Full day · Ajodhya circuit
- Lower Dam11 km
- Upper Dam16 km
- Marble Lake19 km
- Bamni Falls13 km
- Thurga Falls11 km
- Ajodhya Hill Top20 km
- Mayur Pahar20 km
Photo: Sutanu Ghosh YT, CC BY 4.0
Explore Purulia
Waterfall
Thurga Falls
A clear-water cascade on the Turga stream, reached by a forest walk
- 11 kmBy road from the resort
- NorthOf the resort
- WaterfallDams, lakes & falls
Overview
Waterfall
Visiting Thurga Falls
Turga Falls is a cascading waterfall on the Turga stream in the Ajodhya hills near Baghmundi, just upstream of the Turga Dam reservoir. The district administration singles out the clarity of its water. With Bamni Falls it is one of the two best-known falls of the hills, and like Bamni it is reached on foot: there is no road to the water itself.
The water spills over dark rock into a pool, then runs on down the stream to the Turga reservoir. A viewpoint is mapped right beside the falls. Flow depends entirely on the rains: the falls fill in the monsoon, keep running through winter and thin out as the summer heat dries them.
From where vehicles stop, a rocky, lightly wooded trail leads to the water, and through gaps in the trees you catch glimpses of white water before you arrive. Side paths around Turga and Bamni can quickly lead into wild country, so keep to the main track.
WBSEDCL's published coordinates place the planned upper dam of the Turga Pumped Storage Project a little way up the same stream, with the existing Turga Dam below, so the setting of the falls may change in the coming years.
Past & present
History & stories
The story of Thurga Falls
The Turga stream was marked out for a pumped storage scheme as early as 1979–80. The project, now planned at 1,000 MW, has been contested by local villages and in the courts, and in 2026 a works package for its access road and main tunnel was being awarded.
When you're there
See & do
Things to see and do
- 01
Walk to the falls
Follow the rocky trail from the road; the walk through light forest is part of the visit.
- 02
Viewpoint by the falls
A mapped viewpoint stands right beside the cascade.
- 03
Turga Dam below
Continue to the reservoir the stream feeds; a 2023 traveller went from the falls to the dam along the Ajodhya Hill road.
- 04
Pair with Bamni Falls
Bamni Falls is a little further up the same road, and the two are commonly seen together.
Gallery
Photos
Thurga Falls in pictures
Photos coming soon
We're putting together our own photographs of Thurga Falls. Been there with us? We'd love to see yours.
Getting there
From Rangamati
Where it lies
Thurga Falls is 11 km by road from the resort, to the north. A local guide, sightseeing cab or driver can be arranged on request.
- The drive
- Drive north on the Balarampur–Baghmundi road (SH4) to Baghmundi, then east on the Ajodhya Hill road for about 4 km. The falls are just off the road, on the left.
- The last stretch
- There is no motorable road to the falls. From where vehicles stop, a rocky, lightly forested trail leads to the water.
Before you go
- Safety
- Wet rock is slippery and hill streams here can rise suddenly after rain: at nearby Bamni Falls two bathing students were caught by a flash flood in July 2019. Stay off the trails after dark, when elephants move through these forests.
- Getting around
- The rocky approach trail is unsuitable for wheelchairs and may be hard going for elderly visitors.
Through the year
Seasons & festivals
When to go
Summer
March – June
The falls thin out as the heat builds and can dry up altogether by early summer.
Monsoon
July – September
Fullest and most powerful, but also most dangerous: rocks are slippery and the stream can rise fast.
Winter
October – February
The falls keep flowing through the cool months, which are the most comfortable time for the walk.
Good to know
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How far is Turga Falls from Rangamati Eco Resort?
About 11 km by road, via Baghmundi and the Ajodhya Hill road.
Can we drive right up to the falls?
No. There is no motorable road to the water; the last stretch is a walk along a rocky, lightly forested trail.
When does the waterfall have water?
From the monsoon (June to September) through the winter. It thins as the heat builds and can dry up in summer.
Can we bathe in the pool?
We advise against it. Streams in these hills can rise suddenly after rain; in 2019 police rescued two students caught by a flash flood while bathing at nearby Bamni Falls.
Can it be combined with Turga Dam and Bamni Falls?
Yes. All three are reached from the same hill road and are often seen together. The resort can arrange a cab or driver.
Make a day of it
Close by
Nearby places
Other places close to this one, so you can see a few in a single trip.
On our suggested itineraries
From our travel journal
Nature & outdoorsWaterfalls in Purulia: Bamni, Turga and When They Flow
Waterfalls in Purulia: how to reach Bamni and Turga Falls in the Ajodhya Hills, when they flow, the steps, safety at the pools and the bigger falls in Jharkhand.
Places to see25 Best Places to Visit in Purulia (with Distances)
The 25 best places to visit in Purulia, from Ajodhya Hills, Marble Lake and Bamni Falls to Garh Panchkot and Baranti, with road distances and what each suits.
Places to seeAjodhya Hills Travel Guide: Spots, Routes and Seasons
Ajodhya Hills travel guide: how the plateau fits together, the one-day circuit by car, highest peaks, best season, elephant and waterfall safety, where to stay.
Sources: purulia.gov.in · en.wikipedia.org · outlooktraveller.com · outlookindia.com · en.wikivoyage.org · openstreetmap.org · theholidaystory.com · portal.wbsedcl.in · bn.wikipedia.org · bn.wikipedia.org · downtoearth.org.in · constructionworld.in · tv9bangla.com · etvbharat.com · openstreetmap.org · en.wikivoyage.org · openstreetmap.org · router.project-osrm.org
Make Rangamati your base.
Rangamati is your base for the Ajodhya hills — tell us your dates and we'll plan the drive.