Koipul, Kharibari: A trip down the waterlane

 Introduction

The lockdown and the Covid restrictions has made the travel a less attracting and a bit difficult for the last two years. People are bit hesitant to travel to a distant place or beyond the boundary of their hometown and state. So their search criteria has confined to the perimeters of their hometown. This led to a surge in the search of the tag "places to visit near me" & if one is living in Kolkata or it sub-urban areas then "places to visit near Kolkata".

The lockdown has helped us to discover new and previously unpopular places. Suddenly these locations which were lost in time have come to the forefront of peoples bucket list thanks to social media and help revive the local economy from the covid downfall. So, please come with me & get to know about one of the best places to visit near Kolkata which is also a great place to spend your weekend near Kolkata, Koipul, Kharibari.

Koipul, Kharibari

If you love nature in its purest forms, the feel of cold breeze that kissed the water surrounding you before touching your skin and feel the eternal peace that only calm water can provide then this place is surely made for you.

Located near Kharibari, the place is like a picture form the dreams or a drawing that we used to draw in our childhood like a road cutting through the middle of a lake or pond. You can feel that suddenly the drawing has come to life as soon as you reach this place. The waters are stretched as far as one can see, touching the horizon.

So basically this area is primarily used for fishing. The lake is the collection of bheris (ponds used for cultivation of fish, shrimps etc.) which creates this astonishing views. All the lakes are connected with a central pathway. Earlier this was used to be a unpaved road but now it has been fully paved and it has been made wide enough to drive a car.

As these lakes are filled with fish and other small water creatures it also attracts lots of migratory birds in the winter season which makes this location most suitable for bird-spotting or bird watching.

Koipul is a bit off limit to the main state highway Khoriberia-Badu Road. But still this place is worth going for. For a weekend drive this place is perfect to rejuvenate your soul.

Koipul is the hidden gem of Khoriberia. But if off limit is bit too further for you then stay on the Khorineria-New Town-Chinar Park Road and you will be mesmerized. This road also cuts through the collection of fishing bheris that is as amazing as Koipul and a bit more popular amongst the gen-Y. No words can define the beauty of this place. Just take out your bike or cars and explore this location.

How to Reach?

Koipul is located near khoribari Bus stand. Take Badu-Madhyamgram Road from Madhyamgram and reach Khoriberia bus stand and it can easily be found on Google maps so follow that to the T. Personal vehicle would be perfect to explore this location ideally motor bikes. But one can also take bus from Shyambazar or Bagbazar or Bidhannagar road station to Khoribari (Route no 93 Bagbazar-Khoribari, Route no 211B Ahiritola-Khoribari) & reach to Khoribari bus stop and from there take a toto (e-rickshaw). You can also take a shared Magic service from Madhyamgram chowmatha to reach Khoriberia or Khoribari. But I will strongly suggest personal vehicle as the frequency of buses is bit lower than usual.

When to Visit?

The ideal time to visit would be in the Monsoon season (July-October). The lake is filled with rainwaters. The cottony clouds that appear in the sky near the end of monsoon and the begining of autumn creates astonishing reflections on the lake water & creates a magical painting that can only be crafted by nature and no one else. If you love bird watching then December-January would be an ideal time to visit.

So take out your keys, fill the tank with fuel or if you don't have a bike then force your friend who has a bike to go to this place and start EXPLORING!!!!!!!!!😀

For more photos check out the Photo Gallery page.

Also do check out my other blog: Bortir Bill- A evanescent gateway brought to you by Facebook