Howrah Natural and Scenic Beauty

Places of Interest

The second largest city in West Bengal, Howrah is the twin city of Kolkata. The iconic cantilever Howrah Bridge is one of the main attractions for commuters. It is the sixth longest bridge in the world with a total length of 2150 feet and a span of 1500 feet. Indian Botanical Garden and Santragachi Lake are some of the attractions in Howrah. Take a ferry for a quick trip to Kolkata and visit Belur Math, headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math Mission.

Places of Interest

Howrah is the second largest city in the Indian state of West Bengal after Kolkata. Howrah is located on the west bank of the Hooghly River, opposite its twin city Kolkata. Officially it exists in Howrah locale. Howrah is an important transport hub and gateway to Kolkata and West Bengal.

Tourist Place

Railway Museum

Categories Historical, Other, Entertainment

The Railway Museum, Howrah was established in 2006 to showcase the history of railways in eastern India...

Shiva temple

Bangeshwar Mahadev Temple

Category Other, Entertainment

The Bangeshwar Mahadev temple at Salkia is one of the most popular and religious temples of Shiva in the region.

Narayan (Sridhar) Temple

Category Historical, Other

Narayan (Sridhar) temple is located in Patihal village of Jagatballabpur in Howrah district. The temple is dedicated to Narayana…

ghost

Bhot Bagan Math, Ghusuri

Category Historical, Other

The famous Votbagan Math Tibetan Buddhist Temple or Math is located in Ghusuri, Howrah. Votebagan Monastery was the first Tibetan Buddhist temple...

flowers

Malik Ghat Flower Market

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty

The flower market has been an integral part of Howrah since 1855. It is the only place where different types of…

Gadchumuk

kiss

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty

Garchumukh Deer Park is located near Gate No. 58 of Shyampur-1 Block in Howrah District, West Bengal. A picnic might be…

Satragachi Lake

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty

Santragachi Lake is a large lake, situated next to Santragachi railway station. The lake attracts a large number of migrants…

Saratchandra Chatterjee Kuthi

Department is historical

Saratchandra Kuthi, also known as Sarat Smriti Mandir, is a house museum located in Samta Bera village of Howrah district…

Gadiara

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty

Gadiara is a small town in Howrah district and a favourite picnic spot in the city. It is from Shyampur...

Vidyasagar Bridge

Category Other

Vidyasagar Bridge is India's longest cable-stayed bridge over the Hooghly River in West Bengal. It's also…

Belur Math Temple

Category Historical, Other

Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda,…

Indian Botanical Garden

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty

Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is located in Shivpur, Howrah.

Andul Rajbari

Department is historical

Andul Rajbari is a palace or Rajbari near Kolkata in Andul, Howrah district, West Bengal, India. Rajbari is...

Howrah Bridge

Department is historical

An iconic landmark of Kolkata, the Howrah Bridge is a massive steel bridge over the Hooghly River. It is considered…

Travel guide

Howrah is best known for the famously named bridge that spans the Hooghly River – Howrah Bridge. Howrah is the second biggest city in West Bengal. The city has more than 500 years of history, is a bustling industrial city and is the headquarters of Howrah district. The city is surrounded by the Roopnarayan River and the Hooghly River, which provides livelihood to thousands of Howrah citizens. Howrah has a lot to offer visitors.

How to reach

Howrah Bridge takes 5 minutes (950.0m) via Station Road from Howrah Station.

A major tourist attraction is the Indian Botanical Garden, a 109-hectare garden that was inaugurated by the British and contains over 12,000 plants, as well as a 250-year-old banyan tree.

The most effective method to reach - It requires 20 minutes (5.8 km) to reach Botanical Garden from Howrah station via Upper Foreshore Road.

Howrah also has Belur Math, the headquarters of Swami Vivekananda's Ramakrishna Math, which attracts visitors from all over the world for its serene environment and elegant architecture.

How To Reach

It takes 24 minutes (6.8 km) to reach Belur Math from Howrah station via Grand Trunk Road.

Anand Niketan Kirtishala Museum - A museum that displays sculptures, terracotta pieces, scrolls and more from the medieval period.

How to reach - It takes 22 minutes (5.3 km) from Howrah station to reach Annan Niketan Kirtishala Museum via Netaji Subhash Road.

The Railway Museum, established in 2006, houses vintage railway items such as steam engines, telephones, timetables and more, among other great attractions for train enthusiasts.

