Easy Tourist Guide

Konark - famous for its 13th century Sun Temple is perhaps the most popular tourist destination of Orissa after Puri, the city of Lord Jagannatha. The temple of the Sun God is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site visited by tourists from around the world throughout the year. The sprawling beach of Konark at a strolling distance from the Sun temple is rated amongst the finest beaches of India on the eastern coastline. The sea-side town of Konark is thronged by tourists who are either here for pilgrimage to the Sun Temple or enjoying the architectural grandeur of the temple or are here to relax in the white sand of the wide beach.

Where is Konark?

Konark is a small town in the Puri district of the state of Orissa, India, on the coast of Bay of Bengal. Konark is just 65 Km from the state capital Bhubaneswar.

About Konark

Konark, at a distance of just 35 Km from the sacred city of Puri offers a unique combination of blue sea, beach having white sand, and temple dedicated to the Sun God. The temple town of Konark (also spelled as Konarak) though famous for the Sun Temple also has a number of other temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses.
The Sun Temple at Konark was built in about 1250 AD by Narasimhadeva, a king of the East Ganga dynasty to commemorate military success against Muslim invaders. It remained buried under a huge mound of sand until early 20th century, when restoration by the British rechristened the shrine in its present form. However according to Hindu mythology the temple was built by Samba, son of Lord Krishna. Samba was cured from leprosy after a rigorous penance of 12 years by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he built the temple.
Description of Konark would probably be incomplete without the mention of famous “Konark Dance Festival” held every year from 1st to 5th December. Classical dance performance on the open-air stage with the floodlit Sun Temple at the backdrop creates an illusion that the images, carved in the Temple become alive to perform on this open-air stage. The accompanying divine music and the breathtaking movements of the performers turn the event into a truly out-of-this-world spectacle.

Sightseeing in and around Konark

The Sun Temple - The entire temple has been designed in the shape of a chariot carrying the Sun God and is made of black stone. The twelve pairs of exquisitely-ornamented wheels of the chariot dragged by seven galloping horses carved around the base are the major attractions of the temple. The spokes of these wheels serve as sundials, and the shadows formed suggests the precise time of the day. The entrance is guarded by two lions, each crushing a war elephant. Each elephant in turn lies on top of a human body. The surfaces of the temple are carved with exquisite stone sculptures with a wide variety of subjects, including many erotic scenes based on the Kama Sutra.
Just beyond the porch is a double staircase that leads to a shrine containing a statue of Surya, the Sun God. The beautiful image is carved of high-quality green chlorite stone and is one of the masterpieces of Konark. Surya is accompanied by a small figure of Aruna, the charioteer, at his feet.
Despite the fact that the temple, also known as Black Pagoda, is in ruins, and has lost many of its original structures, the remaining porch area and the structures of this temple complex represent a pinnacle of the Indian stonework art. The remaining intricate stone sculpture speaks highly of the imaginative power of the artistes of the time.

The Konark Sun Temple houses a Natamandira or dancing hall at the entrance of the temple. This is where the temple dancers used to perform dances in homage to the Sun god during rituals. Sculptures of musicians and dancers in its pillars suggest the fact.
Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22 exist today.
Mayadevi Temple - To the west of the main temple are the remains of temple no.2 popularly called the temple of Mayadevi, believed to be one of the wives of Lord Surya. This small shrine was built earlier than the main Sun temple
Vaishnava Temple - The small brick temple facing east in south-west corner of the compound was discovered in 1956 during the sand clearance. Also called temple no.3 the temple is devoid of any exterior decoration. Images of Balarama and two parsvadevatas of Varaha and Trivikrama were unearthed (now displayed in Archaeological Museum, Konark) proving its Vaishnava affiliation.
Nabgrah Temple - There is a Temple containing the nine planets- Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. It is located to the right of main entrance.
Archaeological Museum - There is an Archaeological Museum Just outside the Sun Temple that contains many sculptures and carvings found during the temple excavations. This is must visit for tourists and students of archaeology.
Sacred Pond – Just beside the Konark beach is the sacred pond where Samba, son of Lord Krishna is believed to have been cured from leprosy. During the the full moon phase of Magha, a big religious festival is held at the Chandrabhaga beach and is known as Magha Saptami Mela.
Ramchandi Temple – 8 Km from Konark, on the confluence of river Kushabhadra, is a religious place of worship where Goddess Ramchandi is worshipped.
Kuruma – At a distance of about 8 Km from Konark, Kuruma is the place where a Buddhist site has been excavated. Antique images of Buddha have been unearthed from here.

