The sky getting overcast with thick dark grey clouds, the occasional thundering sounds shaking the land and showers’ ranging from medium to high-frequency wets everything on it. What do these natural phenomena signify? Yes, it signifies the arrival of the Indian monsoon. To be specific these sights are common in almost everywhere in India during this rainy season. However, in the rural areas, some more notable features of the season are experienced by us. For instance, a peacock dancing with its wings widespread forecasts the rain. Again the drizzling sound of the rain and the croaking of the frogs are the extra piece of pudding on the cake for the true nature lovers.
Even though moving out on trips in the season sounds a bit risky affair, but trust us, it involves a certain degree of adventure as well. The only thing we need from our side is a bit of precaution and carefulness. Not to forget moving out on trips in the monsoon itself in an excuse to get drenched and wet on the go along with nature. So, today once again we are introducing another nearby destination the Pathra Village located only a few (11 approx) kilometers away from the Midnapore Town in the West Midnapore.
Attractions
 |
| Terracotta Temple at Pathra (drawing) |
The spot is neither an internet sensation neither it has ever been destined to be a trendy topic for discussion in any of the social networking sites. However, apart from the history, the very corridor you walk into would make you feel special every moment. The rainy season fills up the river Kangsabati to its brinks and on its bank, the Pathra Village is located. The spot has a wonderful collection of Terracotta temples, some of which dates back to more than a couple of centuries before. The burnt bricks work over the walls of the temples highlights the creativity and excellence of art that flourished in those times.
In order to preserve these priceless structures of the past, the locals have come forward and formed a committee called the Pathra Archaeological Preservation Committee. Pages of history reveal that in 1972, Nawab Alivardi Khan promoted Baidyananda Ghosal as the tax collector of the region. It was he who built this lineage of terracotta temples in the region.
Around five decades ago, Vishnu Lokeshwar Statue was recovered from the waters of one of the ancient long discarded ponds of Pathra. Investigations revealed the statue was built in the ninth century. Besides, the Astadhatu Radha Krishna Statue was recovered as well. Some of the well-known temples of the region are Navratna Temple (45 ft in height), Dharma Temple, Burimar Than Temple, Sitla Temple, Kalachander Dalan Temple, Sarba Mangal Temple, etc. Located beside the Navratna Temple is the Atchala Temple dated back to 1816. Adjacent to it are another three Atchala temples and a Shivalaya. Today, there are around 32 terracotta temples in the region welcoming the visitors to the region. Besides, the artistic works of the Rashmancha and Durga mandap are equally soothing to the eyes.
To get there
Local and express trains are available from the Kolkata City to Midnapore. Rupashi Bangla Express departs at 6:25am from the Santragachi Station and reaches Midnapore at 8:43am. Purulia Express departs from the Howrah Station at 4:50pm and reaches 7:03pm. Aranyak Express departs from the Shalimar Station at 7:45am and reaches 10:12am. Besides, Midnapore local is available as well from the Howrah Station. The distance between Midnapore Station and Pathra is 11 kilometers approx.
Lodging
Pathra doesn’t have any suitable lodging for visitors. In that case, one has to stay at Midnapore. The Rani Shiromani Paryatan Avas of the West Bengal Paryatan Nigam is an ideal space for lodging. The rent for double bedroom ranges from RS 1000 to RS 1200.