Three Decades of Courage & Comradeship
Bankura Exploration Nature Academy (BENA) was established on June 13, 1995 by a passionate cohort of visionary mountaineers and nature lovers in Bankura, West Bengal. Born out of a deep reverence for the rugged red-soil landscapes of Rarh Bengal and the rocky crags of Susunia Hill, BENA set out to bring authentic mountaineering, bouldering, wilderness survival, and outdoor science to the youth of South Bengal.
Over the last 30+ years, BENA has grown from a local climbing group into one of Eastern India's most respected grassroots adventure institutions. We have conducted 25+ annual Rock Climbing Courses, guided thousands of school students through Nature Study Camps, and spearheaded successful high-altitude expeditions in the Greater Himalayas.
Our Vision
“A generation who is empathetic with nature and society, full of confidence, has the potential to lead, curious to explore nature, and passionate about mountaineering and adventure allied sports is to be nurtured by us.”
Our Core Mission
- ✔ Provide accessible, top-tier mountaineering, bouldering, and wilderness survival training to youth across South Bengal.
- ✔ Promote holistic character development, emergency preparedness, and mental resilience through outdoor hardship.
- ✔ Lead active conservation initiatives including plastic-free Susunia drives, afforestation, and biodiversity awareness.
- ✔ Maintain an inclusive open-door policy: anyone of any age with a sportive spirit can join our programs.
Major Himalayan Expeditions
Our members and advisory leaders have made history on the world's most daunting peaks.
Mount Everest
8,848 MetersBENA member Subhas Paul reached the highest point on Earth in 2016. Advisory member Dipankar Ghosh has summited Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Dhaulagiri.
Mount Karcha
6,270 Meters • HimachalTechnical high-altitude ascent in the Spiti/Lahaul region successfully conducted by our academy expedition team.
Kedardome
6,831 Meters • GarhwalMajor glacial peak in the Gangotri range conquered by BENA mountaineers under challenging sub-zero conditions.
Hanuman Tibba & Yunam
5,982m & 6,111mHighly successful training and expedition ascents in the Pir Panjal and Lahaul ranges preparing young leaders for 7000m+ climbs.
Certified National Mountaineering Instructors
Safety is never compromised at BENA. Our core instructor cadre has undergone rigorous qualifying courses under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India:
Ready to Step Into the Wild?
Whether you want to climb your first rock pitch or support our ecological conservation drives, BENA welcomes you with open arms.