Chandrabhaga Beach – Just 3 Km from the Sun Temple is the Konark beach, popularly known as Chandrabhaga beach. Famous for providing magnificent view of sunrise and sunset, the long and wide sylvan sand of the beach is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. The beach guarantees solitude with the charm of the dense casuarinas grooves, fringing the light house and the orange-red sun mingling with the sea. Apart from soaking in the Sun, strolling on the beach is a pleasant experience.
The shrines of Laxminarayan, Amareswara, and Barahi at Chaursi are good excursions from Konark.

How to reach Konark?

By Air – The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar at a distance of about 65 Km. Bhubaneshwar is well connected to other major cities of the country.
By Rail – Puri Railway Station at a distance of about 34 Km is the nearest railhead. Puri is well connected by rail to other major Indian cities.
By Road – Being located on NH23, Konark is well connected with other parts of the country through a good network of roads.

Where to stay at Konark?

O.T.D.C. Panthanivas (06758-236831)
O.T.D.C. Yatrinivas (06758-236820)
Royal Lodge (06758-236818)
Konark Lodge (06758-236502)
Travellers Lodge (06758-236820)

Vikramshila, synonymous with Buddhism is an important tourist destination of Bihar. Though Vikramshila does not boast any direct relation with Lord Buddha, yet it became a great centre of Buddhist learning with the foundation of Vikramshila University in 8th century AD by King Dharmapala of Pala dynasty in Bengal. Though in ruins today yet over the years, Vikramshila became one of the most popular Buddhist destinations in India and a major tourist spot in Bihar.

Where is Vikramshila?

Vikramshila is in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar in India. The city of Vikramshila is just 40 Km from Bhagalpur.

About Vikramshila

Vikramshila has immense historical importance because of the famous Vikramshila University. Ruins of the University are a major source of historical evidences of Buddhist culture and traditions.Vikramshila attracts tourists from around the world as a site for the remains of the Vikramshila University, which is perhaps a must visit for every followers of Buddhism. The relics of this university stand on top of the famous Patharghat hill along the banks of river Ganges.
During the ancient period, there was a temple located at the center of Vikramshila University. A life-size copy of the Mahabodhi tree was enshrined in this temple. It is believed that around 108 temples were constructed around it.
Carved pillars, Buddhist images and pictures of Hindu deities have been excavated from this ancient site.

In and around Vikramshila

Sultanganj - 20 km west of Bhagalpur lies Sultanganj close to the Ganges. Sultanganj is well known for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a Muslim mosque, the second and the larger one is occupied by a temple of Ajghaibinath Siva. The place has developed into a site of great holiness in the eyes of Hindus. The temple dates back to the reigns of Ashoka and Gupta period and well known for its sculpture.
People going to Babadham at Deoghar by foot carrying water, usually fills their pot from Ganges at Sultanganj after taking a holy bath here.

Bhagalpur - The tomb of the Suja, brother of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, in the heart of the town, is the standing reminder of its association with the Mughal dynasty. Bhagalpur is nationally and internationally acclaimed for Silk production, mainly a variant of Tussar silk known as Bhagalpuri silk. Bhagalpur has the rare distinction of having a silk institute. The sparkling white Bikanpur mosque at Bhagalpur needs special mention and should be visited by tourists.
The legendary Mandar hill, 52 Km. from Bhagalpur finds mention in Hindu mythology and was probably used as churner during ‘samudra manthan’.
Bateshwarnath - 2 Km from Vikramshila lies the picture perfect location of Bateshwarnath beside river Ganges. The place has a large number of caves or tunnels as they may be called. The tunnels were probably made by some British company during the British rule in India to take stones for making porcelains, ceramic materials etc.

Champanagar - Located close to Vikramshila, Champanagar was visited by Lord Buddha where he delivered sermons on Kandaraka Sutta and the famous Sonadanda Sutta. Sarovan talab is the prime Buddhist attraction here.

How to reach Vikramshila?

By Air - The Patna airport is the closest one from Vikramshila. Flights from here operate to destinations like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi and Lucknow.
By Rail - Bhagalpur is the closest railway station to reach Vikramshila by rail.
By Road - Vehicles are available on hire in Bhagalpur to take you to Vikramshila.

Where to stay at Vikramshila?

Staying option in Vikramshila is very limited and below par. It is advisable to stay at Bhagalpur and visit Vikramshila from there. A number of good staying options are available in Bhagalpur.
Hotel Nihar (Near Shiva Market)
Sriyash Regency
For booking contact at :-
Tourist Information Center, Fraser Road, Patna (0612-2225295)
Tourist Information Center, Patna Junction. (0612-2221093)
Tourist Information Center, Patna Airport. (0612-2220146).

