Raichak, West Bengal

Located on the banks of river Hooghly, Raichak offers to be a perfect weekend getaway, boasting of an enjoyable and satisfying climate. At a distance of just 50 km from the state capital of Kolkata, Raichak is rapidly becoming a promising place to be visited. The place was originally found by the British, who had built a fort on the river bend, to guard against pirates. The fort, which eventually turned into ruins, has now been converted into a lovely 5-star hotel called Radisson Fort. The splendid beauty of the river and the 18th century fort makes Raichak an ideal destination for weekend tourists. 

Situated in the south 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, Raichak is surrounded by verdant trees, offering glorious views of the city, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city grinds. Raichak is a very beautiful and clean place, which is sure to bring you back for yet another weekend getaway. For a historical view, you have the famous Diamond Harbor close to Raichak, offering you more to watch and do. Take a walk by the river or indulge in sailing, sunbathing, surfing and waterskiing to recreate yourself and take back a fresh you.

Boat rides and jetty rides to nearby towns and villages are quite popular here, not to forget the scrumptious and lip-smacking traditional Bengali cuisine that is being offered to its tourists. Your trip to Raichak would not be complete had you not been on a river cruise to view the spectacular scenic beauty. Sail through the river Hooghly and the suburban of the Bay of Bengal. The city of Raichak has a number of places to visit, along with activities to do to keep you on your toes. Your visit to Raichak is sure to refresh and rejuvenate all the parched souls from the maddening crowds of the city.

Transport

Places To See:

Fort Radisson

The main attraction of Raichak is the Fort Radisson that is sure to raise your eyebrows. Initially a fort, it has now been converted into a stylish and elegant 5-star hotel. Visit the fort and relish the luxuries offered here, just to recreate you. Do not forget to check out some treasured memorabilia of the bygone era that includes a grand piano, a clock, swords and perfume bottles. 

Diamond Harbor

One of the famous harbors of India, the Diamond Harbor is just 15 km from Raichak on the banks of river Hooghly. A very popular tourist destination, tourists can take a ride on one of the river cruises here. People searching for places with a historical background can visit the ruined Portuguese fort which also has a light house. In case you have been wondering why there are no temples at this junction, do not worry. Lord Buddha’s statue is just the perfect stop for you. 

River Hooghly

Treat your eyes by walking along the river Hooghly and admire its natural scenic beauty. Do not hesitate to take a dip or two in the cool waters of the river. Enjoy sunbathing, surfing and waterskiing too. It is sure to mesmerize you and leave you packed with memories of the beautiful picturesque.

What Activities to do

What Activities to do

Raichak, situated on the outskirts of Kolkata, is a beautiful and splendid town, offering some great memories to be taken back home. Founded by the British as a fort which is now converted into a marvelous deluxe hotel, Raichak has more than just its amazing riverside picturesque views. A perfect place to retreat and rejuvenate yourself, Raichak is definitely worth a visit from the city grinds. The refreshing scenic beauty and the spectacular sunsets will give you enough memoirs to be cherished lifelong. Go through the following lines, to find some interesting and fun activities to do in Raichak. Have fun exploring them!

Fun Activities to Do in Raichak

River Cruise

No vacation is complete in Raichak without a ride in the river cruise. After all, it has more to offer than any region’s history, culture and attractions. Take the famous river cruise on the river Hooghly and sail through the waters away from the hustling crowd into a calm and peaceful environment. Do not forget to enjoy the local delicious and scrumptious Bengali food offered on board. Definitely an activity worth indulging in.

Jetty Ride

For all you adventurous people, there is a lot you to explore than you had ever anticipated. Take a Raichak jetty or the nearby Nurpur jetty and visit Kukrahati in East Midnapore district or Gadiara in Howrah district through a ferry. At a distance of 30 minutes from Raichak, Kukrahati is a small town offering you to enjoy the suburban of Bengal. A small village in Howrah, Gadiara offers you a small lighthouse, mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets for its visitors. The place is a great picnic and daytrip spot for locals and tourists. You can also view the spectacular scenic beauty of the convergence of the Damodar, Rupnarayan and Hooghli rivers.

