Murshidabad: Spend this weekend in the land of Nawabs

The Murshidabad city, with its headquarters at Baharampur, locates in the Murshidabad district of the West Bengal state. Known as the most populous city, it locates comfortably on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. It has earned a respectable place in the Indian History for its unparallelled contribution in the Indian freedom struggle. The Historic Battle of Plassey, the brave Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and many such memories come in to mind when one speaks about the district. It experiences a hot/humid climate and short, but comfortable winters. The district locates close to the Kolkata city and a four-hour train journey takes one to this historic place. Not to mention, it serves as a great weekend destination for the travellers.

Berhampur, the nearest station, connects with all the main cities of India like Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, etc. Many of the Express and super fast passenger trains also stop at the station.

Kolkata– Trains for Murshidabad available from the Sealdah and Kolkata Stations. The Bhagirathi Express available at 18:20 from the Sealdah Station and reaches by 22:03. Besides, the Lal Gola Passenger also available from the Sealdah Station. The Hazarduari Express available at 6:50 am from the Kolkata Station and reaches by 11:15 am.

Alternatively, one may plan to travel by buses. A bus journey takes six hours to reach Murshidabad. Several CSTC and Private buses available from the Dharmatala Bus Terminus for Berhampur. From Berhampur, one may hire an auto or a trekker to cover 10 kilometres to reach Khosh Bagh in Murshidabad.

One may start touring Murshidabad, the land of the Nawabs, from the Hazarduari Palace (a palace with thousand doors). Since, the palace has the thousand doors, it has been so named. One may explore the museums and the art gallery inside. The largest Imambara of Bengal, the Nizamat Imambara, locates at the opposite of the front garden of the Hazarduari. One may find here the Ghari Minar, Bacchewali Top, etc. The Katra Mosque is a must see for everyone. Locating one kilometre from the mosque locates the Jahan Kosha Cannon. The Jagat Seth Bungalow or the Kathgola is another big attraction here. Other attractions are the Nashipur Rajbari (palace) or the Nashipur Rajbati, Azimunnesa Begam's Tomb, etc. Moreover, some of the historic places are at the opposite bank of the Bhagirathi river. The Tomb of Siraj-ud-daulah at Khosh Bagh attracts more visitors. Some of the main tourist attractions described below in detail:

Hazarduari: Murshidabad and Hazarduari have an inseparable relation. People coming to Murshidabad make sure to visit Hazarduari and vice-verse. It is one big attraction of Murshidabad. The palace stands high at the banks of the Bhagirathi river. Sir Duncan McLeod built it in the Gothic style under Nawab Nazim Humayun Khan. Since, the palace has the thousand designer doors, including false doors to confuse the then enemies, named as Hazarduari. The inner museum houses the utensils, wardrobes, artillery, ancient books, photo gallery, etc. It remains open everyday except Friday. The entry fee is RS 10 per head. Mobile phones and cameras not allowed inside.

Bacchewali Top (Cannon): The big cannon called the Bacchewali Top is 18 feet long and weighs 16880 pounds approximately. Lying opposite to Hazarduari is the Imambara.

Kriteswari Temple: This temple is one of the holy 51 Pithas and dedicated to the Goddess Vimala. In the new moon (Amavasya) night, the Goddess gets adorned with new dress.

Bera Utsav: This is one famous festival celebrated at Lalbagh in Murshidabad. A large number of tourists gather here in September to view the thrill, excitement and splendour of the festival. Music, dance and soundless fireworks set up the mood as people gather around the Bhagirathi river. Boat riding along with music band parties is a unique experience for the visitors.

Most of the private hotels in Murshidabad locates beside the railway station and within the city for suitable lodgings. Some of the private hotel rents are Manjusha (RS 700), Green World (RS 500 to RS 1000), Hotel Samrat (RS 450 to RS 3000).

However, in the Berhampur Tourist Lodge, the rent for the non-AC double bed ranges from RS 560 to RS 640. The price for AC bedrooms range from RS 1120 to RS 1280. The rent for a suite is RS 1600.