Around Kolkata Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Kolkata

• Bakkhali
• Barakpur
• Barddhaman
• Bandel
• Chandannagar (Chandannagore)
• Chunchura (Chinsurah)
• Diamond Harbour
• Digha
• Hugli
• Sabujdwip
• Srirampur (Serampur)
• Mahesh (3 kms.)
• Nabadwip
• Mayapur

Bakkhali (130kms.)

It is the second most important beach of West Bengal after Digha.

Barakpur (24 kms.)

It was once the cantonment of the British and is named after the 'barracks', where troops have been stationed since 1772. The town is associated with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Mangal Pandey, the famous martyr was hanged at Barrackpur's Latbagan. Amemorial to him was erected at Dhubighat. Other attractions are, Mangal Pandey Park, Gandhi Ghat and Rani Rashmoni's Kali Mandir.

Barddhaman (95 kms.)

The historic site on the banks of river Damodar is named after Mahavir Barddhaman, the 24th Jain tirthankar. The main attractions are -108 Shiva shrines built in 1789 by Rani Bishnukumari; Vijay Toran or Curzon Gate ; Rose Garden; Meghnad Saha Planetarium and the Science Centre of the University.

Bandel (48kms.)

It lies on the banks of river Hugli and was the first European settlement in Bengal. The Portuguese Church and the Monastery were built here in 1599 and destroyed by Shah Jahan in 1640. The church was rebuilt in 1660 and is the oldest in the State.

Chandannagar (Chandannagore) (39 kms.)

This former French colony on the banks of the river Hugli is dotted with churches, convents and other relics of colonial past. A picturesque promenade here is ideal for strolls. The town is also known for the Jagaddhatri Puja.

Chunchura (Chinsurah) (45 kms.)

It was under Dutch occupation between 1656 and 1825 and the Fort Gustavus was built in 1628 by them. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, composed 'Bandemataram', the national song of India at the Bandemataram House on Joraghat.

Diamond Harbour (48 kms.)

This popular picnic spot near the confluence of Hugli river and Bay of Bengal is easily accessible by road and rail. It was once the main port of East India Company and has ruins of a fort and an old lighthouse. Cruising over the river waters is quite interesting.

Digha (174 kms.)

This most popular beach of West Bengal is lined by Casuarina trees and is ideal for swimmers. The Science Centre, Marine Aquarium and Amravati Lake are worth visiting.

Hugli (47 kms.)

Historical Hugli was a flourishing trade centre of Bengal, even before Kolkata. In 1537, the Portuguese settled here, but were driven away in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In 1651, the British East India Company established a factory here. The relics of the colonial era can be seen in numerous old buildings, churches and graveyards. The famous Imambara was built here in 1836, by Hazi Mohammad Mohsin.

Sabujdwip (75 kms.)

Sabujdwip or the 'Green Island' set on the confluence of the Behula and Hugli rivers is an ideal picnic spot.

Srirampur (Serampur) (24 kms.)

This Danish Settlement from 1616 to 1845 later became a centre of English missionaries. It also played an important role in the Bengal Renaissance. The old Danish buildings, including the Danish Governor's Palace, the Roman Catholic Church and St. Olaf Church stand testimony to the bygone era. A museum at Serampur College, houses exhibits of missionaries.

Mahesh (3 kms.) is famous for an ancient Jagannath Temple.

Nabadwip (114 kms.)

Nabadwip, the 'Varanasi of Bengal' is set on the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Jalangi rivers. It was the capital of ancient Bengal and is named after the nine islands off Jalangi river. Nabadwip is the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya (1486-1533), the founder of Vaishnava sect and is the seat of Vaishnava culture in Bengal. The Raash festival held in the month of Kartik-Agrahayan is a major attraction for the Pilgrims.

Mayapur

The headquarters of ISKCON, the contemporary face of Vaishnavism lies across the river from Nabadwip. The stupa-like white temple, belongs to ISKCON.