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Your guide to Bishnupur—Bengal’s terracotta town

By Anubhuti Krishna

Miles and miles of fluorescent paddy fields, hills that cup brilliant blue ponds, tiny rivers that cut across the landscape, and the odd group of tribals dancing on the road—travelling to Bishnupur, a small town in West Bengal, is like travelling into a picture postcard.

Bishnupur may not ring a bell today, but there was a time when it was the cultural capital of Bengal. The prosperous Malla kings ruled over their empire from here. Bishnupur was famous world over for its arts, architecture, crafts, music, and textiles. And once you get past the narrow lanes and the mossy ruins of the town, the enchanting kingdom reveals itself in surprisingly well-preserved glory.

What to see and do in Bishnupur

Begin your day with the famous Terracotta temples. Though traces of the older structures can be found scattered across the town, the major temples—Rasmancha temple, Shyam Ray temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Jor-Bangla Temple, and Lalji Temple—are still in great condition and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Rasmancha Temple. Photo: Davidevison / Getty Images

Made over four hundred years ago, between 17th and 18th century, these temples display diverse styles of architecture. Rasmancha, for example, made in the year 1600 AD by king Bir Hambir for the annual ‘ras' festival, looks more like a baradari (pavillion) and less like a temple. The building stands on a high platform and is held together in an intricate pattern of thin bricks with indigenous mortar of lentils, spices, milk, rice husk, etc. Low-arched corridors run across its length and breadth, surrounding the dark pyramidal sanctum while the dark garbhagrigha is devoid of any ornamentation or deities.

The Southern Group of temples, not very far from Rasmancha, is made of laterite and is an interesting mix of architectural influences: single spires, curved roofs and arches, taken from contemporary architectural styles of Odisha, West Bengal, and Persia respectively. Some of these are painted in lime others are bare-bricked. Dotted by teak and jackfruit trees, enclosed in mossy walls, inhabited by birds, squirrels and critters, the place transports you into another time. The newest and the only ‘living temple' in Bishnupur is the Radhashyam Temple. Built in 1758, it stands a little away from the rest but is worth a visit for the local flavour of rural Bengal. You can offer prayers to Radha and Krishna glimmering in the dark sanctum, or sit by the gate and look at small town go by: elderly women in starched taant saris, men in dhuti, bare-bodied boys running around, and school girls walking home.

The Shyam Ray temple. Photo: IndiaPictures / Getty Images

Jor-Bangla Temple. Photo: IndiaPictures / Getty Images

Radhashyam Temple. Photo: RNMitra / Getty Images

Aishwarya Venkatraman

Arundhati Ail

Muskaan Chandrapota

Prachi Joshi

Madanmohan Temple. Photo: IndiaPictures / Getty Images

The Bishnupur Museum, also known as Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, should be next on the list. This little museum in the middle of the town is home to hundreds of artefacts, figurines, and manuscripts that speak of the town's glorious past. The ground floor is dedicated to manuscripts, pictures and musical instruments from the Bishnupur Gharana, figures of Hindu and Jain deities and medieval models of Bankura Horses found in excavations. The first floor contains arts and craft like Terracotta tiles, Dasavatar playing cards and textiles. The most charming sight here, however, is the army of clay horses drying in the sun.  (The museum is shut on Mondays and national holidays.)

The Chinnamasta Temple, dedicated to the headless devi, is good for a quick evening visit. It's located in the shopping lane, next to the famous Dalmadal cannon of the Malla dynasty. The temple is built in the famous tantrik style of Bengal's temple architecture. Locals swear by the supernatural powers of the deity Chinnamasta. Stop by for some stories and lebu cha (lemon tea) or rong cha (black tea) and some tele bhaja (fritters) at one of the shacks outside.

(Tip: Local guides, certified by West Bengal Tourism, will give you a tour of the town for Rs250–300.)

What to buy in Bishnupur

Baluchari Sari. Photo: Dibyangshu Sarkar / Getty Images

Bishnupur is home to thousands of artisans and craftsmen who have continued to carry the town's cultural legacy. The weavers of Bishnupur create mythological stories on the panels of Baluchari saris, the potters mould lumps of clay into majestic Bankura Horses; ironsmiths fashion idols out of bell metal and brass and Sankha Banik, a specialised community of craftsmen, carve conch shells.

Terracotta work, however, remains the most exquisite craft here. Bankura Horses, which range from a few inches to over 5 feet in height, are not only famous within the country (you'd see them in many a hotel), but are also exported all over the world. Most shops are set up right outside the workshops on the Chinnamasta Road, at Dalmadal Para and are reasonably priced.

A pair of terracotta horses. Photo: Anubhuti Krishna

Dasavtara cards. Photo: RNMitra / Getty Images

Where to eat in Bishnupur

Bishnupur has the perfect setting to sample authentic Bengali cuisine. Small hotels, tiny shacks, and unnamed shops sell the most delectable and affordable sweets, snacks and meals. Hotel Monalisa, for example, offers many versions of the Bengali Thali (primarily non-vegetarian). The restaurant at Bishnupur Tourist Lodge has good dining options including Bengali, North Indian and Chinese. For ‘jal-khabar', as the town calls its snacks, the small hotels/dhabas at the bus stand offer a rustic yet delectable menu of luchi, ghugni, singhara, mishti, chops, kachauri, and of course tea.

Luchi and ghugni, a staple at Bishnupur. Photo: Anubhuti Krishna

Sweets of Bishnupur are famous all over Bengal. Small shops selling traditional sweetmeats like pantua, mihi-dana, kodapak, sondesh, cham-cham and of course rosogulla can be found at every corner; each one is as good, if not better than the other. With the treats starting at as little as Rs5 a piece, we recommend you sample as many as you can, and pack some for home too.

When to visit Bishnupur

While the town has moderate summers, it is best to travel to Bishnupur in the cooler months between September and March.

The Bishnupur Festival, organised in the last week of December, in the Madan Mohan Temple Complex, is a great way to enjoy local music, dance, crafts, and culture as a whole. Craftsmen, musicians, singers and artists assemble from all over Bengal to showcase their skills and trains full of devotees make way into the town.

While the Bishnupur Festival showcases arts, crafts and textiles of Adi Malla's capital, the Bishnupur Music Festival brings together some of the biggest names in Bishnupur Gharana of Hindustani Music (set up by Bahadur Khan, a disciple of Tansen, under the reign of Raghunath Singh Deo II).

Performances from prominent singers and musicians from the only musical gharana (style) from Bengal render the town magical every evening. Sitting in the shadows of the temple, on deep red earth, under the starry skies and listening to the maestros perform, is an experience like none other – just like Bishnupur is a town like no other.

Hotels in Bishnupur

Bishnupur is a very small town with limited places to stay. WBTDC guesthouse, Bishnupur Tourist Lodge is a good option with rooms, suits, open spaces and complimentary breakfast. (Air-conditioned rooms start at Rs1,200).