How To Reach

It takes 5 minutes (850.0 m) to reach Railway Museum from Howrah station via RBC Road/Station Road.

Culture and Tradition

The city is home to people of various religions, and Howrah serves as a major center of art and culture. The people of Howrah have always appreciated art and literature.

The main heritage site of Howrah is the Anand Niketan Kirtishala Museum. The museum was established by the authorities of Anand Niketan to highlight the cultural and historical heritage of Bengal, located in Bagnan block of Howrah district. The main objective of this museum is to enrich the rural people of this region. Anand Niketan Kirtishala also serves as a platform to educate rural people who are unable to access adequate education resources. The various exhibits in this museum from different historical periods stand testimony to the rich past of Bengal.

Weaving & Handicrafts

weaving_1

Udayanarayanpur Block belongs to Howrah district of West Bengal State. The Udayanarayanpur block supports a variety of weaving and handicrafts. More than 1162 artisans and 100 self-help groups could be formed. The performance of these groups is increasing day by day.

Festival

Here is Durga idol

Durga Puja

Celebrated/During: October

The city of Howrah hosts a wonderful mix of different types of festivals and fairs throughout the year. Durga Puja is...

Culinary Delight

Rabdi1

Rubber

Type: Sweet

Rabdi (IAST: rābādi) is a sweet, condensed milk-based dish originating from the Indian subcontinent, made by boiling milk in ...

Patishapta 1

Patishapt Peeth

Paush Sankranti, the rice harvesting festival in Bengal, is celebrated by making the most amazing sweets – Peetha. it's an umbrella …

Mishtidoi

Though nowadays we get different brands of sweet doi but nothing can bring back the sweet taste...

Sandesh is a traditional Indian sweet that originates from the state of Bengal. It is usually served as a dessert and…

Casserole

Misty Casserole

Type: Main Course

Sweet pulao is also a very popular dish in West India and Bangladesh. It is an essential dish for any Bengali...

sixteen hundred thousand

sixteen hilsa

Solah Hilsa is a traditional Bengali dish. Nothing better than a plate of steamed rice with a few pieces of...

A dish in South Asian cuisine made of rice and lentils

Khichdi is a salty porridge. Dalia is another such sweet porridge which is mixed with ground wheat or barley...

Ghotigoram

Type: Snacks

It is basically a mixture of roasted peanuts, maize, finely chopped onions, green chillies and…

Jhalmuri

Jhal Muri is a delicious and very popular street food snack from Kolkata. This vegetarian breakfast puff is made with...

Bloated

Type: Snacks

Fuchka is a way of life in Howrah. Everyone has their favorite Phuchkawala. Every neighborhood should have...

Aloorchopp

piece of light

Type: Snacks

Aloo chop is a snack from the Indian subcontinent; West Bengal and Bangladeshi preparations are also widely available in Howrah,...

Paper roll, Stick roll

Type: Hungry

Kati roll (sometimes spelled kathi roll; Bengali: কাতি লিল রোল) is a street food from Kolkata, West Bengal. In its original form, it is a skewer-roasted kebab wrapped in a paratha bread,…

Luchi Torkari

Luchi with light curry

Luchi and Alur Torkari is a popular Bengali traditional breakfast dish in the eastern part of the country. In other parts…

Hour

murri ghota

Type: Main Course

Muri Ghoto is one of the notable dishes of Bengali cuisine. We cook it with rice and fish heads (mostly…

Fish stock

Type: Main Course

Fish Jhol or Fish Jhol is a traditional spicy fish curry in Bengali and Oriya cuisines in eastern India

Culinary delight

Katla Kalia

Katla Machli Kalia Any wedding house, weddings are always strong memories. It's usually part of a wedding...

brain cells

Kosha Mangsho

Kosha Mangsho is a spicy and delicious mutton/chicken curry from Bengal. It is one of the most popular dishes…

Rasagulla

Type: Sweet

Rasgulla or Rasgulla or Rasgolla or Rasgolla is a South Asian syrupy dessert popular in the Indian subcontinent and regions…

Biryani

Chicken Biryani

Type: Main Course

Biryani is a celebration of all that is great about food - the heady aromas, the vibrant colours, the indulgent...

Where to Stay

Government/State owned Others (Government)

There are government hotels and guest houses for accommodation in Howrah. Notable are the Roopmanjari tourist properties of the WBTDCL, the Howrah Zilla Parishad bungalows and the Forest Department bungalows. He is a resident of Shyampur-one block.

