Murshidabad, last Nawabs of Bengal

Murshidabad is a place of historic importance situated on the southern bank of River Bhagirathi. It was the last capital of Independent Bengal from 1717 to 1773 when the East India Company shifted its capital to Kolkata. The present city is renowned for its silks and places of historical interest. It also serves as the district head quarters of Murshidabad district.

Attractions & Activities in Murshidabad

Murshidabad is renowned for its places of historical importance. The tale of Bengal’s golden era prior to the British rule comes alive in Murshidabad.

Hazarduari
Named after the 1000 doors it contains, this palace was built by Duncan McLeod in 1837 for the ruling Nawab. It showcases the European architecture of yesteryears a nd has been converted into a museum at present. It has been named as the largest site museum by the, ‘Archaeological Survey of India.’ Continue Reading →

Imambara
A revered site of Shia Muslims, the Imambara was built on the ruins of the wooden one, which had been gutted by fire. It is 680 feet long and is situated on the banks of the River Bhagirathi and is divided into three distinct sections. Continue Reading →

Wasef Manzil
The palace resembles a castle in some ways and was used as a residence by Nawab Wasaf Ali Mirza. It has been converted into a museum now and is maintained by the ‘Archaeological Survey of India.’ There are several marble statues and a fountain in the garden in front of the building. Continue Reading →

Katra Mosque
This historical mosque was believed to have been commissioned by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan in 1723. It could accommodate around 2000 people who offered Namaz, at the same time. The famous canon Jahan Kosha (Destroyer of World) can be seen here. Some parts of the mosque had been damaged in the earthquake of 1897. Continue Reading →

Art and Craft
Ivory, wood, Indian Cork (Sholapith) and Silk industry was very rich culture when the Nawabs of Bengal were the rulers of Bengal at Murshidabad. But it had to face a crisis when the Nawabs lost their kingdom and independence during the time of British Empire.  But the art of silk sari has maintained its quality till now. Now a day’s Murshidabad Silk production is going down because of the low earnings of the sari makers. Continue Reading →

Jahankosha Canon
Jahankosha canon weighing 16,880 lb is 17.5 feet long with a girth of 5 feet at the touch hole end. The diameter of the touch hole is 1.5 inches and the diameter of the orifice is 6 inches.  Continue Reading →

Moti Jheel
Moti Jheel is a charming horseshoe shaped lake located 1 kilometer south of Lalbagh. The land adjoining Moti Jheel witnessed the celebration of Lord Clive after he acquired Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in 1765.  Continue Reading →

Cemetery of Siraj-Ud-Daula
The cemetery of Siraj-ud-Daulah or Khoshbag as it is popularly known as is located at the Bhagirathi River bank in the west. The tomb is also shared by his wife, Lutf-un-nisa and his grandfather, Alivardi Khan. Continue Reading →

Mosque at Khoshbag Cemetary
This mosque is located inside the premises of Khoshbag which is the final resting place of the Nawabs belonging to the Afshar dynasty ruling Bengal. It has the tombs of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, his wife, grandfather and grandfather’s mother. Continue Reading →

War Memorial at the Battle of Plassey Ground
The battle ground of Plassey lying on the banks of the Bhagirathi River holds lot of historical significance. The British East India Company defeated the last independent Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 which decided the fate of Calcutta and India. Continue Reading →

Nimak Haram Deori
Nimak Haram Deori is the main gate leading to Mir Jafar, the traitor’s palace Jafargunj. It is located at a distance of only 1 kilometer from the magnificent Hazarduari. Visitors cannot enter into the palace as it is well guarded. Continue Reading →

Nasipur Palace
According to Holiday HotSpot, Nasipur Palace is one of the primary attractions of Murshidabad which generally brims with visitors. Constructed in 1723-24 by Murshi Quli Khan this imposing structure has high minarets. Continue Reading →

Kathgola Palace
The Kathgola Palace built in the garden premises of Raja Dhanpat Singh Dugar and Lakshmipath Singh Dugar is located in the southern part of Nasipur. It is an impressive structure constituting a central drawing room, a library, billiard room, bedroom and dining room. Continue Reading →

Footi Mosque
Footi Mosque or masjid as it called in Urdu is an unfinished work of Nawab Sarafaraz Khan. It is located at a distance of a mile from Hazarduari Palace. Continue Reading →

Ghari Minar
The Ghari Minar or the Clock Tower of Murshidabad, West Bengal is located on coordinates 24°11′15″N 88°16′10″E / 24.187381°N 88.269315°E is a famous tourists spot. It is located to the south of Hazarduari Palace in the Nizamat Fort premises. Continue Reading →

