Bankura is a West Bengal district known for its old temples and rich culture. This article highlights the best places you should visit in Bankura.
From historical monuments to natural wonders, something here suits everyone’s taste. So, whether you want peace and serenity or an adventure-filled holiday, Bankura offers it all!
Explore this destination’s hidden gems and generate lasting experiences.
History Of Bankura
Bankura, a small district of West Bengal, is a place that has an incredible history. In the 4th century BC, it was part of the Gupta Empire and had wealthy, strong kings.
Beginning around 400 BC, when the Mahabharata and the Purana were written, there are records of the kingdom of Bankura.
The city was at its best between the 11th and 15th centuries when the Malla Dynasty was in power. During this time, skilled artisans built beautiful temples throughout Bankura that showed off their skills.
These buildings are still there today, showing how great Bankura was in the past. Today, Bankura remains a vibrant historical city with many monuments to explore.
Visitors can be amazed by buildings that have stood for hundreds of years, giving them a glimpse into India’s rich history and culture.
Why Should You Visit Bankura?
Bankura is known for its terracotta temples, which are world-renowned and attract tourists. These temples give a glimpse into the rich culture of this region and its heritage.
You can also learn more about India’s past by visiting archaeological sites like those from the Malla Dynasty.
Moreover, Bankura’s natural beauty is something that should be noticed!
You can also go on a nature trail or a bird-watching tour, as many species are abundant here.
10 Best Places To Visit In Bankura
Here are top 10 best places to visit in Bankura:
1. Susunia Hill – Places to visit in Bankura
Susunia Hill is famous for rock climbing and hiking in the Bankura District. The hill has lush greenery, towering trees, and unique medicinal plants.
This eastern ghats hilltop is popular with beginners and experts. Many successful mountaineers in the nation began on this hill.
Susunia Hill offers winter hiking and camping. Spending a day on this hill in the eastern Ghats is a great way to escape the city’s noise and pollution.
On Susunia Hill is the beautifully sculpted Narasimha Stone. It’s called the oldest stone on the monolith.
This stone’s spring-fed stream is intriguing. These spring waters are sacred because Lord Narasimha is Lord Vishnu’s rebirth.
Susunia Hill is cradled in nature’s soothing caress, making it a great place to fight the summer heat, blow off steam after a hard week, and unwind.
2. Joyrambati
Joyrambati is a West Bengal city full of history, culture, and tradition. It is home to the world-famous Sri Joyrambati Temple of Maa Sarada Devi. The spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
This temple has been drawing devotees from all over India for centuries. Its rich history dates back to 1790 when it was first established by Raja Gopal Chand (the King of Joyrambati).
Since then, it has become an important pilgrimage center for Hindus from all walks of life.
Joyrambati Bankura is essential to religion. But it also has a rich architectural history that people can learn about.
3. Bishnupur – Places to visit in Bankura
Bishnupur is a small town known for its terracotta temples. It is also known for its rich culture, which includes architecture, music, and handicraft.
Bishnupur has a great history and modern culture, art, and architecture. Its history and culture attract visitors.
You may see this in the area’s love of classical music, art, and Baluchari saris. In addition, the region is famed for its temples, including Jorbangla, Rasmancha, and Shyamrai.
These have a lot of grandeur because they are both crucial parts of history and architectural marvels.
4. Jhilimili
Jhilmili is situated near Khatra, Bankura, and West Bengal. Jhilimili is often called the “Darjeeling of South Bengal.”
It is 70 kilometers from Bankura and is in Purulia, Bankura, and Midnapur. The region, called Sparkle or Twinkle in Bengali, is known for its deep, beautiful trees.
Thick, dense woods of varying heights surround it. In some spots, the forest is so dense that sunlight has trouble penetrating.
The Kangsabati runs through this woodland, making its banks a great picnic location. Micaceous dirt enhances the area’s attractiveness.
The view from the watchtower is excellent, especially when elephants come down Dalma Hill in the winter. Kangsabati River’s dazzling waters add to the land’s attractiveness and beauty.
Jhilimili’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a suitable getaway for city residents. In addition, this location offers unspoiled nature.
5. Mukutmanipur – Places to visit in Bankura
Mukutmanipur, in Kolkata’s Bankura district, has beautiful trees, pure water, and green hills. It is a popular weekend getaway for people who live in Kolkata.
Mukutmanipur is at the point where the Kumari and Kangsabati rivers meet. It shares a border with Jharkhand.
Since it is a small, quiet town, it draws many tourists who want a peaceful vacation. People say that the Mukutmanipur dam is the second largest in the country.
It also has the second-largest artificial dam, which uses water from the Kumari and Kangsabati rivers to irrigate the nearby districts of Bankura, Purulia, and Medinipur during the summer.
6. Gokul Chand Temple
Gokul Chand Temple is one of the most-visited places in Bankura. It is a fort temple that serves both spiritual and historical purposes.
The Gokul Chand temple is one of the few stone temples in West Bengal. It is a grand building that stands 64 feet tall. It gives off an air of purity and peace that matches its size.