How to Reach Raichak

Air

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, located in Dum Dum, Kolkata, is the nearest air link to Raichak. Located at 70 km from Raichak, the journey offers some glorious views of the city and river. Major Indian and international airlines operate to and from the airport.

Rail

Howrah, located at a distance of 56 km, serves as the nearest railway link to Raichak. The railway station is very well-connected to all the major cities in the country. After de-boarding from the train, you can hire a taxi or a bus to reach Raichak.

Road

For all those traveling hunks, visiting Raichak by road would be a pleasure. The place is at a distance of just 50 km drive from Kolkata, along the river Hooghly. One can catch an air-conditioned luxury private bus plying from Kolkata to Raichak. You can pick the bus from Dharamtala Bus Terminus or Behala Bus Terminus in Kolkata.

Siliguri, West Bengal

The second most important city in West Bengal, after the state capital Kolkata, Siliguri is a rapidly developing as a metropolis in West Bengal. Serving as the gateway to the northeast region of India, it connects the hill towns of Gangtok, Rangpo, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and Darjeeling, to the rest of the country. Located at the plains of the mighty Himalayan range, Siliguri acts as an important base for essential supplies to the other parts of the region. A bustling city, it even serves as a base for Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Shashatra Seema Bal (SSB) and Assam Rifles.

The city of Siliguri is primarily based on ‘4 Ts’ - Tea, Timber, Tourism and Transport. While tea and timber are the main industries flourishing in the region, much of the economical growth of the place is dependent on tourism and transport as well. Due to its strategic location, the place serves as an important landmark for visitors and tourists traveling to the north eastern hill towns. The location has also made the town the next business hub of West Bengal (after Kolkata), as many national companies and organizations have set up their offices herein. 

Originally owned by Rajbanshi Group, Siliguri has become a cosmopolitan city, with a populace that has Bengali, Bihari and Nepalis in large numbers. Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Bhojpuri and English are the commonly spoken languages. Talking about the tourist attraction in the city, ISKON temple ranks highest. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is deemed as the biggest Krishna centre in the whole northeastern region. Apart from this, there are numerous places wherein you can enjoy the serene beauty and charm of nature. Right from effervescent tea gardens to unruffled Jaldapara national park and even the observatory points, Siliguri is a delightful place to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the region. 

Recently, Siliguri has gained a contemporary face lift, with the emergence of popular shopping malls, like Cosmos, City Style and Sun Flower. However, despite the new malls and shopping arcades opening up, Hong Kong market and the market in Hill Cart road still remain a favorite amongst tourists. In short, Siliguri is a shopper's paradise, as it offers excellent products, at affordable rates. Plans to open multiplexes are also on the cards. Once done with shopping, you can also indulge in the scrumptious 'momos' and savor a hot cup of Darjeeling tea. Overall, Siliguri is a perfect place for tourists, who want to experience the beauty and magnificence of nature, coupled with contemporary services.

Transport

Places To See:

ISKCON Temple

One of the most prominent tourist attractions in Siliguri is the ISKCON temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is deemed as the biggest Krishna centre in the whole northeastern region. Though the temple is built in a modern architectural style, it has beautifully retained the ancient Indian customs of ‘Vashtuhaara’. The temple houses Radha Madhav idol and an image of Lord Krishna with Radha. More

Shopping Centers

Siliguri is a paradise for shopaholics, what with its numerous shopping centers. One of the most famous markets in town is the Hong Kong market, which specializes in imported goods, mostly made in China. Right from a nail cutter to a high-end party dress, you would find a shop for everything in the market. Apart from this, the other markets one can check out are Bidhan Market, Nivedita Market and Sunflower Shopping Mall. Keeping up with the conventional norms of shopping, Siliguri also boasts of an up-market shopping mall, named Cosmos.

Railway Junction

For those who love to have a glimpse of the bygone era, Siliguri Junction is just the ideal place to be in. In the junction, one can see the steam engines of narrow-gauge 'C' class, a relic of the British Raj. Started in 1949, it once was the departure point for all the trains in the northeastern region. One of the distinctive and unique factors of Siliguri Junction is that it is the only station in India, with tracks of all the three gauges used herein.