Melkote, the temple town of Karnataka is a popular center of pilgrimage built on rocky hills of Yadavagiri (or Yadugiri) overlooking the Cauveri valley. The place attracts tourists from around the world for its breathtaking scenic beauty and its bracing climate. A visit to Melkote is unique in the sense that it gives us a fast hand experience and knowledge of our own cultural heritage in its living form. Historical studies have shown relatively little change in the plan of the town, the type and character of the dwellings and its cultural practice.

Where is Melkote?

Melkote is in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. It is about 51 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore.

About Melkote

The picturesque hill town of Melkote is full of shrines and monasteries and is an important centre for devotees of Lord Vishnu. This town gained religious importance in the 12th century AD when the famous South Indian Vaishnava philosopher and teacher, Sri Ramanuja lived in Melkote for about 12 years.

Life in Melkote is centered around the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple in the town and the Yoganarasimhaswamy temple on the hill overlooking the town of Melkote. It is these temples that have made the town a popular tourist and pilgrimage attraction. These temples have helped to preserve the tradition and culture of the town and at the same time is a repository of all the knowledge. The temple premises houses the oldest Sanskrit Pathsahala in India that dates back to 1853.

In and around Melkote

The temple of Cheluvanarayanaswamy is of prime attraction for tourist and devotees visiting Melkote. The temple, built in the Vijayanagar style, houses some of the most intricately carved pillars and is one of the four most sacred places of Vaishnavism in South India.

On the top of the hill is an impressive temple of Yoga Narasimha. It is believed that the image of Yoga Narasimha temple was installed by Prahlada. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III presented a gold crown to this temple. This temple and its surroundings present the most panoramic view.
Raya gopura, which is also known as Gopalaraya entrance, is an incomplete structure leading to the hill. It has four tall pillars and has no tower above it. This architectural masterpiece is said to have been built in a day or two.
Melkote temple wildlife sanctuary created on 17 June 1974 mainly to protect the wolf is also a must visit for the tourists… Other mammals found in this sanctuary are jungle cat, leopard, bonnet macaque, langur and pangolin. It is also an ornithologist’s paradise, with numerous species of birds indigenous to the area, .and peacock.
The Thondanur Lake, 18 km from Melkote is a good picnic spot.

How to Reach Melkote?

By Air - Bangalore is the nearest airport.
By Rail - Nearest railhead is Pandavapura, Mandya.
By Road - Melkote is well connected by roads from Mysore and Bangalore.

Where to stay at Melkote?

There are various Mathas (ashrams) in Melkote where tourists and devotees can stay in lieu of donations according to his or her will. Staying at this ashramas is indeed an unique experience.
The Forest Department and the Public Works Department have a guest house each.
The Academy of Sanskrit Research  (08236-48741/48781) has lovely cottages surrounded by lush green gardens.

Alampur, near Hyderabad is known as the Dakshina Kailasam and home to nine Nava Brahma temples dedicated to Lord Shiva built by the Badami Chalukyas about 200 years ago. The holy city of Alampur located at the confluence of Tungabhadra and Krishna River is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites of India. This place preserves numerous archaeological remains in the form of the temples, which represents a crossbred of architectural style.

Where is Alampur?

Alampur is in Mahbubnagar district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located at about 90 KM from Mahabubnagar, 27 km From Kurnool and 200 km from Hyderabad.

About Alampur

Alampur, one of the most sacred places of worship in South India is believed to be the place where the beauty of the earth is concentrated on that bend where the Tungabhadra rushes on to its sangam with that Krishna. The aesthetic pleasure of the striking landscape of Alampur is believed to have fused with the spirits in the shrines where the morning and evening prayers rang to the sound of bells to awaken the deities.

This ancient temple of Alampur built in a Dravidian style has fort like walls, towers and a rich endowment of sculptural work. It is even regarded as one of the finest specimens of Chalukyan architecture.