Guest House Rent:-

Room No. (Twin Accommodation) Rent @ 18% GST gross

Room No. 1000 180 1180

Room No. 2 2000 360 2360

Room No. 3 1200 216 1416

Room No. 4 1000< 180 1180

Room No. 5 (Deluxe Room) 1500 270 1770

Room No. 6 (Deluxe Room) 1500 270 1770

Room No. 7 (Super Deluxe Room) 2000 360< 2360

Dormitory 5 Bed No 500/Bed 90 590/Bed

The gain:-

24×7 water supply,Tv with cable, AC, Normal Food, Water Heater, Parking Facilities, Daily House Keeping, Room Service, Normal Freezer

Room Details:-

Room number 5 and 6 are deluxe rooms.

Room number 7 is a super deluxe room and is bigger in size.

Address: New Collectorate Building, Howrah. 6, Rishi Bankim Chandra West Bengal 711101. Pincode: 711101

Phone: 8335079066 Email: tourismhowrah[at]gmail[dot]com

How to Reach

Sky is on the way

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport to Howrah which is 50 km away in Kolkata. Regular flights are available from here to major destinations in and around India.

On the railway

Howrah Terminus is well connected to the rest of the country and state by some major scheduled long distance trains.

By Road

State transport buses as well as private buses connect the city to other cities of the country. Air conditioned and non air conditioned buses are available from Howrah Bus Station at the lowest cost. You can easily get buses from Kolkata (10 km), Kharagpur (110 km), Durgapur (150 km), Jamshedpur (230 km) and Howrah.

Three famous historical places to visit in Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats and is a revitalized route. The city is located on the green and is effectively open and is located in the Hassan region, where the main crops of coffee and cardamom are grown.

In Sakleshpur you will find amazing facilities like hilltops, greenery, bird watching, accommodation facilities like you can get budget homestays in Sakleshpur. Historical places always attract many tourists. So, take a look at the three most prominent historical places that everyone must visit.

Bettada Bhairaveshwar Temple

This temple is located at a very high altitude and inside you feel like an A/C room. The temple is placed at a very important location where it is surrounded by hills. A stage is built around the temple so that people can circumambulate the temple. It is fully developed by stone with minarets and crowns (urns). You can also see in the picture how the rain water outlets are provided above the temple. On the right are some plastic pipes that have probably been put in recently, but on the left, you can see the stone-lined rainwater outlet.

Located in the middle of the Western Ghats, Bettada Bhairaveshwar Temple is situated in a beautiful location surrounded by vast greenery. Nature lovers will find peace and tranquility in this place. Varshika Abhishek is held once a year in the month of January, where devotees from all over come here to seek the blessings of Bhairava.

Prasanna Rameshwar Temple, Devarunda

Devotees from different parts of India come to visit. Devarunda (resident deity), otherwise known as Dakshin Kashi, is a temple complex where Viravadreshwar, Rameshwar, Baireshwar, Parvati, Ganapati, Channakeshwar, and others are worshiped among Hindus.

Devarunda otherwise means "Devaru Ida Jaga" (Abode of the Gods), as brought to Kannada. This temple is believed to be more than 500 years old. Here one can worship, take pictures as well as admire the heavens. Prasanna Rameshwar Temple is a very old temple from inside and the exterior of the building complex has been renovated to capture the splendor of this heavenly place.

Sakleshwara temple

The Sakleswara temple is a fine example of fine detailing as well as craftsmanship that is characteristic of Hoysala design. This temple is smaller than the typical temples of South India. Developed between the 11th and 14th centuries AD, the temple gives the destination its name. The temple dates back to when the Hoysala Empire was at its peak. Located at the entrance of the city, the temple is a remnant of the Hoysala Empire that ruled the region between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Located on the banks of Hemvati River, Sakleshwar Shiva Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in India. This temple is worth visiting as some of the main attractions of Sakleshpur can be found here. A golden mask protects the Shiva linga here, a huge Shiva idol stands atop the temple and easy access to the Hemvati river makes this visit an extraordinary one.

In conclusion

If you are a big devotee and have a strong craze for visiting historical places then this trip is for you. Also, before you go here, don't forget to book a nice Sakleshpur homestay that caters to your needs and comfort.

