Murshidabad is a wonderful district on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and was known as the capital of Bengal in 1717.
Moreover, this district is famous for its rich cultural heritages, architectural splendor, and historically significant landmarks.
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Murshidabad continues to be a prominent tourist destination for numerous palaces, historical gardens, and mosques.
Additionally, this district is world famous for its exclusive production of silk.
In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Murshidabad,
- Cossimbazar palace
- Khosh Bagh
- Hazarduari palace
- Nizamat imambara
- Kathgola
- Katra Mosque
- Jahan Kosha Canon
- Nasipur palace
Let’s see each of these places in detail…
1. Cossimbazar Palace
Cossimbazar Rajbari is a magnificent palace located in Murshidabad with a blend of Indian and European architecture.
This opulent royal colonnaded facade was founded by the Roys in 1700.
Later the Roys transformed some of the rooms into guest rooms and a walk-through museum.
The ideal time to visit is during Durga Puja when the family celebrates the auspicious rituals in the hall with an open courtyard on a marble platform named ‘Chandi Mandap.’
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The bedrooms, central ballroom, and dining area are intricately and luxuriously designed.
The magnificent bedrooms, dining halls with “Tana Pakha”, attractive paintings, jaw-dropping chandeliers, finely carved dressing tables, and Victorian-era furniture, are ideal for lavish stays and wedding festivities.
Nagalingam, The Sabha Ghar, the Malkhana, and Clock Tower are some of the interesting historical attractions in Cossimbazar Rajbari.
2. Khosh Bagh
Khosh Bagh is a lovely garden area, which spans about 8 acres. It was built by Nawab Alirvardi Khan, the first Nawab Of Bengal.
This place is actually a cemetery spread over this beautifully maintained garden.
Along with Nawab Alivardi Khan’s grave, Siraj-Ud-Doula, his wife Lutfannesha, and other Nawab family members are buried here as well.
The graves are inside a square, flat-roofed mausoleum which is flanked by an arcade verandah.
The garden has high walls enclosure and looped holes for musketry and It is also margined by octagonal bastions.
It also hosts a beautiful mosque which is also a prime attraction for tourists.
3. Hazarduari Palace
Hazarduari Palace is one of the iconic destinations that is spread over a massive area of 41 acres on the Kila Nizamnat Campus.
As the name suggests Hazarduari means “a thousand doors”, which signifies that the palace is, embellished with 1000 gates.
The fascinating fact about the gates is that 900 doors are real and the rest are false doors created to perplex the visitors.
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The breathtaking beauty of the palace and its splendor multiply due to the charm of the Bhagirathi River that flows near the palace.
People who are interested to know about the Nawabi lifestyle should visit this palace.
You can also see the Greek and Italian architectural styles of the palace.
The palace has been converted into a museum and now you can see many antique treasures such as the Sword of Siraj Ud DAULa and the vintage cars.
You can also visit the Nizamat Imambara, Bacchawali Tope & Murshidabad clock towers within the complex.
4. Nizamat Imambara
The Nizamat Imambara situated on the banks of the Bhagirath River was built by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan Feradun Jah in 1847 AD.
It was rebuilt in 1847 by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan after it was damaged by the fires of 1842 and 1846.
The Imamabara is the largest one in Bengal and India.
The construction of the mansion cost Rs 6 lacs at the time of Nawab’s rule.
This Shia Muslim congregation hall stands just opposite Hazarduari Palace.
The Imambara is 680 feet long andThe Central Block is 300 feet long.
It is indeed a very beautiful place with impressive architecture.
Tourists not only come to see the grandeur of the palace but also experiences tranquility surrounding the ambiance of the palace.
5. Kathgola
The neighborhood of Kathgola in Murshidabad served as the former capitals of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
Kathgola was often referred to as Kathgola Palace.
Lakshmipat Singh Dugar constructed the Kathgola Gardens which is also referred to as the Kathgola Temple in 1933.
The 30 acres of the land were once known for harvesting black roses. But now only mangoes are cultivated here.
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The Kathgola Gardens, often referred to as Paresh Nath Temple or Kathgola Temple is a temple with Bhagawan Adishvar as its main deity.
Bhagawan Adishvar is a white idol standing about 90 centimeters tall and seated in the padmasana position.
Bhagwan Adinath’s idol is quite old and the design of the temple is unique which draws many visitors from many areas of Bengal.
6. Katra Mosque
The Katra Masjid is both a mosque and the resting place of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan Built between 1723 and 1724.
It is situated on the city of Murshidabad’s northeastern edge and is a monument of immense cultural significance.
The tomb of Murshid Quli Khan is built upon his grave in the entrance staircase.
It is a significant center of Islamic study that adds to the religious importance of the mosque.
The two enormous corner towers with musketry apertures are the most noticeable aspect of the Katra Mosque.
Additionally, the eye-catching architecture of the brick-built mosque, like the double-storied domed cells, minarets, Quran inscriptions, arches, and pillars makes this place a must-visit destination in Murshidabad.
7. Jahan Kosha Cannon
The Jahan Kosha Cannon, also known as “The Destroyer of the World” Cannon, was created in 1637 AD by Dhaka-based craftsman, Janardan Karmakar.
It is also known as the greatest weapon of India. It is placed in Topekhana, near the Katra mosque.
Today, this cannon rests on a Carriage with wheels and is surrounded by the roots of the Peepal tree.
The enormous cannon was commissioned by Daroga Shree Mohammad and built under the supervision of Hara Ballav Das.
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Although the Karmakars were blacksmiths by trade, they were also responsible for the foundation of some engineering marvels.
The canon is made of 8 metals or Astadhatu and you can see the Trunnions and ironwork of the carriage even today.
The cannon is more than 7 tons in weight.
It is 17 feet and 6 inches in length and 3 feet in width with the circumference of the mouth more than 1 foot.
8. Nasipur Palace
The Nashipur Palace, also called Nashipur Rajbari, is located in the village of Nashipur in the Murshidabad district.
It is situated right next to the palace which Raja Debi Singha erected. He was the strict tax collector of the Nawabi era.
Raja Kirti Chandra Singha Bahadur constructed the present palace in 1865.
Due to its similarities with the Hazarduari Palace, it is often called the miniature of the Hazarduari Palace.
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The grand staircase and the huge vertical erected columns are two of the iconic architectural features of the Nasipur Palace.
There was a sizable entertainment hall inside the palace where personalities like Hirabai performed.
Today the Nashipur Rajbari has been converted into a museum displaying personal belongings of the Nashipur royal family, farms, legal documents of tax collection of that time, and other treasures.
The royal palace also has a temple of Ramchandra, and it is one of the largest temples in Murshidabad.
These are some of the best places to visit in the Murshidabad district.
Getting a glimpse of the royal palaces and iconic historical landmarks is really a blessing for the visitors who loves to know about the history during the eras of the Nawabs, and also those who are interested to know about the rich legacies of Bengal.
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