Gongoni

গনগনি

Paschim Medinipur district · Tagore Country & Rarh

A red-earth gorge on the Shilabati.

About Gongoni

At Garbeta the Shilabati river has cut the red laterite into gullies, pinnacles and cliffs, a small canyon glowing orange at sunset. Steps lead down to the riverbed, where you can walk among the eroded shapes. Local legend makes it the battlefield of Bhima and the demon Bakasura.

Highlights

The gorge at sunset
Walking the riverbed among the laterite forms
The sal forest on the way

Plan your trip

Best time: October to February. The river is high and the rocks slippery in the monsoon.
How to reach: Garbeta station is on the Kharagpur to Adra line; the gorge is about 2 km from the town. About 170 km from Kolkata by road.
Suggested stay: Day trip
Distance from Kolkata: About 170 km by road
Travel time: 4 hours
Nearest railway station: Garbeta
Budget: Budget
Good to know: Cliff edges crumble; keep children close.

Tip

Stay back from cliff edges: the laterite crumbles.

Nearby and related destinations

Bishnupur: Terracotta temples of the Malla kings. (about 140 km from Kolkata, nearest station Bishnupur)
Jhargram & Kankrajhore: Sal forests and a royal town in the west. (about 170 km from Kolkata, nearest station Jhargram)
Shantiniketan: Rabindranath Tagore's university town. (about 160 km from Kolkata, nearest station Bolpur Shantiniketan)
Tarapith: A famous Shakti Peeth and cremation-ground temple. (about 220 km from Kolkata, nearest station Rampurhat)

Part of these guides

Distances and travel times are approximate road figures from central Kolkata. Check timings, permits and road conditions before you travel.