Chandanagar is a small historic town and a famous tourist destination in West Bengal. The place is situated in the Hooghly district and takes about 40 minutes to reach from Kolkata. Its location makes it a perfect place for a short day trip.
Situated on the banks of river Hooghly, the beauty and peaceful ambiance of Chandannagar are bound to keep you spellbound.
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So if you are looking for a new destination, try this place. You might be mesmerized by some of the unusual locations where you can discover the charm and simplicity of the colonial period.
While in Chandannagar, there are several places that you can explore within the day.
In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Chandannagar,
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Chandannagar Strand
| Timings | All day |
| Entry Fee | Free |
The Chandannagar Strand is the most significant and well-traveled route in Chandannagar. The spectacular Hooghly River lined with beautiful trees and lights is the main attraction at Strand Road.
There are many distinct landmarks and historical sites located nearby.
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There are also numerous restaurants in the adjacent areas as well.
During the evening the ambiance is peaceful, as lights illuminate and the mild breeze blows which makes the place more divine.
The Chandannagar strand is recognized as one of the most beautifully ornamented riverwalks in West Bengal.
2. Chandanagar Museum
| Timings | 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Thursday, Saturday, and Government Holidays are closed) |
| Entry Fee | ₹5 for Indian citizens, ₹20 for Foreigners. |
The Institut De Chandanangor or the Chandannagar Museum is situated at Chandannagar Strand Road. It was established in the Duplex House and is among the oldest museums in the state of West Bengal.
In 1952, this museum was officially opened by the then-French Prime Minister Pompidre and Lal Bahadur Sashtri, the Indian Prime Minister. The luxurious French Indian culture is reflected inside the museum. It also displays the colonial past of Chandannagar.
An impeccable blend of French and Bengali culture can be witnessed as soon as you enter the premises of the old building. The architecture, the heritage, and the old times can be felt while touring all the things. Each of them has a story to tell of the bygone era.
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The museum is packed with several things that date back to the time of French colonialism. You can view striking vintage collections of French antiques, Anglo-French War Canyons, 18th-century hardwood furniture, and the governor’s personal collections in the museum.
The museum also houses an old collection of presents that were awarded to Harihar Sett, an antiquarian and the first leader of Chandannagar. In addition, the Museum boasts beautifully kept gardens and a monument of Marianne at the entrance.
So take a day and visit the place to see and learn about a different country that settled in India and left a mark that still resides.
3. Patal Bari
| Timings | – |
| Entry Fee | – |
The Patal Bari is a stunning illustration of architecture and aesthetic beauty in Chandanagar. This unique building is about 150 years old and was owned by the Zamindars of Bansberia.
As the name suggests, the lowest floor of the grand house is submerged under the holy Ganges.
Rabindranath Tagore visited this place and admired the beauty of its stunning structure. He mentioned Patal-bari in a number of his well-known writings. Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, a well-known social reformer, also resided here for a considerable period.
This mysteriously beautiful place is one of the ancient charming places in Chandanagar that you must visit.
4. Sacred Heart Church
| Timings | – |
| Entry Fee | Free |
The Sacred Heart Church of Chandannagar is a parish church located in the heart of Chandannagar. This 200-year-old French-styled Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a breathtaking place of worship.
The spectacular architecture of this church will impress you. It has an extraordinarily magnificent white stone façade and an equally stunning interior.
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You can also gain insight into the history of this popular Catholic Church here.
Jacques Duchatz, a well-known French architect, founded this church.
The Church looks even more beautiful at sunset. The visiting timings are 9 AM to 5 PM.
5. Nandadulal Temple
| Timings | – |
| Entry Fee | Free |
Placed in the heart of the town of Chandannagar, the Nandadulal Temple is an 18th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is small but exhibits one of the finest examples of a double-sloped roof (do-chala) architectural style.
It was built in 1740 by Indranarayan Roychoudhury. The mandir holds a certain uniqueness in it and time itself has made it extraordinary. There is a foundation plaque together with some writings in terracotta.
While going around the temple, you will see that the walls are furnished with several flowering creepers. 24 are there, 12 on each side of the wall. The beauty of this is enhanced by the presence of a white background. You will also get to stucco work.
When you walk inside the temple, you will be mesmerized to see Nandadulal standing there and blessing all. It is the most enchanting site that you will ever get to see. Sit there and pray to him for everyone’s betterment.
There are several unique temples around it that are revered by Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, and other deities that display exquisite craftsmanship and artistic sense.
Spend some time inside to revive your soul. Much more is there at the mandir. Visit and try to explore it all.
6. KMDA Park
| Timings | 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | ₹10 per person |
Located near the Chandannagar Railway station, KMDA Park is an ideal location to spend a day at. Also known as the Wonderland Park, it stretches across 44 acres of land. The area is well maintained with groomed rich green gardens and trees.
Various flowers, shrubs, and herbs adorn the park and give it a serene appearance. The atmosphere inside is calm and inviting. Different kinds of activities are there for both the adults and the kids. The inside is equipped with swings, slides, and some other fun games.
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You can go for boating on the artificial lake and then enjoy a fun ride on the toy train. The train will take you through the park and it is of real joy. Later on, relish a good meal at the restaurant there and then sit back and relax.
Wait until the sun sets and bask in its magical hues. It is refreshing to spend a day amidst nature after a week of work.
These are some of the best places to visit in Chandannagar. Plan a day and visit this wonderful destination. The old charms of the town and the beauty of the flowing Hooghly River make it worth visiting.
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