Life Breezy moved out this summer week in Kolkata and asked people about their choicest summer weekend destination this week. Well, the first ten replies it received from the Kolkatans is that they would be glad to spend the weekend in a nearby region. So, keeping this stat in mind today it reveals about a couple of interesting destinations located beside each other in close proximity of Kolkata. Located within a hundred km from the Howrah Station, the distance may cost you around two to two and a half hours.
So, no more suspense! You may spend this weekend or a couple of days near Kolkata in places that have the flavor of history, spirituality and peace of mind. Life Breezy would speak about Kalna, a temple town and Guptipara, an interesting town with rich heritage of history and culture to provide you with as much details about these two places. Kalna is peacefully located at one side of the river Ganga while Shantipur an emerging city is located on the other.
Guptipara and Kalna: Attractions and activities
Darjeeling is a famous hill station in India for quite some time now. But did you know that before Darjeeling become famous as a hill station the lovely town of Kalna was the most beloved summer camp for the Burdwan Kings. The History of Bengal tells that not only the Burdwan kings built dwelling units here, but also established some of the enormous temples at this place. To mention a couple of these temples, the first two that comes in the mind now are the Lalji Temple and the Pachis Choda Temple of lord Krishna Chandra. The Lalji Temple built in 1739 had figures carved out of burnt mud on its wall. Most of these display the figures of the gods and goddesses, hunting scenes, etc. The giant Pachis Choda Temple of Lord Krishna Chandra is surrounded by walls on all the sides. These walls contain countless images, and designs of flowers, shrubs, etc., carved out of burnt mud. Several other temples of various sizes decorate the surrounding area at the outskirts, in the open. The entry doors locate on all the sides.
Moreover, the Jora Shiv Mandir or the 108 Shiva Temples located at Ganga Ghat (riverbank) in Kalna. The terracotta idol of the Lord Shiva here soothes the eye for its splendour and brings peace to the hearts and souls. Besides, the Devi Bhavani Temple surrounded by greenery all around is equally appealing to the visitors.
The Guptipara Station in the Hooghly district is located before Kalna. The ancient and historic Brindavan Jew Terracotta Temple is located here. Besides, the place also has a Goddess Kali Temple built by Raghu, once popular as a kind hearted dacoit of Bengal. This region is well known for the famous four hundred year old Rath Yatra festival as well. During the Ulta Rath Yatra, an event takes place in the Brindavan Chandra Jew Temple which draws everyone’s attention in the Guptipara region.
One more thing that makes Guptipara special is the Durga Puja and Kali Puja of the Sen Dynasty. These two festivals have earned the fame of being the oldest festivals of the West Bengal state in India. The Kali Puja and the Durga Puja events celebrated for more than 575 and 425 years now on a stretch. Finally, one should not have any doubt accepting Guptipara as one of the historic holy places in Bengal.
To get there
Do you want to explore more about the unknown history of Guptipara and Kalna along with your family? If you are not sure how to reach the place, then it would be advisable to tie up with a travel agency in Kolkata for a comfortable outing. However, if you are prepared to have some adventure and fun along with your friends while you get there then you may opt for the following route as given below. Definitely, you are going to save yourself some useful bucks this way!
Board a local train like the Katwa Local from the Howrah Station and get down at Ambikanagar or Kalna Station. Here, buses are available for the city. From the city, you may hire a car and make sure to visit Guptipara and Kalna comfortably.
Lodging
Numerous private hotels, available in the city, provide average to suitable lodging facility. Hotel Priyodarshini located at the New Bus Stand, Burdwan, Kalna, West Bengal - 713422 is one of the private hotels well-known for a comfortable stay.