201 km by rail and 152km. by road from Calcutta is
Vishnupur, the seat of power of the Malla dynasty who
ruled over a large part of Bengal for nearly a thousand
years before the British came. The Mallas ruled till
the advent of the Muslims and relics of their reign
survive till today.
Among the later Hindu kings of Bengal, the Malla occupy a place of
distinction not only or their military prowess but because of their
patronage to the development of distinctive styles of arts,
architecture, sculpture, and music. During the reign of Veer Hambir and
Raja Raghunath Singh and Veer Singh, Vishnupur became one of the
principal centers of culture in Bengal.
The distinct style of temple architecture with a single tower resting
on a square building with the curved roof of a Bengali hut has been the
most characteristic feature of Vishnupur temples. Most of the temples
here are in two big concentrations- the Shyam Rai, Jore Bangla, Radha
Shyam, Lalji, Krishna Balram, Nikunja Bihari, and Kesari Rai within the
fort area and the Kalachand, Radha Madhav, Radha Govinda, Jore Mandir,
and Nandalal temples over an area to the South and South West of
Lalbundh. The Malleswar, Madan Gopal and Madan Mohan temples are to the
North of the fort. Besides, there is the Ras Mancha, the earliest
extant religious edifice at Vishnupur built by Veer Hambir,
representing an architectural style all its own.
There are a number of `bundhs' or water reservoirs, namely, Lalbundh,
Krishnabundh, Shyambundh etc. A number of cannons are there, exposed to
weather for centuries and yet free from rust. One of these is `Dal
Madal'.
Vishnupur developed a distinct style of music, i.e. Vishnupur Gharana
of which perhaps the most famous exponent was Jadu Bhatta.
How To Go
By rail directly from Calcutta (201 km) on the southeastern section.
There are regular buses from Calcutta run by the Calcutta State
Transport and the South Bengal State Transport Corporation.
Where to stay
There is a tourist lodge run by the West Bengal Tourist Development
Corporation; besides, there are a few private hotels. Also a lodge
under the Vishnupur Municipal corporation.
What to Buy
Local handicrafts of Vishnupur includes silk, Tussar, conch shell
wares, bell metal wares. Vishnupur is famous for terracotta toys and
dolls, especially the stylized horses, better known as `Bankura
Horses'. Vishnupur now is the center of production for the famous
Baluchari saris that originated near Murshidabad.
Fairs and Festivals
The most important festival of Vishnupur is `Jhapan', held on the last
day of the Bengali month Sravana (mid- August) with chanting of hymns
in the glory of the serpent-goddess Manasa, groups of snakecatchers
demonstrate tricks and feats with poisonous snakes.
During the Bengali month of Bhadra (August-September), another festival
is held. This is known as `Indrapooja', on the occasion of which the
Malla Raja of Vishnupur gives away yellow turbans to the local Santhal
chiefs.
Excursions
25 km from Vishnupur is Bahulara, famous for the Siddheswar Siva
temple. The Saileswar temple of Dihar, 8km from Vishnupur, is about
nine hundred years old.
43km. from Vishnupur are Jairambati and Kamarukur, birthplaces of Sri
Ma Saradamoui and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Near Kamarpukur is the
historic `Garh Mandaran'. About 82km. from Vishnupur and 56 km. from
Bankura is Mukutmanipur, by the side of the river Kangsabati. The main
attraction is the dam over the river and the hilly landscape. There are
a Tourist lodge and a Youth Hostel and a private hotel for
accommodation. Direct buses connect it with Calcutta.
30km. from Vishnupur are Bankura, the district headquarters town.
Directly linked with Calcutta by rail and road. Private hotels are
there for accommodation besides a Youth Hostel under the State Youth
Service Department.
Susunia Hill
It is one of the important peaks in the disttrict, rising abruptly from
the neighboring plains to a height of 440 metes. An annual fair is held
at the southern foot of the hills where there is a small spring. From
Bankura on the Bankura - Purulia road, one has to alight at Chhatna on
the 13th km. susunia is seven km north of Chhatna. Also direct bus
service from Bankura. Stone inscriptions of Chandra Verma, a fourth
century king have been discovered here. After Darjeeling hills, Susunia
is the second center for rock climbing in the state.
The Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur, Bengal
Population: 58,000
This peaceful place, situated 152km west of Calcutta, has beautiful
terra-cotta
carved temples. From here the Hindu Malla rulers governed the area
from the
late 16th century to the late 18th century.
There are over thirty brick and stone temples here dating from the 17th
to 18th
centuries, mostly dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Because there is
no stone in
the area, the temples were built from brick and laterite. There are
eight large
tanks, locally known as bandhs, most of which were dug between 1657-77.
Vishnupur rose to be an important place under the Malla ruler, Bir Hambir.
He
was at first considered cruel, but later he became a Vaishnava (devotee
of
Vishnu) by the association of Shrinivasa Acarya, a follower of Shri
Chaitanya.
Bishnupur Famous for its temples and local handicrafts, Bishnupur is
the most
important tourist spot in the district of Bankura. Way back in
the 14th century, Jagat Malla, the 19th
king of the Malla dynasty, established his capital at Bishnupur. Temples
and
artificial lakes constructed by the Malla kings make it a charming
tourist spot.
Under the reign of Vir Hambir, Vir Singh and Raghunath Singh, Bishnupur
reached
the zenith of its culture. In Hindustani classical music, the Bishnupur
Gharana is
very famous.
152 km. The cultural centre of Vishnupur in the Bankura district was
the capital
of the Malla kings during the 16th century, and has a
number of temples and historical relics from that era.
LOCATION:
Bishnupur is located in Bankura District, in rural western West
Bengal, about 150 kilometers west of Calcutta. It was the seat of
a kingdom several centuries ago. The Bankura district is known
for the traditional tribal dhokra lost wax castings.
Bishnupur is located in Bankura district over an existing
area of 68 hectares. The area was developed by West Bengal
Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation.
Vishnupur- the jewel in the crown of Bankura
district is 152km north-west from Calcutta.
HISTORY:
The Malla rulers of the region built the temples of Bishnupur. Towards
the end
of the seventh century Raghunath founded the Malla dynasty. Jagat Malla,
who
ascended to the throne in 994 AD, shifted his capital from Prodyumnapur
to
Bishnupur. Another successor, Ram Malla commanded an impressive army.
Shiv
Shingha was a patron of the arts and music.
The reign of Virhambir is considered as the golden age of the Mallas.
After
consolidating the military strength of Bishnupur he became influenced
by the
Vaishnava cult. The passion of the conquerer was replaced by the faith
of the
Vaishnav. The temples were on their way.
The surviving brick temples of Bengal were mainly built during a period
when
the region was witnessing a revival of Hinduism with particular focus
on the
cult of Krishna. This was after prolonged exposure to Islam. As a result,
temples built during the sixteenth century and later absorbed the monumental
style of the traditional Muslim building forms and techniques.
It
was founded by King Raghunath1,of the Malla
dynasty.It flourished as the vibrant capital
of Mallbhum,kingdom of the mighty Mallas,who
ruled from 8 to 18th century.
The Pathar Darwaza, is a ruined gate of an old Malla fort. There is
a stone
chariot which is believed to date to the 13th century.
TEMPLE:
Terra-cotta reliefs adorn the outside walls of the temples, especially
those made
from brick. Most of the temples are decorated with beautiful panels
on the walls
and arches, with scenes from Krishna?s pastimes, the Mahabharata, and
the
Ramayana. Inside the temples, you can see the sanctuary (called a thakurbari)
and platform (vedi) where the deity is placed.
Most of the major temples in Vishnupur, such as the Radha-Govinda Temple,
Kalachand Temple, Madhava Temple, and the Nandalala Temple, are along
the
south bank of the Lal-bandh, within a fort built by Muslim rulers.
The Patpur
Temple is on the bank of the Krishna-bandh.
There are four distinct styles. The first has a single tower. The second
is a single
tower resting on a square building with a curved roof. Examples of
this are the
Madana-Mohan, Lalji, and Radhe Shyam Temples. The third type is seen
in the
Shyam Raya Temple, which has five towers. The fourth type resembles
two huts
joined by a small tower, as seen in the Krishna Raya Temple, built
in 1726.
