Part-3 (Discover the Magic of Baluchari Sarees in Bishnupur)
Explore Panchmura’s Terracotta Magic
Visit Panchmura village, the heart of Bishnupur’s famous terracotta industry, and witness live demonstrations of exquisite terracotta craftsmanship. Take home elegant souvenirs like the iconic long-necked Terracotta Horse—crafted in seven parts and symbolizing All India Handicrafts—perfect to elevate your home décor with traditional charm. These terracotta pieces reflect the region’s rich history and are beautifully displayed at the Terra Cotta Expo (Poramatir Haat), offering authentic and affordable keepsakes.
Discover Tribal Artistry with Dokra Metalwork
Experience the ancient art of Dokra metal casting in Bikna village, Bankura. This tribal craft uses the lost-wax technique (‘cire perdue’). It creates stunning ornaments. It also produces home décor and divine idols. These works showcase the timeless talent of local artisans.
Relive History with Dashabatar Tash Cards
Uncover the royal legacy of Bishnupur with the Dashabatar Tash, a unique card game invented by Malla king Veer Hambir. Crafted by the Foujdar family using traditional materials, these collector’s cards depict the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, blending art and history beautifully.
Bankura’s Artisan Treasures: Conch, Wood, and Stone
Explore Bankura’s rich handicraft heritage with designer conch bangles and blowing conches made by the Shankhabaniks, intricate wood carvings from Bishnupur, and stunning sandstone artifacts from Susunia village—each reflecting centuries of skilled craftsmanship.
Baluchari Sarees – A Living Mythology in Silk
Experience the magic of Bishnupur’s world-famous Baluchari sarees, renowned for their rich silk fabric and intricate designs that narrate stories from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Each sari is a masterpiece, handwoven with skillful artistry that transforms silk threads into regal, colorful tales, making it a perfect cultural souvenir or gift.
Handcrafted Treasures of Mukutmanipur
Discover Mukutmanipur’s vibrant handicraft stores, where you can explore an exquisite collection of Bengal’s finest artisanal creations—ranging from eco-friendly jute and bamboo crafts to beautifully sculpted clay and terracotta statues, along with intricate wood carvings. Visit the Mukutmanipur Terracotta Center to find stunning terracotta showpieces and elegant jewelry, perfect as memorable keepsakes or thoughtful gifts that capture the essence of Bengal’s rich artistic heritage.
How to reach
By air
- For Mukutmanipur and Bankura area, the closest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (about 260 km from Mukutmanipur).
- Durgapur’s Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport is closer (about 117 km from Mukutmanipur) but has limited flights.
By rail
- Kolkata to Bankura: Several trains run from Howrah/Kolkata to Bankura, including Purulia Express and Aranyak Express, with travel times around 3-4 hours.
- Kolkata to Mukutmanipur: Bankura Railway Station, about 55 km from Mukutmanipur. From Bankura, buses or taxis are available to Mukutmanipur.
- Bishnupur Railway Station: Well connected by trains from Kolkata/Howrah, about 34 km from Bankura town.
By road
- Bishnupur to Mukutmanipur: Approximately 55-68 km, taking about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car or bus.
- Bankura to Mukutmanipur: About 55 km, typically a 2-3 hour drive by road.
- Kolkata to Bishnupur: Around 150-201 km, taking roughly 4-5 hours by road or bus.
Top attractions
- Bankura:Susunia Hill, Biharinath Hill, Joypur Forest, Jhilimili Forest, Sutan Forest, Talberia Dam, Joypur Forest, Durgapur Barrage,
- Bishnupur:Rasmancha, Madan Mohan Temple, Jorebangla Temple, Shyamrai Temple, Chinnamasta Temple, Garh Darwaja, Dalmadal Cannon, Radha Madhab Temple, Sri Sri Matri Mandir, Kalachand Temple
- Mukutmanipur:Mukutmanipur Dam, Kangsabati Dam, Pareshnath Shiv Mandir, Bonpukuria Deer Park
- Kamarpukur:Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Kamarpukur Temple Complex, Radha-Govinda Temple, Vishnu Temple, Jairambati Math, Simhavahini Temple, Matri Mandir, Puratan Bari, Punya Pukur, Nutan Bari, Mukundapur Temple, Sihar Shiva Temple, Yogi Shiva Temple, Goddess Visalakshi Shrine, Haldapukur Tank, Talpukur Tank
Foods must try
Mecha Sandesh, Mahua (local drink), Posto Bata, Kolar Bora (banana fritters), Chanchra (a mixed vegetable dish), Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard sauce), Aloo Posto (potatoes in poppy seed paste), Pati Shapta, Roshogolla, Tana Naru, Boondir Naru, Phool khaja.
PART-2
Offbeat Bengal: Journey Through the Rural Heritage of Joyrambati & Bishnupur
PART-1
Winter Escape to Bengal’s Best-Kept Secrets: Bankura, Panchmura & Mukutmanipur Travel Diary
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