Located just 150 km from Kolkata, Bishnupur makes for an ideal weekend getway from the bustling metropolis. Go there for its history, heritage and glimpse of glorious past. Bishnupur is home to a series of fascinating edifices, all built of terracotta during the era of the Malla Kings, who reigned over the region before the British arrived. The heritage sites, now maintained by the Archaeological survey of India, are all contained within an area of about four square km. You can walk between these at a leisurely pace, admiring their grace and the intricacy of the craftsmanship each of these structures display. One of the must-see structure is 17th century Jorbangla temple of Kestha Rai, built by king Rghunath Singha Dev II . Marvel at the ornate terracotta carvings and the classic Chala Style, an element of Bengal architecture. See also the Modanmahan Temple, built by King Durjana Singh Dev in the late 17th century. Created is known as the Ekaratna Style, this is a square flat-roofed building with carved cornices, surmounted by pinnacle. Impressive carvings on the walls depict scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other mythological tales.
Beside the temples, the others attractions includes the Rasmancha, the oldest bricks structures of the area built in 1587 by Bir Hambir, this is pyramidal structure in the centre of town.
During the Rasa festival, deities from the other temples are brought here in a procession. The Dalmadal Caman supposed to have protected Bishnupur when Maratha invaders attacked from the west, also attract the visitors in large numbers.
How to go?
Book a cab with Gozocab.com, from Kolkata you can reach there under four hours.
Eat: There are several unpretentious places serving good Bengali fare. The posto bora is a speciality.
Shop: The famous Bankura horse comes from here. Pick up a couple of this terracotta pieces for your home and gifts!