Day 146 - Bishnupur

Bishnupur is located in the Bankura district of the state of West Bengal.Bishnupur is incredibly famous for the magnificent Terracotta temples and the beautiful Baluchari saris. The town has a glorious past that is reflected in its rich architecture, music and handicrafts such as pottery and weaving. It prospered in the 17th and early 18th Centuries. Ruled by a line of Hindu Rajas of the Malla dynasty, Bishnupur developed a unique form of architecture and has perhaps the most brilliant and detailed terracotta work in Eastern India that has withstood the ravages of time.The history of Bishnupur can be dated back to 694 AD, when King Raghunath I established Malla dynasty. But the place got its name as Bishnupur much later in 994 AD. It is derived from the name of the Hindu God “Vishnu”.The Mallas solemnized their love for Lord Krishna by building these beautiful temples.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Intl Airport, Kolkata (CCU), around 145 km, and is well connected to various national as well as international cities.

By Rail: Bishnupur has a railway station which is connected to the major parts of the city.


Best time to visit: October to March.


Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi.


Places you must visit:

Rasmancha is the oldest brick temple in Bishnupur. Built by Malla King Bir Hambir in 1600 CE, the temple has only one chamber, the sanctum sanctorum, with an elongated tower encircled by turrets which are of hut shapes. It is enclosed by a passageway and there are some big cannons which date back to Malla period. It has a unique structure and is the only temple of its kind  in India.The Rasmancha was built in a way to accommodate the deities that people brought during the festivals. This structure is showcased nowadays by illuminating  at night.

The Jorebangla temple in brick was built by the Malla King Raghunath Singh in 1655.The structure was erected on one metre high platform using laterite bricks. The entire outer surface is decorated with terracotta plaques displaying various aspects of human life and culture, gods and goddesses, animals, floral and geometrical designs.Some of the carved designs of the Royal lifestyles, stories depicting the epics, historical scenes from the battles, etc are   found  on the walls and on the roof of the temple.









The beautiful terracotta Panch Ratna temple was constructed by King Raghunath Singha  in 1643 AD. Shyam Rai Temple has the most intricate sculptural details amongst all the Bishnupur temples.

The temple of Madan Mohan was built outside the fort compound by King Durjana Singh Dev, in 1694 AD for his family deities of Lord Krishna and Radha. There are impressive scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas carved on the temple walls. The temple is the best example in brick of Ratha or chariot style architecture with a single sikhara(tower) and a curve Bengali chala type roof.









This laterite Lalji Temple was built in 1658 by Bir Singha II of Malla dynasty.The deity worshipped here are Sri Krishna and Radhika. The temple is constructed on a square raised plinth, which consists of ornamental stucco decorations on low relief carvings.

The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan in Bishnupur is a museum that relate to art and archeology.In this archeological gallery there are tools from Mesolithic and Paleolithic era, metal ornaments, terracotta sculptures, etc. This Museum accounts for the coins and artifacts from the very ancient days of rulers in Bishnupur, starting from the gupta kings to the pal kingdom.There are contemporary art and paintings, manuscripts and rare photographs. A section of the Purakriti Bhawan is dedicated to the musical culture of Bishnupur Gharana and has many instruments and photographs displayed.







The Sridhara temple was built in the 19th century and is known for the nine spires, known as the navaratna.Beautiful carvings adorn the walls of the temple. Lord Shiva in a dancing pose present at the entrance of the temple shows the heritage of  Bengal and the importance given to the architecture by  the kings of Bishnupur.





The cannon named as Dal Madol was built by the Malla kings to fight the Maratha invasion.  This Cannon is near Chinnamasta temple and is significant for the people of Bishnupur as well as Bengal. The cannon measures about 3.8 m in length and has a barrel of 28.5 cms.  It was built in the year 1742 under Raja Gopal Singh to protect Bishnupur  from Marathas. The Cannon is built with iron materials and doesn’t have any rust, though it is exposed to rain and sun since 18th century.

Day 145 - Siliguri

Siliguri is a prominent town in the Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal in India.Siliguri lies in the shadows of the mighty Himalayas, in a narrow strip of land just 40 km wide at its broadest section often referred to as the Chicken's Neck. Siliguri is blessed with wonderful natural beauty and is renowned for its three “T” – the tea, timber and tourism. The other two may be part of economic world but the tourism is the blood vein of Siliguri.Siliguri is famed for military bases of Indian forces. The Indian armies, the Sashastra Seema Bal, the Assam Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Border Security Force have its bases at this place.


How to reach here:

By Air: Siliguri domestic airport is located at Bagdogra at a distance of 12 km from the heart of the city. Siliguri is air linked to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Siliguri is connected to Gangtok by helicopter services.

By Rail: New Jalpaiguri railhead is the nearest railway station to Siliguri, which is 8 km away. Jalpaiguri Station is connected to all major stations in India including Delhi and Mumbai.


Best time to visit: Throughout the year.


Languages spoken:  Bengali, Hindi, Nepali.


