A small village named Rasulpur located about 13km away from Bolpur Shantiniketan, and free from city’s cacophony, filled with tranquillity, encompasses “Sobujban” which means Green forest. Once a big nursery and now an eco-forest, this Sobujban is located few hundred metres away from Ajay River. The entire eco-forest is spread across 100 acres and 80% of the area of the resort has plantation and 20% have water bodies. Forget all your routines in Sobujbon, be a mad king of greens for the days you are staying there and enjoy the serenity. The superb location of Sobujban in a peaceful and calm environment surrounded by lush greenery makes it a nature lover’s paradise.
Here are some of the various plant species that can be seen at Sabujban:
The eco-friendly resort earlier had 12 spacious cottage rooms which had double beds and en suite bathrooms with hot/cold water. Some rooms were made with natural materials and were air-conditioned. However in the year 2020 after being hit by the cyclone Amphan, almost all the cottages collapsed and due to the lack of maintenance, none of the cottages were reinstated to their original state. At present only 04 rooms are available which are double bedded with en suite bathrooms. Moreover, the water bodies earlier had bamboo huts in the center, bridged with bamboo poles are also in ruins now.
The dining area is quite large and you have to walk few metres from the rooms, and to maintain the charm of this place room service is not available. You have to reach the Bamboo and wood made dining place by walking every time for the meals. The mud hut kitchen is located just beside the dining place. The food which was served to us was average. Moreover as this place is located in a remote area, no hotels or restaurants are available within few kilometre radius.
Exotic Plants, which had been found in this tropical green reserve, are somehow maintained to give you a visual pleasure of the place.
Anytime is best time to visit this place. We visited during the winter season as a weekend trip. The journey was a beautiful memory as we drove through the greenery moving away from the city.
How to reach:
From Howrah station, board a train to Bolpur Station and hire an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from Bolpur to reach this beautiful place. This place however cannot be accessed by wheelchair.
Here is a small video of the trip made by one of my friends.