The temple is protected by a high wall that looks like it was built to protect it. Yet, all year long, religious tourists flock to the area.
They visit the temple to keep their minds calm and see the beautiful, high walls surrounding it.
7. Biharinath Hill
Biharinath Hill is the tallest peak in the district of Bankura, and it is known for having a friendly atmosphere. The hill was once an important center for Jainism and is now a great place to go hiking.
So there is also a Biharinath temple on the hill. It was built in the traditional Jain style.
From the hilltop, you can see the area’s natural splendor from above. Many hike the hill to see the ancient Jain temple.
Moreover, the mountain is close to the Damodar River, which adds to the area’s beauty and forever leaves a picture-perfect scene in your mind.
8. Hadal-Narayanpur
Hadal-Narayanpur is a pair of twin villages on the banks of the Bodai River. It is known for the Mandal family terracotta temples, which include the Barataraf, Mejotaraf, and Chhototaraf temples.
Barataraf also has a big Rasmancha, where plays about Vishnu’s life, like Ras-Leela, are often put on. On the terracotta walls of Mejotaraf and Chhototaraf, there are many pictures of Vishnu in the Anantashayan pose.
9. Gangdua Dam
Gangdua Dam is an excellent example of how well engineering can be done. It is an earthen dam built in 1884 and has provided irrigation to thousands of farmers since then.
Sir William Willcocks, a well-known British engineer, came up with the idea for the dam. He also designed several other important dams in India.
The Gangdua Dam is a shining example of modern engineering in Bankura. It has been through floods and earthquakes. But after more than 130 years of service, it is still in good shape.
It’s one of Bankura’s most iconic structures, attracting residents and visitors. The government has recently rehabilitated and renovated the dam to guarantee its survival.
10. Gum Garh Execution Site
The Gum Garh Execution Site in Bankura is of immense historical significance. This area on the city’s fringe reminds residents and visitors of a terrible moment in Indian history.
It was here that one of the most infamous mass executions carried out by the British during their rule in India took place.
During the time of Siraj ud-Daulah, Nawab of Bengal, roughly 140 convicts were transported to Gum Garh and killed after a failed revolt. Since then, this event has been written about in books and painted in pictures. It has also become a part of local legends.
Even now, it’s a terrifying warning that freedom must be protected at all costs.
How To Travel Safely In Bankura?
Bankura is a safe place to travel. With safeguards, it may be enjoyable and safe.
Here are some tips on how to travel safely in Bankura:
Firstly, stay informed about the local news and events before visiting anywhere. This will help you avoid potentially dangerous situations like political unrest or protests.
Secondly, research the city beforehand to better its culture and customs better. Learning a bit of Bengali to communicate effectively with locals when needed is also wise.
Thirdly, respect local laws and traditions while traveling around Bankura; this includes dressing appropriately for religious sites and refraining from public displays of affection.
Is Bankura A Costly Place To Visit?
Visiting Bankura can be surprisingly affordable. There are hotels with low prices and resorts with high fees. So visitors can find something that fits their needs.
In addition, there are plenty of restaurants serving delicious local food at reasonable prices. Furthermore, public transportation in Bankura is inexpensive and efficient.
So sightseeing around the city won’t break the bank either. With all these money-saving options available, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Bankura without burning through their wallets.
How Much Does The Average Hotel Cost In Bankura?
About Rs. 2200 per night will get you a comfortable place to stay in Bankura. This rate is for hotels in the middle of the price range and offers basic amenities like clean bedding and air conditioning.
Bankura has several boutique hotels for individuals seeking luxury. These cost around Rs. 5,000 per night and feature spa services, room service, and private pools or gyms.
Luxury resorts near places like Joypur Forest may cost more than either of the two options above. But they still give guests an experience they’ll never forget while in Bankura.
What Can You Buy From Bankura?
Bankura is a small West Bengal town known for its traditional arts and handicrafts. Bankura’s retail options include terracotta, pottery, and figurines.
The city is also home to several unique retailers who offer everything from handmade jewelry to ornate wooden artifacts.
Bankura’s weekly haat is excellent for finding unique items. Local fabrics, sarees, bamboo mats, and basketry are available.
Shops offer leather, clay, and palm leaf souvenirs. In addition, visitors may buy spices like cardamom and turmeric and locally cultivated fruits like jackfruit and mangoes.
Best Time To Visit Bankura
Knowing the optimal time to visit Bankura is essential. For example, Bankura’s temperatures are milder between October and March, and humidity is lower.
Clear skies make summertime sightseeing more pleasurable. On the other hand, autumn (October-November) provides events like Durga Puja that offer a unique opportunity to explore the local culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bankura is a fascinating place to visit. It has many tourist attractions that are sure to delight anyone who decides to visit this beautiful city.
Whether you love nature, history, or culture, Bankura has something for everyone. Bankura’s scenery and monuments showcase India’s beauty and cultural history.
So if you’re looking for a place with plenty of things to do and see, this is the perfect destination!
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.