Bir Hambir built the Rasa Mancha in 1587. It is a pyramidal structure
in the
center of town, where the Vaishnavite Deities from the other temples
are brought
in a procession on the occasion of the Rasa Festival. A passageway
surrounds
it. There are some large cannons near the Rasa Mancha dating back to
the
Malla rulers.
The Lalgiri Temple has a single tower and was built around 1658.
The Madana-Mohan Temple (1694) is brick with beautiful panels depicting
Krishna?s pastimes. It is one of the largest temples.
The Shyam-Rai Temple (1643) and Madana-Gopal Temple (1665) are of the
pancha-yatana style, temples with five towers. The Syama-Rai Temple,
dedicated to Radha-Krishna, is especially outstanding because of the
carvings
on its walls depicting pastimes of Lord Krishna and the Ramayana.
Another interesting temple is the beautiful Jor Bangla Temple (1655).
In the Mrinmoyee Temple (997) is a clay deity of Durga. Within the courtyard
of
the Mrinmoyee Temple there is the holy Nababriksha, nine trees growing
as one
tree.
Bishnupur is famous for its terracotta temples. These temples were
built not only in Bishnupur,
but also in other areas of Bengal from approximately the 16th through
the early 20th
centuries.The wall surfaces of these temples are covered with reliefs
on terracotta tiles and
plaques. The typical style of Bishnupur temples consists of a single
tower on top of a roughly
square structure with a curved roofline, somewhat reminiscent of rural
Bengali huts.
Unfortunately, when visiting this temple, I was unable to get pictures
from inside the temple
complex. I did not want to impose-by taking their pictures-on the homeless
people who were
sleeping on the temple portico and milling around the building. However,
some terracotta
reliefs are faintly visible on the columns of the ante-hall in the
right foreground.
An interesting style of temple architecture developed in Bengal influenced
by vernacular traditions.
The classical Bengal-style
roof emulating traditional village architecture developed into
a monumental form.
Like other temples built during the 17th C
and later, sculptural decoration is muted so as not to overtly conflict
with
the Islamic tradition of eschewing human
representation in monuments of religious significance.
Virhambir built the Ras-Manch in 1587 AD. This
is not a temple for any particular deity. All
the images/idols of the gods of Bishnupur
temple were congregated in the Ras-Manch during
the annual Ras festival. The pyramid like
structure of the Ras-Manch is the only of its
kind in Bengal.
The Shyamrai was built by Raghunath Singha in 1643 AD.
This temple is an example of the "ratna" style. It is a
pancha-ratna or a five-towered temple built on a low
platform. Terracotta scenes from the epics Mahabharata
and Ramayana, the life of Krishna mingle with other gods
and hunting expeditions of kings on the temple walls.
Here are some details from the temple walls.
The Jor-Bangla was built by Raghunath Singha II in 1655
AD. The roof of the temple is typical of the "Chala"
style. A small tower adds strength and stability to the
twin sloped roofs. Some of the finest works of
terracotta are found on the walls of this temple.
Chaitanya Singha built the
Radhya-Shyam temple in 1758 amidst
economic crisis of the Malla kings mainly to perpetuate
the temple building tradition of the dynasty.
Local materials, bricks and terracotta, and features like the
curved "Bangla"
roof blended with the Muslim domes and Islamic multi-lobed arches.
This
distinctive architecture also assimilated styles from the neighbouring
regions.
The influence Orissa style of temples arrived in the form of
the "Deul".
The diverse influences can earn these temples the label of a "hybrid"
form.
However, these monuments should be valued for their unique creative
attributes.
Native builders assimilated and combined different forms to evolve
a living
tradition during a time when the other regions were witnessing
degeneration to
a sterile replication.
The temples can be classified into mainly the "Chala", "Ratna"
and "Dalaan"
styles. The first has the curved "Bangla" roof and the curved
cornice. The
second is characterised by the towers, while the "Dalaan" has
the flat roof.
