Dumka Museum, Hizla Hill

General information

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  Ideal Duration:

  3 to 4 hours (To explore the museum thoroughly and enjoy the scenic views of Hizla Hill and the river).
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  Place Type:

  Cultural/Historical/Scenic Viewpoint
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  Entry Fees:

  Museum and Hill Entry Fee:
  
  
  
  
  
  : Generally, there is No Entry Fee to access Hizla Hill itself, as it is a natural public area. However, the Dumka Museum (Regional Museum) may have...

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  Museum and Hill Entry Fee:
  
  
  
  
  
  : Generally, there is No Entry Fee to access Hizla Hill itself, as it is a natural public area. However, the Dumka Museum (Regional Museum) may have a nominal ticket price. This fee is usually very low, often ranging from Rs. 5 to Rs. 20 per person for general visitors, which is subject to change as per government or museum administration policy. This small fee is typically used for the maintenance and upkeep of the exhibits and facilities.
  
  Camera and Photography Fees:
  
  
  
  
  
  : While personal photography with smartphones is often permitted without charge, professional cameras or video recording equipment inside the Dumka Museum might attract a separate, higher fee. This charge can vary, possibly between Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 or more, and rules are clearly posted. Always check with the museum staff before using professional equipment inside the galleries.
  
  Charges during the Hizla Mela:
  
  
  
  
  
  : During the annual Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela in February, there is often No separate Entry Fee to the fairground on Hizla Hill, as it is a public festival. However, parking for vehicles will have a small charge. Visitors must budget for purchases from the local artisans, food and refreshments, and any rides or entertainment activities available at the fair. The small entrance fee for the museum and the Carstairs Gate are the only regular charges.
  
  

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  Timing:

  Regular Timings (Dumka Museum) : The Dumka Museum typically operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (10:00 to 17:00 IST) on most days. It is important to note that many regional museums and government-run institutions in India observe a weekly closing day, which is often Monday. ...

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  Regular Timings (Dumka Museum) : The Dumka Museum typically operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (10:00 to 17:00 IST) on most days. It is important to note that many regional museums and government-run institutions in India observe a weekly closing day, which is often Monday. Visitors must confirm the exact closing day before planning their visit. The museum is a closed structure, so its timing is fixed.
  
  Regular Timings (Hizla Hill Viewpoint) : Hizla Hill and the scenic viewpoint are open to the public 24 Hours a day, seven days a week, as it is a natural, open area. However, for safety and practical reasons, it is highly recommended to visit only between Sunrise and Sunset, generally from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM IST. Accessing the hill after dark can be risky due to poor lighting and security concerns.
  
  Ideal Visit Time (Best Time of Day) : The Ideal Visit Time is in the Early Morning (between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM) for enjoying the serene hill view, a peaceful nature walk, and the cool air, especially during the summer and hot months. The next best time is the Late Afternoon (between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM) to witness the beautiful sunset from the hill. The museum itself is best visited during the cooler Mid-Day hours (like 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM).
  
  

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  Special Events:

  Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela (State Tribal Hizla Fair)
  
  
  
  : This is the single most important and historic event associated with Hizla Hill. Started by a British magistrate in 1890, the fair is usually held in the Magh-Phalgun months of...

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  Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela (State Tribal Hizla Fair)
  
  
  
  : This is the single most important and historic event associated with Hizla Hill. Started by a British magistrate in 1890, the fair is usually held in the Magh-Phalgun months of the Hindu calendar, which typically translates to the month of February in the Gregorian calendar. The fair has evolved into a State Festival and serves as a magnificent platform for the convergence of tribal and non-tribal communities. It is a week-long celebration showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Santhal Pargana.
  
  Cultural and Artistic Showcase:
  
  
  
  : The Mela features a wide array of cultural programs, including traditional tribal folk dances (especially the vigorous Santhali dances), folk music, and drama performances on the inner art stage and the open-air theatres. Local artists, including college students and cultural troupes, participate in competitions and performances.
  
  Economic and Educational Exchange:
  
  
  
  : Beyond the cultural activities, the fair hosts numerous stalls set up by government departments (like Agriculture, Soul, Gardens, Fisheries) to educate rural farmers about modern technology and welfare schemes. There's also a significant market for local handicrafts, agricultural produce, and traditional items, boosting the local rural economy. It is a blend of cultural celebration, community engagement, and educational outreach.
  
  

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  Best Photo Spots:

  Panoramic River and Hill Viewpoint:
  
  
  
  
  
  : The top of Hizla Hill offers the most spectacular and classic photo spot. Position your camera to capture the wide, sweeping view of the ...

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  Panoramic River and Hill Viewpoint:
  
  
  
  
  
  : The top of Hizla Hill offers the most spectacular and classic photo spot. Position your camera to capture the wide, sweeping view of the Mayurakshi River as it snakes through the valley, flanked by the lush green hills. The best time for this shot is during the 'Golden Hour' (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) when the soft, warm light beautifully illuminates the landscape and the river's surface, providing high-contrast, dramatic images.
  
  Dumka Museum's Architectural Facade:
  
  
  
  
  
  : The unique architecture of the Dumka Museum, with its design inspired by the Maluti Terracotta Temples' catenary arches, makes for an excellent architectural photo. Frame the main entrance or a section of the facade to highlight the modern vernacular design and the blend of local influences with contemporary form. This spot is best photographed in the mid-morning or late afternoon when the shadows help define the texture and curves of the building. The Hizla Mela Ground (During the Fair)
  
  
  
  
  
  : If visiting in February during the Hizla Mela, the fairground itself is a fantastic photo opportunity. Capture the vibrant energy of the tribal communities: the dynamic movements of the traditional Santhali dancers in their colorful attire, the musicians playing the mandar and singa, and the bustling atmosphere of the market stalls filled with local crafts and people. Candid shots of local life and cultural interaction work best here.
  
  The Carstairs Gate Landmark:
  
  
  
  
  
  : Look for the historical Carstairs Gate at the entrance of the fairground. This serves as a unique, historical landmark, a great spot for a focused picture that tells a story of the fair's colonial origins. Capture the gate's structure against the backdrop of the hill or the fair activities.
  
  

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