The North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal offers a variety of attractions, ranging from ancient monuments, pilgrim sites, natural wonders, and bustling cities. These places will not fail to impress you with their stories and glory.
It is one of the most populous districts in India with excitement and experience at every corner.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in North 24 Parganas,
- Taki
- Chandraketugarh
- Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Dakshineswar
- Chakla Dham
- New Town
- Barrackpore
- Habra
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Taki
Taki is an offbeat destination that thrives on the bank of river Ichamati. This small town is located on the Indo-Bangladesh border and is perfect for a quaint getaway for a day or two. At this place, you can experience the rich cultural heritage of the Zamindars, who ruled this region in the past. You can still see some of their old mansions (or Zamindar Baris), standing with an age-old rustic charm.
One of the main attractions of Taki is the Ichamati River, which provides a marvelous scenic beauty. You can stand by the river and enjoy the ambiance of the flowing waters, fringing trees, clear skies, and the sight of Bangladesh on the other side. The cool breeze together with the remarkable sunrises and sunsets are simply incredible. You can take a boat ride and meet the Bangladeshis on another boat on the other side of the border.
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Another place worth visiting here is the Golpata Forest, also known as the Mini Sundarban. You can walk on a raised trail that goes through the mangrove forest and admire the beauty and diversity of nature.
There are several other places in the town where you can visit and inculcate some new experiences. A few historical landmarks and temples are there waiting for you to see and admire.
2. Chandraketugarh
This is an archaeological site that is located 35 kilometers north-east of Kolkata, on the bank of the Bidyadhari River. Chandraketugarh is believed to be part of the ancient kingdom of Gangaradai, which was mentioned by the Greek geographer Ptolemy in his work Geographica.
The name, Chandraketugarh, comes from ‘Chandraketu,’ a mythical Hindu king who ruled this region in medieval times. His mound, or ‘garh,’ was situated at the Berachampa village, where the site is now located.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated the site between 1957 and 1968 and discovered artifacts, pottery, coins, jewelry, terracotta figurines, and more from different historical periods. You can see some of these findings at the museum that is located near the site. The classification according to chronology, however, is yet to be done. You can also learn about the various cultures that contributed to the development of Chandraketugarh, such as Persia, Southeast Asia, and Greece.
This place will inspire you to dig deeper into the past and uncover the secrets and stories that lie beneath the surface.
3. Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary
This is a famous wildlife sanctuary situated on the banks of the Ichamati River in North 24 Parganas. It was formerly known as the Parmadan Forest. Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1964 and covers an area of 0.68 sq. kilometers. It started with 14 chitals (spotted deer) that were released into the forest. Now it is home to more than 200 deer, rabbits, langurs, and several birds. This is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature.
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The sanctuary has a calm and green environment that will soothe your senses and calm your mind. You can hear the sounds of the forest and the river as you walk around or relax in the shade. You can also see the playful deer and langurs as they roam freely in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also has a small zoo and a children’s park where you can have some fun with your family and friends.
There is a tourist lodge that is run by the forest department. You can stay there and get a closer look at the wildlife and nature. You can also visit the nearby village and experience the rural lifestyle and culture of the people who live there.
4. Dakshineswar
Dakshineswar is a sacred place that is famous for its temple of Ma Bhavatarini, a form of Goddess Kali. The temple complex is placed on the eastern banks of the river Ganges and was founded in the year 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. The place is also associated with Shri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, a saint and mystic who was the chief priest of this temple.
The temple complex consists of 12 Shiva temples, one Radha-Krishna temple, and the main Kali temple. It has a traditional Bengali style of architecture, with nine spires or Navaratna. Thousands of devotees visit the Dakhineshwar Kali Temple every year. It is one of the most famous Kali temples in West Bengal.
During the festivals of Durga Puja and Kali Puja, the temple is adorned with lights and flowers. The best time to visit Dakshineswar is during the winter months when you can enjoy the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the temple and sit by the river to spend some time. You can offer prayers to the goddess and take back some holy water from the Ganges with you.
5. Chakla Dham
Chakla Dham is one of West Bengal’s most significant religious shrines. It is dedicated to Baba Loknath, a revered saint who was born at this place in the 18th century. The temple is made of marble and has several small buildings for different religious purposes.
