It began with a sigh and a cup of tea.
“Ekta bhalo jaygay jawa jaak na,” (Why don’t we go to someplace nice?) maa said one afternoon, watching the rain slide down the windowpanes in Kolkata. I looked up from my laptop, Little A was half-lost in her world of puzzles, and my husband… well, he gave that look every working parent knows. We all needed out.
And so, with little more than a Google search and a weather forecast, we packed our bags for a quick trip to Joypur Forest in Bankura, just for one night, but somehow, it felt like days’ worth of calm.
Chasing the Rain: A Drive to Joypur Forest
We left early, not too early… on a grey July morning, the sky already thick with monsoon clouds. The drive was around 4.5 hours via Arambagh, a route framed by paddy fields, sleepy roadside tea stalls, and the occasional cow blocking traffic.
Little A spotted ducks, asked if elephants lived in Joypur (they don’t), and counted puddles along the way. We stopped once for tea and kochuri at Hindusthan Dhaba, and enjoyed the charm of roadside monsoon stops.
My mother looked out the window, quietly smiling. “Besh bhalo lagche,” (Feels so nice!) she said softly — and we hadn’t even reached yet.
Checking In: Hotel Sonar Bangla, Joypur
By noon, we turned off the highway into Sonar Bangla Joypur, nestled right at the edge of the forest. It felt like we had entered another world… tall sal trees, a gentle drizzle, the earthy smell of rain-soaked leaves, and not a horn in earshot.
The property is spread out and thoughtfully built… cottages and rooms facing green lawns, a large pond with swans, pathways perfect for aimless strolling.
Our room was spacious, cool, and clean… luxurious and very comfortable. My mom took the chair at the balcony, soaking in the rain-drenched greenery. Little A nudged us to “explore the jungle,”… and not before long, we were walking on red earth and green leaves, taking in the scent, scenery, and soulfulness.
As we freshened up and headed for lunch, it felt nothing short of a royal ceremony.
A Bengali Buffet Lunch to Remember
Now let’s talk about food — because Sonar Bangla’s buffet was one of the highlights of the trip.
The lunch spread? A Bengali food lover’s dream:
- Shukto with just the right bitterness
- Begun bhaja, crispy and golden
- Steaming rice, dal, and aloo posto
- Kosha mangsho (mutton) rich and tender
- Rui macher jhol with seasonal veggies
- Chutney, papad, and sweet endings
Every bite tasted like a celebration of Bengal — and after the long drive, we ate with the kind of appetite only travel gives. Little A devoured the mutton with gusto, the fish with a bit of contempt, and the sweets with big smiles!
An Afternoon in the Forest
After lunch and a quick nap for the grown-ups (maa), we headed into the pool. We had never been into a pool like this – completely wrapped in dense jungle, with a ceremonial Sal tree right within the pool scape!
The rain had stopped. Everything looked freshly washed — the leaves greener, the earth darker, the air cooler. The view from the pool was divine. After about an hour so, we walked slowly around the property, stopping to listen to birds, spotting butterflies, and watching ants in the mud, while singing “The ants go marching…”.
And then we reached a watchtower along the route. We climbed it — cautiously, since it was a bit slippery — and from the top, saw nothing but forest stretching to the horizon, one or two taller ones rising between the trees. It was quiet, and for once, none of us felt the need to speak.
While we had already got what we needed, when we heard about the Gokulchand Temple, one of the largest laterite temples in Bengal, the heart skipped. For ages, it stood tall and silent under the grey sky, surrounded by lush grass and silence. And just like that, we realized we would wanted to explore JOMO… joy of missing out. With the fast-paced life, and tireless adventures, the mind and body needed rest. But we heard great things about the architecture and wholly recommend visiting it! And when in Bankura, the Bishnupur Temples are a must-see too! We’d already visited it, so we were happy to be put in the lap of nature, just where we were.
An Evening with Trees, Tea, and Tunes
As the “jhijhi poke” began their orchestral charm with the sundown, we headed back to the room, and ordered some hot ginger tea. Maa sang some nostalgic tunes, Little A broke into an impromptu performance, and we unwinded in all the ways possible. Dinner was a shift from traditional to comfort food — Chinese-style:
- Clear soup
- Noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- And a little chicken dish that quickly disappeared from our plates
It was the kind of simple, cozy meal that fits perfectly with a rainy night and a tired, happy family. If you’re traveling with a smaller child, head over to our blog on our favorite food gadgets.
The Calm We Came For
That night, we didn’t switch on the TV. Little A fell asleep early, dreaming of forest animals. My mother sat by the window, humming old songs as rain pattered gently outside. My husband and I just sat there, quietly.
There are rare moments when you feel completely present — and this was one of them. Joypur Forest gave us the exact calm we were craving.
When to Visit Joypur Forest
Since we visited in July, let us say this: Monsoon is magical here.
The forest feels alive, every leaf glows, and the air is unbelievably fresh. But:
- Carry umbrellas, good walking shoes, and a change of clothes for kids.
- If you prefer clear skies and birdwatching, visit between November and February.
- Summer (March–May) is quieter and hotter but peaceful if you’re staying indoors.
Budget for 1 Night for 3 Adults and 1 Child:
| Expense | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Room at Sonar Bangla Joypur Forest | ₹6500–₹8500 |
| Meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast) | ₹1200–₹1600 |
| Fuel & tolls (round trip) | ₹3000 |
| Misc (tea/snacks/sightseeing) | ₹500–₹700 |
| Total | ₹9500–₹10,500 |
A complete short getaway in about ₹10,000 for a family of four — without compromising comfort.
Why Joypur Forest Works for Families
- Kids: Open spaces, gentle trails, animals to spot, and zero screen time complaints
- Elders: Calm surroundings, flat walkways, homely food, and fresh air
- Parents: No chaos, no tourist traps, just time to reconnect
It’s not flashy or commercial — and that’s exactly why it works.
On Our Way Back…
We didn’t play music on the return drive from Joypur Forest. The silence felt nice. My mother said, “Erokom jaygay ashle mon ta halka hoye jay.” (A place like this lifts the weight off your heart.)
We smiled, watching the forest fade in the rearview mirror, already thinking — we’ll come back. Maybe in winter. Maybe just the two of us. Or maybe again, all four, chasing butterflies and borrowed time.
