"We are excited as well as vindicated," said Managing Director Arijit Dutta after winning the recognition, "as there were lots of doubt whether such a resort could sustainwould be sustainable."

"Not only have we proved that we can provide quality and international standard hospitality in the East but also we have received sustained patronage and footfall and occupancy rates are very high," he said.

Dutta has also announced an ambitious expansion plan with another 30 acres being added to the existing resort and additional accommodation facility of six modern cottages and 10 exclusive mud houses with five-star facilities in the mud houses.

The Khairabera Eco Adventure Camp (about 70km by road from Purulia town) has also been promoting Purulia’s attractions in an organised fashion, said Dutta, who is spearheading this private eco-tourism project.

Purulia, in the western corner of West Bengal, which has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, is one of the state's prettiest districts, with rolling hills, greenery, lakes and wildlife.

Although the Ajodhya Hills have been popular with trekkers and climbers, large-scale tourism has never taken off in the district, partly owing to lack of infrastructure.

(Image: Sanjoy Ganguly)