Hizla Hill
Historical Significance and Natural Beauty of Hizla Hill: Hizla Hill is a modest yet picturesque hillock on the banks of the Mayurakshi River near the city of Dumka. It is not primarily known for a monumental structure, but rather as the historic site of the famous annual Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mel a or Hizla Fair. The hill provides a lush, elevated landscape that serves as the perfect backdrop for this grand cultural congregation. The name 'Hizla' is locally believed to be derived from the English phrase 'His Laws,' a legacy of the fair's founding in 1890 by the then British District Magistrate, John Roberts Casteres. The fair was an effort by the colonial administration to bridge the gap and communicate directly with the local Santhal and other tribal communities, establishing a forum for dialogue and understanding of social regulations and traditions. The location of the fair, nestled between the rolling plateau and the gentle flow of the Mayurakshi River, offers a unique and serene natural environment. Visitors typically come to experience the panoramic views of the city and the river. The hill area is dotted with indigenous trees and flora, offering a respite from the main city's hustle and bustle. The cultural importance of Hizla Hill far surpasses its geological stature, making it a pivotal location in the history and socio-cultural life of the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand. While lacking large ruins, the open ground at its base and the pathways winding up the slope are an integral part of the region's historical narrative and a focal point for celebrating rich tribal heritage, attracting tourists and locals alike, especially during the festive February/March period of the fair. The site, therefore, is a testament to the enduring spirit of tribal culture and a historical meeting point.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 hours (excluding the fair period)Place Type:
Hill Viewpoint and Cultural Heritage SiteEntry Fees:
Minimal/Nil for General Visit: There are generally no entry fees required for simply hiking up the Hizla Hill or accessing the public viewpoints, which keeps the experience highly affordable and accessible to all tourists. The hill is a natural, open landscape, not a restri...Minimal/Nil for General Visit: There are generally no entry fees required for simply hiking up the Hizla Hill or accessing the public viewpoints, which keeps the experience highly affordable and accessible to all tourists. The hill is a natural, open landscape, not a restricted park or monument.
Hizla Mela (Fair) Charges: The annual Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela in February/March typically has a nominal entry fee (or sometimes free entry to the main ground with charges only for specific cultural shows or exhibition zones) which is used for the fair's management, security, and the organization of cultural events. This is a seasonal, optional fee.
Parking and Camera Fees: Visitors should anticipate very minimal charges for vehicle parking near the base of the hill, especially during the fair. There are typically no formal fees for still cameras or video cameras for personal use, which is excellent for photography enthusiasts.
Cost of Local Guides: Though not mandatory, hiring a local guide, especially one fluent in the Santhali language during the fair, is highly recommended to enhance the cultural experience; their fee is negotiable but a small, worthy investment, which is paid directly to them. The overall low cost of visiting Hizla Hill and its associated activities, particularly the free access to the natural trails, is a major draw for budget travelers seeking a rich cultural and natural experience without significant financial burden.Timing:
Regular Timings: Hizla Hill is essentially a natural open area, generally accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the most advisable visiting hours are from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM for safety, especially if you plan to trek up the slopes. Ideal Visit Time (Best L...Regular Timings: Hizla Hill is essentially a natural open area, generally accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the most advisable visiting hours are from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM for safety, especially if you plan to trek up the slopes. Ideal Visit Time (Best Light) The absolute best time to visit is during the early morning (5:30 AM - 8:00 AM) for stunning sunrise views and cool, fresh air, or in the late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM) for spectacular sunset photography and pleasant temperatures, particularly in the winter months of October to February.
Timings during the Hizla Mela: The fairground activities at the base of the hill run typically from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM or later during the eight-day festival in February/March. The traditional ceremonies often begin early in the morning, while the cultural programs and commercial stalls remain open well into the evening, providing a full-day experience that is subject to the specific year's mela schedule.
Avoid Peak Midday Heat: Visitors should avoid the peak midday hours (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) during the summer (especially April to June) due to the extreme heat and humidity, as this can make the trek uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, making the cooler, twilight hours the most suitable for a pleasant and memorable trip.Special Events:
Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela: The most significant event is the annual Hizla Mela (fair), which typically takes place for eight days between late February and early March, corresponding to the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) of the Hindu month of Magh-Phalgun. It was ...Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela: The most significant event is the annual Hizla Mela (fair), which typically takes place for eight days between late February and early March, corresponding to the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) of the Hindu month of Magh-Phalgun. It was initiated on February 3, 1890, by John Roberts Casteres and has been a State Fair since 2015.
Cultural Showcase: This fair is a massive tribal and non-tribal cultural confluence, featuring vibrant traditional folk dances, music, art exhibitions, and competitions. It serves as a platform to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Santhal Pargana region.
Community Engagement and Trade: Historically, the fair was a major venue for local trade, including cattle, and also served as a civic forum, with government departments setting up stalls to educate farmers and the public about modern technologies and schemes. Today, it continues to foster a sense of community pride and cultural identity.
Notable Events within the Fair: Specific events include performances on instruments like the mandar and tamak, traditional tribal games like sekkor and kati, and a much-anticipated tribal youth fashion show, culminating in a celebration of indigenous artistry and talent.Best Photo Spots:
Mayurakshi River Panorama from the Peak: The absolute best spot is the hilltop itself, offering a wide, high-angle vista that captures the meandering flow of the Mayurakshi River across the plains, particularly stunning during the post-monsoon green phase or the misty mornin...Mayurakshi River Panorama from the Peak: The absolute best spot is the hilltop itself, offering a wide, high-angle vista that captures the meandering flow of the Mayurakshi River across the plains, particularly stunning during the post-monsoon green phase or the misty mornings of November. This is ideal for panoramic and landscape shots.