Banalata Resort , a little off the main town, at the edge of Joypur Jungle, offers country views, forest safaris, fishing and a multi-cuisine restaurant. (Air-conditioned rooms start at Rs2,280).

Should you not wish to stay Bishnupur can also be easily done as a day trip from bigger towns like Jamshedpur and Kolkata.

How to reach Bishnupur

Bishnupur is well connected by rail and road from Kolkata and Jamshedpur (Tatanagar). The nearest airport is Kolkata (139km), from where it is a three-hour drive, or a three-hour train journey. Jamshedpur (167km), in Jharkhand, is about four hours by road.

The drive to the town is picturesque and green, with paddy fields, lakes, hills and tiny hutments along the way. There are, however, limited options to eat on the way, so carrying your own picnic is a great idea. The train journey can be basic though beautiful.

Places To Visit In Bishnupur

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1. Rasmancha

2 km from city center 1 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

The oldest brick temple, Rasmancha was commissioned by Malla King Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. The temple has one inner chamber housing the idols of Radha-Krishna.

2. Lalji Temple

1 km from city center 2 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

This laterite eka-ratna temple was built in 1658 by Bir Singha II of Malla dynasty on a square raised plinth which consists of ornamental stucco decorations on low relief carvings.

3. Susunia Hill

46 km from city center 3 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

Located 63 km away from Bankura town, this is a very important tourist spot here. This hill is famous for its natural Spring and Silalipi. One can also trek around this place.

4. Jorebangla Temple

1 km from city center 4 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

Built by Malla King Raghunath Singh in 1655 AD, The temple made of laterite bricks has an appearance of two thatched huts joined together and surmounted by a single tower.

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5. Mukutmonipur

57 km from city center 5 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

Another important tourist village in this area, Mukutmonipur is famous for its earthen dam which is the 2nd largest such dam in India. This place is located about 70 km from Bishnupur.

6. Madan Mohan Temple

1 km from city center 6 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

This eka-ratna temple was built by Malla King Durjana Singh Dev in late 17th century that has a square flat roof with curved cornices and a pinnacle over the top.

7. Biharinath Hill

68 km from city center 7 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

The tallest hill in this region, Biharinath hill is situated 97 km away from Bishnupur town. This hill was an ancient center of Jainism and the place is known for its beautiful surroundings.

8. Radha Shyam Temple

2 km from city center 8 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

Built by King Chaitanya Singha in 1758, the temple has a dome shaped sikhara with stucco motifs that depicts floral, geometric and life of puranas.

9. Joyrambati

33 km from city center 9 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

A tourist village located in Bankura district, Joyrambati is famous as it was the birthplace of Sree Sarada Devi who is worshipped as the Holy Mother by the followers of Sri Ramakrishna.

10. Jhilimili

77 km from city center 10 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

Located around 97 km from Bishnupur, this place is famous for its dense forests and natural beauty. There is a watchtower here which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The river Kangsabati flows through this forest area and the banks of this river are an ideal picnic spot.

11. Hadal-Narayanpur

29 km from city center 11 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

Located on the banks of the Bodai River, the twin-villages of Hadal-Narayanpur is famous for the Mandal family terracotta temples that comprise of Barataraf, Mejotaraf and the Chhototaraf temples.

12. Bishnupur Mela

12 out of 12 Places To Visit in Bishnupur

The Bishnupur Mela is an annual fair held in the month of Poush of the Bengali Calendar and is held in the town of Bishnupur. It celebrates the cultural richness of the region, providing the attendees with a glimpse of how the traditional Bengali culture has witnessed change over time. It venerates the traditional music and dance of the state of West Bengal and provides the visitors a glimpse of the Bengali cultural heritage.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Bishnupur: A Wonderful Terracotta Temple and Saree Producing City of Kolkata!!!

Bishnupur | bankura district, government of west bengal.

Bishnupur, located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historic terracotta temples, and traditional handicrafts.

Visiting these ten places in Bishnupur promises a delightful journey through the historical and artistic legacy of the region, offering a glimpse into the architectural brilliance and cultural vibrancy of this unique destination in West Bengal. Here are ten must-visit places that showcase the beauty and cultural significance of Bishnupur with Trip Adventurer:

• Jor Bangla Temple: Also known as the Keshta Rai temple, Jor Bangla Temple is an exemplary terracotta temple featuring exquisite carvings and intricate artwork. The unique aspect is its twin curved roofs resembling a traditional Bengal hut.
• Rasmancha: A distinctive structure built in the 17th century, Rasmancha was originally constructed to host the annual Ras festival. It is a pyramidal structure with a single pinnacle, showcasing intricate terracotta carvings.
• Madan Mohan Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Madan Mohan Temple is an ancient temple known for its terracotta artwork. The temple premises also house a beautiful garden.
• Dalmadal Cannon: Located near the Madan Mohan Temple, the Dalmadal Cannon is a historical cannon associated with the Malla rulers. It is an impressive display of ancient artillery.
• Radha Shyam Temple: A significant temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, the Radha Shyam Temple is known for its intricate terracotta panels and detailed carvings depicting various mythological scenes.
• Pancha Ratna Temple: Also known as the Shyam Ray Temple, this five-pinnacled structure is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple’s architecture and terracotta artwork make it a must-visit.
• Stone Chariot: Located near the Radha Shyam Temple, the Stone Chariot is a unique sculpture showcasing a stone chariot with wheels carved out of stone. It’s a symbol of the region’s artistic prowess.
• Jorebangla Temple: Another masterpiece of terracotta artistry, the Jorebangla Temple features intricate carvings and ornate architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Malleshwar Shiva Temple: A beautiful Shiva temple adorned with terracotta panels depicting episodes from the epics, the Malleshwar Shiva Temple is a serene and spiritually significant site.
• Bishnupur Museum: The Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, sculptures, and terracotta works that provide insights into the rich history and cultural heritage.

Here are some things to do and places to explore in and around:

• Visit Terracotta Temples: Explore the famous terracotta temples, such as the Rasmancha, Jor Bangla Temple, and Madanmohan Temple. Admire the intricate terracotta carvings depicting mythological scenes.
• Ride a Rickshaw: Experience the charm of the town by taking a rickshaw ride. Rickshaws are a popular mode of transport and a unique way to explore.
• Dalmadal Cannon: See the Dalmadal Cannon, an ancient cannon located near the Rasmancha. It is believed to have been used during battles in the past.
• Shopping for Terracotta Crafts: Explore the local markets to buy traditional terracotta handicrafts, pottery, and artifacts. It is renowned for its skilled terracotta craftsmen.
• Artisan Villages: Take a trip to nearby artisan villages where you can witness the traditional craft-making process. You might get a chance to interact with local artisans.
• Gumghar: Visit Gumghar, an ancient structure that served as a meeting place for the village elders. It has historical significance and is worth exploring.
• Joydeb Kenduli: If you’re interested in music and culture, plan a visit to Joydeb Kenduli, the birthplace of the famous Bengali poet Jayadeva. The annual Kenduli Mela draws Baul musicians and devotees.
• Joyrambati: Explore Joyrambati, the birthplace of Sri Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Visit the temple and the holy precincts in this serene town.
• Panchmura Village: Panchmura, located nearby, is another village known for its terracotta art. The Panchmura clay models are unique and reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
• Bankura Horse Art: The place is known for its distinctive Bankura Horse terracotta artefacts. Consider exploring the place, which is not far from Bishnupur, to witness the creation of these traditional sculptures.