The vitality of the temples is not restricted to the architectural
forms. The
temple walls are covered with moulded baked clay panels. The
early temples
continued with the foliate and geometric designs of the fourteenth
and
fifteenth century mosques and tombs of Bengal. By the seventeenth
century there
evolved a rich iconography with religious and secular themes.
Favourites were the epic battles of the Mahabharata, the Ramayana,
and of
Chandi with the demons. The life of Krishna was another favourite.
Secular
themes included the warriors, hunters, musicians, tradesman,
birds and animals.
Since there is no
stone in the area, the traditional building material was
brick.The exquisite craftsmanship of the terracota artisans is
evident in the terracota temples of Vishnupur.
Raasmancha-the oldest brick temple was built in the late 16th
century by King Bir Hambir,the greatest f the Mallas.This
pyramidal temple houses images of Krishna and Radha, are
inspired by the curved roofs of the Bengal village hut and
have distinct decorative patterns.The Shyam Rai(1643) with its
pancharatna (5 spires) is the best example in brick.The walls
are richly decorated with terracota carvings featuring aspects
of Lord Krishna's life.Then there is the Jore Bangla Temple of
Keshta Rai, built by King Raghunath Singha Deva 2 in the 17th
century.The ornate terracota carvings are set off by the
roof
in the classic chala style of architecture of Bengal. Lalgi
(1658) is one of the finest ekratna (single spired) temples in
Vishnupur.The other temples are Radha Shyam, Krishna Balaram,
Nikunja Behari and Keshar Rai.In the courtyard of Mrinmoyee
Temple a nababriksha (9 trees growing as one) is a rare sight.
Another is the Madanmohan Temple (1649) by King Durjana Singha
Deva in the ekratna style.This temple is a square flat roofed
building with curved cronices, surmounted by a
pinnacle.Impressive carvings on the wall depicts scenes from
Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.
The Shyam Ray Temple, constructed in 1643, has terracotta walls depicting
Lord
Krishna and his gopinis frolicking in the garden.
Beside the Shyam Ray Temple are the twin temples of Jorbangla, built
in 1655. On
the walls are scenes of battles fought long ago, hunting expeditions,
and social life
of the people, which give an idea of society during those times.
Built in 1758 out of laterite rocks is the Radhey Shyam Temple, which
leads to the
ruined Rajbari. Adjacent to it is Goddess Durga's Sri Mandir, where
Durga Puja is
held traditionally every year.
Sarbamangla Temple and the Chhinnamasta Temple are two other famous
temples.
The Raas Mancha, a shrine built in the form of a stepped pyramid, dates
back to
the early 17th century, when Bishnupur was steeped in Vaishnavism.
During the
Raas Festival, all the Vaishnavite deities of the other temples were
carried in a
grand procession and assembled here.
LAKES:
During the reign of Vir Singh, a number of lakes were artificially
created. Krishna
Bandh, Jamuna Bandh, Kalindi Bandh, Poka Bandh and Lalbandh are some
of
them.
Lalbandh has an interesting legend behind it. Raghunath Singh II, after
crushing a
rebellion, brought back a Muslim danseuse, Lalbai. Jealous of her rival,
Raghunath's queen murdered her king and drowned Lalbai in this lake.
Locals
claim that the wails of Raghunath and his drowned mistress can still
be heard over
the waters.
CANNON:
But it's also a
place where this historical cannon, made by the local
ironsmiths, was used successfully against the formidable
Marathi plunderers under the leadership of Bhaskara Pandit,
known to the local people as Burgies, as back as 1742 for
nipping in the bud their attack on the fort of the Malla
rulers.
The Mallas had been ruling over the area,
known after them as Mallabhum, since 695
AD. The cannon was deployed against the
Burgies during the tenure of 55th Malla
King Gopal Singha.
Following the then tradition of Bengal, this cannon was
christened as Dalamardana which through usage by word of
mouth became Dalmadal, meaning which can crush the enemy en
masse.
Apart from Dalmadal, there are a few cannons still to be
found at Bishnupur which bear witness to the military
prowess of the Malla kings of bygone days. Of these, the
largest one is, of course, the Dalmadal which is now placed
on a high base and offers a grand view.
