While in Belun Eco Village, you can visit some fascinating destinations nearby, like:
KALYANPUR GHAT
Around 18 kms from Belun Village, the river Ganges takes a sharp bend where a large expanse of water still harbours the most endangered species of Shushuk or “Gangetic River Dolphins.” This part of Ganges is not fished extensively on commercial basis and is devoid of large polluting urban habitat, which has resulted in the natural conservation of this species.
SHIBAI RIVER
Although it seems timid in winters and other times of the year, Shibai is not the same in monsoons. When the rains hit, Shibai floods its banks and creates an endless stretch of marshland. After the monsoons, when the water recedes numerous species of birds, mammals and butterflies make this marshland their home. Our Nature Interpretation Center is located on the banks of the Shibai River just in the middle of this wildlife hot spot. So, guests can sit with their binoculars in our center and spot the birds and wild cats. We have also created a small forestland on the river bank which supports more than 600 species of local fauna starting from insects , birds to reptiles and mammals.
CHOTO PUKUR
Literally means “Small Pond” – but this is far from the truth. Choto Pukur is so big that we arrange “Still Water Rafting” on it for birding. Choto Pukur and its surrounding wetland is visited by thousands of migratory birds in winters.
NAYACHAR
This river island on Ganges is around 20 kms from Belun and takes around an hour to reach. Please note, this Nayachar is not the same as the one in Haldia. This a rather a small uninhabitated island which hosts one of the most diverse population of local and migratory birds in winter. If you are a birding enthusiast, our guide can take you for a trip to this island.
KATWA
Located at the confluence of River Ajay and the Ganges, Katwa is steeped in history and religion. One of the earliest settlements of West Bengal, Katwa is one of the most important centers of Vaishanvism. The famous Sri Gouranga Temple in Katwa is believed to have been visited by Keshab Bharati and Sri Chaitnaya Mahaprabhu himself whereas the Ashram at Madhaitala is said to have hosted the two dearest disciples of Mahaprabhu – Jagai and Madhai. Other centers like Agradwip, Sreekhanda and Gyandas Kendra are all associated with important aspects of the Vaishnav movement. You can also spot Shah Alam’s Darga in Katwa built by Mushidkuli Khan – the then Subedar of Bengal, which displays some classical Islamic architecture. If legend is to be believed, then King Vikramaditya’s capital must have been somewhere near present Korgram in Mongalkote Block of Katwa.
ATTAHAS
One of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Sati, the shrine of Attahas is said to house the lips of Mother Sati. Addressed as Goddess Phullara in Attahas, this most important Shakti Peeth of Hinduism is said to attract pilgrims throughout the year. Attahas is also famous for being the nesting site of thousands of Open Billed Storks and a very healthy population of fruit bats.
