Bishnupur,West Bengal india

Bishnupur in the Bankura district is like a breath of fresh air after Kolkata’s heat and dust. Verdant fields surround Bishnupur which is filled with treasures of the most astounding kind terracotta temples like you have never seen before. Since Bishnupur had no stone for construction, the Malla

kings built exquisite terracotta temples to celebrate their love for Krishna, the Blue God. Bishnupur beckons you to a quick getaway with a difference.

Bishnupur apart from being a heritage city is also the manufacturer of one of the most expensive saris in India. Baluchari Saris are created by the artistic craftsmen of this city. on one sari you may have an entire episode from the Mahabharata woven into its border or pallu! Bishnupur apart from

being a heritage city is also the manufacturer of one of the most expensive saris in India. Baluchari Saris are created by the artistic craftsmen of this city. On one sari you may have an entire episode from the Mahabharata woven into its border or pallu!

Shopping

Besides temples, Bishnupur is known for its pottery, especially the lovable terracotta horse called Bankura who is the mascot of Bankura handicraft. Baluchari and tussar silk sarees, bell metal and shell handicraft and the quaint circular playing cards called ganijifa, are other specialties of Bishnupur

that you might want to shop for.

Events The Bishnupur Mela in Bishnupur is a week long festival in the month of December bringing the whole city alive with a cultural retrospective. The annual Jhapan festival in August is celebrated with snake shows and snake fights, to revere Goddess Manasa.

Night Out There are number of eating joints that are serve good food. College Road and Bazaar area are famous for their North Indian and South Indian foods. One must try Bengali special ''Telebhaja'' (deep fried stuff).

Activities Bishnupur does not offer outdoor activities to its tourists as it is a pilgrimage city. Hence, the visitors must visit the famous terracotta temples in Bishnupur for which it is well known.

Sights Bishnupur is very well known for its terracotta temples. Some of the temples you must visit in Bishnupur are the Shyam Ray Temple, the twin shrines of Jorbangla, the Radhey Shyam Temple, the Sarbamangala and Chinnamasta . The Rass Mancha, built like a step-pyramid, is Bishnupur’s most famous temple dedicated to Vishnu. Another attraction in Bishnupur is the embellished Dol Madol cannon, constructed in 1742 by Raja Gopal Singh to keep the Maratha troops at bay. Also visit the Jogesh Chandra Archaeological Centre in Bishnupur to see Malla dynasty relics.

How to get there by Air The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International, Kolkata, about 150 km away.

How to get there by Rail There are direct trains from Howrah to Bishnupur.

How to get there by Bus There are regular buses from Kolkata’s Esplanade and Shahid Minar Bus Terminus.

Best time to Visit You can visit Bishnupur at any time of the year. The annual Jhapan festival in August draws visitors, as does the Bishnupur Mela in the last week of December. Bishnupur has a moderate and humid climate; with summer temperatures around 32ºC and winter temperatures at 10-20ºC.

Hotels in West Bengal Low and medium budget accommodation abounds – from a number of private hotels to West Bengal Tourism lodges, a Municipal Tourist Lodge and the PWD Inspection Bungalow.

What to Pack Carry light cotton clothes and sun protection.

Nearby Places Behulara, Dehar, Panchmura, Susunia Hills, Bankura, Jairambati and Kamarpukur, Jhilimili, Garh Madan and Mukutmonipur are some of the places that are close to the city of Bishnupur