Tarafeni Barrage

There is a barrage is on ‘Tarafeni River’ in Baishtampur it is popularly known as Tarafeni barrage. Over the years, it has become a tourist destination. It is quite a simple place, and thus, the serenity of this place makes you feel like you are taking a walk beside the dam. The nearby place looks like it is naturally preserved. So, the refreshment near the dam is really soothing. Whether you are a nature lover or not, you will certainly enjoy the serenity of the place.
The water flow of the barrage is giant. When all the gates are open, it is really fascinating. The time when all the gates of the barrage are opened, it is something that is spectacular. Local people, during your visit, can be seen catching fish here. You can also take a bath. It also has a decent place for car parking. This barrage is located in a place that is quite isolated, calm, and quiet. You can visit this place if you are looking for a place that is full of natural ambiance.

Attraction

Tarafeni Barrage falls under one of the tourist spots while visiting Jhargram or nearby places. This place is absolutely open to all, and it does not require any permission. That makes it an easily accessible place where you can go without any prior plan. You can spend your evening here clicking pictures with your loved ones while keeping the nature or barrage as background. You can bring your car or bike without any issues as there is ample space for parking.
One of the most positive facts about Tarafeni Barrage is that it is totally a pollution free area. It is really close to nature, and the scenic beauty along with a river and a waterfall is really good. There is a Shal forest nearby giving you ample oxygen.

History

In 1972, the Tarafeni Barrage on Tarafeni river was constructed. Although much historical information has not been found about this place, it can be said that this place is not among the major tourist locations. Till date, the local people come here for refreshment. But it is, as a tourist, always a good idea to explore new places.

Inside/Outside Views

It is a small dam on the Tarafeni River along with 8 lock gates with a small amount of water. For the locals, I think it is a good place to spend time. The best time to visit this barrage is during the rainy season as there are more chances that all the gates will open, creating a rainbow nearby. The barrage is near about 5 km from belpahari so you can visit multiple places at a day. It’s also around 15 minutes drive from ‘Ghagra Waterfall.’ The view from both sides of the dam is very nice and Picturesque.
This place is a natural beauty, with a forest of Shal nearby. You can feel this natural ambience along with birds charming altogether. It’s ideal to go on a romantic date as well.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Jhar Gram’s ‘Baishtampur’ area. From the busy area of Jhargram, the Tarafeni Barrage is nearly 40 km away. Kharagpur is well connected with other major cities like Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai etc. of the country. And from the city, you Jhargram will get local transports to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 222 kilometers away from this area and 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 that have direct flights to Kolkata. From the airport, you can easily get local transports to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Tarafeni Barrage is about 44 km away at the ‘Jhargram 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

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 Kharagpur or Jhargram for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.
Don’t enter the restricted zone.
Don’t consume liquor while visiting this place.
Please note that there is no nearby shop and no basic infrastructure like toilets, drinking water, etc, available.
If you are planning to take a bath here, then you must bring your dry clothes.
This place is slippery during the rainy season.
Don’t forget to take a snap of the top hoarding mentioned as Tarafeni so that it will remain in your memory forever.