Bardhaman
Bardhaman (Bengali: বর্ধমান Bardhamān), also spelt Burdwan, is the headquarters of the namesake Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. It is the largest agricultural centre in the state, located in what has been traditionally called the "granary of Bengal". It is a major transport centre with rail and road connections all around.
Understand
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Bardhaman (BAWR-dhoh-mahn), the administrative headquarters of Purba Bardhaman district, is the fifth largest city in West Bengal and growing fast. Since independence, it has emerged as a higher education hub. Bardhaman gets its name from Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Jain tirthankara in 6th century BC, who is said to have traversed this region.
Located in the fertile plains of Bengal, it has been the target of many an invader and witnessed many battles, the most touching being the battle between Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak in 1610, to determine the fate of Meherunissa, wife of Sher Afgan, who emerged as Noor Jehan. Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak lay buried in Bardhaman.
The Badhaman Raj family has played a more dynamic role in shaping the destiny of Bardhaman. Curzon Gate is an important landmark in Bardhaman and the Rajbati now houses the University of Burdwan.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP IATA) at Durgapur, roughly 75 km (47 mi) from Bardhaman. However, only a few flights serve the airport. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU IATA) at Kolkata (roughly 90 km (56 mi) from Bardhaman) is the nearest airport to get to Bardhaman smoothly. In either case, one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination.
By train
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- 1 Barddhaman Junction railway station (station code: BWN), GT Rd. On the Howrah–Delhi main line, Barddhaman Junction railway station is an important station in the Eastern Railway (ER) zone. Trains from Howrah, Kolkata and Sealdah go through Bardhaman. One can take a local train from Howrah to reach in 2 hours. One can also travel along the Sahibganj Loop, which branches off, two stations after Bardhaman.
Barddhaman station has one two-bedded non-air-conditioned retiring room and an eight-bedded dormitory. The station consists of 8 platforms and each platform is given high-speed Wi-Fi access. Also, the station has escalator service on platforms numbered 2, 3 and 8. One can find plenty of cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws outside the station building. The bazaar around Barddhaman station, colloquially known as Station Bazar, provides essential commodities for both the city's residents and the commuters to Bardhaman.
By bus
[edit]Bardhaman is well connected by bus with numerous places all around. South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) and private operators operate buses from Esplanade and Karunamoyee in Kolkata, which takes 2-2½ hours. Most buses arrive and leave from Uttara (Nababhat) Bus Stand and Alisha Bus Stand.
By car
[edit]The Grand Trunk Road runs across the city. NH 19, also called Durgapur Expressway, bypasses the city.
Get around
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Cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws (locally known as totos) are available for travel within the city. As all the tourist attractions are near the major roads, walking is also a good option. There is no need of booking a rickshaw. They are widely available and a combination of rickshaws and walking is the best way to explore the city.
However, due to restrictions imposed on totos in Bardhaman, crossing the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) in the city with such vehicles can be problematic or even prohibited. You should either take other modes of transport or simply walk to cross the road.
See
[edit]- 1 Bardhaman Science Centre, ☏ +91 342 2657844, sciencecentrebwn@gmail.com. 10AM - 6:30PM. Founded in 1994, the Science Centre aims at promoting the amazing facts and mechanisms of science through various models and displays. Some of the popular exhibits include the mystery behind flying objects, a game of energy balls, the wonders of chemistry show and many more very interesting exhibits. The main attractions of the centre are 3D Theater, Science Shows, Science Magic & Miracle shows, Taramandal Shows and Sky Observation through Telescope. The centre has galleries on Fun Science, Human Performance and Life Science Corner. The science centre also organises daily shows (with separate tickets), which includes a 3D show (₹25), a Science show (₹10) and a Taramondal show (₹10). ₹25 (only entry).
- 2 Golapbag (গোলাপবাগ Golāpbāg), Dikhusa Ave. Literally "rose garden", Golapbag is a botanical garden built in 1883 by Raja Bijoy Chand Mahtab. Once a place of retreat for the Rajas, Golapbag later became the main campus of the University of Burdwan. It contains several ancient structures including the Hawa Mahal, a domed pavilion located on an island.
- 3 Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary (Bardhaman Zoological Park). Originally a botanical garden, Ramnabagan became a deer park with spotted deer in 1978. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary by 1981. The sanctuary consists of animals from different parts of erstwhile Bardhaman district. Ramnabagan forest, with its tall and stately teak and sal forest having mesophytic associates like kadbels, dumur and jam, is a solace from the din and bustle of urban life.
Architecture
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- 4 Bardhaman Clock Tower, GT Rd, Birhata. Built by Burdwan Development Authority (BDA), the clock tower resembles the Big Ben of London.