Science City

A highly accomplished institution, Science City is a knowledge base of science in Siliguri. Well equipped with numerous scientific equipments, the museum exhibits various scientific experiments. Also known as North Bengal Science Centre, the complex encloses a planetarium and a Nature Interpretation Centre, displaying the region’s natural diversity in flora and fauna. Its planetarium showcases interesting shows on astronomy. Due to all this, Science City has become a common place for educational tours.

Coronation Bridge

Siliguri is not just the gateway to the northeastern region of India, but also a mecca for tourists to experience the bountiful glory and ecstasy of nature. There are umpteen excursion options for tourists in Siliguri. With just an hour or two of drive, one can reach the most scenic and picturesque places around the city.

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Snuggled in the Alipuduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, Jaldapara is situated in the foothills of eastern Himalayas, at a distance of 124 km from Siliguri. The place houses a wildlife sanctuary, prominently known as Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Excursions

Siliguri Excursions

Savin Kingdom

Savin Kingdom is the latest addition to the list of excursion spots in Siliguri. An amusement park sited at a scenic location, the place is beautifully snuggled amidst spacious and serene tea farms. The park offers enjoyment facilities for people of almost all age groups. Right from the wave pool to the 90 feet high slide or recliners, the park offers the perfect entertainment option for one and all, irrespective of their age.

Sevokeshwari Kali Mandir

Poised in a picturesque setting, Sevokeshwari Kali Mandir is an ancient temple sited close to the Coronation Bridge. The temple enshrines Goddess Durga in her Kali form. The idol, adoring majestic jewels and armory, is one of its kinds in the region. Apart from holding a divine presence, the temple is a popular tourist spot, thanks to the lush green foliage, cool pleasant breeze and panoramic view of the awe-striking Kanchenjunga peak around.

Umrao Singh Boat Club

Located at Sukna, near Siliguri, Umrao Singh Boat Club is one of the frequently visited weekend destinations for both tourists and locals. It has been developed and maintained by the Indian Army. Nestled amidst tea plantations and lush green foliages, the boat club offers many entertainment facilities, like boating. It is very well equipped, what with numerous boats of different sizes and shapes. Also, the type of boats available here varies from the pedaled ones to the engine fitted ones. Set in a picturesque location, with a calm and cool ambience, the place presents the perfect option to enjoy the beauty of nature. 

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

For adventure lovers, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is just the right address. Nestled in Alipuduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district (in West Bengal), it represents a vast expanse of forest, in the foothills of Himalayan range, enveloped by blissful greenery. About 124 km from Siliguri, the sanctuary is a natural habitat for many varieties of wildlife fauna and flora. Right from Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, deer and sambhar to wild pigs and bisons, the list of animal found herein is endless. However, the main attraction of the sanctuary is the Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros.

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Siliguri

Snuggled in the Alipuduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, Jaldapara is situated in the foothills of eastern Himalayas, at a distance of 124 km from Siliguri. The place houses a wildlife sanctuary, prominently known as Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Sprawling over an area of 141 square kilometers, at an altitude of 61 m above sea level, the sanctuary encompasses luxuriant vegetation and rich wildlife. River Torsha, flowing nearby, adds to the charm and beauty of the place. Jaldapara was affirmed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1941, mainly for the protection of the great variety flora and fauna present here, particularly the one-horned rhino - an animal threatened with extinction. 

Fauna

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is simply magnificent, when it comes to fauna. While the Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros forms the main attraction of the sanctuary, the other animals consists of Royal Bengal tiger, elephant, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, wild pig and bisons. According to research, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary holds the maximum number of rhino population in India, after Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Talking about birds, Jaldapara is nothing less than a paradise for bird-watchers. The place is one amongst the few in the country, where Bengal Florican can be sighted. Apart from this, crested eagle, pallas's fishing eagle and shikra, jungle fowl, peafowl, patridges and lesser pied hornbill also inhabit this magnificent sanctuary. 

