your complete tour plan

From Panchmura Radha Madav Temple, we set off for Bishnupur. Initially, our plan was to explore several attractions in Bishnupur that day, then head to Joypur Forest for the night and continue our Bishnupur tour the following day. However, we hadn’t factored in the seasonal rain, which forced us to change our itinerary. Our driver suggested that we head directly to our resort in Joypur Forest and complete the Bishnupur trip the next day.

Typically, most travelers prefer to stay in Bishnupur and visit Joypur Forest in the afternoon, spending some time at Banalata Resort before returning to Bishnupur for the night. While accommodation in Bishnupur is more affordable, staying in a resort surrounded by the forest and soaking in the unique vibes of the nightlife completely justifies the expense. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

However, we couldn’t stay at Banalata Resort due to room unavailability, as our plans were made at the last moment. Still, we visited to soak in the vibe. I’ll share all the details, and if you want to know about other options, where we stayed, and our experience, I’ve written a separate article about it. Be sure not to miss it!

How to Reach Joypur Forest

The closest railway station to Joypur Jungle is Bishnupur, located about 20 km away, making it the ideal choice for travelers coming from Kolkata or Howrah. You can take a train to Bishnupur and then hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Joypur Jungle. By road, Joypur Forest is approximately 170 km from Kolkata.

If you’re following our Bankura trip and plan to reach Joypur Jungle after exploring the artistic legacy of Bankura – Bikna and Panchmura, it’s approximately 85 km away. Travel time may vary based on the season and road conditions.

Wildlife in Joypur Forest

Joypur Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including majestic elephants, graceful deer, and a plethora of bird species. The forest’s biodiversity is one of its most captivating aspects, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

Roads Leading to Joypur Forest

As we ventured deeper into Joypur Forest, we were greeted by the lush greenery made even more beautiful by a gentle drizzle, which added a natural filter to the scenery. Everything appeared vibrant and alive.

The final 10 km stretch to reach Joypur Jungle is an experience in itself. The road is surrounded by thick forests of Sal, Palash, Mahua, and Neem, creating a green canopy overhead. Despite being a local, our driver was new to this particular route, but his adventurous spirit matched ours perfectly. He, too, was mesmerized by the natural beauty around us.

To enhance the scenic journey, dummy deers are placed along both sides of the road. They look so realistic that our driver, momentarily fooled by their appearance, believed they were real. This charming addition adds a whimsical touch to the already picturesque drive, making the approach to Joypur Jungle even more enchanting.

Main Attractions – Places to Visit in Joypur Forest

Watchtower: An excellent vantage point for observing the stunning landscape and wildlife of the forest.
Abandoned World War II British airfield: A historic site nestled in the midst of the jungle, offering a glimpse into the past and an interesting spot for exploration.
Lush Greenery: The thick forests of Sal, Palash, Mahua, and Neem create a vibrant ecosystem and breathtaking scenery.
Picnic Spots: Numerous safe and scenic spots throughout Joypur Jungle, perfect for enjoying a relaxing day in nature.
Banalata Resort: A comfortable eco-resort that enhances your experience of staying within the forest.

Things to do in Joypur Forest

Nature Trails: Various trails for trekking and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the jungle.
Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to spot diverse wildlife and bird species in their natural habitat.
Nearby Villages: Visit surrounding villages to experience local culture and traditional crafts.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife.

Accommodation options in Joypur Forest

There are three popular resorts in Joypur Jungle that offer a unique experience of staying amidst nature: Banalata Resort, Banphool Tree House, and Moulisha Resort. We stayed in a cozy cottage at Banphool Resort, and it was a delightful experience. I have dedicated an entire blog relaterd to our stay and adventure experience.

If you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing staycation, all the resorts provide a unique experience of staying in the forest, along with modern amenities in village ambience – including parking spaces and in-house restaurants. However, Moulisha Resort does not have a swimming pool, while the other two resorts do.

All these resorts provide opportunities to explore the surrounding areas, enjoy outdoor activities, and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Joypur Jungle. Each offers a unique experience that caters to different preferences, ensuring a memorable stay in Joypur Forest (Jungle) in the lap of nature.

Restaurants or eateries in or near Joypur Jungle

The in-house restaurant at Banalata Resort offers a variety of delicious local and multi-cuisine dishes. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying a meal amidst the serene forest surroundings. Don’t miss out on trying traditional Bengali dishes. The in-house restaurant at Banalata Resort offers a variety of delicious local and multi-cuisine dishes. Don’t miss the famous Bengali sweet Rosogolla, special because of its size, which is quite bigger compared to the regular ones. It’s a must-try!

Along the roads leading to Joypur Jungle, you’ll find several small eateries and dhabas offering authentic Bengali snacks and meals. These are great for a quick bite or a casual meal.

Hope you now have ample information about visiting Joypur Jungle and a better idea of the place, the main attractions, and the activities you can enjoy.

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll take you on an exciting journey from Joypur Jungle to Bishnupur. We’ll delve into the rich cultural heritage and explore the magnificent temples and artistic treasures of Bishnupur. Until then, happy traveling!