- 5 Curzon Gate (কার্জন গেট Kārjan Geṭ) (at the crossing of Bijoy Chand Rd and GT Rd). Officially known as Bijoy Toran (বিজয় তোরণ Bijaẏ Toraṇ), literally the "victory gate". The ceremonial gateway was built to commemorate the visit of Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India, to Bardhaman in 1903. It was constructed by Bijoy Chand Mahtab, the head of Bardhaman Raj. The arched gateway is supported by eight columns and has two side arches. The side arches are topped with sitting lions and the central arches are crowned with three female figurines, with swords, boats, and sheaves of corn in their hands. On either side of the female figurines atop the eight columns are eight urs. After independence in 1947, the gateway came to be known as Bijoy Toran and the new name is inscribed in Bengali atop the arch. There are a pair of statues in front of the gate.
- 6 Krishak Setu. A bridge on the Damodar River connecting Bardhaman to Bankura and Arambagh. It was built in 1978.
- 7 Bardhaman Railway Overbridge. One of the longest cable-stayed bridges in West Bengal, the four-lane railway overbridge connects Bardhaman to Katwa. It was constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and was inaugurated in 2019, replacing the century-old two-lane railway overbridge. It takes after the iconic Vidyasagar Setu in Kolkata.
Historical sites
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- 8 Bardhaman Rajbati (Bardhaman Royal Palace), BC Rd. Built by Mahtab Chand Bahadur in the 19th century, on a site of a Mughal fort. It was constructed by Burn and Company. Later, Uday Chand Mahtab handed over the building to the state government and presently it houses an administrative department of the University of Burdwan.
- 9 Mazhar of Pir Baharam, Alamganj. It houses the tomb of a Persian Sufi saint Pir Bahram Sakka. He was known for providing water to thirsty travellers and was called Sakka (Persian word for one who gives water). He spent his last days in Bardhaman and died in 1663 or 64. However, the place is more known for the resting place of Sher Afghan Khan, the first husband of Noor Jahan (then known as Meherunissa), who later on went on to become the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Buried next to Sher Afghan is Qutubuddin Koka. They both died fighting each other in a battle at Bardhaman in 1610. Sher Afghan (originally known as Ali Quli Khan Istajlu) was a jagirdar under Akbar and then under Jahangir. In 1594, he married Meherunissa. In 1610, Sher Afghan revolted against Jahangir and Jahangir sent Qutubuddin Koka to control the rebellion. The rebellion was brought under control but both Sher Afghan and Qutubuddin Koka died in the battle. Their tombs are next to each other. The tomb of Pir Baharam predates that of Sher Afghan and Qutubuddin Koka. The grave of Pir Bahram is housed inside a single domed structure while that of Sher Afghan and Qutubuddin Koka is housed inside a flat-roofed structure.
- 10 Nawab Bari (Khaja Anwar Ber), Khaja Anwar Rd. A Mughal-era tomb complex housing the grave of Khaja Anwar, the amir of Azim-us-shaw. Khaja Anwar was killed in an ambush in 1698. Later in 1715, Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar built a huge tomb in over for Khaja Anwar. Today walled tomb complex along with a mosque and several structures still stands and is popularly known as the Nawab Bari. The complex is centred around a huge tank, which has long dried up. At the centre of the dry tank is an arched pavilion popularly known as Hawa Mahal. The Hawa Mahal is connected to the mainland by an arched causeway. The entrance is through a two-storied gateway in the north. On the western side of the complex is a mosque. The triple dome mosque, which is still functional, has beautiful stucco works on its walls. The star attraction of the complex, the magnificent tomb, lies on the southern end of the complex. The single domed square structure is flanked on the corners by slender minarets. The square structure on the other hand is flanked by two rectangular structures topped with a typical Bengali-styled do-chala roof.
- 11 Sainbari (House of the Sain family). Aged mansion and the site of the infamous Sainbari murder of 1970.
Places of worship
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- 12 108 Shiva Temples (১০৮ শিব মন্দির 108 Śib Mandir), National Hwy 114, Nababhat. The complex consists of 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and they are arranged in a rectangular formation around two ponds. The temples follow the at-chala style of architecture, the four corner temples are octagonal. The Shivalingas in all the temples are made of black stone. The temple complex was constructed in 1788 by Maharani Bishnu Kumari Devi, wife of Tilak Chandra Bahadur of the Bardhaman royal family. The temples were repaired in 1965 by Birla Jana Kalyan Trust. The unscientific repair leads to the temples losing their antiquity along with their grace and beauty. The temple complex is under the control of the 108 Shiv Mandir Trust Board. The complex also houses two statues of Nandi Bull. one white and another black. There is also a waiting shed for pilgrims and devotees. There is also a set of 108 bells near the entrance.
- 13 Bardhamaneswar Temple (Mota Shiv Mandir). A Shiva temple housing a huge Shivalinga. The Shivalinga is not very high but has a huge circumference and is often referred to as the Mota Shiv Mandir. According to legend, the temple was founded by the legendary trader Chand Sadagar of Mansamangal fame. Today it is an active temple with modified and added structures hardly anything remains of its history.
- 14 Christ Church (north of Curzon Gate). The oldest church in Purba Bardhaman district, built in 1816 under the auspices of Charles Stuart. It is a small church with a brick-red facade. The church is crowded during Christmas.
- 15 Kankaleshwari Temple, Kanchannagar. A navaratna (nine-pinnacled) temple with terracotta reliefs. Although the temple is said to be ancient, the idol of Goddess Kali was found in 1913 from the Damodar River. The idol has eight hands with four at each side.