Flora

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary extends tourists a sight to behold, what with the different types of vegetation dotting its landscape. Although the major portion of the land is covered by plain grassland, marshy and swampy land is interspersed here and there, making the riverside area an ideal habitat of the rhinoceros and other jungle inhabitants. While the northern dry deciduous forest is the main component of the sanctuary, it also comprises of moist mixed forest, Sal-Khair Sissoo association and alluvial Savannah. 

Others

A prominent must-see place in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Fort of Nal King. Boasting of an incredible historical and archeological importance, the fort was built during the Gupta Empire and is an excellent memoir of the glorious bygone era. Today, it is the playground for leopards, snakes and other animals. Another distinctive feature of the forest is that it comprises of a unique type of trees that bleed like humans. Located just few meters outside the broken gate of the old fort, the trees are believed to be 100-200 years old. The trees emit a fluid that is blood-like in color and density. According to the locals, such trees are not found anywhere else in the world.

Activities

One of the most thrilling ways to explore the mystical beauty of the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is with the adventurous elephant ride. The safari is sure to be an exciting one, extending sights of rhino in a muddy pond, herd of elephants walking majestically or deer running here and there. You can also indulge in jeep safari, a good way to explore the bliss of nature. In short, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and adventure freaks, giving them umpteen opportunities to unravel the blissful and enigmatic bounties of nature.

Coronation Bridge, Siliguri

Siliguri is not just the gateway to the northeastern region of India, but also a mecca for tourists to experience the bountiful glory and ecstasy of nature. There are umpteen excursion options for tourists in Siliguri. With just an hour or two of drive, one can reach the most scenic and picturesque places around the city. One of the must-see places near Siliguri is the Coronation Bridge. Located about 20 km from the city, on its outskirts, it is a very important bridge in the Northeast India and connects Darjeeling with Jaipalguri.

Built in 1930, over the renowned Teesta River - at the confluence of rivers Rangeet and Teesta in West Bengal, Coronation Bridge marked the coronation of King George V. The bridge is an excellent representation of the outstanding and brilliant designing skill & architecture style of the British. A relic of the yesteryears, it boasts of a magnificent layout and style. Today, Coronation Bridge is marked as a real specimen of excellence in craftsmanship. The bridge is located close to Sevokeswari Kali Mandir in Siliguri. 

Coronation Bridge forwards the tourists a panoramic view of the nature. The place is a perfect combination of blissful blues and enlivening greens. Set amidst the backdrop of tall green mountains on both sides, the bridge is an ideal retreat for those in quest of serenity and tranquility. The plenty of foliage, along with crystal clear blue water, of the Teesta River makes the place a refreshing picnic spot. In short, Coronation Bridge is a haven for people who want to bask in the charm and charisma of nature. 

Present Times

Offering breathtaking view of the lush greenery and cool blue waters, Coronation Bridge has long since been an ideal retreat for travelers who want to experience the glory of nature. However, the number of visitors coming to the place has been minimal, due to its underdeveloped surrounding. Now, this scene is fast changing, as the area is being developed and promoted as a major attraction for both locals and tourists. People en-route to Sikkim or Darjeeling visit Coronation Bridge to take a break from the journey and to revel in the beauty of sparkling water and mesmerizing scenic view.

ISKCON TEMPLE

International Society for Krishna Consciousness, more popularly known as ISKCON Temple, is one of the prominent places of interest in Siliguri. Sited at Gital Para, ISKCON Temple Road, the temple is characterized by purity, serenity and sublime beauty. Also known as Hare Krishna Movement, ISKCON temple in the city is the biggest Krishna centre in the whole of the Northeast India. Completely dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country.

An embodiment of peace and beauty, ISKCON Temple enshrines Radha Madhav idol and an image of Lord Krishna with Radha. Along with this, the temple is also home to a number of spellbinding idols, some of which are those of Advaita Acharya, Lord Narasimha and Lord Chaitanya. Though the temple is constructed in a modern architectural style, it has managed to retain the ancient Indian customs of ‘Vashtuhaara’. 

