Chilkigarh Sacred Grove & Kanak Durga Temple

The Chilkigarh sacred grove is the third biodiversity heritage site in West Bengal and the twelfth site over India for conversation of biodiversity. It is a traditionally protected forest maintained on social and religious grounds, which is situated in Jamboni about 15kms from Jhargram. The grove occupies around 60 acres of land and is composed of relict forests in its near-climax stage along the east of the Dulung river. The landmass is considered sacred as it harbors the historically eminent temple of Kanak Durga, the ancestral deity of the Royal family of Jamboni and the Raj Palace of Chilkigarh. Interestingly, the Chilkigarh Kanak Durga temple complex is the largest sacred grove in West Bengal, which has not yet attracted much media attention. Additionally, the grove has protected 26 species of animals including amphibians and reptiles