- 16 Sarbamangala Temple. Established by Maharaja Kirtichand Ray, the temple is dedicated to Ma Sarbamangala, the family deity of the Bardhaman royal family. The temple followed the navaratna (nine-pinnacled) plan. Over the years the temple has largely been modified but many of the temple's beautiful terracotta panels have survived. It is an active temple with several other structures.
Do
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- 1 Krishnasayer Park (Kestosayer, Eco Park). One of the most famous natural attractions in the city. It is surrounds by an artificial lake, which was dug way back in 1691 by Raja Krishnaram Ray. The ancient garden surrounding the 33-acre lake only exists in bits and pieces. The lake offers boating facilities. the lake is a venue for several fairs and carnivals.
- 2 Meghnad Saha Planetarium. Tu-Su 12:30PM-6:30PM. Named after the famous scientist Meghnad Saha, the planetarium came up in 1994 with the major instruments being gifted from Japan. The planetarium has a capacity of 90. Six shows of 35 minutes duration are held daily. The show happens when there are at least 10 people. ₹40, ₹20 (3-10 years) and below 3 years free.
- 3 Sadarghat. Literally "primary ghat", Sadarghat provides an amazing view of the Damodar River. A lot of people arrive at the sandy area to enjoy picnic.
- 4 Town Hall. 10AM–5PM. It was built somewhere between 1890 and 1894. It preserves the legacy of Lala Bansogopal Nandey. It was handed over to the Bardhaman Municipality in 25 May 1984. The original structure occupied an area of 704 ft² (65.4 m2). In 1990, the building was restored and extended. The present sitting capacity of the hall is 485 people. There is a children's park in front of the Town Hall.
Festivals
[edit]Durga Puja is the main festival in Bardhaman. Kali Puja, Holi, Diwali, Saraswati Puja, Christmas, Ratha Yatra and Raksha Bandhan are also celebrated in the city. Due to a long-term tradition, Holi in Bardhaman and nearby villages is celebrated a day after the rest of the world.
Buy
[edit]The Barabazar (big market) and Raniganj Bazar areas of Bardhaman are flocked with numerous shops along Bijay Chand Road (BC Road). The bazaar around Barddhaman station, colloquially known as Station Bazar, provides essential commodities for both the city's residents and the commuters to Bardhaman.
Eat and drink
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Bardhaman is famous for two sweetmeat items: mihidana and sitabhog. These sweets have been exported as far as Bahrain. There are plenty of shops selling these items on GT Road and elsewhere. Mihidana and sitabhog are also available at Saktigarh, but it is not always as good as in Bardhaman town. The best quality is available in shops around the Curzon Gate.
Sleep
[edit]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | ₹1000 |
| Mid-range | ₹1000 to ₹3000 |
| Splurge | ₹3000 |
- 1 Hotel Siddhartha, 4F, Fancy Market, GT Rd, ☏ +91 95479 10084.
Budget
[edit]- 2 BU Guest House, Golapbag.
- 3 Hotel Kalyani, Anita Cinema Ln, ☏ +91 342 2568702, +91 342 2564192.
- 4 Hotel Kandari (near Tinkonia Bus Stand), ☏ +91 342 2563458, +91 342 2560158.
- 5 Hotel Mainak, GT Rd, ☏ +91 342 2562580.
- 6 Hotel Samrat, GT Rd (opposite Barddhaman station), ☏ +91 342 2567757, +91 342 2565981.
Mid-range
[edit]- 7 Bless Inn, 148/D, GT Rd, ☏ +91 86707 09100.
- 8 City Tower Hotel, 23, GT Rd, ☏ +91 342 2568275.
- 9 Hotel Preet, 53, GT Rd, ☏ +91 6295 546 899. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM.
- 10 Nataraj Hotel, 54, GT Rd, ☏ +91 342 2566180, +91 99326 23141. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM.
Splurge
[edit]- 11 Hotel Barddhaman Inn, Nababhat More, ☏ +91 342 2659471. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. ₹3,000.
- 12 Hotel Manohar Inn, Anita Cinema Ln, 149, BC Rd, ☏ +91 342 2550649, +91 342 2560169. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹4,500.
- 13 Hotel RJ, NH 19.
- 14 Sinclairs Burdwan, NH 19, Renaissance Township, ☏ +91 8373071037. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹4,200-6,500.
Connect
[edit]Cope
[edit]Hospitals
[edit]Nearby
[edit]Go next
[edit]| Routes through Bardhaman (GT Road and National Highway routes) |
| Asansol ← Durgapur ← | W  E |
→ Rural Hooghly → Hooghly |
| Asansol ← Durgapur ← | W  E |
→ Rural Hooghly → Howrah |
| Santiniketan ← Ausgram ← | N  E |
→ Ends at  |
| Routes through Bardhaman (State Highway routes) |
Ends at  ← |
N  S |
→ Rural Hooghly → Midnapore |
| Bankura ← Rest area ← | W  E |
→ Nabadwip → Krishnanagar |