Ghatshila is a favourite tourist destination for the people of eastern India, especially the Bengali community for several reasons. Located in the East Singbhum district of Jharkhand today, this city was once part of the Bengal presidency in British era, when a lot of Bengali residents shifted due to the extremely calm, serene, pollution-free environment here in the abode of nature and an abundant source of sweet water from rivers, lakes and waterfalls that is fabled to restore health and heal any kind of ailments over centuries. This city is situated next to the Subarnarekha river, close to the Jadugoda uranium mines in Galudih, 35 kilometres away from Tatanagar (Jamshedpur).

Among the many tourist spots in Ghatshila, there's one that absolutely mesmerized me during my recent trip to this place. The location is Siddheshwar Dungri, situated at the other side of the river, is a small hill which is part of the Chhota Nagpur plateau that embraces this region. Located far from the hustle of the town, this Dungri offers a trekking experience to its visitors, through a treacherous yet beautiful path that leads to a Mahadev temple at the summit of this hill. Named as Siddheshwar Mahadev temple, the peak of this hill offers a serene, fantastic 360° view of the whole region.

The place is accessible through the State Highway here, on hired autorickshaw or private car available at Ghatshila at a reasonable price. Once you reach the foot of this hill, you need to set afoot in a journey uphill. First, a stretch of concrete road through a Shal forest leads the tourists to the edge of the hill, from where a stony trail welcomes you.

The trail is moderately challenging, and not advisable to trek if there are orthopedic health issues. But this trail leads through a dense forest on the one side, and the view of surrounding hills at a distance on the other side. The air is refreshing, and it will not make you tired despite the uphill journey.

Patches of this trail offer red soil, which makes the path extremely photogenic.

Once you reach to the summit, a very old Prachin Siddheshwar Mahadev temple welcomes you there with its holy, calm ambience.

The peak has a wonderful natural cover of different types of flowers and plants on its edges. As I went there during the sunset, I had the opportunity to witness a sensational view there, and of course, capture some on my mobile.

Most importantly, we met two street dogs at the peak, who spontaneously act as guides for the tourists, accompanied them both uphill and downhill in this trek. They really seemed like forms of the god.

The priest at this temple seemed very warm with visitors, as he strook a conversation with us about the history and current situation of this temple and the hill. Also, he offered us prasad as we were a bit hungry after finishing the trek.

As the sun was setting on the western sky, it was time to take a few shots.

So, that was my story of trekking at Siddheshwar Dungri, Ghatshila. Are you tempted to visit this place and embrace its holy spirit someday?