Sunrise/Sunset Viewpoint: A specific vantage point near the hill's crest, often marked by a large boulder or clearing, provides the perfect composition for capturing the vibrant hues of dawn or dusk. The low light filters beautifully over the river valley and the dispersed hamlets, creating dramatic silhouettes and a serene, rustic mood. The Carstairs Gate and Fair Entrance (During Mela) The historic Carstairs Gate is an excellent spot for an architectural and cultural portrait shot, especially when adorned with traditional tribal decorations during the Hizla Mela in February or March. This location captures the historical context of the site. Tribal Performers and Art Stalls (During Mela) During the fair, the main mela ground, right next to the hill, transforms into a dynamic photo opportunity. Capturing candid shots of the tribal dancers in their traditional attire, the intricate details of local handicrafts, and the lively crowds provides excellent opportunities for cultural and human-interest photography.
The Tranquil Path to Disom Marang Buru Than: The quiet, tree-lined path leading to the traditional Santhal worship site near the hill offers a contrasting, peaceful photo opportunity, ideal for shots emphasizing nature, spirituality, and the simplicity of rural life, far from the fair's commotion.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Trekking and Nature Walks: Embark on a gentle trek up the hill's slopes, which are not too strenuous, to enjoy the area's native flora and fauna; the hill provides a perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the city of Dumka and the meandering Mayurakshi River.
Photography and Scenic Viewing: Dedicate a long session to landscape photography, particularly targeting the golden hours of sunrise or sunset from the hill's peak, capturing the picturesque vista of the river and the surrounding Santhal Pargana terrain.
Birdwatching and Ecology: The natural setting of Hizla Hill, especially during the cooler months of November through February, makes it an excellent, relatively undisturbed location for birdwatching and observing the local ecology, providing a quiet, educational retreat for nature ent...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Hizla Mela History: Hizla Hill is most famous as the host of the Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela (State Tribal Hizla Fair), an annual eight-day cultural extravaganza established in 1890 by British official John Roberts Casteres. The fair was originally conceived as a means...The Hizla Mela History: Hizla Hill is most famous as the host of the Rajkiya Janjatiya Hizla Mela (State Tribal Hizla Fair), an annual eight-day cultural extravaganza established in 1890 by British official John Roberts Casteres. The fair was originally conceived as a means for the colonial administration to interact and build a rapport with the local Santhal and other tribal populations, focusing on social dialogue and understanding customs.
Celebration of Tribal Culture: This fair has evolved into a vibrant celebration of the rich tribal heritage of Jharkhand, particularly the Santhal community. It showcases traditional Santhali art, music, and dance, including performances with instruments like the mandar, tamak (drum), tirio (bamboo flute), and banam (fiddles). The fair was granted the status of a State Fair (Rajkiya Mela) by the Jharkhand government in 2015, solidifying its importance as a symbol of cultural preservation and unity. The festival attracts artists and intellectuals, featuring debates, quizzes, and traditional Santhali folk tale recitals, creating a unique synthesis of cultural and intellectual exchange that attracts thousands of visitors every February or March. -
Architecture:
Natural Architecture and Mayurakshi Bank: The primary 'architecture' of Hizla Hill is geological, a naturally formed hillock offering a viewpoint. Dimension is relatively small, with the hill rising to a moderate height, making it easily accessible for a short trek or drive...Natural Architecture and Mayurakshi Bank: The primary 'architecture' of Hizla Hill is geological, a naturally formed hillock offering a viewpoint. Dimension is relatively small, with the hill rising to a moderate height, making it easily accessible for a short trek or drive. The area's built structures are minimal, focusing on supporting the annual fair.
The Carstairs Gate: The entrance to the mela ground features a historically significant gate named after its founder, John R. Carstairs. This gate, though simple, serves as a symbol of the fair's colonial origin and its subsequent evolution into a state-recognized tribal festival. Its design is utilitarian but marked with historical plaques.
Disom Marang Buru Than: Located near the hill, this is the traditional place of worship for the Santhal tribals. The architecture here is purely cultural, typically featuring an open space and simple wooden or stone structures for rituals, reflecting the indigenous, nature-centric religious practices of the community rather than elaborate temple constructions. The overall aesthetic is one of rustic simplicity and natural integration, emphasizing the cultural and scenic value over man-made grandeur, unlike the temple architecture seen elsewhere in Dumka. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Deoghar Airport (DGH), located approximately 65 KMs away. From the airport, one can hire a pre-paid taxi or a local cab to reach Dumka, which takes about 1. 5 to 2 hours. A more distant but major airport is Birsa Munda Airport (IXR) in Ranchi... -
Near Tourist Places:
Massanjore Dam (Canada Dam) (31 KMs), Baba Basukinath Dham (25 KMs), Maluti Terracotta Temples (55 KMs), Tatloi Hot Water Spring (15 KMs), Shiv Pahar Temple (5 KMs), Kurwa Park (5 KMs), Shristi Hill Park (5 KMs), Ram Jharna (Approx 12 KMs), Siddhu Kanhu Murmu University (6 KMs), Mayurakshi River Bank (0 KMs - at the base of the hill).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear Comfortable Shoes with a good grip, as the terrain on the hill can be uneven and slightly steep; carry a small First Aid Kit with basic medicines, antiseptic cream, and insect repellent, as there are no immediate medical facilities nearby; Drink Bottl...
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Ranital DamRaushan FortShahpur FortUdaigarh HaveliBasukinath DhamChadri PahadDudhani Clock TowerKapsio ForestMaluti TemplesMasanjor Water ReservoirMassanjor Dam Boating PointMassanjore Dam Mauliksha TempleMini DarjeelingMini Stone MountainNakti HillNandi Triangular Eye LandSamsukhaMore PlacesNote:-
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