Famous Restaurants: Ladoo Gopal, Punjabi Kadhai, Haveli, Around The Corner, Hi Spirits Cafe & Pub.


Places you must visit:

North Bengal Science Center exhibits many scientific experiments and scientific equipments. The Science city complex encloses a planetarium and a Nature Interpretation Centre. The Science City of Siliguri shows the biological diversity of the region.Another attraction of the place is observing the dialect, customs and traditions and culture of the people living in North Bengal.



Madhuban Park is a spectacular and well maintained park and serves as an exquisite picnic spot in West Bengal. This is a significant place as many tourist land here en-route to Sikkim and north eastern regions. The Park is the worthy trail of the renowned Sukna forest. The lush green surroundings, cool climate and serene ambiance in this Park offer the tourist a secluded evenings and weekends. The park houses animals like rabbits, peacocks and deer. Many varieties of butterflies with many colors can also be spotted here.



The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary or Reserve is a vast stretch of wilderness with thick foliage stretched along the tributary of the Mahananda River, called the Pachanoi River. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural habitat of many varieties of wildlife fauna and flora. The foliage includes thick woody trees and dense bushes. The animals include rare mountain goat, Cheetah, barking dear, fishing cat, sambar, tiger, elephant and Indian bison.Elephant Safari and jeep Safari are to wonderful option to enjoy the wild beauty very closely. It is a nice place for trekking nearby the city of Siliguri.







The Surya Sen Park is an eco-friendly place for fun, entertainment and increasing awareness about alternative energy sources. An exhibition in the park offers fundamental knowledge about the alternative energy sources. A grandeur bust of the renowned freedom fighter Sury Sen is installed in the midst of the Park. The Park contains all kinds of facilities for children’s enjoyment. The Park is established in picturesque surroundings and beautifully decorated with imposing landscapes, lush green lawns and attractive fountains. The view of the park in the evenings and night is eye catching with colored lights lit all around the Park.





The North Bengal University is stretched along an area of 330 acres. It is the educational centre for the North Bengal region along with the state of Sikkim. This University situated at Siliguri was established on 1962. It enrolls over 36,000 undergraduates and 1500 graduates at different courses under its affiliation every year. There are 23 post graduate departments, 18 centres and 19 administrative departments other then the researchers centers and officers quarter at Siliguri. Student not only from Siliguri and its surrounding area , Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda and the states of Sikkim choose this university for their study.







The Sed-Gyued Monastery  is a sacred Buddhist destination.It was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in November, 2001. Here is also a research center for the Buddhist studies. It is believed that the original Monastery was first destroyed by Chinese when they invaded Tibet. Dalai Lama wished to rebuilt it at Salugara, Siliguri. The main attraction was the 100 feet high Stupa founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. The stupa at Salugara, Siliguri brings out five kinds of relics and is really worth to be revered.





International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as Hare Krishna Movement manages the ISKCON temple, Siliguri The temple houses many beautiful idols of Advaita Acharya, Lord Narasimha, Lord Chaitanya and many more. The temple enshrines Radha Madhav idol, an image of Lord Krishna with his romantic wife Radha. The temple houses many beautiful idols of Advaita Acharya, Lord Narasimha, Lord Chaitanya and many more. The temple is fully constructed in modern architectural style without surrendering the ancient Indian customs of ‘Vasthuhara’. The marble floors and the beautiful glossy walls are real eye catching views.





Coronation Bridge, also known as Sevoke Coronation Bridge, is built in 1930 over the renowned Teesta River at the confluence of Rangeet River and Teesta River in West Bengal to mark the Coronation of the King George V. The Coronation bridge is constructed with a marvelous design and architectural style of British. It is a real specimen of the excellence in craftsmanship. The plenty of foliage and lusting greenery, the serene atmosphere and crystal clear waters at the Teesta River make this place a favorite and refreshing picnic spot.







Savin Kingdom near to Siliguri is a scenic location nestled among spacious and serene tea farms. The place is credited with an amusement park. The park offers many facilities for the enjoyment of the visitors. The vast area of the amusement park offers special play grounds for kids. Many rides, especially designed for the children are the major attractions here. The Park is well maintained with imposing landscapes. The park contains an avenue for relaxation and rest. This is ideal for fun and entertainment.

Salugara Monastery was established by Tibetan Buddhist Monks, the followers of the Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama. The attractive feature of this monastery is the 100 feet stupa founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. The stupa brings out five kinds of relics and is really worth to be revered. The Monastery is an ideal tranquil location for meditation. The shrine is nestled among the lush green forests and hilly terrains. The surroundings offer a great sense of spiritual peace and the monastery is a perfect spot for staying away from hustle and bustle of city life. This place offers rejuvenating effects on mind and body.

Kali Mandir  is one of the most venerated places in the town, located nearby Sevoke. Associated with mythology, newly wed couples pay homage at the shrine for their joyful married life. The Goddess Durga in the form of Kali is established at the shrine. Sculpture of the Goddess is covered with jewels and arms like sword and armoury.Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple is visited by innumerable devotees during the period of Durga Puja and Navratri.