Murshidabad is a city in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India. During the Mughal Period this city acted as capital of Bengal. This place is known for British Colonial history. Several historical sculptures of British and Mughal era can be seen in this place. Silk Textiles is most famous in this city. Plenty of patterns in light weight sarees can be seen here. Bera Utsav is most famous festival in Murshidabad.
What to see in Murshidabad:
Imambara: This was built in 1847 by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan Feradun Jah. Across India this is the largest Imambara. Cost of this Imambara is around Rs.6lakhs.
Katra Masjid: This was built in 1723 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. In West Bengal this is the oldest Masjid.
Hazarduari palace: This is the major attraction of the city. In this Palace thousand doors can be seen. Earlier this was used to conduct meetings of Nawabs. This is the 3 stored building which was built in 1837 by Duncan Mcleod.
Nasipur Palace: It is one of the largest temples in the district. Lord Ramachandra Temple is located inside the Palace.
Nimak Haram Deori: This is the main gate of jafarganj Palace. This place got importance as Nawab Siraj Ud Daulla was killed here.
Jafarganj Cemetery: Area covered by this cemetery is 3.51 acres. From Mir Jafar to Humayun Jah tombs are placed here.
Footi Mosque: Tourists visit this place for unique architecture style. It was not completed fully.
Wasef Manzil: It is full of Marble statues and staircases. This is very close to Hazarduari Palace which was built by Nawab Wasef Ali Mirza.
Jahan Kosha Cannon: In the early 17th century this was built by Craftsman Janardan Karmakar of Dhaka. It is very large Cannon. Weight is 16,880 lb and Length is 17.5feet.
Other attractions of Murshidabad: other attractions of Murshidabad are Khosh Bagh, Tomb of Alivardi Khan, Tomb of Azimunnisha Begum, Tomb and Mosque of Murhsid Kuli Khan, Tomb of Seraj Ud Daullah, Tomb of Mir Mardan and Tomb of Sujauddin.
What to see around Murshidabad:
Murshidabad District Museum: It is located at Jiganj which is 10kms away from the city. There are 3 galleries in this museum. Major attractions of this museum are Dashavatara Pillar, black stone Sculpture, antique coins, early medieval inscriptions, ancient terracotta Potteries.
Bhavaniswar Mandir: It is one of the best examples for terracotta sculptures. This was established in 1750AD by Queen of Natore. It is located 23kms away from the city.
Cossimbazar: Located at Confluence of Bhagirati River Channels. Major attraction of this place is Cossimbazar Palace. It is most beautiful with terracotta walls and 100 pillars with a lotus finial.
Getting to Murshidabad: Murshidabad is well connected with road and railways. From the cities such as Durgapur, Krishnagar, Malda, Bolpur, Suri, Rampurhat, Burdwan, Kolkata buses come to this place. From the cities such as Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Howrah trains come to this place. Nearest airport is located at Kolkata.
Getting around Murshidabad: Autos, Taxis and buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Murshidabad.
Best time to visit Murshidabad: Best time to visit Murshidabad is between October to March.
Where to stay in Murshidabad: Plenty of accommodations are available to stay in Murshidabad. But only budget and midrange hotels are available. Best hotels in Murshidabad are Indrajit Hotel, Majusha Hotel, Baharampur Tourists Lodge, Hotel Sagnik.
Where to eat in Murshidabad: Plenty of restaurants can be find in this place. Local Cuisines are almost similar to Bengali Cuisines. This is the best place to find Mughal and Bengali combination cuisines. Most popular food here is Misti Polao, Gobindo bhog Chaal, Murshidabad Murgi Biryani.