Bishnupur in West Bengal is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its terracotta temples and traditional crafts. Remember to check for any specific events, festivals, or cultural programs happening in the town during your visit, as they can enhance your overall experience of this culturally rich town.

Travel Tips to Bankura:

• Terracotta Temples: The place is renowned for its terracotta temples. Take the time to explore these unique structures with intricate carvings.
• Baluchari Sarees: It is famous for its Baluchari sarees. Consider buying one as a souvenir and exploring the local handicrafts.
• Folk Music and Dance: Experience the local culture by attending traditional Bishnupuri music and dance performances.
• Mukutmanipur Dam: If you have extra time, consider visiting Mukutmanipur Dam, a scenic spot near Bishnupur.
• Cuisine: Try the local Bengali cuisine, known for its sweets and fish dishes. Visit local eateries to savour regional specialities.
• Weather: Check the weather conditions before your trip, and pack accordingly. West Bengal can experience hot and humid weather, especially during the summer.

Where is it located in West Bengal?

The town is located in West Bengal, India’s Bankura district. From Kolkata, it is roughly 138 kilometres away.

What are the key attractions and landmarks?

Temples, historical sites, and other locations are just a few of the attractions and landmarks.

How many terracotta temples are there?

There are twenty temples in the Bishnupur temple complex.

How can I reach Bishnupur from major cities in West Bengal?

Located in West Bengal’s Bankura district is the temple town of Bishnupur. Regular train services are available from Howrah, and it has excellent air and road connectivity.

What local transportation options are available for getting around?

There are various local transportation options available in Bishnupur, West Bengal, such as:

• Bus: Panagarh, which is 46 km away, is home to the closest bus stop. As an alternative, you can get off at the 48-kilometer-distance Durgapur Bus Stand. You can take a taxi from either of these bus stops to get to the town.
• Private Auto-rickshaws and Cycle-rickshaws: are the most practical means of transportation.
• Cars powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) are inexpensive, convenient, non-polluting, and require less time to operate.

Are there any specific cultural events or festivals in Bishnupur during my visit?

The West Bengali town is renowned for its artwork, architecture, and culture. Additionally, it holds a variety of festivals, such as:

• Poush Mela: This four-day festival, also called the Bishnupur Mela, honors the traditional music and dance of the area as well as its rich cultural heritage. Every year, it takes place close to the Madanmohana Temple on December 25.
• August is Snake Festival (Jhapan).
• Ultorath: A unique occasion on which celebrations are held. The majority of the popular Pujas and festivals observed in other regions of West Bengal are also observed in Bishnupur.

Travel Deals to Kolkata:

• Hotel Packages: Explore hotel packages that may include guided tours or discounts on local attractions.
• Off-Season Travel: Consider travelling during the off-season for potential cost savings. However, be aware of any seasonal limitations.
• Group Tours: Look for group tour packages that cover multiple attractions in Bishnupur and the surrounding region.
• Local Experiences: Check for deals on local experiences, such as guided tours, workshops, or cultural performances.
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Visit popular travel websites for potential discounts on flights, hotels, and packages to Bishnupur.

Always verify travel deals and check for the latest travel advisories and conditions before planning your trip. Let’s Read More about West Bengal with Trip Adventurer!!

Sanjay Jangid

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Bishnupur: Temples of the Earth

By Live History India

Live History India

Think ‘terracotta’ and the famous Terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang of China comes to mind. But did you know there is a whole temple complex made of terracotta in Bishnupur, West Bengal?

Radha Madhab Temple, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

It’s hard to imagine an entire holy city built of terracotta, but visit Bishnupur in West Bengal and feast your eyes on a temple town built purely of clay and brick. Bishnupur, 139 km from Kolkata, was built by the Malla kings who ruled a part of West Bengal between Burdwan and Purulia. The temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu – hence the name ‘Bishnupur’ in local parlance – and were built across 700 years, from the 10th to the 17th centuries.

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

The Bishnupur temple complex consists of 20 temples. The first of these, the Mrinmayee Temple, was built in 997 CE by King Jagat Malla. The temples of Bishnupur reflect the local architecture of Bengal and most of them were built between 1622 CE and 1758 CE. 

Pancha Ratna Temple, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

The unavailability of stone in the flood plains of Bengal probably led to the extensive use of terracotta, but it is a testimony to the skill of the sutradharas, or the local temple builders, that these temples survive to this day!

Rasmancha Temple, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

 The Rasmancha temple is unique, with its unusual elongated pyramidical tower surrounded by hut-shaped turrets, which was very typical of Bengali roof structures of the time.

Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

The Madanmohan temple built by King Durjana Singh Deva, has a square flat-roofed building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on the walls of Madanmohan temple depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.

Sculptural details, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

The images you see etched on the Bishnupur temples are also quite unique. This could have been because the artists who worked on the temple complex were illiterate and had no access to the epics and the stories associated with it, which were in Sanskrit. Their only access to this repository was through the works of local Bengali poets, who wrote dramas and ballads.

Intricately carved pillars, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

The poetic licence they enjoyed allowed them to weave in new episodes and interpretations based on local customs and traditions, thus bringing new facets to the stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana and also the art of these temples.

Intricately carved temple columns

Ornate carvings on the temples, Bishnupur by Team LHI Live History India

Visit Bishnupur today and it is hard to imagine that this was once a great centre of art and culture. The Malla kings were patrons of Vaishanavism and invited scholars and artists from all over to Bishnupur. Much of this richness is reflected in the terracotta temples that stand tall even today.

Viratnagar Stupa

Kandhar - the seat of rashtrakutas, achipur & india’s first chinese settler, undavalli caves - where faiths converge, the mughal gardens at pinjore, mysterious horsemen of jammu & kashmir, the palaces of deeg, harwan monastery, champaner - gujarat's abandoned capital.

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Bishnupur Temples: Rediscovering the era of Malla kingdom n a Easy Day Trip from Kolkata

Prologue to the blog: Bishnupur temples or Bishnupur silks (Baluchari saree) of Bankura are world famous. So are the horses of Bankura. I am a native of the district and may get a bit overwhelmed. Instead of a typical “things to do in Bishnupur”, I tried to share my personal experience as the old temple city with all her exquisite marveled me in the recent trip.

Bishnupur, Traveling down the Memory lane!