Chalk Masjid
The Chalk Masjid or Mosque in Murshidabad is quite a popular tourist attraction. It was constructed by Mirjafar, the infamous traitor who killed the last Independent Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah in 1767. The Chalk Masjid stands tall at 125 feet and is quite an imposing structure. Continue Reading →

Jafraganj Muqbara
Jafarganj Muqbara or cemetery was built on an area of 3.51 acres by Mir Jafar. It is located approximately half a mile north to the Nizamat Fort premises inside the bigger campus of Namak Haram Deuri. Continue Reading →

Dutch Cemetery
The Dutch Cemetery is located next to the Cossimbazar railway station at Kalkapur where the Dutch owned huge factories in the historical times. The grandeur of the Dutch has been ruined and small tombs of 43 in number remain to this day.  Continue Reading →

Cossimbazar Kuthi
Cossimbazar Kuthi is a relatively less popular tourist spot in Murshidabad. The bazaar area used to be famous due to its silk production which has reduced these days. However, the Cossimbazar Kuthi stall stands at present. Continue Reading →

Adinathji Mandir or Pareshnath Temple
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. Continue Reading →

Char bangla Mandir
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 18^th century. Continue Reading →

Jain temples of Azimganj
Azimganj small town in Murshidabad is home to 7 Jain temples of immense historical, architectural and spiritual value are located. Continue Reading →

Roshni Bag
Roshni Bag is the mausoleum or muqbara of Suja-ud-Daulah located in Murshidabad district. Suja-ud-Daulah dies in 1739 and was buried in this spot. When translated in English it means ‘garden of lights’. Continue Reading →

Farah Bag
Farah Bag is the third of the garden trio in Lalbagh which means ‘garden of pleasure’. Farah Bagh is the smallest among the garden trio and is located on the banks of Bhagirath River. Dahapara, the famous settlement of the Qanungo is situated on the south-western part of Farah Bagh. Continue Reading →

Bhubaneshwari Mandir

Nearby Places in Murshidabad

Cossimbazar Palace
This is a census town in Murshidabad, renowned for its historical importance. It is believed to have been a great trading center before Calcutta came up as the primary hub of commercial activities. Continue Reading →

Saidabad
This town is situated in between Murshidabad and Berhampur and had been an Armenian stronghold in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Continue Reading →

Baranagore
This riverside palace was constructed by the Zamindars of Natore ( now in Bangladesh). The place is linked with the tales of the famous Rani Bhavani and her efficiency in managing the zamindari. Continue Reading →

Berhampur
Also known as Baharampur, it is the best urban town of west Bengal. It is famous for Karna Subarna, the ancient capital of King Shashank of Bengal and the remnants of the British army which includes the four canons located at four corners of the Barrack Square. Continue Reading →

How to Reach Murshidabad

Murshidabad is well connected to Kolkata and the North of Bengal by road and railways.

Railways: Lalgola Passenger, Hazar Duari Express and Bhagirathi Express are some of the trains plying from Kolkata to Murshidababad. The duration of journey is about 4:30 to 5 hours with the fare ranging from Rs 0-Rs 150 per passenger.

Road: A number of State Transport buses as well as private buses are available regularly for travelling between Kolkata and Murshidabad. It is also possible to rent a luxury taxi and travel by road. Car rentals cost around Rs 4500 for a round trip.

When to Visit  Murshidabad

Murshidabad is accessible all through the year. However, the months of September- February are particularly pleasant due to the mild weather.

Accommodation in Murshidabad

Murshidabad offers a large number of mid to cheap range hotels and lodges including youth hostels. Accomodation at WBTDC’s ‘Berhampore Tourist Lodge’ can be confirmed from Kolkata as well.

Related Posts:

• Farah Bag in Lalbagh, Murshidabad
• Roshni Bag, Muqbara of Suja-ud-Daulah, Murshidabad
• Jain Temples of Azimganj, Murshidabad
• Cossimbazar Kuthi, Murshidabad
• Dutch Cemetery in Murshidabad
• Jafarganj Muqbara near Hazarduari Palace, Murshidabad
• Chalk Masjid or Mosque in Murshidabad
• Ghari Minar – Hazarduari, Murshidabad
• Nasipur Palace, Murshidabad
• Mosque at Khoshbag Cemetary, Murshidabad
• Cemetery of Siraj-Ud-Daula (Khoshbag ), Murshidabad
• Moti Jheel near Lalbagh, Murshidabad
• Jahankosha Canon near Katra Mosque, Murshidabad
• Art and Craft in Murshidabad
• Saibad