14/01/2023
Gangani, the Grand Canyon of Bengal
Gangani is a natural canyon situated near the town of Garhbeta, in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. Gangani, also known as the The Grand Canyon of West Bengal, is almost 70 feet deep and is formed due to natural erosion of the Shilabati River. Due to its scenic beauty, the place has become a popular tourist spot.
Just a few hours away from Kolkata, Gangani is a destination that brings together a stunning coalition of green forests, sandstone hills and fertile riverbeds. When monsoons arrive, the Silabati River can be seen flowing through the Gangani (Gongoni) Gorge, which is known to resemble the Grand Canyon of Arizona. Government authorities recently built a staircase at the highest point of Gangani that goes all the way down to the river, and when its not raining, you can even cross the river on foot as the water is not too deep.
How to reach Gangani
Gangani is easily accessible from Kolkata by both road and rail. You can either take a road trip till here or cover the distance on a scenic train ride.
By road: If you have decided to drive down to the 'Grand Canyon of West Bengal', then take the NH6 from Kolkata all the way to Uluberia via Bagnan. From there you can take two different routes, either go towards Chandrakona Town via Ghatal or Salboni via NH60. Gangani is just a few kilometers from either of the towns.
By train: The nearest town to Gangani is Garhbeta, which has its own railway station. All you need to do is board the Rupashi Bangla Express from Satragachhi Station at Howrah and get off at Garbeta Station after a few hours.