In and Around Alampur

The Nava Brahma temples are the main attraction of Alampur. The nine Nava Brahma temples enclosed within a miniature fortress on the left bank of Tungabhadra River are, – Taraka Bhramma, Swarga Bhramma, Padma Bhramma, Bala Bhramma, Garuda Bhramma, Kumara Bhramma, Arka Bhramma, Vira Bhramma and the Vishwa Bhramma. All of these temples though dedicated to Lord Shiva are markedly different from each other in their architectural style. The brilliance of the artists who carved the sculptures of these temples is indeed commendable.
Also in the enclosed courtyard is located the Suryanarayana temple, dating back to the 9th century. This temple has reliefs representing the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

There is also a Narasimha temple with inscriptions from the period of Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Near Alampur, is Papanasam with a cluster of over 20 temples of varying sizes and styles. The most important of these is the Papanaseswara temple.
To the west of Alampur lies Sree Sailam, which is regarded as one of the greatest Saivite shrines in the Indian subcontinent and constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Lord Shiva.

How to Reach Alampur?

By Air - Hyderabad is the nearest airport where both domestic and international planes land. From the airport one can hire private car to reach Alampur.
By Rail - Kurnool is the nearest railway station from where regular bus services are available to reach Alampur.
By Road – Alampur is well connected with other towns by regular bus services.

Where to Stay?

Though the place is ideal as a day long weekend tour yet there are a number of good budget hotels available.
The Mourya Inn (8518) – 224999
Hotel S.V. Regency (08518 – 248212).
Haritha Hotel (08514-284516).
Hotel Rajshri (08512-253304).

Bhimbetka, a natural art gallery and an architectural treasure in Madhya Pradesh is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site and is one such destination that offers a trip down the history with a slice of natural beauty. With more than 600 rock shelters, Bhimbetka spells awe and wonder in the heart and mind of every traveler. This place of historical importance has become one of the most visited places of Madhya Pradesh.

Where is Bhimbetka?

Bhimbetka lie in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh and is just 47 km south of the
capital city of Bhopal.

About Bhimbetka

Hidden in the midst of thick vegetation and dense forest, these caves were accidentally
discovered and revealed by an archeologist, Mr. V.S Wakankar (considered as the father of
rock art in India) of the Vikram University, Ujjain in 1957.
The word Bhimbetka is said to derive from Bhimbaithka, meaning sitting place of Bhima, a
hero-deity of Mahabharata, renowned for his immense strength.
The site of Bhimbetka rock shelter spreads over a length of 10 Km and a width of about 3 Km.

There are more than 600 rock shelters, of which over 400 have paintings yet only 12 are open for tourists at the moment, but they shows the best paintings that are there in all other caves. The walls of these caves are literally the unspoken story of our ancestors who once walked on this land. Its Stone Age rock paintings are approximately 9000 year old; making them among the world’s oldest. Of particular interest to the tourist are the Auditorium Rock Shelter, Zoo Rock and Boar Rock in Bhimbetka Cluster. It is a virtual pre-historic panorama of India, filled with hunting and battle scenes and all kinds of animals such as deer, buffalos, rhinoceros, bears, tigers along with vivid depiction of daily routine activities.

Besides the cave paintings, various stone tools and many other historic structures have also
been discovered.
The superimposition of paintings shows that the same canvas was used by different people at different times. The drawing and paintings is be classified under seven different periods :-
Period 1 (Upper Paleolithic), Period 2 (Mesolithic), Period 3 (Chaleolithic), Period 4 and 5 (Earlier history) and period 6 and 7 (Medieval).

How to Reach Bhimbetka?

By Air - The nearest airport is Bhopal (45Km). From the airport one can hire private cars to
reach Bhimbetka.
By Rail - The closest rail head is Bhopal, located on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai
mainline. Bhimbetka is connected with Bhopal by bus. One can also opt for taxi or private cars.
By Road – Regular bus services connect Bhimbetka with Bhopal.

Where to Stay?

Though there are quite a number of hotels in Bhimbetka, yet it is ideal to stay at Bhopal and visit Bhimbetka on a day-long excursion trip. Some of the most well known hotels of Bhopal are :-
Hotel Lake Prince (9826396986)
Hotel Amar Palace (07553918110)
Hotel Arch Manoor (07552577771)
G.K.Palace Hotel (07552577713)
Hotel Amber (07554259701)
Hotel Lake View Ashoka (07552660096)

Traveling to the historical city of Orcha founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap is a real rewarding experience. The historical monument of the medieval city of Orcha is a unique travel destination where history is etched in stone. Over the years, Orcha has become one of the preferred destinations for tourists who want to experience the rich cultural heritage of India. Temples and palaces of this medieval city are true symbols of Indian artistry and architecture that are far ahead of its contemporary and are objects of awe for the rest of the world.

Where is Orcha?

Orcha is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. Situated on the banks of River Betwa, Orcha lies in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.