Historical and temple diversity places

Historical and Temple Miscellaneous Places

sightseeing

Birbhum is the northernmost district of Burdwan Division. The district is triangular in shape and covers an area of about 4,545 km². Ajay Nadi forms the southern base of the triangle with the apex pointing north. Birbhum district shares its western border with the state of Jharkhand, while the border comes from Burdwan and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal. Due to its strategic location, Birbhum is easily accessible from all parts of the state, making it easy to reach this place. Read the following lines for detailed information on how to reach Birbhum.

area of interest

Birbhum district is an administrative unit of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the northernmost district of Burdwan Division - one of the five divisions of West Bengal. The district headquarters is at Siuri. Other notable urban communities are Rampurhat, Bolpur and Saithia.

tourist places

Maa Tara Temple
Rampurhat

Other Mandals - Tarapith is located near the Dwarka River in Birbhum, West Bengal, 80 km from Bolpur. Near temple...

Bolpur
department is historical

Bolpur is a city and a municipality in Birbhum district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of Bolpur sub-division. Bolpur...

where to stay

Rangbitan
commercial hotel

ADDRESS: VILLAGE BALLABHPUR, POST OFFICE: SHANTINIKETAN, PIN- 731236, DISTRICT: BIRBHUM, PINCODE: 731236

Phone: 8697984960 Email: rangabitanc[at]gmail[dot]com

peace of mind
commercial hotel

ADDRESS: BOLPUR, DISTRICT: BIRBHUM, PIN: 731204, PIN CODE: 731204

Phone: 9732100920 Email: santiniketantl[at]gmail[dot]com

how to reach

sky is on the way

Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport is the nearest airport, located in Durgapur and approximately 70 km from Birbhum. After de-boarding from the air carrier, tourists can either opt for a train to Birbhum or arrange a bus/private cab to reach the beautiful and attractive district.

on the railway

Birbhum is well connected by rail to other districts of West Bengal. Howrah-Sahibganj loop of Eastern Railway passes through this district. Nalhati Junction connects Azimganj to Birbhum in Murshidabad district, Andal-Sethia line connects it to Howrah-Delhi main line. In short, Birbhum is well connected to other districts, which makes traveling to this place a lot of fun.

by road

Birbhum is very well connected to other districts of West Bengal. The Panagarh-Moregram Expressway connects the Grand Trunk Road (NH 2) to NH 5 across the district. Apart from these, the place has several other entrances. Regular bus services from Kolkata, Siliguri and other cities connect Birbhum to all the districts of West Bengal.

other

For local transport, there are bus services, autorickshaws and taxis which make travel easy. In addition, the entire district is covered by local trains that connect all major circles of Birbhum. Ahmedpur, Dubrajpur, Rampurhat, Asansol, Murari, Saithia, Bolpur Shanti Niketan, Nalhati, Siuri, Chatra, Rajgram and Sadinpur each have a railway station connecting the entire region of Birbhum.

Natural and Scenic beauty of Bankura

Natural and scenic beauty of Bankura

Tourist place

1. Susunya forest scene

Category - Natural / Scenic Beauty

Susuniya Hills is located in South West Bengal, India. This ancient hill is 10 km away on the way to Bankura-Purulia…

2. Mukutmanipur Boat Ride

Category - Natural / Scenic Beauty

It is an ideal getaway where India's second largest earthen dam is surrounded by mysterious hills...

Hill view of Biharinath

Biharinath hill

Category - Natural / Scenic Beauty

Biharinath Pahar is located 57 km from Bankura district and 24 km from Raniganj. It is considered…

Amazing temple of Bishnupur

Bishnupur

Categories - Historical, Religious

Bishnupur, the temple town of West Bengal's Bankura district is known for its great heritage, proud culture,…

Old Bari - New Bari

Jayarambati

Section - Religious

Jayarambati is a small village twenty-seven miles from Bishnupur in Bankura district. The place is two miles…

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Sutan Lake

twinkling

Category - Natural / Scenic Beauty

The trek from Ranibandh to Jhilmili offers a spectacular display of impressive forests of varying heights on both sides…

