Let's Go : Visit India: December 2009

ROUTE MAP

1. By Road:

By bus - Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC) and South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) buses ply regularly between Dharmatala/ Esplanade bus stand of Kolkata

From Kolkata travel to Dankuni, take the Durgapur Expressway, at Ratanpur crossing turn left and take the Sheoraphuli-Tarakeswar road, go straight through to Arambagh and Bishnupur. and Bishnupur. It takes about 4-5 hours to reach Bishnupur.The road distance is shorter than the rail distance, it is about 150 km.

2. By Train:

It takes about 3:30 to 4:15 hours from Kolkata, distance 201 km. Convenient connections - Rupashi Bangla Express departing Howrah at 6 am, Purulia Express departing Howrah at 4.45 pm and Aranyak Express departing Shalimar at 7.45 am. To come by Aranyak Express from Howrah to Bishnupur,1st one has to come at Santragachi by local train & then by Aranyak Express.All these trains are via Kharagpur,Midnapur. You can also opt for Howrah-Chakradharpur passenger which leaves Howrah at 23:05 hrs. This train has sleeper class provision.

Other option, come at Kharagpur/Midnapur/Bardhman/Durgapur by train form Howrah.Then by bus.

SIGHT SEEING & MUSIC

Hire cycle rickshaw because it is a small place. Many of the temples are near each other. Most are within walking distance of one another. Cars are also available on hire.

Bishnupur being a temple town, the focus is on temples, all built of terracota during the reign of the Malla Kings, who ruled over the area prior to the arrival of the British.

Jorbangla Temple of Keshta Rai - Built by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in the 17th century. The ornate terracotta carvings are set off by the roof in the classic chala style of Bengal architecture.

Nandalal Temple
Radhamadhab Temple
Kalachand Temple
Radhagovinda Temple
Sarbamangala
Shyamrai Temple or Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Rai - Built in 1643 by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna’s life. It is one of the largest temples.
Krishna-Valaram Temple
Mrinmayee Temple
Radhashyam Temple
Madanmohan Temple- King Durjana Singh Deva built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style, a square flat-roofed building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.
Malleswar
Sanreswar
Radhalaljiu
Madangopal
Chhinnamasta Temple
Rasmancha - Oldest brick structure. Built in 1587 by Bir Hambir is a pyramidal structure in the centre of the town, where the deities from the other temples are brought in a procession on the occasion of the Rasa Festival. There are some cannons of the Malla kings in the area.
Dalmadal Caman - supposed to have protected Bishnupur when the Bargis (Maratha warriors) attacked from the west.
Lalbandh
Gumgarh - the place of no return.
Pathar Darja (Main Gateway of Bishnupur)
Garh Darja (Small Gateway of Bishnupur)
Stone Chariot
Nutan Mahal

It is also a great center for music - the Bishnupur gharana is well known in classical music. Look out for opportunities, check where you stay, if you are an Indian classical music fan.

SHOPPING, FOODING & DRINKING

Bankura Horse- now the symbol of Indian handicrafts - available both in the terracota and wood versions.
Baluchari Saris- another famous Bishnupur product. Traditional woven with Ramayana and Mahabharata symbols but modern versions are also available.
Conch shell beads and items.

Bishnupur is a small town. One can find various small eateries in and around the temples as well as near the main bus stand. However, one should try Posto-r Bora, if you visit Bishnupur.

Hard drinks are generally available in the hotels. Hotel Laxmi Park, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal (From 150 k.m at Kolkata via Arambag), ☎ 03422-356353/256377.

LODGING

Hotel Laxmi Park with AC,restaurant,ICICI Bank ATM available (3244) 256353/256377
Bishnupur Lodge (Tourist Lodge) of West Bengal Tourism. Double bed,4 bed and dormitories available here.Rooms Rs. 600 and AC-1400, 2000. Dormitory Rs. 100. Contact +91 (3244) 252 013, +91(3244) 253 561, +91 9732100950 Kolkata booking office : +91 (33) 2243 7260, +91 (33) 2248 5168, +91 (33) 2248 8271.
Monalisa Lodge Rs 250-500.+91 98310 31895
Hotel Bishnupur Rs. 200-500. Telephone +91 (3244) 252 243
Bishnupur Lodge (private hotel) Rs. 200-500. Telephone +91 (3244) 253 749
Meghmallar Rs. 200-500. Telephone +91 (3244) 252 258
Pourasabha Parytakabas Re. 250-500. Telephone +91 (3244) 252 200
Udayan Lodge College Road, Rs. 250-600 (3244) 252243, Kolkata cont 033- 2264=2051