Burdwan, also known as Bardhaman, is a beautiful city in the heart of West Bengal. It is known for its paddy fields, desserts like “Sitabhog or Mihidana” and renowned institutions.
The city is also home to several enticing tourist spots that you can visit. These places are known for their religious importance, historical significance, and stunning architecture.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Burdwan,
- Curzon Gate
- Sarbamangala Temple
- Ramnabagan Zoological Park
- Dar-Ul Bahar & Hawa Mahal
- Krishnasayar Park and Lake
- Nababhat 108 Shiv Mandir
- Kankaleshwari Kali Temple
- Christ Church
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Curzon Gate
Curzon Gate is a popular historical monument and tourist destination in Bardhaman. It was built in 1903 to commemorate Lord Curzon’s visit by the then-ruler of Burdwan, Maharaja Bijoy Chand Mahatab.
One of the greatest examples of the sculpting of that time is the gate pillars. Sculptures of the lions on both sides of the gate, the cornice, the three fairies at the top, and the ornamentation are something you must admire.
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Tourists are captivated by the monument’s notably displayed architecture. The Royal Palace is located 1 km from Curzon Gate where the kings and queens used to reside.
2. Sarbamangala Temple
The Sarbamangala Devi Temple in Barddhaman is one of the most visited temples in the area, drawing a significant number of worshippers daily. The idol of Goddess Durga or Sarbamangala Devi is said to be the presiding Goddess in the temple.
Maharaja Kirti Chand of Burdwan constructed this temple in 1702. The architecture is a unique combination of terracotta and the typical style of Navaratna or “nine spires” in Bengal at the time.
The idol of the goddess is made of precious touchstones. She is known as Mahisamardini or Singhabahini.
Special occasions are conducted on Durga Utsav, Kali puja, Poila Baisakh, Bipodtarini puja, etc.
3. Ramnabagan Zoological Park
Sprawling over an area of 35.36 acres, Ramnabagan Zoological Park is located in Golapbag, Barddhaman. It is a wildlife sanctuary as well. The area brims with nature and houses a diversity of flora and fauna.
Trees of contrasting heights reach up forming a cool hade throughout the site. Nature here is attractive and therefore creates a space to relax. In a bustling city like Barddhaman, it is like a piece of paradise that allures the locals along with travelers and helps them to breathe a sigh of relief.
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There are so many discrete animals protected inside the cage as well as outside. The bark of the deer forms an ambiance worth absorbing. Gentle breeze sums up the tranquillity of the Zoological Park. The bird population is large inside the space. They just sit and fly around spreading hues all around in the sky. Stand for a few minutes and listen to the humming insects combined with the notes of chirping birds.
Reaching the site is effortless as it is close to the Barddhaman Railway Station.
4. Dar-Ul Bahar & Hawa Mahal, Golapbag
The Dar-ul-Bahar and Hawa Mahal are historical landmarks in Bardhaman’s Golap Bagh Botanical Garden.
Dar-ul-Bahar is a palace built in Roman Gothic architecture. Hawa Mahal bears little resemblance to its western counterpart but instead serves as a vantage point for a bird’s eye view of the magnificent garden. In addition to offering a break from city life, the Hawa Mahal and the Golap Garden allow nature enthusiasts to experience nature’s splendor.
Although Dar-ul-Bahar served as a resting place in the past, it now houses the administration unit of Burdwan University. The facility is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and entry is free for visitors.
5. Krishnasayar Park and Lake
Krishnashayar Park is a beautiful recreational spot located close to the Bardhaman Science Centre. It is a serene place amidst the city and is also the site to escape from all the tension of everyday life. Just one visit will easily soothe the mind.
In the year 1691, the Krishnasayar Lake was created by the then-ruler of Barddhaman. It is quite a huge lake extending up to an area of 32 acres. The environment around here elevates the charms of the age-old lake.
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A park was later made wrapping around the lake. Several trees and small plants dot the land and all of them are arranged in a decorative way. There are various trails that leads to different parts of the park. The inside is adorned with various decorative structures and fountains. Everything combined gives a marvelous look to the place.
Different festivals, fairs, competitions, and exhibitions are held inside the park. The evenings here look magnificent when the lights are turned on. They reflect the water of the lake, which looks surreal and tranquil. The cool breeze, fresh air, and the eye-soothing vista make the park much more appealing.
6. Nababhat 108 Shiv Mandir
The 108 Shiv Mandir Temple complex of Nababhat, Bardhaman Town, is a popular pilgrimage that draws people from all over the state.
There are two such 108 Shiva temple complexes in the Purba Bardhaman district. One in Nababhat and the other one in Kalna.
The temple complex includes a pavilion and a few additional buildings. The pavilion, which is near the entrance is capped with a spire and gives shelter to worshippers and pilgrims. A raised platform in front of the locked eastern gate has two black and white marble sculptures of Nandi bulls.
The 108 temple complexes were inspired by the 108 beads of a rosary or the 108 rudraksha necklace. You can experience tranquility and peacefulness around the temple.
7. Kankaleshwari Kali Temple
Maa Kali is one of the most worshipped goddesses in Bengal and therefore Barddhaman is no different. She is Adi Shakti and distinctive shrines are there in the city devoted to different forms of her. Kankaleshwari Temple is one of them, located in Kanchan Nagar.
The mandir was founded in the late 18th century C.E. by the Raj family of Barddhaman. However, it is said that the idol of Maa Kankaleshwari goes 2000 years back. The meticulous detailing of the work on the idol is an example of fine craftsmanship. It was sculpted on a single black Basalt stone, which is said to have been of the Aryan Age.
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The mandir is a ‘Nabaratna Temple,’ meaning it has nine peaks. Every element at the shrine showcases rich heritage and spirituality. You will come across Rekha ridge turrets as well as three arched multi-cusped entrances. A few scenes from the epic Ramayana are depicted on the panels above the entryway.
Thousands of devotees visit the temple to worship the goddess. On the new moon during the Kartika Month, special puja is performed at the temple. The temple is a place of peace and power. There are Shivalingas inside as well.
8. Christ Church
The Christ Church is another popular place to visit in Barddhaman. Captain Charles Stuart of the East India Company completed the construction of this Protestant church in 1816.
The historic church, surrounded by a well-maintained courtyard, is still preserved and is in excellent condition. It is the oldest church in Burdwan.
The church is crimson colored with a thatched roof with baked red tiles. Its design and architecture make it the most appealing church in the area. It is constructed in the traditional European style, with a semi-circular dome on one side and a portico on the other.
The front of the church is covered by a pointed pediment capped with a cross, while the back is open with four arched windows made of glass and wood. A bell tower at the front has a massive iron bell that hangs above the main entryway. The prayer room is small.
If you are planning a getaway destination from Kolkata, then these beautiful places in the city of Bardhaman can be a great option. It will take you around 2 hours to reach.
Make sure to visit them and make memories.
Cover Pic Credits: Amitabha Gupta, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Other places to visit in West Bengal
- Ramdhura (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Daragaon, Burmaik (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Ghurni – Exploring Krishnanagar’s Hidden Gem And Its Clay Dolls
- Mim Tea Garden (Darjeeling) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Bandel Church (Hooghly) | The Basilica of the Holy Rosary
- Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) – 5 Things To Know
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