Facilities

Auditorium

ISKCON temple in Siliguri houses a well-equipped auditorium. With a seating capacity of 500 to 600 people, the auditorium offers an excellent place to hold meetings and conventions. To use the auditorium, all you need to do is seek permission from the temple president.

Govind's Restaurant

A simple eatery, Govind's restaurant is the perfect place in ISKCON Temple, to indulge in yoru favorite delicacies. The best feature of this restaurant is that it not only serves authentic yummy delights, but also hygienic food, that too in a clean surrounding. 

Guest House

The temple has a small guest house for those who want to reside within the premises. Boasting of a serene and tranquil ambience, the guest house presently has 10 rooms, of which only 5 are operational. The temple authorities have plans to increase the number of rooms in the guest house, gradually. 

Timing

05.00 am - Mangal Arati 

06.30 am - Srimad Bhagavatam Class

07.30 am - Sringar Arati 

07.40 am - Guru Puja

12.30 pm - Raj Bhog Arati 

01 pm to 4.30 pm - Rest 

04.30 pm - Dhoop Arati

07.00 pm - Sandhya Arati

08.00 pm - Srimad Bhagavad Gita Class

08.30 pm - Shayan Arati 

08.45 pm - Time of Closing Door

How to Reach Siliguri

Air

Siliguri is well connected by air, with its own airport situated only about 15 km from the city center. Apart from being a domestic airport, the Bagdogra Airport of Siliguri is also the only international airport in the region. There are regular flights to Kolkata, Guwahati and New Delhi from here. Talking about international carriers, the airport has flights to & from Paro (Bhutan) and Bangkok (Thailand). There is also a regular helicopter service that links Siliguri to Gangtok.

Rail

Initiated in the year 1961, New Jalpaiguri Station is approximately 6 km away from the Siliguri town. Also known as NJP, it is presently the most important station in the region, as it connects Siliguri to the major cities in the country, through railways. However, Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train remains the main attraction of this station. 

Road

A gateway to the northeastern belt of India, Siliguri is very well connected by road to Kolkata, Guwahati and Patna, which in turn are linked to the rest of the country. Apart from being connected with the major states of India, Siliguri also serves as the gateway to the beautiful and awe-striking hill towns of Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, Jorethang and Namchi. Siliguri is also connected with neighboring countries, such as Nepal and Bhutan, by road.

Nabadwip, West Bengal

In Bengali, Nabadwip means 'a collection of nine islands'. Just as its name suggests, Nabadwip is a collection of islands, namely Antardwip (Sri Mayapur), Simantadwip, Rudradwip, Madhyadwip, Godrumdwip, Ritudwip, Jahnudwip, Modadrumdwip, and Koladwip. Situated in the Nadia district of West Bengal, the place is considered to be much sanctified, since it is the birth place of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Nabadwip is visited by thousands of pilgrims belonging to Gaudiya Vaishnavism every year, on the occasion of Sri Navadvipa-mandala Parikrama.

The earliest available records of Nabadwip tell us that it was the capital city of Lakshmana Sena of the Hindu Sena Dynasty, around 1179 to 1202 AD. It was then invaded and captured by Baktiyar Khilji, in 1202 AD. The city also serves as a prominent seat of education in India for as long as five centuries. This is the reason that the city was also referred to as the 'Oxford of Bengal'. Nabadwip, as a tourist destination is extremely famous for its religious expeditions. It is visited by a large number of tourists every year, on holidays like Gaura Purnima.

Navadwip was earlier located on the eastern bank of Bhagirathi, along with the rest of the Nadia district. However, as Bhagirathi River changed its course, the city shifted to its western bank. Blessed with numerous old and new temples, the city welcomes people of various sects, like Shaktas, Vaishnavs and Shivaites, with open arms. The month of Agharayan i.e. November (according to Gregorian Calendar) is the best time to visit this place, as during this period, the city gets on into extremely festive and celebration mood with the arrival of the Rash Festival.