And, incidentally, it was erected at the present spot none
other than by the Government of Bengal in 1919 after
rescuing the abandoned cannon from the dilapidated fort.
Of interesting to note is the fact that Dalmadal is not only
a historical cannon but also a living example of remarkably
high standard of craftsmanship of the local iron-smiths
whose names are unfortunately still unknown.
Dalmadal is about 3.8 meters long from one
end to the other with 29.3 centimeters of
outer diameter and 28.6 centimeters of inner
one of its muzzle.
At that time, it was out of question to make such a big and
heavy single-cast cannon as this kind of technology was not
available at all in the then Bengal. But the makers of this
cannon invented a novel technology to produce it. They first
cast 63 iron rings and then joined them one by one with the
view to giving a shape of a functional cannon.
And the result was Dalmadal with rifled bore. To make the
Dalmadal, it is said, about one lakh rupees was spent at
that time.
Legend has it that God Madan Mohan himself fired this cannon
against the Burgies and saved the King Gopal Signha from
utter defeat. Gopal Sigha was succeeded by Krishna Singha
and Krisna Singha by Chaitanya Singha.
It was during the time of Chaitanya Singhs that much
tribulations were suffered by the Malla family and the
estate was ultimately sold out in 1805 by the East India
Company for arrears of land revenue to the Zamindars of
Bardhaman Thus the final curtain came down to the glorious
tradition of the Mallas in Bishnupur. But Dalmadal survives
and reminds the onlooker about the heydays of Bishnulur.
The Dol Madol Cannon is another landmark that echoes history. In 1742,
during
the reign of Raja Gopal Singh, this cannon was used to repulse the
troops of
Maratha leader, Bhaskar Pundit. The 3.8-m. long cannon has a barrel
with a
diameter of 28.5 cm. Built by experts, its exquisite engravings are
clearly visible
even today.
Once the cannons of Bengal roared
against the enemies and
successfully repulsed their attack.
This kind of statement may appear
to be fanciful and far away from
what is true.
But it really happened. The cannon which is still visible in
the southern part of Bishnupur town near Lal Bandh area in
the district of Bankura in present West Bengal bears the
testimony of Bengal's military might in the past.
MUSEUM:
The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhavan.
This is a University art museum named after the teacher (acharya) Jogesh
Chandra. The
museum shows traditional art (paintings and sculptures) from the kingdom
of Bishnupur.
The Museum is interesting (10 am to 12 noon and 2 to 6 pm).
A visit to the Jogesh Chandra Archaeological Centre at Bishnupur is
a must for
tourists. It houses artefacts of the Malla kings. Items collected through
periodic
excavations are kept here. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
and again
from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
BISHNUPUR MELA:
Vishnupur Fesitval (Vishnupur, West Bengal) : The
festival celebrates the rich heritage of the town of
Vishnupur, noted for its beautiful terracotta
temples and elegant silk sarees.
The last week of December sees the start of the popular Bishnupur Mela.
A
variety of cultural programmes are held over the week. The festival
has received
the status of a National Fair.
JHAPAN:
Snake shows and snake fights, locally known as jhapan, are conducted
by snake
charmers during mid-August. The Jhapan Snake
festival during July- August is quite unique.
The Jahpan festival in August honors Manasa, the daughter of Siva, who
is the
goddess of the serpents. Snake charmers perform feats with poisonous
cobras,
vipers, and other snakes.
MUSIC:
Also known as the birth place of Dhrupad
style of classical Indian vocal music.
A music school, seat of the `Vishnupur Gharana was established here
in
1370 AD.
From the point of view of tourist interest, Bishnupur is
mainly famous and popular for its terracotta temples,
folkcrafts, Baluchari silk sarees and a local style of
classical music known as Bishnupur Gharana.
Shopping:
The area around Vishnupur is known for its pottery (especially
terra-cotta
Bankura horses), silks, and conch shell jewelry. Terracotta Crafts,
500m from
the Tourist Lodge, sells Bankura horses and clay dolls. Shri Hari Sankha
Bhandar and other shops in the Sankharipara area have conch shell items.
