I always wanted to see the Grand Canyon in the US but I guess that dream will remain a dream for some time till then let’s explore what similarities we have in our own country. I had already covered Gandikota which I think is a very much underrated tourist destination. Next, the nearest that we have something close to the Grand Canyon here in Bengal in our very own Garbeta (West Midnapore) is Gangani.
How To Reach Gangani
The nearest railhead is Garbeta and many trains pass this station. From the station, you can hire a Toto (e-rickshaw) for a round trip including waiting time.
Gangani can easily be covered while touring around Bishnupur. It is around 28 Km from Bishnupur thus making it an ideal evening trip destination. There are easy road markers from the main road taking you towards the Gangani viewpoint. Usually, people come here with their vehicles and there is ample (paid) parking available.
Where To Stay in Gangani
The government tourist resort at Gangani is still under construction (May 2021) thus it’s recommended that you stay at Garbeta town which has a limited number of good hotels. Ideally, stay at Bishnupur where you have enough options when it comes to hotels and resorts.
Where To Eat at Gangani
Right at the viewpoint, there are many shacks selling tea, instant noodles, and other light snacks. These are not expensive and I would recommend a scenic evening at Gangani with a cup of tea.
Note: There are several stray dogs out there. Don’t be alarmed, these are very friendly and would jump and dance around you for some biscuits. Please do feed them they will surely make you happy with their wagging tails.
What To See at Gangani
Unlike the Grand Canyon and Gandikota which are formed by centuries of weathering and erosion of rocks out here in Gangani its more to do with soil erosion and the color of the soil is orangish-red which gives you the feeling of rock-like a canyon.
The canyons slope down to meet the Shilabati River giving a spectacular landscape. There is a concrete staircase that one can use to get down to the bottom of the canyon to explore the crevasse. One must be careful when at the bottom of the canyon as the ground is very uneven and for this do make sure you wear footwear with good grips. I would recommend sports shoes.
The canyon extends to a large area so don’t veer off to unknown corners and stay within visual range. If you are traveling during the rainy season then be prepared for a very muddy and slushy ground making it almost difficult to walk.
This part of Bengal sees a very extreme heat during the summers thus the best time to visit this place is during the winters. During summer only evening time is recommended.
Take time to enjoy nature and its natural land formation and the very beautiful Shilabati river making this a perfect photo frame.
Mythological History of Gangani
The locals swear by it and when it comes to mythology it’s very difficult to justify things logically. The locals refer to this place as Ganganii Danga. Danga when you translate from Bengali means land. The locals believe that the land formation was a result of an epic battle between Bheema and Bakāsura who was a Rakshasa. The battle was so fierce that the force created an uneven landscape.
Vlog on Gangani
Location on Map
Other Tourist Sites Nearby
Piardoba WWII Airfield Bankura