Bardhaman

Understand

Bardhaman (BAWR-dhoh-mahn), the administrative headquarters of Purba Bardhaman district, is the fifth largest city in West Bengal and growing fast. Since independence, it has emerged as a higher education hub. Bardhaman gets its name from Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Jain tirthankara in 6th century BC, who is said to have traversed this region. Located in the fertile plains of Bengal, it has been the target of many an invader and witnessed many battles, the most touching being the battle between Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak in 1610, to determine the fate of Meherunissa, wife of Sher Afgan, who emerged as Noor Jehan. Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak lay buried in Bardhaman. The Badhaman Raj family has played a more dynamic role in shaping the destiny of Bardhaman. Curzon Gate is an important landmark in Bardhaman and the Rajbati now houses the University of Burdwan.

Getting there

By plane The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP IATA) at Durgapur, roughly 75 km (47 mi) from Bardhaman. However, only a few flights serve the airport. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU IATA) at Kolkata (roughly 90 km (56 mi) from Bardhaman) is the nearest airport to get to Bardhaman smoothly. In either case, one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination.

By train

1 Barddhaman Junction HWH (station code: BWN), GT Rd. On the Howrah–Delhi main line, Barddhaman Junction is an important station in the Eastern Railway (ER) zone. Trains from Howrah and Sealdah go through Bardhaman. One can take a local train from Howrah/Sealdah to reach in 2 hours or more. One can also travel along the Sahibganj Loop, which branches off, two stations after Bardhaman. (updated Jan 2026) Barddhaman station has one two-bedded non-air-conditioned retiring room and an eight-bedded dormitory. The station consists of 8 platforms and each platform is given high-speed Wi-Fi access. Also, the station has escalator service on platforms numbered 2, 3 and 8. One can find plenty of cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws outside the station building. The bazaar around Barddhaman station, colloquially known as Station Bazar, provides essential commodities for both the city's residents and the commuters to Bardhaman.

By bus Bardhaman is well connected by bus with numerous places all around. South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) and private operators operate buses from Esplanade and Karunamoyee in Kolkata, which takes 2-2½ hours. Most buses arrive and leave from Uttara (Nababhat) Bus Stand and Alisha Bus Stand.

2 Alisha Bus Stand, GT Rd (near the eastern junction of GT Rd and NH 19). (updated Sep 2022) 3 Tinkonia Bus Stand, GT Rd (near Barddhaman station). (updated Sep 2022) 4 Uttara Bus Terminal (Nababhat Bus Stand), National Hwy 19 (near the western junction of GT Rd and NH 19). (updated Sep 2022)

By car The Grand Trunk Road runs across the city. NH 19, also called Durgapur Expressway, bypasses the city.

Getting around

Cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws (locally known as totos) are available for travel within the city. As all the tourist attractions are near the major roads, walking is also a good option. There is no need of booking a rickshaw. They are widely available and a combination of rickshaws and walking is the best way to explore the city. However, due to restrictions imposed on totos in Bardhaman, crossing the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) in the city with such vehicles can be problematic or even prohibited. You should either take other modes of transport or simply walk to cross the road.

See

1 Bardhaman Science Centre, ☏ +91 342 2657844, [email protected]. 10AM - 6:30PM. Founded in 1994, the Science Centre aims at promoting the amazing facts and mechanisms of science through various models and displays. Some of the popular exhibits include the mystery behind flying objects, a game of energy balls, the wonders of chemistry show and many more very interesting exhibits. The main attractions of the centre are 3D Theater, Science Shows, Science Magic & Miracle shows, Taramandal Shows and Sky Observation through Telescope. The centre has galleries on Fun Science, Human Performance and Life Science Corner. The science centre also organises daily shows (with separate tickets), which includes a 3D show (₹25), a Science show (₹10) and a Taramondal show (₹10). ₹25 (only entry). (updated Sep 2022) 2 Golapbag (গোলাপবাগ Golāpbāg), Dikhusa Ave. Literally "rose garden", Golapbag is a botanical garden built in 1883 by Raja Bijoy Chand Mahtab. Once a place of retreat for the Rajas, Golapbag later became the main campus of the University of Burdwan. It contains several ancient structures including the Hawa Mahal, a domed pavilion located on an island. (updated Jun 2023) 3 Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary (Bardhaman Zoological Park). Originally a botanical garden, Ramnabagan became a deer park with spotted deer in 1978. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary by 1981. The sanctuary consists of animals from different parts of erstwhile Bardhaman district. Ramnabagan forest, with its tall and stately teak and sal forest having mesophytic associates like kadbels, dumur and jam, is a solace from the din and bustle of urban life. (updated Nov 2022)