Transport

Places to See:

Sonar Gouranga Temple

Sonar Gouranga temple is one of the most famous temples in Nawadwip. It is situated besides Sribas Angan and lies opposite to Sri Samajbari Asram. The temple is famous for the Golden Shrine of great social reformer and saint, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. His footwear has been kept here, in a glass case. It is said that Pratap Chandra Goswami, a follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, constructed this temple. It is now a seat of Gauria Vaishnav.

Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math

Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math is a holy temple founded by the followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This temple was established in 1941, by Om Vishnupad Sri Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj, a disciple of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The headquarters of this temple was established in Nawadwip and after that, many branches of this temple have been opened in other parts of India as well as abroad. 

Dwadas Shib Mandir

Dwadas Shib Mandir is another popular temple in Nawadwip. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. This temple was built in 1835. It is basically famous for its exquisite floral designs. It also attracts a large number of pilgrims, especially during Mahashivratri.

Excursions

Nabadwip Excursions

Mayapur

Mayapur is one of the most popular tourist destinations of West Bengal, situated near Nabadwip. This place is famous for being the headquarters of the famous Hare Krishna or ISKCON movement. The city houses the famous ISKCON temple, with Radha Madhava deities. The idols of Radha Madhava in this temple are surrounded by eight gopis. The idols of Narasimhadeva and the Panca-tattva are also enshrined in the temple. 

Krishnanagar

Krishnanagar is another popular excursion near Nabadwip. Renowned as the center for clay modeling and pottery in West Bengal, this city is also the birth place of noted Bengali poet, composer and playwright Shri Dwijendra Lal Roy. Krishna Nagar had also once been the center of activities of the Christian missionaries. Popular tourist spots in the city are Krishnanagar Palace and the Roman Catholic Church. 

Bethuadahari

Bethuadahri is a popular wildlife sanctuary situated near Nabadwip. This sanctuary houses a wide variety of wild animals, like spotted deer, jackal, Bengal fox, porcupine, and common langur. It also houses birds like parakeets, Indian cuckoo, barbets and other smaller birds. Bethuadahri Sanctuary has a significant population of snakes and pythons as well.

Shantipur

Shantipur was a popular centre of Sanskrit learning and literature in past. The city is also famous for the Topkhana Mosque, built by Fauzder Gazi Mohammad Yaar Khan, during the reign of Mughal Ruler Aurangzeb. Another famous place in the city is the Shayam Chand Temple, built in conventional 'Aatchala' style. Jaleshwar Temple and Adwaita Prabhu Temple are other temples in Shantipur that you should visit.

How to Reach Nabadwip

Air

There is no direct air route to Nabadwip. The nearest airport to the city is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata, which is about 114 km away. From Kollkata, there is a direct bus service to the place.

Rail

The railhead of the city is known as Nabadwip Ghat station. Many local and express trains pass through the station. After you reach the Nabadwip Ghat station, you will have to cross over to Nabadwip by boat.

Road

There is direct road connectivity to Nabadwip from Kolkata. Direct buses, private cabs and reserved taxis are available from the city. Special buses from Kolkata also take tourists directly to the Mayapur ISCKON in Nabadwip.

Malda, West Bengal

Malda city of West Bengal is situated on the banks of the River Mahananda. It is one of the biggest cities in West Bengal and famous for the production of mango and silk. The city was earlier named 'English Bazaar', as it came into prominence when an English factory established here, in the year 1771. The city basically serves as the tourism base to the two historic cities of Pandua and Gaur. People interested in historical and archaeological expeditions must head towards this particular region in West Bengal.

Malda, once the capital city of Bengal, lies between Pandua and Gaur, two other prominent cities of ancient and medieval India. The city however is comparatively very new in origin. It also once acted as the river port for Pandua. Today, Malda is the one of the important rail link of West Bengal, where all trains bound for north Bengal and northeastern states of India halt. Apart from being known for its silk and mango production, the city is also renowned for its surplus rice, jute, wheat and cotton productions. 

