India /West Bengal /Bankura /Bishnupur

Bishnupur is situated at a distance of around 132 from Kolkata, Bishnupur town is renowned for its terracotta temples and baluchari sarees. The town is a part of Bankura district of West Bengal. Its rich architecture, music and handicrafts draw many tourists in Bishnupur. The town has glorious history and almost all the famous terracotta temples are built by Malla rulers during 17th and 18th century. 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”. Bishnupur is a temple town, and there are a lot of terracotta temples which were built during the reign of the Malla Kings. Jorbangla Temple, Rasmancha, Shyamrai Temple, Dalmadal Caman, Madanmohan Temple, Nandalal Temple, Radhamadhab Temple and Shyamrai Temple are some of the major attractions of Bishnupur. Apart from its terracotta temples, the town is popular for its Baluchari sarees made of tussar silk. An annual Bishnupur fair which last up to four days is held in the month of December near the Madanmohan Temple. Snake festival, held in August every year is also a popular festival, while the festivals of durga puja and kali puja or Diwali are also celebrated with great pomp and show.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Historical

Time Zone: UTC + 5 Hours

Pincode: 793004

STD Code: 3422

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – Mar

HistoryEdit

Bishnupur is a town in the Bankura District of West Bengal about 132Km from Kolkata. It is famous for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. 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 traced back to 694 AD, when King Raghunath I founded the Malla dynasty. However it was much later in 994 AD that the place was named Bishnupur. The name is derived from the name of the Hindu God ‘Vishnu’. The majority of the people belong to the ‘Vaishnava’ sect.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Imphal Airport is the nearest Airport from Bishnupur and is located at a distance of 23 Kms from Bishnupur Town. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Kolkata is the second nearest Airport (International), located at a distance of 140 Kms from Bishnupur.

By Train : Bishnupur Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station, roughly 6 Kms from Bishnupur. It is well connected with different areas of the West and other parts of India through several trains such as Rupashi Bangla Express, Purulia Express and Aranyak Express.

By BUS : State Transport Buses and Private Buses are available

By Taxi : N.A

By Other : N.A

Top HotelsAdd

Bishnupur Tourist Lodge ; Bishnupur P.O., Bankura 722122, ; Ph – 03330871554; Facilities – 24hours room service, laundry, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers, baby-sitting on request, travel desk, doctor-on-call.

Top RestaurantsAdd

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Baluchari Saris, ; Bishnupur Market ;  Bishnupur Market, Bishnupur, West Bengal ; Ph/M:  N.A
Terracotta Artifacts ; Terracotta and Artifact Shop ;  Terracotta and Artifact Shop, Bishnupur ; Ph/M:  N.A

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Bishnupur Mela ; Venue:  Bishnupur ; Period :  December ; Details:  The Poush Mela also known as the Bishnupur Mela is held every year around the last week of December, near the Madanmohan Temple. This fair stretches over four days and people from all the nearby villages come together to celebrate the end of the agricultural season. A recent addition is the Bishnupur Utsav, held immediately after the Mela. It is a classical music and dance festival in recognition of the ‘Bishnupur Gharana’ in music.
Snake festival ; Venue:  Bishnupur ; Period :  August ; Details:  The Snake festival, held in August every year is also a popular festival.
Durga Puja. ; Venue:  Bishnupur ; Period :  October ; Details:  The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja. All the people come out in the streets and celebrate this almost weeklong festival.

Safety / WarningEdit

N.A

HelplineEdit

• Police : 100,
• Fire :101,
• Ambules : 102.

ItineraryEdit

Day 1 :
10:00 am – Jorebangla Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
2:00 pm – Susunia Hills ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
5:00 pm – Sarbamangala Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
Day 2 :
11:00 am – Indian National Army Memorial ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
3:00 pm – Keibul Lamjao National Park ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
6:00 pm – Loukoipat Ecological Park ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
Day 3 :
10:00 am – Radha Govinda Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
1:00 pm – Shyamrai Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
4:00 pm – Gate of Old Fort ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

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