Architecture

4 Bardhaman Clock Tower, GT Rd, Birhata. Built by Burdwan Development Authority (BDA), the clock tower resembles the Big Ben of London. (updated Sep 2022) 5 Curzon Gate (কার্জন গেট Kārjan Geṭ) (at the crossing of Bijoy Chand Rd and GT Rd). Officially known as Bijoy Toran (বিজয় তোরণ Bijaẏ Toraṇ), literally the "victory gate". The ceremonial gateway was built to commemorate the visit of Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India, to Bardhaman in 1903. It was constructed by Bijoy Chand Mahtab, the head of Bardhaman Raj. The arched gateway is supported by eight columns and has two side arches. The side arches are topped with sitting lions and the central arches are crowned with three female figurines, with swords, boats, and sheaves of corn in their hands. On either side of the female figurines atop the eight columns are eight urs. After independence in 1947, the gateway came to be known as Bijoy Toran and the new

Do

1 Krishnasayer Park (Kestosayer, Eco Park). One of the most famous natural attractions in the city. It is surrounds by an artificial lake, which was dug way back in 1691 by Raja Krishnaram Ray. The ancient garden surrounding the 33-acre lake only exists in bits and pieces. The lake offers boating facilities. the lake is a venue for several fairs and carnivals. (updated Jun 2023) 2 Meghnad Saha Planetarium. Tu-Su 12:30PM-6:30PM. Named after the famous scientist Meghnad Saha, the planetarium came up in 1994 with the major instruments being gifted from Japan. The planetarium has a capacity of 90. Six shows of 35 minutes duration are held daily. The show happens when there are at least 10 people. ₹40, ₹20 (3-10 years) and below 3 years free. 3 Sadarghat. Literally "primary ghat", Sadarghat provides an amazing view of the Damodar River. A lot of people arrive at the sandy area to enjoy picnic. (updated Jun 2023) 4 Town Hall. 10AM–5PM. It was built somewhere between 1890 and 1894. It preserves the legacy of Lala Bansogopal Nandey. It was handed over to the Bardhaman Municipality in 25 May 1984. The original structure occupied an area of 704 ft² (65.4 m2). In 1990, the building was restored and extended. The present sitting capacity of the hall is 485 people. There is a children's park in front of the Town Hall. (updated Jun 2023)

Festivals Durga Puja is the main festival in Bardhaman. Kali Puja, Holi, Diwali, Saraswati Puja, Christmas, Ratha Yatra and Raksha Bandhan are also celebrated in the city. Due to a long-term tradition, Holi in Bardhaman and nearby villages is celebrated a day after the rest of the world.

Buy

The Barabazar (big market) and Raniganj Bazar areas of Bardhaman are flocked with numerous shops along Bijay Chand Road (BC Road). The bazaar around Barddhaman station, colloquially known as Station Bazar, provides essential commodities for both the city's residents and the commuters to Bardhaman.

1 Dutta Centre, BC Rd (near Curzon Gate). A huge shopping complexe with a maze of shops. (updated Dec 2022) 2 Bardhaman Arcade, BB Ghosh Rd. (updated Oct 2022) 3 Shree Durga Market, GT Rd (opposite Purba Bardhaman Police Lines). (updated Oct 2022)

Sleep

1 Hotel Siddhartha, 4F, Fancy Market, GT Rd, ☏ +91 95479 10084. (updated Oct 2022)

Budget 2 BU Guest House, Golapbag. (updated Sep 2022) 3 Hotel Kalyani, Anita Cinema Ln, ☏ +91 342 2568702, +91 342 2564192. 4 Hotel Kandari (near Tinkonia Bus Stand), ☏ +91 342 2563458, +91 342 2560158. 5 Hotel Mainak, GT Rd, ☏ +91 342 2562580. 6 Hotel Samrat, GT Rd (opposite Barddhaman station), ☏ +91 342 2567757, +91 342 2565981.

Mid-range 7 Bless Inn, 148/D, GT Rd, ☏ +91 86707 09100. (updated Oct 2022) 8 City Tower Hotel, 23, GT Rd, ☏ +91 342 2568275. (updated Oct 2022) 9 Hotel Preet, 53, GT Rd, ☏ +91 6295 546 899. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. (updated Oct 2022) 10 Nataraj Hotel, 54, GT Rd, ☏ +91 342 2566180, +91 99326 23141. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. (updated Sep 2022)

Splurge 11 Hotel Barddhaman Inn, Nababhat More, ☏ +91 342 2659471. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. ₹3,000. (updated Sep 2022) 12 Hotel Manohar Inn, Anita Cinema Ln, 149, BC Rd, ☏ +91 342 2550649, +91 342 2560169. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹4,500. (updated Dec 2022) 13 Hotel RJ, NH 19. (updated Oct 2022) 14 Sinclairs Burdwan, NH 19, Renaissance Township, ☏ +91 8373071037. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹4,200-6,500. (updated Sep 2025)