Palkot, Jharkhand

 

Palkot

 

              One fine morning I got a call from one of the admin of Jharkhand Photographic Association, (JPA) Ranchi that they are organizing a photo walk am I interested? Seeing a golden opportunity I just grabbed the invitation and joined them.   After three and half hours bus ride we reached on a plane rocky field in the mid of the sun, the villagers served locally made breakfast Dhuska, Ghughani and Jalabies to us. There was an interesting vertical rock on which another huge rock was perched resembling like toy. Latter I came to know that it is called Gobarsilli Rock, it was also surrounded by many huge rocks and was also the main attraction. There was folk lore that if any one throws a pebble and if that pebble crosses the verticality 200 Ft.rocks he will be lucky person and the doors of fortune  will be opened for him. So many of us tried but invane. As it was almost mid sun so at photography point of view it was not a good time, but the only reprieve was the deep blue sky with patches of white clouds which was enhancing the surroundings and making a good landscape, so I decided to add the beautiful sky into my frame and I did so.I went deep into the country side of Palkot block which is tribal dominated area and their main income comes from agriculture. But they mostly depend upon monsoon for irrigating their fields and are able to grow KHARIF crops only.

District headquarter Gumla is about 26 Kms from Palkotandit is surrounded by Basia Block at its East, Raidih Block at the west, Gumla Block at the North and Simdega District at its southwest border. In ancient period it is known as Nagri and pampapuri. This is the capital of tribal king Bali and Sugriv. In epics age Ghorlata was the place for army which they use to hide themselves is at 3 KM from block headquarter. Shitalpur and Malmalpur are two most beautiful picnic spots. It has said that in this cave chilled air follow during summer. It has a beautiful drinking source inside the cave, which is always enriched with water.   Palkot is also known for bronze utensils.

                In the first census of India in 1872, the Palkot block was one of the three major towns in Jharkhand, having the first police station (Thana) in the state, as well as the first middle school.

                After the photo walk was over we were served with sumptuous lunch and I sincerely express my gratitude to the organizers(JPA) for all the beautiful arrangements they have made.

 

Places to visit:-

 

1.       Gobarsilli rocks

2.       Shitalpur and Malamalpur

3.       Ghorlata

4.       Cave where chilled water flows

 

How to Reach

Air Ports Near By Gumla

Ranchi Airport is Aprox. 93 KM

Railway Stations Connecting Gumla

LOHARDAGA is 48 KM.

TORI is 77 KM.

LATEHAR is 80 KM.

Hatia is 91 KM.

RANCHI is 100 KM

By Road Distances to Gumla from major cities

Ranchi to Gumla distance is around 94 kms (approx 2 hrs by road).

Rourkela to Gumla distance is around 158 kms (approx 4 hrs by road)

 

Accommodation

List of Hotel/Dharamshala/lodge in Gumla, Jharkhand

Name of Hotel      Address Phone    Pick/Drop              Wifi         Parking   Restaurant             Hot Water             AC

 Hotel Bindesh      Lohardaga Road   (06524)223789                                                                                   

 Hotel Jyoti            S.S High School Road           (06524)224000                                                                                   

Hotel Raj                Main Road Gumla 9563516382                                                                                        

Hotel Repose        Palkot Road           7008588522

Text and Photo by –Ashok Karan, ashokkaran@gmail.com