About Orcha

The medieval city of Orcha was once the capital of the Bundela rulers. The historical monuments still retain their pristine medieval charm, narrating stories of its glorious past, every bit of which is a cherishable experience to the tourists.
Orcha has a series of magnificent temples, dating back to the 17th century. They are still in use today and visited regularly by thousands of devotees.
Apart from the rich history, the place is also noted for its scenic beauty and the crystal clear waters of the river Betwa, which adds charm to the place. Moreover Bundela architecture, which is a curious synthesis of Rajput and Mughal styles, has its own significance and beauty.

In and Around Orcha

Orcha fort complex – The main tourist attraction of Orcha is the Orcha fort complex, located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces within it. Orcha’s fort complex is approached by tourists through a multi-arched bridge, and houses three palaces set in an open quadrangle.

Jehangir Mahal - Situated within the fort complex is the exceedingly beautiful Jehangir Mahal which is the most visited monument in Orcha. The palace was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orcha. The main tourist attraction of the palace is the two statues of bowed elephants right at the entrance.

Raj Mahal palace - Situated to the right of the quadrangle within the fort complex, this palace was built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo. The palace is noticeable for its plain exteriors and interiors depicting religious themes.

Rani Praveen Mahal Palace – This palace was built by King Indramani in the 17th century. It is said that he built it for his love Rai Parveen who was an exceptionally talented poetess and a musician. The palace is only two floor high and was built this way to match with the height of trees in the area. Visitors can get scintillating views of nearby gardens of Anand Mahal and the Octagonal flower garden.

Ram Raja Mandir - This palace-turned-temple is surely one of the most unusual in India and an important tourist attraction as it is the only temple in India where Ram is worshipped as a king.
Chaturbhuj temple – This temple is situated on a gigantic stone was the original destination of the idol of Lord Ram, but later, statue of Lord Vishnu was established. The temple houses a huge assembly hall for the devotees.

The Laxminarayan temple – This temple is a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. It was built in the year 1622 A.D. by Vir Singh Deo. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. The frescoes within this temple depict social and secular themes. These frescoes have retained their vibrant colors, in spite of being hundreds of years old and fascinate every tourist visiting the temple.

Sunder Mahal palace – The palace almost in ruin today, is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.

Phool Bagh is laid out as a formal garden, testifying to the refined aesthetic qualities of Bundelas. This garden has fountains, pavilions and ingenious water ventilation system.

The Shahid Smarak commemorating the martyrdom of Chandrashekhar Azad, the great freedom fighter, is an important place to visit.

How to Reach Orcha?

By Air – Nearest airports is Gwalior (125Km). Flights from Delhi and Bhopal are regular to Gwalior.
By Rail – Nearest rail station is at Jhansi (16 km), on the Mumbai – Delhi and Delhi – Madras main lines. All major mail and express trains stop at Jhansi.
By Road - Orcha lies on the Jhansi – Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orcha with Jhansi. Orcha is also well connected with Delhi, Gwalior, Agra, Bhopal and Varanasi via regular bus services.

Where to Stay at Orcha?

The Orcha Resort (07680 – 252222 /23 /24)
Amar Mahal Hotel (07680-252102 / 252202)
Sheesh Mahal (07680-252624 / 252624)
Betwa Retreat (07680-252618 / 252618)
Bundelkhand Riverside Retreat (07680-252612 / 252612 / 252332)
Ganapati Guest House (07680-252765 / 252765)

Bishnupur is a wonderful historical town of Bankura and is very rich from archeological aspect having remnants of Malla Dynasty here and there. Moreover it is a unique place to see terracotta temples, a style very special and indigenous to this region of the subcontinent. This wonderful historical place has a rich culture and tradition of its own which is very unique in both style and legacy. This old city of Bengal has been a major tourist destination for years and the Bishnupur Elephant made here bears the unique stamp of terracotta artistry.

Where is Bishnupur?

Bishnupur is in the Bankura district of West Bengal. It is around 160 km from Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

About Bishnupur

Bishnupur, was once a flourishing town and served as the capital of the Mall rulers of Bengal from the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries. The most prosperous period of Malla dynasty began with Veer Hambir, a contemporary of Akbar. Veer was an ardent devotee of Vishnu and hence the name of his capital Bishnupur, meaning the city of Vishnu. It was in his reign that the first of the surviving temples was built at Bishnupur. Today there are as many as thirty brick and stone temples, each with a different design and scheme, scattered over a large area. The city was once known for its beautiful lakes and ponds, and its lush vegetation. A fortification wall once encircled the capital city. But very little of it remains today.
Since Bishnupur had no stone for construction, the Malla kings built terracotta temples to celebrate their love for Krishna. Terracotta tiles carve out stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Bishnupur is known for its pottery, especially the lovable terracotta horse called Bankura who is the mascot of Bankura handicraft. Baluchari (depicting scenes from mythology) and tussar silk sarees, is another speciality of Bishnupur.

