If you’re looking for a short and refreshing trip away from the busy life of concrete citys Ghatshila is a perfect destination. This small town in Jharkhand is full of natural beauty, peaceful rivers, waterfalls, hills, and historic charm. Just one night is enough to touch nature’s heart, and Ghatshila offers you all of it — forests, rivers, local culture, and even a bit of literary history
How to Reach Ghatshila
Ghatshila is well connected by both train and road, making it easy to reach from Kolkata, nearby towns in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
By Train (Most Convenient Option):
Ghatshila has its own railway station (Ghatshila Junction), which lies on the Howrah–Mumbai main line. Regular trains connect Ghatshila to:
From Kolkata/Howrah:
Ispat Express
Steel Express
Samleshwari Express
Kalinga Utkal Express
Purushottam Express
These trains take around 4 to 5 hours and are perfect for a same-day trip. Morning trains from Howrah are ideal to reach Ghatshila by mid-morning.
From Tatanagar (Jamshedpur):
Ghatshila is just 45 km from Tatanagar, and many local passenger trains run between them regularly. Journey time is about 1 hour.
From Odisha:
Trains coming from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Rourkela also stop at Ghatshila. Trains like Puri Express and Utkal Express pass through.
By Road:
If you prefer to travel by car :
From Kolkata: You can drive to Ghatshila via NH16 and NH18, which takes around 5 to 6 hours (approx. 240 km). The roads are in good condition and the drive is scenic.
From Jamshedpur: Ghatshila is around 1.5 hours by car. You can easily get shared taxis or private cabs.
Travel Tip: If you’re coming in a group, hiring a car from Kolkata or Jamshedpur can give you more flexibility to explore local spots like Burudi Lake and Dharagiri Falls.
Where to Stay in Ghatshila
There are many budget hotels and guest houses near the station and surrounding areas. But if you want a peaceful and adventurous experience, you can also set up a tent near Burudi Lake. The calm water, chirping birds, and starry sky at night make it a dream place for nature lovers and campers.
Some good stay options:
Hotel Bibhuti Vihar
Hotel Ashray Ghatshila
Nirvana Inn Ghatshila
All these hotels are nearby the station
Burudi Nature Camp (by the lake) :
Camping by Burudi Lake – You can bring your own tent or take help from locals to set it up.
Places to Visit in Ghatshila
Burudi Dam and Burudi Lake
Just 12-15 km from the station, Burudi is a quiet place surrounded by green hills. The Burudi Lake reflects the sky like a mirror. You can sit by the banks, do a boat ride, or just enjoy the silence. The Burudi Dam adds to the charm, and it’s a beautiful spot for taking photos or having a picnic.
2. Dharagiri Falls
On the way to Burudi, take a small detour into the forest, and you will find Dharagiri Falls. The water rushes down from a rocky height surrounded by dense trees. The path may be a bit uneven, but the cool breeze, sound of falling water, and peaceful surroundings make the trek totally worth it.
Tip: Visit both Burudi and Dharagiri in the first day. They are located close to each other (within 15 km from station).
You may also like to read about Sundarbans – https://www.travelseek.in/sundarbans-tour-guide-tigers-mangroves-wild-rivers/
3. Subarna Rekha River
On your last day, take a visit to the Subarna Rekha River, which flows just 7-8 km from the station. Its name means ‘Golden Line’ and the beauty of this river truly lives up to it. During sunrise, the water looks golden under the light. You can sit, dip your feet, or just relax and watch locals doing daily activities.
4. Bibhuti Bhushan Bandopadhyay’s House
A visit to Ghatshila is incomplete without visiting the house of famous Bengali writer Bibhuti Bhushan Bandopadhyay, who wrote the legendary novel Pather Panchali. The house is well-preserved, and you can see his writing desk, books, and some personal belongings.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Ticket Price: ₹10 – ₹20 per person
An adventurous video on Ghatshila – https://youtu.be/MKEq0X8HHis?si=YAgBcHlQWy3CNiVj
5. Panch Pandav Hills
These small hills are said to be the place where the Pandavas stayed during their exile. You can climb a little and enjoy a great view of the surrounding forest. It’s peaceful and perfect for those who enjoy small hikes and history. Both Bibhuti Bhushan’s House and the hill is located near the station.
What to Eat – Local Food & Camp Cooking Experience
Ghatshila offers both local taste and adventure cooking options.
Local Food:
Try the “Chhena Poda”, a sweet made of cottage cheese.
Litti Chokha, a spicy dish popular in Jharkhand and Bihar.
Fish Curry & Rice is a staple and can be found in local eateries near the station.
There are a few small hotels near Burudi Lake that serve homely meals — rice, dal, vegetables, and chicken/fish curry for ₹120 – ₹200 per person.
Camp Cooking (Adventure Style):
If you’re camping by Burudi Lake, you can cook your own food. Locals sell wild hens or desi murgi, which you can buy for ₹300 – ₹400. Set up a barbecue or open fire, and grill your meat by the lakeside. Cook rice, make spicy chicken curry, and enjoy your meal under the stars — a truly unforgettable experience!
Don’t forget to bring your own utensils, spices, and firewood if planning to cook.
Conclusion – Come Back with a Heart Full of Memories
Ghatshila may not be a big tourist city, but it touches your heart with its simple beauty, calm atmosphere, and the perfect blend of nature and culture. Whether you come for one day or stay overnight, you will carry the silence of the forest, the music of the waterfall, and the golden light of the Subarna Rekha river with you.
Follow Travelseek for more such beautiful and offbeat travel ideas. Pack light, travel easy, and let your soul breathe in places like Ghatshila.