Wildlife hotspots

Mukutminpur 12

1. Mukutmanipur

Mukutminpur is well known for its high diversity of waterfowl and grassland birds, but there is a small area where you can spot deer. The area is fenced and home to hundreds of deer. The area is so diverse that the government has declared it a conservation reserve. Whenever you go, come back by 6.30 pm. After 6:30 pm there was a problem with the boat. The whole nature is covered in morning and evening. Mukutminpur is number one only in terms of birds. More than five thousand winter migrants visit this vast body of water every year. They usually arrive in late November and last until the last week of February. Winter migrants include large flocks of lesser whistling teal, red-crested pochard, gadwall, common coot, various terns, swallows, wagtails, etc. You can also spot darters, spot-billed ducks, grebes and the main attraction – the rufous-tailed lark. Recently many types of bunting have also been found from Mukutminpur.

queen bond

2. Ranibandh - Sutan's Twelve Mile Forest

Here comes solitude. The vast, over 50 sq km forest will offer you pure silence. Keep your shoes off on the main blacktop road for raw nature with wildlife. There are many closed roads that are accessible to motorcycles and even cars. Enter any of them and if you're lucky, you'll see a peacock dancing in the middle of the red cobblestone streets.

Here nature hides everything. You have to wait and this vast unsettlingly diverse forest slowly reveals itself. You may encounter an Indian wolf or deer or suddenly find a large field of "babui" grass in the middle of a dense forest. You can roam freely in the forest without any fear, as the entire area is out of the way of elephant migration and for this "Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve" is a dead project these days. Roam freely, see palash, wild flowers including orchids, malkoha, feel the flutter of pitta's wings and share your rare discoveries with us.

Susania d

3. Susunya

Susunya is at the top because of its wildlife availability. Even a novice nature lover can see a variety of birds, butterflies and a significant number of other small animals and plants. Wildlife highlights include rock agama, various owls, thrushes, Indian pitta, paradise flycatcher, various bee-eaters, black eagle, Munia etc. Rocky shoal forests and grasslands are also home to a variety of small mammals. If you want to see a lot of wildlife in a short period of time, Susunya will not disappoint you.

Kadamdeuli

4. Bankruptcy

It is a small dam built on the river Silavati. This small spot is well known in the bird watching community for its incredible winter bird diversity. We won't go into detail, you'll have to come see its feathered wonder. This area falls on the way from Bankura to Mukutmanipur.

Jaipur One 1

5. Jaipur Forest

It is the best wildlife sanctuary in the entire western region of West Bengal in terms of wildlife availability, solitude and diversity, but due to the large presence of resident and migratory elephants, it ranks fifth on our list. If you want to visit nature and do wildlife photography, please visit forest department first or call them for elephant location and then arrange your trip. Don't walk through the woods. Even from the car you may see a herd of deer crossing the road, a herd of elephants slowly passing or the rare black francolin or crested bunting calling. Enjoy dense sal forest, interact with local people, stay safe. All these words are not for ordinary tourists but only for wildlife lovers. We cannot tell a common tourist that you see lots of deer crossing the road.

gangdua

6. Gangdua

It is a small dam built on the Sali river. Small but beautiful in the background of Susunya. If you want a sunset to remember till you die, we recommend this spot of the Red Sun with sunken boats in the foreground and the Susunya Hills in the background. The region is home to a number of notable wildlife such as weavers, baboons, pipits, wagtails, ibis etc. After sunset you can see and hear nightjars.

Biharinath D

7. Biharinath

This is the Araku Valley of West Bengal, which in our opinion is a forgotten tourist destination waiting for your exploration. Sparfowl have recently been found in this dense forest. There is a narrow path through the mountains. We recommend following the trail up to the main Biharinath hill and roaming freely through the smaller hills in the vicinity. The common bubbler is seriously common here. There are life of many rare butterflies like nawab, king etc. and predator life like wolf, hyena etc. Do not travel in peak summer. For nature enthusiasts it is perfect to spend two days one night. We recommend visiting during winters or after monsoon.

Oh, almost forgot to say, look for the painted grasshoppers, there are several near the main pond.

culture and tradition

The soul of Bankura lies hidden in its rural areas. Most of the villagers are farmers and others work as carpenters, potters etc. Bankura has international fame for the "Bankura Ghora" – a terracotta modeled horse and Dashavatara playing cards (historical figures). Bankura Agriculture is famous for large production of 'Mango' and 'Sarisha'.