During 90s, Bankura used to experience frequent power cut. As a result, our nightly regime of homework will be stalled, and we cousins will always end up being on the rooftop, under a gorgeous starry night, listening to stories from Mammam and finally falling asleep on Madur . The last whistle of Purulia express, from far away, will cut through the silence of night’s peace. In the stories, Mammam has told how the Malla king had braved the dangerous jungle of Dalma in search of his demure princess.”What will he eat in the jungle?” I often asked. Mammam would assure me saying he had an acquired taste for fruits from the wild.

Later, as the family was preparing for cousin sister’s wedding , I got acquainted with the finery of Bishnupur Silk sarees. Baluchari Saree, as often termed it was, resembles excellence of an age old style of weaving stories on silk fabric. The stories often take reference from Ramayana, or the old life style depicting women chatting, busy in household chores, dating under the tree, the ships set on sail and much more. One weaver told me how he takes almost an entire week to prepare this piece of art.

Since our family hails from Bankura, frequent winter picnics to Bishnupur were made with baskets full of Roti and Kosha Mangsho (bread and chicken). I would marvel at the iconic greener pastures of Bengal more than the Terra Cotta walls of the old temples, back then. As far as I remember the temples were dilapidated, with cobwebs and Indian males names proclaiming love for a sweetheart everywhere. I remember the Ghumghar with awe, where the kings will imprison the POWs. Darkness will blind them there, before sending them off to die under an elephant’s feet. That vivid description will come back in my dreams several times!

Also read: Bonedi Barir Durgapuja in Kolkata!

It was not until I travelled to Hampi , I regained interest in the lost kingdom of Mallabhum. The old ruins of Hampi evoked a sense of longing for the world I saw always but never really cared enough to explore in detail!

It was not easy protecting the monuments, dating back to millennia, in West Bengal, the state with maximum population density in India. In this regard, ASI deserves all the applaud. The manicured garden around the Bishnupur temples, restored wall panels depicting stories of Ramayana and contemporary world, protected and walled temple complexes tended with care, they all certify the place is in the list of being featured as a UNESCO heritage sites .

Things to know before you plan a visit to Bishnupur from Kolkata (or Bankura)

Bishnupur is famous of multiple terracotta Hindu temples of the Vaishnavite sect dating back to middle age. There were a few palaces and forts too but they are now lost with the gnaw of time. What remains of the glorious regal past of Bishnupur is the heritage temples of rust orange, with walls panels inscribed with eloquent stories. While in Bishnupur, you must look for the stories on the temple wall. the temples are not as huge as that of South India but they appeal lies in the intricate artwork adorning the walls since millennia!

Bishnupur is a temple town in Bankura, a district of West bengal, India. In colloquial Bengali, Bishnupur is also known as Bishtupur.

It is okay if you are in a rush and want to explore Bishnupur in a day trip only. Start early, finish early should be your motto. Hire a rickshaw when in Bishnupur. It is a small rural settlement. People in Bishnupur are extremely cordial and more than happy to help you see what you want to see.

What to wear in Bishnupur: What you should ideally in wearing while exploring the Bharat of India, would work fine in Bishnupur. The temple town is full of old living temples so modest clothing is your best bet to avoid lurking eyes.

Best time to visit Bishnupur

The dry and cooler months of October to February is perfect for a day trip to Bishnupur. You may plan to explore the temple town during other times but beware monsoon in rural Bengal equates to sighting a snake here and there. It wont kill you since most of the snakes are non venomous but be cognizant of the fact that you might just come across a reptile friend on the road!

Temples of Bishnupur are open from 8 am till sunset.

Bishnupur mela is one fine festival that takes place in the Bengali month of Poush every year (December end/January beginning according to Gregorian calendar).

How to reach Bishnupur?

Train: Take the early morning train Rupashi Bangla (literaly meaning Beautiful Bengal) from Howrah station. Eat the Jhalmuri and chop. Drink some green coconut water. In three and a half hours, you shall reach Bishnupur station. In case you are traveling by Purulia Express, you will reach there by night and need to look for a lodge.

By Bus: Housed at Esplanade/Dharmatala area of Kolkata, you shall find multiple state transport bus plying frequently to Bishnupur. Within 4/5 hours, you shall cover 150 km. Frequent bus leaves from Durgapur, Bankura, Bardhaman, even Darjeeling !

Once alighted, you can cover the whole city by walking, or taking the Rickshaws. Get a map or the books streetvendors sell for INR 10. It lists out all the temples and

Road trip: Have a car? Roadtrip to Bishnupur is the other option. Expect nature unfold in scenic manner as you traverse through the highways of hinterlands of Bengal!

Read about the people I met at Hampi

Exploring the heritage of Bishnupur, with its legend and labyrinths

Things to see/do in Bishnupur!

The sound and smell of legend thrives in the sprawling gardens of the temple compound. As I entered the labyrinth of Rasmancha, and the earthen paths became darker than usual, my mind automatically sought out help from the goddess of the land, Bipodtarini. The goddess who saved the Hindu queen from the sin of touching beef, an act of blasphemy in local rituals. The queen could have been killed by the warrior Malla king, but her prayers turned the meat into bright red hibiscus.

In case you loved this saree, here is a sneak-peak to the saree I wore in Goa

Best places to visit in Bishnupur (in no order of preference)

Start exploring Bishnupur from Rasmancha area. It will help you with a rough map. All the temples of Bishnupur lies within walk able distance but you can always hire a rickshaw or the day (and they are not very expensive if you know the at of bargaining).

• Shyam Rai temple
• Radhashyam temple
• Lalji temple
• Raj bari (the erstwhile palace, now in ruins and inhabited. Do not walk in without permission)
• Bara darja (gateway to Bishnupur old town)
• Gar Darja (a profound door made with rustic bricks, now restored)
• Dalmadal Kaman
• Chinnomasta temple
• Nandalal temple
• Radhamadhav temple and Kala Chand temple

History of Bishnupur!

The Malla kings were prosperous. Even though the literal meaning of malla is wrestling, constant war was not the only forte they had. Their expertise extended to music, craft and the fine things of life. Take for example Posto er bora, a fritter made with poppy seed paste. Trading with Portuguese and French was common.

The notable king Bir Hambhir, an ally of Mughals, became a disciple of Vaishnav guru Srinivas Acharya. As a result, the Bishnupur temples are rich in Terracotta decor, unique to the land. The temple walls are adorned with unprecedented finesse. The aerated soil of the land is transformed into bricks, later burnt with inscriptions and arranged together to form the signature “Chala” style of the temples. Those built on the later period have been influenced with Islamic style as well. the Arch of Rasmancha is an example of the same.

The temples of Lalaji, Madan Mohan, Radheshyam and many others still have the idols intact inside with regular worship offered by locals.

Terracotta, the fine art form

The Bishnupur temples are storytellers. They are poignant with tales from time bygone. They reinstate history is not about date and place and war. Krishna plays a flute as thousands of Gopi dances by his side. A group of men set sail on a ship with firearms. An elephant carries log and treads on the jungle path. You need to get up close and personal with the wall panels for time travel.

