If you have read Rabindranath Tagore, then you must remember that in the poem ‘Bansi’, the poet-lover fantasizes his beloved standing by the bank of Dhaleswari River in her marital attire. Well, for those who haven’t got the reference, we are talking about Bankura in West Bengal.

Bankura a diverse experience for travelers from time immemorial. Let us take you around from the heights of  Susunia to the dense forests of Ranibandh or perhaps from the marvelous temples of Bishnupur.

You can visit Bishnupur to relish the terracotta art in the temples like Madanmohan Mandir or Shyam Roy Mandir or visit Joyrambati, the birth place of Maa Sarada Devi, wife of Ramakrsihna Pramhansa, the great holy seer. Music lovers could also look forward to listening classical music of Bishnupur gharana.
You can just go foot-loose while trekking on Biharinath Hill or Susunia hill to watch natural spring or lose yourself in Jhilimili, a place of undiluted beauty of dense forest on a hillock just kilometers way from Bankura Town.

Mukutmonipur, situated in the confluence of river Kangsabati and Kumari , has the second biggest earther Dam of India. Surrounded by hillocks, the death-still water of the lake offers a mesmerizing view of the azure sky—and satiates your wander-lust.

   Vishnupuralso pronounced as Bishnupur is 38 Km from Bankura and is famous for its terra-cotta temples, one of the most important traveling spots of Bankura. The town is called the' town of temples', because there are various kinds of temples together. Some important temples are Radhashyam temple, ShyamRai temple, Jorbangla, Madan Mohan temple, Lalji temple, Malleshwar temple, Kalachand, RadhaMadhab, Radhagobinda temple and Rasmancha.

 Malleshwar temple is the oldest one. The base dimension of the temple is 22.5 Sq. Foot. The temple was built by Bir Singh in 1622. The specialties of the temple are the base moldings and stone elephants.

 The Shyamchand temple was built in 1640. This temple is made of laterite and the base dimension is c.12sq+c.13sq. Now the lower walls of the temple with moulding and niches proves its historical existence.

 The extra ordinary Rasmancha was built in 1600 by Bir Hambir. The base dimension is 80'3sq. This is one of the earliest extant uses of the 'bangla do-chala' roof, above a series of cusped arches on sturdy pillars opening on to a verandah which runs round all four sides. Now the temple remains as a protected monument.

 The ShyamRai temple was built in 1643 by Raghunath Singh . This was made out of brick in a 'pancha ratna' design. This temple is most richly decorated and can compete with any temple in West Bengal with terra-cotta art and design.

 This is the well-known Jorbangla temple, specially known as the finest monument in Vishnupur with rich terra-cotta upon outer walls and inside. The temple of Kesta Roy was built in 1655 by Raghunath  Singh. The base dimension of the temple is 38.5 Sq. Foot.

 The Kalachand temple ,, situated in Lalbandh, was built by Raghunath Singh in 1656. The base dimension is 31.4 Sq. Foot. Here a single tower rises from the center of a more or less flat roof on a curved cornice. 

 The Madan-Mohan temple was built by Durjan Singh in 1694. The base dimension of the temple is 14'9 Sq. Foot. There is a rich decoration of terra-cotta upon the facade of the temple and also on the west base. The subjects of terra-cotta are the battle of Kurukshetra, Krishnalila and so on.

 The temple of Radha-Gobinda was built by Krishna Singh in 1729. The base dimension of the temple is 40.5 Sq. Foot . The temple is decorated by curved laterite figures with stucco .. Now the temple is protected safely.    [ More ]

Accommodation :  Poura Paryatan Abash (52200), WB Tourist Lodge (52013), Kangsabati Project Rest House, Hotel Bishnupur (52286), Bishnupur Lodge (52173), Tara Ma Lodge, Udayan Lodge, Paryatan Avash.

   Jayrambati is the birthplace of Srima Sarada Devi. The Ramkrishna Mission Ashram and some beautiful temples are there to visit.

Accommodation : Matrimandir Jatrinivas,Bibekananda rest House,Sarada Tourist Lodge, Jairambati Atithi Nivas.

   A site to visit for the vast water reservoir at the junction of river Kangsabati and Kumari. It is the second biggest earthen dam in the India. The dam lies about 55 Km. southwest of Bankura, via Khatra. The hills, the forest and beautiful atmosphere. Green forest  surround the vast bluish tract of water, Hillocks are essentially a dream come here. The place is very much famous for its superb natural beauty. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the Kangsabati Water Reservoir spreads as a  three-dimensional necklace of green and Terracotta colour. The stand-till water of the reservoir look like a large blue tinted glass mirror reflecting the  vast expanse of sky over it. The vastness  of the lake stretches as far your eye can reach. The view of the sunset with the lake on the four ground is breath taking . You must also experience the moonlit night around the reservoir . The surface of the static water turns into a shiny silvery plate gifted by God. There is also a deer park by the side of the reservoir.

Accommodation : There are many private hostels offer accommodation for tourists along with a Government tourist lodge, a Government Youth Hostel and an Irrigation Bungalow.

   Susunia is the second highest altitude hill of Bankura. The hill runs almost due east and west for a length of 2 miles and rises to a height of 1442 feet. Susunia is famous for trekking and rock climbing . The stone inscription of king Chandravarman is here and its perennial spring water is good for health. Accommodation : Youth Hostel, Payanchet Rest House, Kole House.

   The 400 feet high hill is a very pleasant and beautiful spot, only 19 Km. away from Bankura. There is a beautiful temple of Savitri Devi at the top of the hill. Amarkanan is at the foot of Korohill. It is a village growing towards a semi-town with school, college etc.

   There is a beautiful water reservoir behind the small river Sali. The area surrounded by green fields and bushes seems a lovely picnic spot. This is only 28 Km. away from Bankura and 9 Km. away from Koro Hill.

   Biharinath is situated at the extreme northwest and 57 Km. away from Bankura District, thought to be an ancient center of Jainism. The height of the hill is 1469 feet and it is the highest hill in Bankura. Biharinath is still very rich in flora and fauna. Particularly among the wild life Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, which are very few in number, are still found here. The natural beauty of the area is very attractive.

   Jhilimili is a famous place for exquisite natural beauty. The hills covered with forests of Sal, Mahogany and teak. The entire route from Mukutmonipur to Jhilimili and then on to Kankrajhore and Jhargram is a beautiful eye soothing view with dense forest.

   There is a beautiful lake in Talberia. The lake is created by rainwater pouring into a glade surrounded by hills stored by the construction of a guard wall. It is charming picnic spot about 85 Km. from Bankura.

   The Siddheswar temple of Bankura in Onda is famous for its decoration. The base dimension of the temple is 23 sq.feet. It was built before Muslim age and more than thousand years old. The towers of the temple are very richly decorated with stucco on brick. Now the temple is being protected carefully.