Sightseeing in and around Bishnupur

Rass Mancha, built like a step-pyramid, is Bishnupur’s most famous temple and is dedicated to Vishnu. It is a peculiar structure with huge, stepped masonry pyramid-shaped roof. The vaulted, pillars, draws light into the dark interiors and casts deep shadows on the external façade.

Shyama Rai Temple due north is the built at around 1643. Growing out of the base, the square temple body is framed by an artistically curved roof. The interior and exterior of the temple is adorned with wonderful terracotta tile-work decorations. Near the entrance are huge medallions with Krishna, the divine cowherd, playing his flute, with the gopis, his cowherdess companions, forming a lively circle around him as they dance in celebration.
Keshta Rai Temple is near the Shyama Rai Temple and was built at around 1655. This brick temple imitates the indigenous double hut (jorbangla) design, in which two huts with sweeping curved façade are built, back to back, as one unit. The front of the temple has a triple-arched entrance and the entire wall is alive with miniature sculpture and decorative motifs with scenes from the Ramayana.
Madan Mohan Temple is further north and has been constructed at around 1694. It is less complex in design and consists of a square building. From the center a tall, many-sided tower is capped with a rounded roof. Rows of tiles line the wall surface of the temple, each portraying a theme. Most playful and original are the rows of (plump) ducks waddling around in single file imitating the life-like gestures of a noisy flock.

Shridhara Temple, a 19th century shrine in West Bengal, lies to the north-west of Madan-Mohan temple at Bishnupur. The temple features nine spires – known as navratna – and has beautiful carvings on the walls. The dancing image of Lord Shiva at the entrance of the temple is a fine example of Bengal”s rich sculptural heritage.
Radha-Shyam Temple is one of the famous terracotta temples at Bishnupur in Bankura District of West Bengal. The temple was built by King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple architecture consists of a square building with a curved roof and is crowned by a single tower.
Mrinmoyee Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is located 3 km from city center. It was constructed in AD 997 and the idol of the temple is made of clay. The holy Nababriksha – nine trees growing as one tree, situated in the temple courtyard is a point of attraction.
Jogesh Chandra Archaeological Centre was established in 1951, exhibiting artifacts of the Malla kings and is located at Bishnupur. The center also features a unique collection of prehistoric implements, large assemblage of documents and manuscripts, stone and terracotta sculptures, epigraphs, bronzes, coins of early and medieval period, scroll paintings and painted manuscripts-covers, and over four thousand medieval manuscripts in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Bengali.
The Dalmadal Caman is one of the major attractions in Bishnupur, Dalmadol cannon was constructed in 1742 by Raja Gopal Singh to keep the Maratha troops at bay. This 3.8 m long cannon with exquisite engravings has a barrel with a diameter of 28.5 cm.

How to reach Bishnupur?

By Air – Calcutta is the nearest airport. From where one can avail either train or bus services to reach this town of tradition.
By Rail - Bishnupur has a railway station which is connected with Calcutta (Howrah). The trains from Howrah are: Asansol Passenger, Gomoh Passenger, Howrah-Purulia Passenger, Hatia-Kharagpur.
By Road - Bishnupur is well-connected by regular bus services to Calcutta 151 Km

Where to stay at Bishnupur?

Hotel Laxmi Park (Booking contact number – 03244-256353)
Bishnupur Lodge (Booking contact number 03244-252013, 253561, 9732100950)
Udayan Lodge (Booking contact number – 03244-252243).

Nalanda, one of the oldest universities of the world is one of the most visited historical places of India. A visit to Nalanda is a journey to the rich history of India. Tourists from around the world visit Nalanda every year to have a glimpse of this archaeological wonder of history.
Nalanda today is in ruins yet, imparts a scholarly look standing tall telling the story of its glorious history. Once an important centre of Biddhism is one of the must visit site of Buddhism.

Where is Nalanda?

Nalanda is in the state of Bihar in India and is 90 Km from the state capital of Patna.

