Pakhi means ‘Bird’ and Pahar means ‘Hill’, so Pakhi Pahar sounds like it means, ‘Hills of Birds.’ Although it does sound like there could be some famous birds on the hill, it actually has a different claim to fame — it is famous for its beautiful rock art. Pakhi Pahar, sometimes referred to as Murraburu Hill, is located in the Ajodhya Hill Range and is 480 meters (1570 feet) high. The hill’s body is adorned by nature’s art — it is truly a beautiful meeting of art and nature!
Renowned artist Chitta Dey and team has carved over almost 10 animal figures into the rock surface of the hill – essentially giving enriched life to the stone. The hill has six deeply carved rock art engravings that are additionally noteworthy for the detailed art.
The rock art located at Pakhi Pahar is the principal draw of the site. Although the hill is referred to as the ‘Hill of Birds’, it actually contains carvings of many types of animals (not solely birds) in the rocks. The carvings are a wonderful blend of art and nature; the carved figures look as if they are rising from the rocks. The stone art is ongoing, and you may find something new every time you visit. The stone art occupies very steep surfaces on the hill; it is not only very beautiful, but thought-provoking as well. Pakhi Pahar is not only a site of stone art; the art is part of the area and the area is part of the art.
Pakhi Pahar is located a few kilometers away from two small and very remote villages, Srirampur and Dhoska. In Srirampur, there are 41 families. These villages are some distance from any large towns/cities and the people live in an isolated immigrant area with no regular access to jobs. So the local women of Srirampur have stepped into the role of tour guides. While they make a small amount of money, we are also helping to develop important connections between local people and visitors. Every week, ten women from Srirampur take turns guiding tourists through the hill, showing them the spectacular artwork and explaining the carvings.
Visitors can pay ₹100 for a guided tour. Srirampur families share the payment equally across all 41 families. This project earns the village income and provides a constructive bond between the people and tourists. It’s an excellent showcase of how tourism benefits local people without compromising on their culture and way of life.
Pakhi Pahar is nestled between two dense forests — Matha and Pardi — in the peaceful Ajodhya Hills. This quiet, untouched area is perfect for nature lovers. As you walk through the jungle, you might spot footprints of wild animals like elephants. The thick green forest offers fresh air, calm, and a break from busy city life.
There is no perfect time to visit Pakhi Pahar — EVERY SEASON offers a unique and captivating experience.
Here is a table showing the approximate distances from Pakhi Pahar to nearby key locations in the Ajodhya Hills Range
| Location Name | Details | Distance (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Charida Village | Famous for its traditional Chau masks and rich tribal culture, Charida Village is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the unique heritage of the region. The village offers a peek into the tribal lifestyle and crafts, making it an enriching cultural experience. | 15.3 km |
| Matha Forest | A peaceful forest area that surrounds Pakhi Pahar, perfect for nature walks. | 3.4 km |
| Mathaburu Hill | A neighboring hill offering great views and natural beauty. | 4.3 km |
| Murraburu Hill (Pakhi Pahar) | The hill itself, famous for its rock art. | 0 km |
| Gorgaburu Hill | A higher hill that adds to the region’s beauty. | 2.7 km |
| Pardi Dam | A tranquil dam surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for relaxing. | 10.5 km |
Purulia Railway Station, about 322 km from Kolkata, is well-connected by trains like the Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (20898), Chakradharpur Express (18011), Purulia SF Express (12827), and Ranchi Intercity Express (18627). From Purulia station, a private vehicle arranged by Purulia Travels will comfortably take you through the scenic Ajodhya Hilltop Area, then continue 3.8 km to Upper Dam More. After a right turn and a short 2.7 km drive, you'll arrive at the peaceful and picturesque Marble Lake.
Purulia is well-connected by road to cities like Bankura, Asansol, Bokaro, Jamshedpur, and Ranchi. From Kolkata, take a bus from Esplanade or Karunamoyee, where both government and private buses operate, including two AC services. Buses drop you at Purulia Bus Stand, from where you can hire a private vehicle to Marble Lake. If driving, follow Ajodhya Hill Road to the Hilltop Area. Then continue towards Upper Dam More for 3.8 km, take a right turn, and go another 2.7 km to arrive at Marble Lake.
The closest airport is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, about 117 km away. Another option is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur, which is around 164 km away. From either airport, take a train or bus to reach Purulia Town. Once there, a private vehicle arranged by Purulia Travels will comfortably take you through the scenic Ajodhya Hilltop Area, then continue 3.8 km to Upper Dam More. After a right turn and a short 2.7 km drive, you'll arrive at the peaceful and picturesque Marble Lake.
Find quick answers to all your questions about visiting Pakhi Pahar.
The hill stands at approximately 480 meters (1570 feet) above sea level.
The carvings were created by renowned artist Chitta Dey and his team, who have engraved over 65 animal figures directly into the rock faces of the hill.
Subscribe to see secret deals prices drop the moment you sign up!