Tribes like Santals, Bhumijs (Sardars) and Mundas live in the Mukutminpur area. The people belong to the Proto-Australoid ethnic group. They take rice as their staple food. Charpa Pitha is a special dish, made with rice flour and minced meat; They steam the shawl leaves and eat them. Tribals are very fond of dancing and singing. Women in white sarees with red borders use vibrant garlands as ornaments while dancing various dance forms like Pata, Dasai, Ranpa, Karam, Raibeshe, Jhumur etc. Male participants wear traditional white dhoti and turban. They play instruments like Dhamsa, Kendra and Madal.

Tribal Dance 1 Kirtan 2 Dance Form Dance Form

A large part of Bankura is associated with artefacts such as dokra and terracotta. People also rely on handicrafts made of bell metal, conch shell and sandstone. You will find skilled weavers working in the apparel industry famous for Baluchari, silk and loom sarees.

Here the freshness of the festival comes from winter. Chile welcomes with great enthusiasm the 'Muktamanipur Folk Culture Fair' in January. Folk songs, dances, cultural programs and a variety of local art works will surely blow your mind. Savor the aroma of a tribal fair and live in a different culture for a while.

The last day of Tusu 'Paush' is a famous harvest festival by the local people of Mukutminpur. During winters (January-February), witness a ritual dedicated to the 'folk goddess, Tusu'. Worshipers pray to the goddess for immense wealth and happiness in their family. The lyrics of the folk songs associated with this festival are quite different and you are going to love the tunes of 'Santhal' and 'Kurmi'.

Don't miss the 'cock fight' organized by the villagers during the Tusu festival.

Since the last day of Pausha is called Makar Sankranti, people of 'Santhal' community celebrate 'Makar Parva' during this period. People enjoy their festival days with meat, rice and poultry. Home made drink called 'Hanriya' and dancing to the beats of Dhamsa Madal add extra charm to their festival.

The Karam festival is celebrated on 'Bhadra Ekadashi' and is mainly organized for the best practices and enjoyment of children. During this festival a branch of Karam tree is severed from the tree and unmarried girls worship the branch.

Bandana (Saharai) is another popular tribal festival celebrated on the holy day of Kartik Amavasya in November. The villagers give great importance to their pets as well as animals and they mainly worship them. People wash their cows and bulls, feed them well, decorate them with ornaments and natural colours. They sing 'Ohira' to acknowledge the contribution of animals in their lives. Celebrating the Saharai festival, the Santhals express their gratitude to 'Maa Bhagwati' for the golden-yellow paddy fields.

Jhumar is a tribal dance which is performed in the field. The women participating in the dance move their arms, legs and heads back and forth in a rhythm, holding each other's waist. The male participants wear traditional costumes and play flutes, drums and percussion instruments to keep the dance going.

Chou dance is one of the famous dances of this region. Male dancers from the local community wear different masks and dance at night in an open space called 'Akhada'. Folk songs, dhol, dhol, shehnai, dhamsa and kharka are the instruments played during chau. Scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other local legends are presented in this dance form.

Palash festival is a festival of colors. You will understand for yourself what it feels like to play 'Holi' with nature. Spring comes here in full bloom. Mukutmanipur proudly celebrates Palash festival or Holi in spring. Cultural events, sprinkling of 'Abeer' in the air, the fiery red color of the Palash, the flow of blue water along with the people decked out in gorgeous clothes and floral ornaments. Come and celebrate 'Holi' and 'Palash Utsav' in the lap of the "Queen of Forest Guards".

The Bishnupur Mela is held every year between 27-31 December near the temple of Lord Madanamohan in Bishnupur. This fair is very famous and follows the tradition of Bishnupur. The fair grounds have wonderful terracotta artefacts, handicrafts, various artefacts and traditional Bishnupuri cloth stalls. Bishnupur Mela is the place where you will find the true essence of Bishnupur's rich music culture. Artists performing at cultural events will surely delight you from within. The temple town has its own source of music, known as the 'Bishnupur Gharana of Music'.

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Ekeshwar Gajan is celebrated on the last day of Chaitra month. Ekeshwar resides on the banks of river Darkeshwar and is famous for the temple of Mahadev known as 'Ekeshwar'. People here celebrate Charak Puja with great enthusiasm. The fair has various stalls of handicrafts, food, sweets, local handicrafts and rides for children.

Dharad fair is celebrated at the foothills of Susuniya. The villagers worship the 'Narsimha' idol and a fair is organized in the name of the god in the holy water of 'Dhara'. Villagers celebrate it with Charak Puja. The fair is enriched with various shops selling local artefacts (mainly made of sandstone), food, sweets, handicraft jewellery, etc.

Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals of Bankura. Away from the noisy crowds and commercialization, let's spend a Durga Puja where customs and religion find their home. There are many ancient pujas like 'Maa Mrinmayi of Bishnupur', 'Maa Ambika of Muktmanipur', 'Jagadhatri (another form of Goddess Durga)' all over Bankura district. According to local people, Maa Mrinmayi, the oldest form of Mother Durga in Bengal, instructed the king to worship her in a dream and build a temple. On the other side of the district Maa Ambika has been worshiped and alive for the past 700 years. Each puja has its own unique essence and is rich in interesting rituals.

handcraft

terracotta

Decorate your home with an elite touch of terracotta crafts. Terracotta means 'fired clay' and has been used for decorative artwork as well as construction purposes since ancient times. Nowadays terracotta tiles are being used for exterior and interior decoration of buildings and it has gained incredible popularity within a short span of time. Visit Panchmura village, home to the famous terracotta industry. Get a live demonstration of pottery crafts and collect beautiful souvenirs or jewelry to gift to your loved ones. These beautiful artefacts are mainly concentrated in Bishnupur and Panchmura in Bankura district.

Panchmuray Terracotta Art 2

Decorate your drawing room with this long neck terracotta horse, the logo of All India Handicrafts. You will find that horse comes with seven different body parts like hollow long neck, four legs, face, ears, tail etc. You have to put those parts together to get a horse like structure. Long ears like leaves and a graceful body are definitely signs of elegance and pride.

Bikana Dokra Art 2

Dhokra or Dokra is a beautiful form of tribal art that showcases the immense talent of the tribal artisans. Dokas can be used to make a variety of ornaments and beautiful home decorations, idols of Gods and Goddesses. The method of metal casting in Dokra industry is considered to be the oldest form of metal casting and is technically known as 'Sir Pardu'. Bikna village in Bankura district is home to this glorious art.

Dokra Art in Bikana Dokra Art in Bikana Dokra Art in Bikana 4

sandy

Bishnupur is famous for Baluchari sarees. The world famous Baluchari design was inspired by the temple's terracotta tiles. Baluchari designs depict mythology, tribal lifestyle and social lifestyle.

The famous indoor game played by the Malla kings of Bishnupur was 'Dasavatar Tash' and is internationally famous as a collector's item. This card game was invented by the Malla king Vira Hambi and is based on the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Dashavata cards consist of 10 suits of 12 cards. Presently the Faujdar family of Bishnupur is in search of this unique folk art. They make cards using cloth, tamarind seed glue, chalk dust, dyes, vermilion and lac.

the lantern

Lantern industry is also quite popular in Bishnupur. You can buy these beautiful lanterns to use as collector's items. Lanterns are used as decoration in luxury hotels, offices, homes. It is considered as a beautiful gift item.

Bishnupuri Langhan d

seashell 1

Conch craft is very famous in Bankura district. People known as 'Sankhavanika' or 'Sankhari' used to make designer conch shell bangles or 'Sankha' for married Hindu women. They make a variety of blown conch shells using intricate patterns and designs. Skilled artisans also beautifully design miniature forms of Gods and Goddesses. Wood carvings include a variety of pictures, figurines, toys and other decorative products. Bankura and Bishnupur are places where you will find talented woodworkers. The locals of Susunya village create artworks from sandstone and definitely deserve extra attention. As you explore Bankura district, you will be amazed at how quietly and peacefully the geniuses work here. Bell metal crafts are inherited from Dhalbhum in the Singhbhum region and are concentrated in the Bankura-Purulia-Medinipur region of West Bengal. Household utensils and other useful items made from this copper-based alloy are blessed by talented people called 'kansari'.

how to reach

on the plane

The nearest airport to Bankura is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata which is approximately 212 km from Bankura. From there you can go to Bankura by cab, bus or train.

on the railway

Kolkata to Bankura train distance is 233 km. Bankura Junction railway station is located in the city of Bankura operated by South Eastern Railway and is on the Adra-Medinipur rail route. There are regular trains from Kolkata to Bankura. Some of these trains are Rupsibangla Express (12883), Howrah PRR Express (12827), Aranyak Express (12885), PBR Kabiguru Express (12950), Samarastha Express (12152) etc. A. Traveling by train takes minimum time to reach Kolkata from Bankura. 3 hours 35 minutes