About Nalanda

The University of Nalanda was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperors. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. Nalanda had eight separate compounds and ten temples, along with many other meditation halls and classrooms. On the grounds were lakes and parks. The library was located in a nine storied building where meticulous copies of texts were produced. The archaeological zone here is classified into a number of sites that include 11 monasteries and several temples built in red bricks.
In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the world lived and studied. The subjects taught at Nalanda University covered every field of learning, and it attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.
Though Lord Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 6th-12th centuries AD. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim spent three years at Nalanda. He has left a detailed account about the university, its curriculum and activities.
The university remained in prominence till 12 century AD when the Afghans attacked Bengal and burnt down this great University.

Sightseeing in and around Nalanda

Nalanda Museum – Established in 1971, the museum has a good collection of ancient manuscripts and Buddhist statues that are rare in appearance and style. The museum also displays artifacts of the Maurya, Gupta and other periods.
Nav Nalanda Vihar – Established in 1951 so as to keep the ancient tradition of spreading knowledge alive. The Bihar government has set up this institute that teaches Pali near the ancient university. Here Indian as well as foreign students study and do research on Buddhism and Pali.
Rajgir – 15 km from Nalanda is Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadha Empire which flourished in the 6th century BC. The city has a huge historical importance because of its association with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira making the place a preferred destination of Buddhists and Jains. The first Buddhist council immediately after the Mahaparinirarvana of Lord Buddha, to pen down his teachings, was also held at Rajgir.
The hill town of Rajgir, surrounded by seven hills is in the midst of lush green forest is quite popular among tourists. Apart from its scenic beauty other major tourist attractions of the place are Jail of Bimbisara, playground of Jarasandha, Venuvana, Karand tank, Maniyar math, Swamabhandar cave, Pippala cave, and Viswa Shanti Stupa.

Bodhgaya – 55 km from Nalanda is Bodhgaya, the holiest amongst holy places of Buddhist World. It is the place where Prince Siddhartha attained the supreme enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became Buddha, the enlightened one. The present Bodhi Tree is fifth in succession of the original tree under which Lord Buddha had attained the enlightenment.
The ancient Mahabodhi Temple, the railings and the Ashokan pillar are of great historical and architectural importance. The modern monasteries of Japan, Thailand, China, Tibet, Myanmar, Bhutan and Sri Lanka built in their national architectures are very colorful and remain humming with religious activities.
Gaya – 65 km from Nalanda is Gaya, one of the most sacred pilgrim centers for the Hindus. According to Hindu mythology there is a belief that an individual goes to heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated Akshayabat or immortal banyan tree, in Gaya.
The temple of Vishnupad on the bank of river Falgu attracts a very large number of pilgrims from all over the world.
Pawapuri – 26km from Nalanda is the city of Pawapuri. It is a great pilgrimage center of the Jains. Lord Mahavira, the greatest propounder of Jainism had delivered his last sermon, took Mahaparinirvana and was cremated here. Jalmandir and Samosharan are two beautiful temples here of exquisite architecture built in white marble.

Bihar Sharif - Located 13 kilometers away from Nalanda, Bihar Sharif was once the capital of the Muslim Governors of Bihar between 13th and 16th centuries and has a huge historical importance. The place houses the beautiful tomb of Malik Ibrahim Vaya constructed on top of the rocky hill. Hanuman Mandir at Badi Pahari, and prison of Jarasandh are other major tourist attractions of Bihar Sharif. Also, the place has a mosque of 14th century Muslim saint Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, which attracts a large number of tourists every year.

How to reach Nalanda?

By Air – The nearest airport from Nalanda is Patna around 89 Km away. There are regular flights from Patna connecting to Kolkata, Delhi, Ranchi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow and Kathmandu.
By Rail - Rajgir 12 Km away is the nearest railway station from Nalanda. Although nearest major railway point is Gaya around 65 Km away, and is well connected to all major Indian cities.
By Road – Nalanda is connected through a good road network with Rajgir 12 km, Bodh Gaya 50 Km, Gaya 65 Km, Patna 90 Km, Pawapuri 26 Km, and Bihar Sharif 13 Km.

Where to stay at Nalanda?

There are only a few hotels and rest houses available in Nalanda. It is better to stay at Rajgir and visit Nalanda on a day excursion. There are a number of good qualities and budget hotels available in Rajgir. Some of them are :
Indo Hokke Hotel, Nalanda (Booking contact number – 06112-255245/035/037)
Gautam Vihar, Rajgir (Booking contact number – 06119-255273)
Tathagat Vihar, Rajgir (Booking contact number – 06119-255176)
Ajatsatru Vihar, Rajgir (Booking contact number – 06119-255027)

The historic city of Murshidabad situated on the bank of river Bhagirathi is one of the most visited historical places of Bengal. This city of Nawabs and their splendor is a silent witness to some of those events which have changed the course of Indian history. A visit to Murshidabad takes one down the memory lane to the era of Mughal and British rule in India. This historic city holds the ruins of several mosques, monuments and palaces of the Mughal era which are the main attraction for the visitors.