Hanuman inscribed on the temple wall

The bricks are old and frail. They have succumbed to cruel time with breakage here and there. Some of the wall are molested by us as we decided to collectively inscribe our self proclamation of love inside the temple complex .

I venture for a little into the jungle grown by the side of an old house. Lizards, Shuili flowers and few squirrels are visible. Board read it was the kitchen for the lord Vishnu in the heydays of the kingdom. The clay oven lay still at one side.

The livelihood

Unlike Hampi, Bishnupur is densely inhabited. The roads reach out amid lush green paddy field, pasture with cows grazing, residential areas where women are busy chiding their nabbing kids,tending to their cows and goats, or chickens. Few people run the show by setting up small souvenir stalls by the temples. They are happier to talk to you more than making money. Ask about the rice and potato price, they will lament about price hike and plummeting economic condition with same eagerness.

The old capital was surrounded by forts and a moat. The moat retains water till date. The city has expanded beyond that.

It was one of those walks, we discovered an almost ruined gateway to a house. Houses in Bishnupur, where real estate brokers have not spread their business network, retain the charm of a big good Earth. They have space for the cows, the trees, the kitchen garden, a pond and few Dalans. The bathoom and latrine are traditionally built away from the main house. I wonder how do they manage to go to washroom in the dark of night. Snake bite is a possibily you can not do away with.

At the edge of the town, a sudden sprung of shops is remarkable. A small populated lane leads to the Chinnamasta temple by he Dalmadal Canon, I soon discovered. Dalmadal canon is iconic is the region and stands of extreme valor. Every souvenir shop will show case a miniature canon. As much as we know of Qutb Minar, the canon deserves national fame. So long, yet not a bit of rust, the canon has protected dynasties, seen countless warfare, human mechanism collapsing on the battlefield and has become sombre mute representative of Malla kingdom.

“People have to experience things that terrify them. If they don’t, how will they ever come to appreciate safety?” ― Jodi Picoult, The Storyteller

The Chinnamasta temple is a stark difference compared with the Vaishnav worship prevailing at large in the area. It houses the goddess of Mahabidya with severed head, standing atop Shiva. The gives life to the twin consorts by her side with jets of blood spurt out of her body, and she takes her own life in the process. The compound is marble white, extreme clean, guarded by police and show cases cleanliness. Many devotees offer Puja with flowers and Bel leaves wrapped in Shaal pata . Boli or animal sacrifice takes place here. Vibe at the Chinnamosta temple of Bishnupur somewhat reminded me of that of the Toumudhi temple of Bhaktapur, Nepal!

Did you know? While in Bishnupur, you need to try your hands of eating Postor Bora, poppy seed fritters! It is a local delicacy of Bankura!

Horses of Panchmura

What made me wonder the most are the curvy horses the artisans make in the village Panchmura, a short drive from the town of Bishnupur. Given the kingdom ceased to exist, and not a single living horse in near vicinity, these craftsmen instill life in each of the earthen pieces with care.

The earthen or wooden horses of the land are well acclaimed in the country and outside. They are undoubtedly cheaper when sourced from Bishnupur. However, without proper emphasis and exposure, many of the artisans are eyeing for alternate work opportunities, threatening the art to die.

Check this page if you like to have a closer look at the Dhokra and Terracotta artifacts.

Is it safe for solo women traveling in Bishnupur?

Although I have traveled to Bishnupur with my brother, as a native woman of the state of West Bengal, I can recommend Bishnupur to be an overall safe place for solo female travelers. Just be respectful of the local culture which is steeped deep in spirituality and dress modestly, you are good to go. Bishnupur does not have a lot of places to stay hence you need to book a hotel as soon as possible, lest the swarming family crowd gets the better of it.

Explore Dihar, a lesser known historic spot near Bishnupur!

8 KM north of the Bishnupur town, remains buried under the thick of Earth a 3200 years old civilization contemporary to the copper bronze era! Dihar, also known as “Pandu Rajar Dhibi” referring to the great king of Mahabharata, the Indian epic, is now a part of Dharapet village. 

Historians have come to conclude, Dihar was inhabited by a group of proto-urban people. The banks of Dwarakeswar river were a sprawling land of ancient human habitat. 

Potteries of myriad styles, Black and Red Ware, Red Slipped Ware, Grey Ware, Northern Black Polished Ware, have been unearthed and tell the stories of an ancient time bygone!

It is believed people of Dihar were ardent followers of Shaivism. Shnareshwara and Shaileshwara temples stand till date with intricate floral designs and dramatic human figurines adorned on terracotta wall panels. Both the temples are enlisted on Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Things to buy in Bishnupur

Art and handicraft of Rarh Bangla can put the best of the fire art exhibitors at shame. When in Bishnupur, do collect some terracotta jewelry for a surprising price! they often act as show stopper!

If you budget agrees, invest in some Dhokra art work. This art is born and reared in the region and a labor of love by the artisans who carry brass art legacy since the days of Mohenjodaro civilization! I can not emphasis enough how much I adore Dhokra art and my dream house will have all the hand picked pieces that i shall collect from the Dhokra village of Bikna in Bankura!

Take back home some of the iconic terracotta horses of Bankura ! From 2 inches to 2 meters, they can be customized as you want!

I am saving the best for the last! You can not visit Bishnupur and come back without buying a Baluchari saree. this GI tagged rare and prized weave is born to Murshidabad region of Bengal and eventually shifted to Bishnupur. Only a handful of Tanti, weavers practice this art these days. Visit their houses, ask them to show the Tantghor . They will be happy to take you around. Learn about the intriguing history of Baluchari saree and bring back home one exquisite piece of saree or fabric!

I got my Baluchari saree from Anushka opposite the Chinnamasta temple. But then, I buy Baluchari saree pretty frequently and I am not a loyal customer as such!

“Bishtupur” is serene, mellow with a sense of forgiveness and mysterious with forgotten tales of the land. The rich culture instills a sense of pride in my mind as I trace my ancestry to the land. There is no doubt, I would love to inspire more people to visit and explore in the glorious past. Yet, my mind worries, with an easy reach of day trippers, Bishnupur will soon turn into a commercial hub. The gentle smile of locals will be a rare find with more people ready to sell away “packages”. the lizards and birds will retrieve to a faraway land. The roads will be busy with vehicles commuting, making little place for my old lady to sun-dry up leaves to make the magic broom.

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10 Best Places To Visit In Bishnupur For Your Next Trip

Curious Kasturi

• Published: November 23, 2023

Bishnupur or Vishnupur is a little town in the Bankura district of West Bengal. The town was the administrative capital under the reign of the Malla kings. The town is believed to derive its name from the Hindu God, Vishnu. Bishnupur has a rich cultural past, evident in the architecture and intricate handicrafts that the town boasts of. The town is especially known for its intricate terracotta work. Jewellery, artifacts, and pottery made of terracotta are particularly known. Bishnupur is also known for its wide variety of Baluchari sarees. Here are 10 places to visit in Bishnupur .