Silk
Khadi Seva Mandlal in the Baltala area sells silks.
The town is also known for its tussar silk,
particularly the Baluchari saris, and pottery items like the
`Bankura Horse.
Bishnupur is famous for its sarees, the traditional Indian women's dress,
especially
for the baluchari and tassar silk varieties.
Terracotta and wooden horses, in a design unique to Bishnupur, are souvenirs
that tourists are fond of picking up, along with dhokra art souvenirs
and religious
souvenirs representing Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
DOLMA ELEPHANTS:
The Dolma elephants were forced to descend on the plains unable
to bear the
ear-splitting explosions that frequently rip through the heart
of Dolma's
Dolomite Mines. Lack of food was another reason.
Dolmas' ancestors had left Bishnupur 300 years ago for the
denser forests of Dolma Range.
The Temples of Bishnupur
Endless stretches of emerald green countryside
is rolled out for miles just beyond all the
heat and dust of Kolkata, India's most
cosmopolitan city on its
eastern borders.
It is here that pouring rain often gushes down
to meet with red earth and together they go to
create the amazing terra-cotta tiles. The air
is so fresh in this place that it hurts the
lungs and the only sound heard here is that of
the gentle hammer of an artisan's tool, most
famous for making highly stylised Bankura
horses also in terra-cotta, from the tiniest
at six inches to gigantic ones that are
several feet tall. In fact the long necked
horses with tall, standing ears and intricate
decorations is the official logo of all
Indian Handicrafts.
Bishnupur, a centre of handicrafts and site of
several terra-cotta temples built between the
16th and 18th centuries is 200 km away. An
early morning train ride from Kolkata is
enough to allow the visitor an entire
afternoon to enjoy the lush landscape dotted
with picturesque lakes, some of them laden
with lotus buds, barely able to keep
themselves above water and drooping lazily
with the weight of their own beauty. The
legend goes that the masons of the region did
not know what to do when their mighty king was
smitten with love for Lord Krishna. As he
drowned further into the cult of Krishna the
king desired that his devotion for his beloved
creator be immortalised in a place of worship.
But this is an area where no stones are found
so the masons used bricks made from the local
red earth instead, to build the first temple
in the late 16th century. To further please
the king, the walls of the temple were covered
with filigreed terra-cotta tiles.
The journey to Bishnupur is in itself a
colourful experience as local tea and snack
vendors are constantly at one's service.
Outside the railway station stand a group of
manual rickshaw pullers. The thing to do is to
pick one on instinct. These local transport
carriers also remain one's guide for the rest
of the day, at a price so modest that it is
embarrassing to put it into print.
The jaunty rickshaw ride through lanes and by
lanes of a settlement within the ancient walls
of a fortress now lost, suddenly closes in
before the first cluster of temples at
Bishnupur, the capital of the Malla rulers
from the seventh century. According to AP
Malik's book on the Mallas, this was a dynasty
of great conquerors who later became great
patrons of the arts and architecture. They
ruled for 900 years, the most glorious period
being between the 16th and 18th centuries over
an area as large as modern day Wales. There is
evidence that this kingdom had maritime ties
with both the Mediterranean region and
Mesopotamia. After decades of Islamic
influence Hinduism saw a revival in the
region, particularly of the cult of Krishna at
the end of the 16th century. It is the nature
of the soil and climate that allows thick
vegetation to grow here which destroys
deserted buildings and with it most traces of
ancient history. It is a miracle then that
this group of temples still stand, almost
untouched. Although there is no evidence left
of the opulent forts that the rulers must have
used to live in.
Most unique about the temples, all within a
radius of one km, is the hybrid forms used in
their construction. Such roof tops have never
been seen before. The style is a spontaneous
mixture of indigenous architecture that is
inspired by local huts made from thatched
bamboo. The cornice and eaves are curved
exactly like the bamboo framework of a
villager's hut, bent deliberately by the
Bengali to drain off the water from the
frequent rainfall. The first temple is a
pyramid like structure where idols and images
of gods were brought only during the annual
festivals. The structure has a three storeyed
terrace running around it with the inner most
area resembling a virtual labyrinth. The
sanctorum of the temple is a square space not
more than 15 square feet which is devoid of
all natural light. It is here that the kings
performed their most sacred rites and rituals
in the hope of quenching their spiritual
thirst.
