Serampore is an old colonial town of West Bengal. Situated just 24 kilometers from Kolkata, it is a bustling crowded place on the right bank of the Hooghly River. While most of the town is under local administration, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) also covers a part of it. It was the only town to be colonized by the Danish and was known as Frederiksnagore from 1755- 1845. Serampore was famous for its superior education institutions and William Carey founded the Serampore College. It was also the first College University in Bengal. The town is also known for publication of the first Bengali Newspaper, Samachar Darpan.
Category: West Bengal
Trek to Seole Village
2-2.5 kilometers downhill from Rishyap, the 2nd last village of West Bengal a small village within ideal trekking rout. You can go through the main road which is 1 kilometer uphill from Rishyap and then turn left for downhill within the jungle. Other than that there is a short cart. The short cart road is very beautiful and enjoyable for an ideal trek. Start walking from in front of the Resort Sonar Tari for downhill. There is a narrow footpath here. You need to cross a small falls to reach the main village. Cross the village and ask for the “Mandir” road, the villagers will show you the road for Seole Village. There is a big “Shri Shiva Buddha Temple” at the end of the village. Tired?? Take rest and ask water from any village houses, they are very helpful.
Bakkhali
Bakkhali is a very popular place of attraction. Moreover, with the development of barge over the Hatania-Doania River, Bakkhali became all the more accessible. Bakkhali today is completely different from what it used to be some 10 years back. All this has become a reality with the development of transport and communication system.
Bandel
Bandel was founded by the Portuguese settlers in the 15th century, during the mogul rule. The name of the town is believed to have come from the local term for port, i.e. Bandar. Bandel is situated in the Hooghly district of West Bengal and is easily reachable from Kolkata. It is particularly famous for the old Portuguese church that is now known as the Bandel Church. It is also a busy railway junction and is governed by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) partially.
Mandermani
Mandarmani is the most happening and upcoming seaside resort in West Bengal. It lies to the South West of Kolkata and is very near to Digha. People, who want a taste of the untouched beauty of Bay of Bengal throng to the area. Thousands of red crabs, walking on the sands is the highlight of the destination, especially in the monsoon. Mandarmani has a 13 kilometer long beach, the longest motorable beach in India, which can be driven through.
Char Bangla Mandir in Murshidabad
The Char Bangla Mandir or temple is located in Azimganj, Baranagore of Murshidabad district. It was built by Rani Bhavani, the Queen of Natore in 18th century. The temple complex comprises of twin Ek-Bangla temples heavily decorated entrance and the temples standing on 3 arches supported by pillars measuring 0.85m till the first tier and from there to the second tier measuring 0.62m. The main entrance of the complex is west facing and the dimension of each temple is 6.90×7.80m. The height of each of the temple is 5.50m. The temples are exquisite examples of ornamentation on terracotta of Bengal. The temple in the east also has delicate plaster work on it. Some scenes from Hindu puranas and epics have been depicted on the decorated bricks.
Adinathji Mandir at Murshidabad
Adinathji Mandir is situated in the premises of Kathgola gardens which also houses the famous Kathgola Palace. Adinathji Mandir is also known as Pareshnath Temple dedicated to Bhagwan Adishvar. The deity is almost 90 centimeters high sitting on padmasana posture and is believed to be 900 years old. Lakhsmipat Singh Dugar built it in 1933 with white marble making it look pristine. The mandir is absolutely white in color with onion shaped domes. The architecture of the Mandir is influenced by Moghul, European, Rajasthani, traditional Jain and Bengali styles. It houses 17 images of Jain Tirthankaras.
Photo Courtesy: Flickr/Jyoti Prakash Bhattacharjee
Digha
Digha is a quaint seaside resort, lying 187 kilometers to the South west of Kolkata. It is the oldest and most popular seaside destination in West Bengal, and has remained so even with other newer beach spots coming up in the state. The area was developed into a holiday destination by Bidhan Chandra Roy, the first chief minister of West Bengal. It is easily accessible from Kolkata and only takes a few hours to reach, which has made it a weekend retreat for the people of West Bengal.