Futiyari

Futiyari, also spelt Futiary, is a small reservoir in the Purulia district of West Bengal, about 240 to 285 km west of Kolkata, ringed by the low Tilaboni, Sindurpur and Panjonia hills. It is a place to do very little: watch migratory birds on the water in winter, walk the red-earth villages, climb a hill at dusk and see the palash forests flare orange in spring.

Our stay overlooks the dam itself.

• Futiary Retreat Purulia: a small resort about 500 m from Futiary Dam, with seven air-conditioned premium rooms that each sleep up to four, from about Rs 3,500 per room. Meals are not included in the room rate. Boating, kayaking, cycling, bird watching, village walks, river picnics and bonfires can all be arranged, and it is friendly to pets, children and older guests, with free Wi-Fi and parking.

If you have been searching for a homestay in Futiyari and found little, this is the most comfortable way to stay by the water.

Futiyari is in south-west Bengal, so the gateways are Kolkata and the Purulia rail stations rather than the northern airports.

• By road from Kolkata: about 240 to 285 km depending on the route, roughly six to seven hours. The usual way is via Burdwan and Durgapur, then the Bankura bypass, on through Hura towards Ladhurka and Saldiha.
• By train: get off at Purulia or Adra, each roughly 30 km away, and take a hired car. Useful trains include the Rupasi Bangla Express from Santragachi and the Purulia Express from Howrah to Purulia, and the Aranyak Express from Shalimar to Adra.
• By air: the nearest airport is Kolkata.

• November to February: the dam fills with migratory birds and the days are cool and dry.
• March and April: the palash trees bloom, turning the countryside red and orange.
• Monsoon: some local guides recommend it, when the countryside turns green and the crowds stay away.
• May and June: Purulia's summer is fierce. Avoid it.

• Futiary Dam: the water shifts from pale yellow at the edge to green and then blue further out. Go at sunrise for birds.
• Tilaboni Hill: about 4 km away, an easy scramble and a good sunset spot.
• Sindurpur Hill: about 6 km, where the Dwarakeswar river is said to rise.
• Kashipur Rajbari: a historic palace about 18 km away.
• Pakbirra: an old Shiva temple site about 21 km away.
• Surulia Deer Park: about 22 km.
• Joychandi Hill: about 25 km, known for rock climbing.
• Garh Panchkot: temple ruins at the foot of Panchet hill, a longer half-day trip.
• Chhau dance: Purulia's masked dance; ask your hosts whether a performance can be arranged.

• Getting around: there is little public transport near the dam. Come with a car or arrange one from the station.
• Heat: from April onward, carry water and plan outings for early morning and late afternoon.
• Shops: very little is within easy walking distance, so bring what you need from Purulia or Bankura.
• Birds: bring binoculars in winter.

• Day 1: Drive from Kolkata, arrive by afternoon, sunset on the dam.
• Day 2: Birding at dawn, Tilaboni Hill, then Kashipur Rajbari and Pakbirra.
• Day 3: Joychandi Hill or Garh Panchkot on the way home.

Where is Futiyari?
Futiyari, or Futiary, is a dam and reservoir in Purulia district, West Bengal, near Ladhurka and Saldiha, about 240 to 285 km from Kolkata.

How do I reach Futiyari from Kolkata?
Drive via Burdwan, Durgapur, the Bankura bypass and Hura, about six to seven hours, or take a train to Purulia or Adra and a car for the last 30 km or so.

What is the best time to visit Futiyari?
November to February for migratory birds, and March to April for the palash blooms. Avoid the hot months of May and June.

What is there to do at Futiary Dam?
Bird watching, boating and kayaking, cycling, village walks and short climbs up Tilaboni and Sindurpur hills.

What are the sights near Futiyari?
Tilaboni Hill (about 4 km), Sindurpur Hill (about 6 km), Kashipur Rajbari (about 18 km), Pakbirra (about 21 km), Surulia Deer Park (about 22 km) and Joychandi Hill (about 25 km).

Where can I stay at Futiyari?
Futiary Retreat Purulia, listed on Broz Stays, is about 500 m from the dam, with air-conditioned rooms from about Rs 3,500 per room.