Murshidabad is a historic city located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Murshidabad, previously known as Mukhsudabad, was originally the capital of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Later, the city was renamed after Nawab Murshidkuli Khan, who was sent here by Aurungzeb in 1704. At this very time, Bengal’s capital was shifted here from Dhaka, beginning an entirely new chapter in the history of Bengal. The banks of the Bhagirathi River soon became alive with palaces and mosques. Later this area was colonized by the English and chaos and anarchy reigned supreme. Though a lot had been destroyed, but some of the old glory still remains and there is a lot to see in Murshidabad.

The prime interest of this place is the massive palace Hazarduari. Built in 1837, this mammoth architecture was influenced by the Indo-European style and has been converted to a museum. There are a thousand doors in the palace, both real and false, and hence the name Hazarduari. The armoury, the hall, photo gallery etc. are mention worthy. The palace is surrounded by a garden and lush greenery. The museum remains closed on Fridays. There is another noteworthy construction over here - the Medina Mosque, built by Nawab Shirajaudulla. Nearby is the Bacchawali Canon and Gharighar Minar. Right opposite to Hazarduari is Bengal’s biggest Imambara. Built in 1847, this architecture comprises a fascinating mosque. The Imambara is only accessible 10 days a year, during Muharram. The Wasef Manzil Palace is just behind the Hazarduari and also has a museum. The Yellow Mosque, Chak Mosque and Tripolia Gate around Hazarduari are worth seeing all. This area is known as Lal Bagh and the whole of the city can be accessed from here by auto, rickshaw and horse wagon. There are some other places of interest in Murshidabad which you can see while on a tour here. Amongst other places, the Katra Mosque built by Nawab Murshid Kuli Khan is a must-see. The western banks of the Bhagirathi River comprise the tombs of Sirajaudulla and Aliwardi Khan, known as Khosh Bagh. You can reach the place by taking a ferry ride starting from the Lal Bagh end. There are a few temples around Murshidabaad as well, Vaisnav guru Jagadbandhu’s temple and others. You can even go up to Azimganj, 8 kms away across the Ganga River where a lot more temples and a palace await tourists

How to go:

Lalgola Passenger and Bhagirathi Express leave for Murshidabad from the Sealdah station. Hazaduari is almost 2 kms away from the railways station. Private and state buses leave from Esplanade regularly to the 212 kms away Baharampur. You can avail transport facilities like auto and share trekker to reach Murshidabad just 12 Kms away.

Where to Stay

The best hotels to stay in Murshidabad is Hotel Manjusha (Ph: 270321), Charge: Double Bed: Rs.300-400. it is very near to Hazarduari and Imabara. Hotel Yatrik (Ph: 270830) also offers good facilities. The double bed room is Rs. 250/. It is better not to put up at too general a hotel at Murshidabaad and there aren’t too many.

Some other Hotels:

Hazarduari Lodge (Ph: 270823), Indrajit Hotel (Ph: 270564), Hotel Anuraag (Ph: 270629).

STD Code: 03482

The West Bengal Tourism Department’s tourist lodge (Ph: 250439) is near the Bhagirathi bridge at Baharampur. A double bed costs Rs. 300-600.

For further information, please get in touch with:

West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation,
Tourism Centre,
3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East),
Kolkata: 700 001.
Ph: 2248 5917/5168
Website: www.wbtourism.com