Kalna

Understand

Ambika Kalna (OHM-bih-kah KAHL-nah) is a town on the west bank of River Bhagirathi. It reached its pinnacle of glory during the late 18th century under the patronage of the Maharajas of Bardhaman, who built several magnificent temples with intricate terracotta ornamentation. The maritime trade has long stopped and Kalna has lost the status of a flourishing port city, but many of the temples have survived the test of time and stand to this day. Most of this temples have intricate terracotta ornamentation along with detailed stucco work. The temples still remind one of Kalna’s glorious past. Kalna houses three of the five 25 pinnacled temples of West Bengal. Apart from the temples, Kalna has several religious structures dedicated to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, one of the greatest social reformers of Bengal. In spite of housing some of the finest temples of West Bengal, Ambika Kalna lacks basic tourist infrastructure. There are no guides to tell you about the history of the temple. There are only a few basic eateries and a handful of hotels. The town lacks adequate toilet felicities.

Getting there

By bus 1 Kalna bus stand. Kalna can be accessed from Krishnanagar, Katwa, Hooghly, Pandua, Bainchi, Memari and Bardhaman. Public buses are available in this route. (updated Jun 2020)

By train 2 Ambika Kalna E is connected to the loop line route from Howrah to Katwa. It can be reached by several local as well as express trains which travel in that route. Direct trains to Ambika Kalna are also available from Kolkata's Sealdah station.

By plane The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU IATA) at Kolkata.

By boat Ganga Vilas, India's luxurious river cruise, has a stop at Ambika Kalna.

Getting around

Totos (three-wheelers run by electricity) and autos (three-wheelers run by diesel or CNG) are the only mode of transport within the town. Both can be booked for the entire trip. For people who are interested in details in the temple can break up the journey by booking auto and toto for shorter trips. In both cases, there is no fixed fare, so bargaining is absolutely essential.

See

The city is known for the various old temples with terracotta works. The temples are active temples and open early morning and are open till noon. They are closed from noon to 4PM and again open at about 4PM. They remain open till 7PM.

Nava Kailash complex 1 Nava Kailash (108 Shiva temples). The temple complex of Nava Kailash consists of 108 Shiva Temples built in aat - chala style. The temple are arranged in two concentric circles. The outer circles consists of 74 temples while the inner circle consists of 34 temples. The outer temples have alternate black and white shiva lingas while the all the inner temples have white shiva linga. At the very centre of the complex is a large well and the space between the circles is laid out with manicured lawns complete with flower beds and other trees. The complex was built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja Tej Chand Bahadur. (updated Oct 2016) 2 Jalesvar Temple. The Nava Kailash complex is flanked on either side by two pancha ratna (five-pinnacled) temples. The Jalesvar Temple lies on the west. (updated Jun 2020) 3 Ratneshwar Temple. The Nava Kailash complex is flanked on either side by two pancha ratna (five-pinnacled) temples. The Ratneshwar Temple lies on the east. (updated Jun 2020)

Rajbari temple complex The Rajbari temple complex consists of several temples and other religious structures built over a period of more than a hundred years. It lies bang opposite the Nava Kailash complex. The complex houses two of the three 25-pinnacled temples of Kalna (incidentally there are a total of five 25-pinnacled temples in West Bengal). The complex is laid out with well manicured lawns crisscrossed with walkways. The lawns are laid out with flower beds and trimmed hedges.

4 Pratapeswar Temple. Kalna is known for its terracotta temples and the Pratapeswar Temple definitely stands out among the numerous temples of Kalna. Located at the left of the entrance of the Rajbari Complex this small deul styled temple, whose outer walls

Do

Apart from the temples, Kalna is famous for its Saraswati Puja and draws huge crowd from other parts of the state. Large decorated pandals, beautiful lighting and artistic idols are the reason people visit Kalna during this festival. Another important festival of Kalna is the Mahishmardini Puja. The festival is observed for 4 days and a huge fair takes place.

Sleep

1 Hotel Priyadarshini. Situated near the bus stand, this is a standard hotel. Tasty Bengali food is served. (updated Oct 2016) 2 Ramkrishna Lodge. This lodge is beside the 108 Shiva temple complex. If you want to stay near the main attractions, this is a good place. The lodge provides clean rooms and shared washrooms. Food is not available, but with prior order they can arrange home delivery. (updated Oct 2016)