Where is Murshidabad?

Murshidabad town is in the district of Murshidabad in West Bengal, and is situated on the southern bank of river Bhagirathi, a tributary of River Ganges.

About Murshidabad

Murshidabad, the last capital city of independent Bengal was named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Dewan of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa who founded the city and made it the capital of Bengal. Murshidabad has witnessed perhaps the biggest treachery and palace politics, which finally resulted in passing off of Bengal into the hands of the East India Company and ultimately to British. Murshidabad was the first capital of British India till 1772.
Murshidabad is also famous for its silk sarees which is hugely popular not only in India but around the world as well.

Sightseeing in and around Murshidabad

There are a number of monuments, mosques and palaces to visit in and Murshidabad which are the prime attraction of this historic town. Some of the major attraction of Murshidabad are :-
Hazarduari Palace – This palace with thousand doors is the chief tourist attraction of Murshidabad. The palace was constructed by Duncan McLeod of the Bengal Engineers for the Nawab in 1837. Built in European architectural style this three-storey palace has 114 rooms, 8 galleries covering a total area of 41acres. It is now a museum and has an exquisite collection of armoury, splendid paintings, exhaustive portraits of the Nawabs, various works of art including beautiful works of ivory. The other attractions are Vintage Cars and Fittan Cars used by the Nawabs and their families.

Katra Masjid - The huge and impressive Katra Mosque was built in 1724 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan on the same lines as that of the Great Mosque at Mecca. The gorgeous building has huge domes and high minarets. The tomb of Murshid Quli Khan is also in this mosque.
Kath-Gola – This was the palace garden of Raja Dhanpat Singh Dugar and Lakshmipat Singh Dugar. The famous Adinath Temple belonging to Jainism is located here. The walls of this temple are intricately carved lending a unique a beauty to this Jain temple. The site is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.
Motijheel - Motijheel is a lake, located 3 km from Hazarduari. The lake stands in front of a beautiful three-storied palace, built by Nawab Naoajes Mohammad Khan. People believe, treasures of the Nawab are still buried in the lake. Hundreds of tourist flocks to see this wonderful lake every day.
Nasipur Palace – The palace was built by King Kirtichand Bahadur in late 19th century. Within the palace compound are the Ramachandra temple and the Lakshmi-Narayana temple. Closely situated is the Ashram of Mohandas and Jafraganj Deuri. The two cannons present here are said to be gifted to Mir Jafar by Clive.
Wasef Manzil – This palace built by Sir Wasef Ali Mirza, Nawab of Murshidabad, lies near the south gate of Hazarduari palace. The staircases made of marble and beautiful statues of this Palace are worth visiting.

Imambara – Parallel to the north face of the Hazarduari Palace, stands the Nizamat Imambara, built in 1847 AD. by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan Feradun Jah, son of Humayun Jah. The Imambara is the largest in Bengal, and is perhaps the largest in India. Apart from being a place of worship for Muslims it is also a rime tourist attraction of Murshidabad.
Jafargang Cemetery - About half a mile from the Hazarduari Palace is Jafarganj the ruined palace of Mir Jafar. The Cemetery contains the tombs of the Nawab’s Nazim, from Mir Jafar to Humayun Jah. This cemetery was built by Mir Jafar, over an area of 3.51 acres.

How to reach Murshidabad?

By Air - The nearest airport is NSC Airport, Kolkata. Murshidabad is around 182 Km from Kolkata.
By Rail – Berhampore Court is the nearest station and is well connected Kolkata. Kolkata in also very well connected to the rest of India. It takes around 6 hours from Kolkata to reach Berhampore via rail route.
By Road – Berhampore and Kolkata are very well connected to the rest of India via roadways network. Buses ply frequently from Kolkata to Murshidabad and Behrampore.

Where to stay at Murshidabad?

A number of options for staying are available in Murshidabad, Berhampore and Lalbagh. These include luxury, budget and government owned hotels. Lodges, guest house are also available in here. Some of them are :-
Netaji Abas (Booking contact number – 0348-270033)
Hotel Manjusha (Booking contact number 0348-270321)
Hotel Indrajit (Booking contact number 0348-271858)
Hotel Anurag (Booking contact number 0348-270629)