10 Best Places To Visit In Bishnupur

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Bishnupur? You would be glad to know that Bishnupur is surrounded by numerous interesting places that will hold you in awe.

Jor Bangla Temple

In 1655 AD, King Raghunath Singha, a Malla ruler, commissioned the construction of the Jorbangla Temple. Renowned for its unique Bengali architectural style, it stands as a prime attraction in Bishnupur. The temple is designed in the form of two huts topped with an ornate tower, adorned with intricate Terracotta carvings. Beyond attracting scholars and archaeologists fascinated by ancient architecture, it also draws a significant number of worshipers.

The oldest brick temple, Rasmancha was commissioned by Malla King Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. The temple has one inner chamber housing the idols of Radha-Krishna.

It has an elongated tower encircled by turrets which are of hut shapes. It is enclosed by a passageway and there are some big cannons that date back to the Malla period. The Vaishnava Ras festival was held till 1935 before it was converted to a protected monument.

Lalji Temple

Constructed in 1658 by Bir Singha II, Lalji Temple, also known as the Eka-Ratna Temple, stands as one of Bishnupur’s ancient structures. Situated close to the Jor Bangla Temple, this prominent terracotta temple is enclosed by a wall, featuring a gateway passage facing east. A must-visit for every traveler in Bishnupur, the Lalji Temple serves not only as a historic site but also as a well-known landmark in the town.

Madan Mohan Temple

Constructed in the 17th century, the Madan Mohan Temple stands as a testament to Malla King Durjana Singh Deva’s devotion to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Designed in the Eka-Ratna style, it is one of the oldest temples in Bishnupur, West Bengal. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by two imposing pillars adorned with intricate artwork. The pillars’ bases depict mythological scenes, including the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, along with the presence of Lord Hanuman and his army of monkeys.

Bishnupur Museum

Established in 1951, the Bishnupur Museum, also known as Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, stands as a significant attraction in the city. Located at Dalmadal Para, it holds the distinction of being the sole museum in the entire Bankura district dedicated to art and archaeology. The museum’s collection is diverse, encompassing around 5000 manuscripts, 100 sculptures dating back to the 10th-12th century, as well as precious specimens of textiles, photographs, and folk arts and crafts.

Susunia Hill

Discover the pristine allure of Susunia Hill and step back in time to ancient epochs. This hill is believed to predate even the mighty Himalayas, with historical accounts linking it to Raja Chandravarman and his fort. Susunia Hill holds significant archaeological importance and houses ancient fossils of various animal species, including Giraffes, Asiatic Lions, and Hyenas. Wander freely amidst the enchanting ‘Shal-Palash’ crowd, traverse slopes bathed in soft green light, and absorb the serenity. Susunia Hill also serves as a sanctuary for diverse medicinal plants. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature, surrounded by an expansive canopy of flora. For those seeking adventure, the rock climbing center at Susunia Hill is the perfect starting point for an exciting mountaineering journey.

Mukutmanipur

A popular weekend getaway for Kolkata locals, Mukutmanipur in the Bankura district of Kolkata is a serene town with lush green forests, clear blue water, and green hills in the backdrop.

Sharing borders with Jharkhand, Mukutmanipur is located at the confluence of Kumari and Kangsabati. A small serene town that it is, it attracts many tourists who come here in search of a peaceful vacation. Mukutmanipur dam is said to be the second largest dam in the country while the man-made barrage here which canalizes the river water of Kumari and Kangsabati for irrigation purposes in the nearby districts of Bankura, Purulia, and Medinipur during summers is also the second largest of its kind.

Radha Shyam Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Radha Shyam Temple is the famous terracotta temple in Bishnupur, West Bengal. Located near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the popular temples to visit in Bishnupur.

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was built during the reign of King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 CE. The Radhashyam temple in Bishnupur is known for its terracotta style of architecture. This south-facing temple has a curved roof with a single tower that crowns the square structure of the building. Radha Shyam Temple is situated within a walled premise with a unique gateway structure. The front and the back surface of the gateway has superb terracotta carvings, mostly in floral pattern.

Enshrining the images of Lord Krishna and Radha in the sanctum, the Radha Shyam Temple is esteemed as the living shrine in the region. Along with the Radha and Shyam (Lord Krishna), the sanctum also includes the images of Nityananda and Chaitanya. In the temple vicinity, there is another shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath of Puri .

Dalmadal Kaman Canon

This royal canon was built by Maharaja Bir Humber around 1600 AD. Dala means ‘a group’ and mardan means ‘to destroy’. And true to its name, this mammoth canon, made of 63 iron plates was used to defend the Malla territory against the enemies. Due to the lack of easy availability of pure iron, it is believed that charcoal was used to melt enormous amounts of iron in order to construct Dalmadal Kaman Canon. Moreover, due to its extensive weight, big wheels and elephants were used to carry the canon to the battleground. Legend has it, that the canon was lost after the decline of the Malla dynasty, only to be rediscovered later by the Britishers. This royal canon stands as an example of the great past of Bishnupur.

Bishnupur, with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage. The 10 Best Places to Visit in Bishnupur offer a glimpse into the town’s soul. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or cultural explorer, Bishnupur has something extraordinary to offer at every turn. Plan your trip and immerse yourself in the magic of this enchanting town.

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Bishnupur- The Oldest Terracotta Temple City of West Bengal

The temples in Bisnupur withstood a ravage of time by reframing a model of descendants to a unique style of Eka-Ratna and detailed terracotta depicting epic stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Once, the lavish heritage was the capital of the Mallabhum kingdom established by Jaggat Malla, the ruler of the Malla dynasty.

The traditional handloom ‘Baluchari’ Sarees, terracotta potteries and captivating art forms of artefacts will surely make you stunning. Let’s explore a town whispering the language of terracotta amidst innumerable architectures as a footprint of history.

History of Bishnupur

In the glorious past of the Malla Dynasty, Bishnupur was also called ‘Vishnupur’ by the Malla rulers, as they were the followers of the deity of Vaishnavite. During the 17th and 18th centuries, they developed a substitute and a new way of beautiful craft for the architecture ‘Terracotta’.

The engineering marvel of curved Bangla roof blended along the domes with multi-lobed arches displays the talent of the artists portraying crafted stories on local laterite stone and bricks, finding a special place in Bangla’s history. The noble heritage and proud culture of the style of music [Bishnupur Gharana of Hindustani Classical music] are still present.

You may also like: 10 Offbeat Tourist Places in West Bengal

Places to Visit in Bishnupur:

The visit to  The Oldest Terracotta Temple City of West Bengal  gives an immense grandeur to their identity as a conveyor. Since 1997, most of the Bishnupur temples are maintained on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and are protected under the Archaeological Survey Of India [ASI]. The town blends with the great Utsav of The Bishnupur Fair held annually at  Poush Mash  in the Bengali Calendar.

