With the magnificent Rup Narayan Riverclose by, Deulti is rich with its heritage and culture. The neighboring village of Deluti called Samtaber is popular among the tourists for being the abode of the famous author Late Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. A soothing two story house with a few rooms, the house now has been turned into a sort of small museum. All the furnitures, bed, armchair, writing table, hookah, ancient clocks, garments are carefully preserved there.
The charming calls of different kinds of birds from behind the foliage will offer you great pleasure. You will also enjoy a stroll along the narrow clay path cutting through the paddy field that will lead you to the bank of river Rupnarayan. The mesmeric view of the River Rupnarayan and panoramic view of the natural surrounding of this serene village will definitely captivate your mind.
Historical Importance OfDeulti
You must be wondering what is so special about this place. So let me shed light on the historic importance of this tiny little village in Howrah, West Bengal. Deultiis the village that leads to a tinier habitation called Samtaber.
This place gave Bengali literature one of its most prominent authors, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. In case the name did not ring a bell let me give you some cues: Devdas, Parineeta and Chhoti Bahu. Yes, these are super hit Bollywood films adapted from the author’s notable works.
Places To See At Deulti
Radha And MadangopalTemple :- You can visit the Radha and Madanogopal temple which is decorated with terracotta work. This ‘atchala’ or eight-roofed temple was built in 1651 AD by the Zamindar of Mangalhat Pargana, called MukundaprasadRoychoudhury.
Samtaber – Abode Of Late Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya :- Deulti is rich in its heritage and culture. Deulti is the village that leads to a tinier habitation called Samtaber which is popular among the tourists for being the abode of the famous author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya located about 3km from Deulti station, and his house is maintained by his family.
This place gave Bengali literature one of its most prominent authors, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. His house has been renovated and made public by local authorities and the Government.
The river Rupnarayan is just a distance away from this home. It is said that he used to sit in his study room and watch the beautiful Rupnarayan while writing his masterpieces. He wrote ‘Biprodas’, his last novel, from here.
Leisure Park :- Right beside the heritage site was a park area for leisure. You can pay an entry fee and step inside. The cloudy weather did not dampen our spirits. We strolled inside the park, talking and appreciating the beauty of such a simple village.
We heard the chirping of birds from the surrounding trees and spotted a few feathered folks that are rare in the city. The poetic me started reciting some poems of Rabindranath Tagore. My cultural side that had been starving for ages, was replenished and rejuvenated.
Nearby Attractions Around Deulti :
Kolaghat a census town is just a few minutes’ drives from Deulti (only 4 Km). The place is famous for Hilsa fish. This riverbank is also a well-known picnic spot that is frequently jam-packed with people at the time of Christmas and New Year Vacation. Garchumuk and Gadiara are also nearby places apart from Kolaghat.
How to reach :
Located 60km from Kolkata,Deulti is accessible by car from Kolkata. Drive along the Vidyasagar Setu, popularly known as the second Hooghly Bridge and take the route of the Kona Highway. Drive along the NH6 to pass Panchla, Uluberia, Kulgachhia, Chandpur, Bagnan and finally you will reach the Deulti crossing. State Govt. run buses also ply on this route.
Train service is also available from Howrah (South-Eastern). Board a train from Howrah to reach Deulti Railway Station on the Howrah-Kharagpur Line. The village of Deulti lies at a short distance from the Deulti Railway Station.
Accommodation :
Accommodation facilities are offered by a number of hotels and resorts found in Deulti, which also has the provision for dining.
For day trip, lunch/refreshments are also arranged by nearby resorts/hotels.
There are also number of restaurants at Kolaghat which is located 12km from Deulti.
Activities :
Apart from visiting the abode of Sri Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, you can enjoy a nature walk along the clay pathways of this small village. Interaction with the locals of Deulti is also quite interesting, for they can enrich your knowledge about the history of the place. You can spend sometime, sitting on the bank of River Rupnarayan, offering a visual treat.
You can also visit the temple of Radha and Madanogopal, beautified with terracotta decoration. This ‘atchala’ or eight-roofed temple was constructed in 1651 AD by the Zamindar of MangalhatPragana, called MukundaprasadRoychoudhury.
Best Time To Visit:
Deulti attracts tourists round the year and charms them by a pleasant and quaint view, though it is good to avoid the monsoon season for River Rupnarayan may get flooded. In summer, the place becomes extremely hot hence it is not recommended for visitors. The best time to visit this attractive village is in the month of December and January.