Malda offers visitors the tourism prospect of Gaur and Pandua. Gaur, being the capital city of three dynasties of ancient Bengal - the Buddhist Palas, the Hindu Senas and the Muslim Nawabs, is a city with glorious past. On the other hand, Pandua, the alternate tourism spot near Malda, is one of the prominent centers of Muslim monuments in Bengal. Malda also houses the Malda Museum, which has a vast collection of the regional architectural and anthropological specimen. A trip to Malda will be extremely beneficial for understanding the historical and cultural emergence of Bengal.

History

Transport

Places To See:

Malda Museum

Malda Museum is the preservatory of local architectural and anthropological samples. Situated on the Bandh Road of the city, the museum runs under the directions of the West Bengal Directorate of Archaeology. It houses ancient sculptures, porcelains, calligraphic inscriptions and terracotta items. All these items belong to the nearby regions of Pandura and Gaur and are estimated to be about 1500 year old. The museum is an important place of survey and research on the historic existence of these two very important cities of West Bengal. 

Pandua

Pandua is known for its ancient existence and glorious past. The city was the seat of power in Bengal for a long time. It has also undergone three different eras of glory, under the reign of Buddhist Palas, Hindu Senas and Muslim Nawabs. However, the ruins of its leftover architecture can only be traced back to the era of Muslim Nawabs. A place in the city that is worth visiting is the Jami Mosque or the Adina Mosque, built by Sikandar Shah in 1369. It was described to be the finest example of existing Pathan architecture. Other places worth a trip are Eklakhi Mausoleum, Qutb Shahi Masjid and Masjid Bari Darga.

Gaur

Gaur is another place for which the city of Malda plays a tourism base. the city has practically been reduced to ruins now; however there is still a possibility for you to roam around and have a look at the chronological journey of this historical city, once a prominent center of politics and state affairs of the entire Bengal. The notable monuments of Gaur include Bara Darwaza, Small Golden or Mosque, Tantipar Mosque, Dakhil Darwaza, Kadam Rasut Mosque, Firoz Minar and the Tomb of Saint Makhdum Shaikh Akhi Siraj.

How to Reach Malda

Air

The nearest airport to Malda is the Bagdodra Airport. It is about 250 km from the city. From here, you can take the private buses or hire cabs to reach Malda. The journey may also be undertaken by a public transport bus, which would be extremely cheap.

Rail

The nearest rail head is the Malda station itself. It is the one of the prominent railway stations of West Bengal and also serves as the divisional headquarters of the Eastern Railway. All the trains bound for north of Bengal and the northeastern states of India halt at this city.

Road

NH 34 is the national highway that connects Malda with all the other important cities in the country. Malda can be reached through buses from Kolkata, Murshidabad and Siliguri. Kolkata is located about 410 km and Siliguri is located 260 km away from the city.

History of Malda

Malda district has always been an important seat of power in West Bengal. The existence of this historic location can be traced back to long back, at least to the existence of Mauryan Empire. Though the cities of Gaur and Pandura had always kept the district in the list of prominent locations of Bengal, due to the concentration of power at these two blocks, Malda city came into existence only after the arrival of British troops in this area, in 18th century. The chronological evidences of last 1500 years of this area are preserved in the museum of Malda city. Let us explore the history and origin of Malda in detail.

Malda District

The history of Malda district basically tells the tales associated with the ruined city of Gaur and Pandua. The ancient city of Gaur is said to be in existence since an untraceable period. The first ever record of the city is found in the Hindu Puranic texts. The historical records of the city are however available from 500 BC, from the phase of Mauryan reign. Archeological findings also figure out that that the entire region of Pandua, then known as Pundrabardhana, and Gaur had also been a part of Gupta Empire. 

The Guptas were succeeded by the king of Karnasubarna in 700 A.D. His rule here lasted for almost thirty years. The reign of ended with that of the Palas, who extensively promoted Buddhism in the region. Palas were followed by the Hindu Sena dynasty. The Sena Dynasty ruled over Bengal till 1204 AD. The rule of Senas ended here after the Mughals and Afghans invaded and captured Bengal. The traces of this Muslim dynasty rule of Mughals and Afghans can be observed in the ruins and remains of their great architectures. 