It gives a glimpse of Bengali Culture richness in traditional music and dance decors that venerates the heritage of West Bengal. Bishnupur provides a serene place to enjoy a day break in cultural heritage with a rich essence of the artefacts of terracotta. 

Chinnamasta Temple

The most lively temple of Bishnupur stays crowded with regular devotees for the divine shrine of Mata Chinnamasta. The temple is almost 100 years old akin to the Goddess of Shakti depicts the most ferocious form of the Tantric Goddess. The deity has been engraved out of red desert sandstone with her separated head in the right hand and a sword in the left. The Guin family of Midnapore contributed to establishing the temple in the 19th Century with its decorated complex, which might have been renovated in recent years. The colourful shop around the street with the collection of local handcrafted artefacts will surely entice you to buy.

You may also like: Top Destinations Across India That You Can Visit This Summer

Dalmadal Cannon

Dalmadal Cannon was one of the famous cannons of West Bengal mounted near the Chinnamasta temple. The cannon exhibits the bravery of the Malla rulers in defending Bishnupur from the invasion of the Marathas. The name ‘ Dal Madal ‘ means the destruction of the enemy. The huge size of the cannon cast with 63 wrought iron rings that didn’t rust with time also makes it the biggest one. It is around 3.8m in length and has a barrel of 28.6cm of the largest bore cannon that demonstrates the skills of Jagannath Karmakar. The protection of ancient wonder is necessary to understand the detailed history of the make and its prowess.  

The unique design of Rasmancha makes it individual architecture to be found entirely in India. The pride of Bishnupur was established in 1600 by King Hambir Malla Dev to display all the local idols of nearby temples to worship in public during the festival of Ras Mela. The temple is built on a laterite plinth surrounded by hut-shaped turrets and has an unusual roof elongated as a pyramidal tower.

The most interesting feature of the structure is the passageways that form arches surrounding the main chamber of the sanctum. The present-day Rasmancha has been converted into a monument and protected by ASI. 

Visitors can buy a single-entry Bishnupur Temple ticket for Rasmancha and all other ASI-protected sites. 

Jor-Bangla Temple 

The temple is famed for its ornate carvings of terracotta on the wall which depict the stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures. The detail of the scriptures describing the scenes is so rich that royal hunting sights, musicians, Kamasutra and dancers narrate it visually.

Jor-Bangla temple, also called ‘ Kestha Rai ‘, has a typical roof that resembles the traditional ‘ Chala ‘ style of Bengal architecture, as if two village huts are put together side by side. The classic curved roofs of this pair of huts are called ‘Char-Chala Sikhara’. There is an idol of Sambhuja of Sri Chaitanya in one of its two huts, and the other serves as a porch.

You may also like: Recline of Abandoned Temples [Day: 02]

Radha Shyam Mandir

One of the masterpieces works of the terracotta temple of Bishnupur, dated back to 1758 is a popular place to visit. It was built during the reign of Malla King Chaitanya Singha and dedicated to Lord Radha-Krishna. The sanctum enshrines the image of Lord Krishna and Radha along with the likeness of Nityananda and Chaitanya in the sanctity.

The superb terracotta carvings of floral patterns on the wall with a curved roof have a single tower that crowns the architecture. The aesthetic example of Ek-Ratna temple within an enclosure has a unique triple-arched gateway.

Lalji Temple

Lalji temple is a prominent terracotta temple of Bishnupur in the Ek-Ratna style. It was constructed around 1658 CE under the reign of Malla King Bir Singha II. The temple is dedicated to Radha-Krishna consisting of ornamental stucco decorations bearing similar concepts of the earlier architecture. A square-raised plinth with descriptive decorated arches has a Char-Chala roof, and a shikhara on top of it is a typical feature.

However, the enclosure has a dance hall right in front and to the west is a minaret dedicated to Lord Raghunath. The outer premises has a Pancharatna temple of Kameswar Siva and two carts for Lord Raghunath and the other for Lord Lalji in the front of the gateway. 

You may also like: Exploring The Temple City- Madurai

Gate of Old Fort

Once, the large gateway was the main entrance of the Royal Kingdom of Bishnupur to the ancient fort. There are no remains of the fort in the present, but the two proud gateways denote their presence. It was also popularly known as  Pathar Darwaja  constructed to protect the royals from enemies. The huge terrace with double-storied galleries in the central passage had secret chambers to accommodate the army.

The entire structure is built in laterite blocks to provide more strength and thermal insulation during the hot summer. The arrow slits on the wall allowed the archers and gunmen to defend themselves from the direct line of fire of the enemy. The Boro Pathar Darwaja is a perfect example of the Malla King’s war strategy.

Jor Mandir (Twin Temples)

The eye-catching Jor Mandir of Bishnupur has three temples in its complex. The two temples are considerably big and the same in size as, compared to the third one. The three laterite temples are a popular example of the Ek-Ratna architecture style of a slanted roof surmounted by one shikhara. The most interesting fact to highlight is that all three temples were built during the same period of Malla King Gopal Singha in 1726.

As time has passed, the beautiful stucco artwork on the temple has washed away. Though the middle temple still adorns the scenes of Krishna Lila and Ramayan as the artwork, meanwhile, the rest two have a plain exterior. 

Nandlal Temple

Nandlal Temple is one of the seven Ek Ratna-style temples located in Bishnupur. It is another terracotta temple made of rust-coloured laterite with a vast lawn on the way. In earlier times, the temple had stone carvings of different patterns and figures covered with stucco work on the wall.

At present, the structures moulded on the walls are mostly displaced and sold with the remaining washed out to a lower extent from the surface. It is not yet clearly known who built the temple, however, the archaeologists believe that the architectural style should belong to the 17th century. It also finds the most similarities in structurally with Radha Shyam Mandir. 

I love to travel mostly in offbeat places. I love to click and yet learn a lot about the features. The closest friend of mine recommended me to write.

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• 6 Best Places To Visit In Bishnupur For Your Next Getaway

24 Aug 2023

With its opulent past, spirited culture, stunning architecture, and terracotta tales, Bishnupur is a quaint little temple town in the heart of West Bengal. While some of the best places to visit in Bishnupur attract travellers from across the world, this serene town is located at the distance of just a five-hour drive from the capital city of Kolkata. Set in the district of Bankura, the town was established in the 18th century, and gets its name from the Hindu god Vishnu. Reckoned to be one of the most important cultural hubs of the state, it honours its historical past through its traditional architecture and handicrafts including weaving and ceramics. Much famed for its Baluchari sarees, and decorative brass, the town also boasts of a dozen terracotta temples that flaunt antiquated walls. Therefore, do include these attractions in your itinerary for a memorable holiday.

6 Best Places To Visit In Bishnupur

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Bishnupur? You would be glad to know that Bishnupur is surrounded by numerous interesting places that will hold you in awe.

