Gangani - The Grand Canyon of Bangle : Famous tourist spot

‘Gangani’ is popularly known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Bengal’. This is nearly a 70 feet deep natural canyon which was created by erosion of river ‘Silabati‘. It is a popular tourist spot and has an excellent sight especially at the time of sunset. Gangani is nearly 160 km from Kolkata and only 2 km from Garbeta. If you drive from Kolkata, it might take 4/5 hours. You can travel either from Bishnupur or Jaipur as well.
Gangani has really a beautiful landscape to watch. It is a very good picnic spot with a picturesque backdrop. You can come here with your family and friends. However, you must be very careful not to skate near edges as the pebbles are quite slippery.

Attraction

Gangani is widely known as ‘The Grand Canyon of Bengal. It is a famous tourist as well as picnic spot situated by the town of ‘Garhbeta’ (Paschim Medinipur district) at a distance of almost 55 Km from Midnapore Town. It comprises natural hills around the River Shilabati, which is locally known as Shilai River. The rains, along with the seasonal variations, have resulted in the formation of spectacular geological structures over time. The beautiful canyons-like formations overlooking the river attract people from all over India. During the winters (Nov to Feb), this place attracts diverse migratory bird species, which is really spectacular. The place is situated on the banks of the Silabati River, and the windy environment makes it feel fresh. If you visit this different type of tourist spot, you won’t be disappointed.

History

Gangani is nearly 70 feet deep and is a naturally produced great canyon. The canyon was created by the erosion of the river ‘Shilabati’. Formed during ‘Pleistocene period’ with hard lateritic duricrust layer on the top, Gangani Canyon is famous for its escarpments, caves, mesa, pinnacles, and butte like structures as well as saw-tooth ridges, earth pillars, natural roof like geomorphosites. However, Gangani is mentioned in the holy epic of Mahabharata as well.

Inside/Outside Views

Gangani is known as the Grand Canyon of Bengal. It is about 70 feet deep natural canyon which is created by erosion of river Silabati. The view of the sunset is an excellent sight as well. Here you can go through its escarpments, caves, mesa, pinnacles, buttelike structures, saw-tooth ridges, earth pillars, natural roof like geomorphosites, and many more. Even walking at the bank of the river can be very satisfying.

The color of the soil is ‘orangish-red’, which gives you the feeling of a rock-like canyon. The sky, the water of the river and the orange red sky make a great combination. The green hills can give you a refreshing air with a lot of oxygen. It is really worth visiting.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Midnapore’s ‘Garhbeta’ area. From the busy area of Midnapore, the Gangani Grand Canyon is about 40 to 50 km away. Midnapore is well connected with other major cities like Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, etc. And from Midnapore city, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 136 kilometres away from this area which is in Dum Dum, Kolkata. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi, Mumbai or Lucknow with direct flights in Kolkata. From the airport, you can easily get local transports to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Gangani Grand Canyon is nearly 5 km away at the ‘Garbeta Railway Station’. This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

You must be very careful not to skate near edges (as the pebbles are quite slippery).
Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.
Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Midnapore for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.
Please avoid the place in summer as there is no cover whatsoever.
Carry your own food and water if you plan to stay longer. There are a few stalls which sell tea, coffee, and other snacks.

FAQ