The serene ambiance of the temple will fill your soul with bliss. You can sit there for hours and meditate or listen to the teachings of Baba Loknath, who preached about compassion and detachment. While you are here, look around the place and witness the rustic beauty and the simple lives of the people here.
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Many devotees visit the temple all year round to seek blessings from Baba Loknath and attain salvation. They also tie ‘Dhagas’ (threads) to fulfill their deepest wishes.
The temple opens at 8:00 AM when the puja starts. It closes at 12:00 PM and reopens from 3:00 PM till 8:00 PM. You will be able to receive some Raj Bhog or Prasad at noon. Do not miss the Sandhya Arati at 6:00 PM.
You can also visit Kachua Dham, which is another shrine related to Baba Loknath and is only 14 kilometers away from Chakla Dham.
6. New Town
I am sure you must have heard of New Town. It is a smart city that is located on the northeastern outskirts of Kolkata, in the North 24 Parganas district. The city is divided into three action areas: I, II, and III and it is part of the Kolkata metropolitan area.
New Town is a city that combines modernity and sustainability, with its high-rise buildings, museums, parks, and other amenities. It has been declared a “Solar City” and a “Smart Green City” by the Indian Government, for its use of renewable energy and green initiatives. The roads and its surroundings are fringed with trees and plants making the ambiance much more scenic and soothing.
One of the main attractions of New Town is the Eco Park. It is a large space with a fantastic ambiance where you can enjoy nature and serenity amidst the concrete city. There is a lake, an islet, different attractive structures, alleys by the waters, food joints, green lawns, and more.
Opposite the park is the Mother’s Wax Museum. It has wax statues of various famous personalities from different fields. You can take pictures with them and experience the playful ambiance. Another place to visit in New Town is the City Center II, which is a mall where you can shop, eat, watch movies, or play games.
7. Barrackpore
Barrackpore is a city in North 24 Paragas that has a rich historical legacy. It was the first cantonment area of the British East India Company in India. The name Barrackpore comes from the word barrack, meaning a military camp. However, some sources suggest that it comes from “Barbakpur”, an ancient name of the place.
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The history of the place goes back to ancient times. It was mentioned by Greek geographers, navigators, and historians as part of the kingdom of Gangaridai, which was known for its power and wealth. It was also mentioned in chronicles from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD. The site saw many events that shaped the history of India, such as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 and the Indian National Movement.
The ambiance of the place is quite scenic, green, and blissful. There are several attractions in Barrackpore that you can visit such as the Mangal Panday Park, St Bartholomew’s Cathedral, and the Gandhi Museum. Not just these, there is more to the place in terms of nature and holy shrines. Several cafes and restaurants are there in the area for you to savor the flavors along with friends and family.
You can also enjoy the scenic views of the Ganges River from the banks or take a ferry ride to Serampore.
8. Habra
Habra is a lively destination in North 24 Parganas that is perfect for a weekend trip. It is located on Jessore Road, which connects Kolkata and Petrapole, the border crossing point to Bangladesh. The city has a lot to offer to its visitors, from greenery to culture to cuisine.
The essence you will get here is a bit different from any other place. Lush greenery, a bustling market, blissful neighborhood will invite you inside. You can explore the city and its surroundings by walking or cycling on the rural roads. This will give you a glimpse of the local life and landscape. The sunset also looks spectacular over the horizon. You will also get a see the vast meadows and historical landmarks.
Some popular attractions you can visit in Habra include Deshbandhu Park and Balisha Sunset Point. So wander through the terrain and spend some time amidst nature. This will surely provide you with some fun and relaxation. The best time to visit Habra is during the winter when the weather is pleasant and sunny. You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere and indulge in some of the delicious local dishes that Habra is famous for.
These are some popular places to visit in North 24 Parganas. You can easily reach them by trains, cars, or buses from Kolkata or other nearby cities. So, you don’t have to worry about transportation or accessibility.
All these places are unique and attractive in their own ways. Be it in terms of beauty, features, historical, or cultural significance. So, get ready to hit the road and choose your destination. Enjoy your journey and experience all the wonders and adventures that await you in North 24 Parganas.
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