Telecommunication:
Modern telecommunication and postal services are available in
the region. The Authorities in the Industrial area help
entrepreneurs in getting telephone, fax and other facilities.
Social Infrastructure:
Well developed housing, education, health, and medicare,
safetyand security facilities are available. Housinf flats
are available on rent and long lease basis. Adequate
educational facilities exist in the region. There are
sufficient number of clinics, hospitals and Nursing homes.
Contact:
It is well connected to Calcutta through rail and road
links.
Nearest Airport is Calcutta airport and Port is Calcutta
Port and Haldia.
The best place to stay is the Vishnupur Tourist Lodge (52013), 3km
from the
railway station. Rooms with bath range from Rs 250/300 to Rs 450, and
dorm
beds are Rs 75. There are also A/C rooms for Rs 500. It is situated
next to a tank,
near the temples. Rooms can be reserved at the West Bengal Tourist
Office in
Calcutta at BBD Bagh.
There are no direct trains from Calcutta to Vishnupur. First you have
to get a
train to Kharagpur and from there get another train or bus to Vishnupur.
The
entire trip takes over five hours. The trains from Calcutta to Kharagpur
depart
from Howrah Station. The Howrah-Purulia Exp #8017, (4.45 pm, 4hr) is
a good
train. You can also catch a train from Howrah Station to Tarakeshwar,
which is
on the EMU railway line, and take a bus from there.
From the Esplanade Bus Stand on Chowringhee Rd. in Calcutta (5 hr) there
are
three buses in the morning before 9 am and another bus at 2.45 pm.
From
Calcutta it is quicker to go by bus than by train.
There are buses to Durgapur from Krishnanagar, and from there you can
catch
another bus to Vishnupur. You can go to Vishnupur on one of the Government
of
West Bengal tours. The tour lasts for three days and goes to several
other
places.
There are cheaper places such as the basic Tarama Lodge, Rangini Lodge,
Bharat Boarding House, and the Lali Hotel, Poka Bandh, North Side.
West Bengal Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation
Ltd.
P-34, C.I.T Road,
Calcutta - 700 014,
Tel : 91-33-2448525 / 2448684 / 2449096 (Office)
91-33-2472120 (Resi.)
Accommodation :
There is no dearth of lodging facilities at Bishnupur. The WBTDC owned
24-bed
Tourist Lodge can be booked from Calcutta. The 24-bed Municipal Tourist
Lodge
at Bishnupur allows visitors cooking facilities at an extra cost of
Rs.50. There is
also a PWD Inspection Bungalow, as well as numerous private hotels.
A WBTDC run
Tourist Bungalow is available. Easily accessible by road and
Public transport/conducted tours.
VISHNUPUR TOURIST LODGE
P.O. VishnupurDistrict: Bankura
Phone: 52013
Package Tour Operators
WEST BENGAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS
Toursim Centre3/2 B.B.D. Bag (East)
Calcutta: 700001
Phone: 2485917/ 2103199
Fax: 2485168
EXOTIC DESTINATIONS
156 A, Lenin Sarani (Kamalalaya Centre)
Calcutta: 700013
Phone: 2217009/2368923
Fax: 2154799
E-mail: [email protected]
EXPLORERS HUT TOURS
16 A Radha Bazar Street
Calcutta: 700001
Phone: 2257264
Fax: 2355194
The State Bank of India changes money. You can hire a car at the
Tourist Lodge.
Bishnupur lies at a distance of 151 km. by road from Calcutta and 210
km. by rail.
Government and private buses leave Calcutta from the Shahid Minar bus
terminus
throughout the day.
There are direct trains to Bishnupur from Howrah, including the Howrah-Purulia
Express, which leaves Howrah in the afternoon and reaches Bishnupur
in the
evening. One could also board a train from Howrah to Durgapur, from
where there
are buses and mini-buses throughout the day to Bishnupur. The distance
from
Durgapur to Bishnupur is 81 km.