After the Mughals came to power, they shifted their headquarters to Pandua and they left a scene of ransack in Gaur. However, they again came back to Gaur in 1453, after deserting Pandua. This was basically due to the change of the course of the nearby river. In 1575, under the rule of Akbar, the city suffered a severe plague and was completely abandoned. These two cities, since then, lie in a heap of ruins. However, the surroundings, like Malda and other cities, gradually developed with the arrival of British in the area. 

Malda City

The current city of Malda is situated between the historical cities of Gaur and Pandua. However, this city actually came in existence in the middle of 18th century, when the British established a factory here. The place was then known as Engelzavad i.e. established by the British rulers. The proper organization of this city began with the early 19th century. In 1813, a Joint Magistrate and Deputy Collector were appointed to the city and in 1832, an official treasury was opened under the British rule. The city later came to be known as English Bazar and then was renamed as Malda.

Kalimpong Excursions

Teesta Bazaar

For adventure freaks, Kalimpong is just the ideal place to be in. Apart from the lovely flower nurseries and mesmerizing landscape, the hill station also offers its tourists excellent adventure opportunities. About 16 km away from the town is the Teesta Bazaar - a perfect destination for white water rafting enthusiasts. Starting from mid-November, the rafting season continues till mid of February and presents enthusiasts the experience of a lifetime. 

Rissisum

Perched at an altitude of 6410 feet, Rissisum is the other name for 'Paradise On Earth'. It is about 20 km from Kalimpong, en route to Lava and offers tourists captivating view of the glorious mountains. A perfect place to open the picnic bags and indulge in recreation, Rissisum extends tourists a mesmerizing and hypnotic view of the valley below.

Lava

Just about an hour’s drive from Kalimpong, Lava extends tourists an enthralling landscape, which city-goers can only awe at. Nestled at an altitude of 6500 feet, this small town is extremely rich in flora and fauna. The place provides tourists umpteen opportunities for indulging in natural excursions, bird watching and wildlife. The department of forest has also provided log huts and rest houses for the comfort of tourist and travelers.

Lolay Goan/ Kaffer

Lolay Goan offers tourists an enticing view of the Kanchanjunga Range. Snuggled at an altitude of 5200 feet, 56 km from Kalimpong, the place is nothing less than spellbinding and magnetic. Lolay Goan not just provides tourists an enthralling view of the Kalimpong town, but also a complete view of the mighty Kanchanjunga Range. It also boasts of rich flora and fauna and has dense virgin forest.

Chitray Falls

Enticing, exhilarating and invigorating - Chitray Falls is the perfect place for honeymooners and couples. Offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, the place is purely romantic and blissful. Located 9 km down the Tests Road, with shortcuts through rice fields, it is a haven for those looking forward to spending romantic moments with their loved ones.

Rishyap

It is said that a visit to Kalimpong cannot be complete without visiting Rishyap. Deemed as the ultimate site in the region, Rishyap is situated at an altitude of 8250 feet, about 28 km away from Kalimpong, it is by far the best place in the area, with a touch of medieval old world charm. To reach Rishyap, one has to travel the last few km on his/her own, as jeeps stop four km away from the place. Till date, there is no electricity in the area. With a few small cottage-type accommodations, Rishyap presents tourist a magnificent view of Himalayas, along with a peek at the Nathula Pass, Tin Simana, Gangtok and Tibet Hills.

How to Reach Kalimpong

Air

Bagdogra Airport, situated near Siliguri, is the closest airdrome, about 80 km from Kalimpong. The airport is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati and its major carriers are Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan. It takes about 3 hours to reach Kalimpong, from Bagdogra Airport. 

Rail 

The closest railhead for reaching Kalimpong is at New Jalpaiguri, which is around 77 km away. Located on the outskirts of Siliguri, the station is connected with almost all major cities of the country. Many important trains network between New Jalpaiguri, Kolkata (Howrah and Sealdah) and Delhi. 

Road

Siliguri serves as the gateway to the northeastern regions in India. There are regular bus services to Kalimpong from Siliguri. Silguri is, in turn, well connected by road to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Patna. Apart from this, there are internal bus services that connect Kalimpong to Gangtok and Darjeeling.