The grand deul at Banda
was an open-air museum with huge stone Jain deities placed around three deul temples. They appear unique compared to the other temples of Purulia. There is also an approximately eight-foot-tall Jain Tirthankar idol standing in the open. The colossal figure has a lotus on its pedestal. At present all the artefacts are kept in a small museum. Among them, the deities depict almost all Jain Tirthankar forms.
I take a tea break after visiting Pakbirra. Officially, the tour is over and I have just enough time to reach the bus stand and catch my night ride home.
As I approach my destination, I realise there are plenty of undiscovered heritage sites I am yet to visit in the district. Well, there is always a next time.
| ➔THE INFORMATION |
GETTING THERE
Purulia city is approx. 300km northwest of Kolkata. The most popular and shortest route connecting both places is Champadanga-Arambagh-Kotulpur-Jaypur-Bishnupur-Bankura (bypass)-Natungram-Hura. The best way to reach Purulia is either by car or by train. Air-conditioned buses don't often ply between the cities. Train options include the Howrah Chakradharpur passenger (58011), Howrah Purulia Express (12827) and Rupashi Bangla Express (12883)
WHERE TO STAY
In Purulia, you can stay at Hotel Akash Sarovar (from 
1,500; near Surya Mandir, East Lake Road; + 91-325-2224488/223377/223385, akashsarovar.com) or PearlTree Hotels & Resorts (from approx. 3,000; KB City Centre Mall, Deshbandhu road, Munsifdanga; +91-325-2306000, +91-8145001000, pearltreehotels.com).
TIPS
>It is better to hire a car, preferably an SUV, as the village roads are not in good shape. One can also reach these places in an autorickshaw or tuk-tuk, provided you are ready to face the many bumps and jerks.
>Keep your Google Maps handy, your phone fully charged and carry a power bank. Many of the places mentioned here are unknown to local drivers of Purulia city, though with the arrival of more heritage enthusiasts, they are learning fast.
