Evening on the Murti riverbed
The Murti comes down from the hills near Samsing and runs along the edge of Gorumara. Near the Murti bridge and the lodges at Murti village, its stony bed is wide and shallow for most of the year. In the late afternoon locals come down to bathe and fish, and the far bank is forest.
Look for river lapwings, wagtails, plovers, kingfishers and, in winter, ruddy shelducks. Peafowl call from the forest, and deer sometimes come to the water. Leave before dark and do not cross to the far bank, which is forest where elephants and gaur move.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Where is the best place to walk on the Murti?
The riverbed near Murti village and the Murti bridge, about 15 km from Lataguri, is the easiest, close to the lodges including the WBFDC Murti Banani lodge. Walk on the near bank only. Ask your lodge which stretches are safe that week.
Can I swim in the Murti river?
It is not a good idea. The water is shallow for much of the year, but currents can be strong in channels, the stones are slippery and the river rises suddenly after rain in the hills. Paddling at the edge with others nearby is fine in the dry season.
Is the Murti walk safe?
In daylight and close to Murti village, yes. Return before sunset, stay on the near side of the river and do not walk into the forest. Elephants and gaur use the river at dusk. If you see a group of locals leaving the riverbed quickly, follow them.
Also in Gorumara and Lataguri
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