Bishnupur - Embodiment of Terracotta

Bishnupur (in Bankura District of West Bengal)  with some of the finest specimen of Bengal architecture - is easily accessible by road and train from Kolkata. Bishnupur was a kingdom of Mallya dynasty. Mallya Raj Jagamallya established this Bishnupur kingdom. He first set up the Mrinmayee Devi Temple in 997 AD. Mallya Raj Birhambir was influential king and he took Baishnav religion to Bishnupur and established Rashmancha in 1600 AD. 


         


Rashmancha is the oldest brick temple. Jor Bangla temple is another important temple in Bishnupur which portrays the traditional design of double roof terracotta architecture. The terracotta art engraved on the wall of Jor Bangla temple relates to ancient mythology. This temple was built by Mallya king Raghu Nath Singh in 1655 AD. 


Radhashyam temple was built by Mallya king Chaitanya Singh in 1758 AD. The architecture is magnificent here.  This temple has a nahavat Khana at the entrance of the temple. Radha Lalijiu temple is also present near by. The ruins of Bishnupur Fort over the years of decay has been reduced to a mere stone gate. Dalmadal Canon used to drive the Bargis (Marathi invaders) in those time, still situated in Bishnupur. Chinnamasta temple is a famous temple but not made up of terracotta. The scenic beauty in and arond Joramandir is also worth appreciating. The cluster of seven laterite ekaratna temple is also worth visiting. 











Therefore Bishnupur is strongly reccomended as weekend destination for people having passion for architecture and history. 

Transportation - Bishnupur is reasonably well connected via roads. Due to its importance as a tourism destination, it is basically connected to almost all major places of Bengal. Long distance buses connect Bishnupur to places like Arambagh, Durgapur, Asansol, Kolkata etc. There are regular and frequent bus services available between Kolkata and Bishnupur. The buses usually leave Kolkata from the Espalnade bus stand. The journey takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Bishnupur is well-connected by rail to the rest of the country via Kharagpur and Adra. Express and mail trains runs between Kolkata and Bishnupur on a regular basis. The Rupashi Bangla Express, Aranyak Express and the Purulia Express are the most convenient trains to reach Bishnupur from Kolkata; these trains come via Kharagpur (Midnapur) and take approx 3:30 to 4:15 hours to reach Bishnupur from Kolkata.


Reccomended shopping  - Baluchuri and swarnakatan silk and terracota crafts.

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