1. Jor Bangla Temple

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In the year 1655 AD, Raghunath Singha, a Malla King, constructed the Jorbangla Temple. It is well-known for its distinctive Bengali architectural design and it is also one of the best tourist spots in Bishnupur. The temple is structured in the shape of two huts surmounted by a tower and is decorated lavishly with Terracotta carvings. Along with a large number of scholars and archaeologists interested in ancient architecture, this temple draws large numbers of worshipers.

Location: 38CG+MPM, Rajdarbar, Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122 Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Must Read: 7 Amazing Places To Visit In Summer In West Bengal That No Traveler Would Want To Miss

2. Lalji Temple

Lalji Temple, also called the Eka-Ratna Temple, is one of the ancient structures in Bishnupur that was established in 1658 by Bir Singha II. Located near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the prominent terracotta temples of Bishnupur that is entirely enclosed by a wall with a passage of gateway falling towards the east. When in Bishnupur, every traveller must visit this temple that serves as a famous landmark too.

Location: 38FG+9QF, Rajdarbar Rd, Rajdarbar, Baburdanga, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122 Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM Best time to visit: throughout the year

3. Madan Mohan Temple

Built in the 17th century, the Madan Mohan temple was constructed by Malla King Durjana Singh Deva in the Eka-Ratna style for his family deities of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Considered to be one of the oldest temples located in Bishnupur town of West Bengal, the entrance of the temple exhibits two huge pillars crafted with amazing artworks. The base of the pillars showcases mythological scenes of battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, along with Lord Hanuman and his army of monkeys.

Location: 38JF+79W, Madan Mohan Ln, Baburdanga, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122 Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM Best time to visit: throughout the year

Suggested Read: 9 Ideal Places To Visit In West Bengal In June Which Will Complete Your Bucket List

4. Radhashyam Temple

Radhashyam temple was established in 1758 by Chaitanya Singha who was a Malla King and it is one of the most popular temples in Bishnupur. It is known for the terracotta style of architecture, and has a dome-shaped sikhara with stucco motifs that depicts floral, geometric and life of puranas.

Location: 38FG+2H3, Rajdarbar, Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122 Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM Best time to visit: throughout the year

5. Bishnupur Museum

Bishnupur museum is one of the major attractions in the city which was established in 1951. Situated at Dalmadal Para, the museum is also known as Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan and is the only museum in the entire district of Bankura related to art and archaeology. It houses approximately 5000 manuscripts, 100 sculptures of the 10th-12th century, various invaluable specimens of textiles, photographs, and folk arts and crafts.

Location: 388G+F3M, Collage Road, Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122 Timings: 11 AM – 6.30 PM Entry Fee: 5 Rupees per person

Suggested Read: 43 Outstanding Tourist Places To Visit In West Bengal

6. Rasmancha

When we talk about the most visited places in Bishnupur, Rasmancha is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Bishnupur. It is one of the most acclaimed historical temples in Bishnupur that was built in the 600th century by the Malla King, Vir Hambir. Also known as the pyramid of West Bengal, this temple is popular for its unique tradition of Rasmancha, a popular connotation used for four hundred years old stage where Lord Krishna’s Raslila Utsav used to be performed.

Location: 389C+9R7, College Road opp. Tourist Lodge Near Bishnupur High School, Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122 Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: 25 for Indians and 300 for foreigners Best time to visit: throughout the year

Further Read: 24 Picnic Spots Near Kolkata: Escape From The City Rush For A Day’s Retreat

Bishnupur offers a captivating blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination in West Bengal. From the terracotta temples to the intricate craftsmanship, this place promises an unforgettable experience. For an immersive journey through the wonders of Bishnupur and other enchanting destinations in the state, explore our curated West Bengal tour packages , and embark on a memorable adventure.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click here .

Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Bishnupur

What is the famous of Bishnupur?

Shyam rai temple is one of the major attractions in bishnupur. It is popular because of its magnificent terracotta art forms on both interior and exterior panels.

Is Bishnupur worth visiting?

Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting in Bishnupur. It is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

How many days are required to visit Bishnupur?

4 days are enough to travel to Bishnupur

What is the best time to visit Bishnupur?

Although Bishnupur is open throughout the year for the visitors, but the best time to visit Bishnupur is the wintors.

What is the special food of Bishnupur?

The special food of Bishnupur is Mecha Sandesh, Pera and Postor Bora that you must try during your visit to Bishnupur. The other food you can try such as Chicken Chops and pakoras made from potato, onion, and brinjal etc.

What is famous to buy in Bishnupur?

You can buy the most famous Baluchari sarees from Bishnupur.

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Bishnupur terracotta temples – bengal tourist attractions.

Bishnupur is a quaint town in West Bengal, located about 160 km from Kolkata . When I planned my trip to this small town, which most people I know had not heard about, I was not sure what to expect there. I planned my visit with a spirit of experiment and I could not have asked for more. The historical place came out to be a bundle of surprises. Let me begin by talking about the better-known part of this small town – Bishnupur Terracotta Temples.

Most temples are dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. I am happy to have visited it on Janmashtami.

Bishnupur Terracotta temples – Bengal Tourist Attractions

Bishnupur is home to many terracotta temples spread across the town. Peeping out at every nook and corner and sometimes standing tall in vast plains. Some, by the numerous small lakes that punctuate the town. And some amongst the town, a part of its daily life by way of the playground for children and meeting places for adults.

Malla Dynasty

Bishnupur was the capital of the Malla kings of Mallabhum or the warrior kings. Which was an important dynasty that ruled Bengal for a long time with its beginnings in the late 7 th century that lasted until the early 19 th century? This is more than 1100 years and 55 generations. Most temples belong to the 17-18 th century. It is said that the dynasty was originally a Shaivite i.e. they used to follow the Shiva. But king Bir Hambir who ruled in the 16 th century converted to Vaishnava. And that leads to the construction of all these temples dedicated to incarnations of Vishnu and most prominently Krishna.

Terracotta Artwork

This region does not have any native stone, so the temples had to be constructed from the clay that is locally available. Temples were made of bricks and were decorated using terracotta tiles. Terracotta being the baked clay, with a shelf life of about 300 years was the alternative to stone art that we see in most other parts of the country. The red terracotta looks majestic on a background of blue sky. The intricate work on the walls depicting stories from Ramayan, Mahabharata, and Puranas along with the depiction of daily life leaves you in total awe. The designs carved in these temples continue to inspire the Baluchari Sari weavers of the town, who even today pick up their designs from the walls of these temples.

Bishnupur Terracotta Temples Architecture Styles

There are three primary styles of temple architecture in Bishnupur, all of which use terracotta as the primary material. Most temples have a very ornate front and a relatively plain back and sides. The temple entrance has a covered terracotta entrance, which usually leads to the side of the temple. In front of the temple is a platform-like structure that is well maintained in only a few places. Then there is a room on the other side of the temple. Which I presume can be either the storeroom or the place for the priest to live. Some of the temples are still practicing temples.

Though I did not see many people visiting them. Most locals were visiting relatively new temples.

Ratna Style

The first and most prominent is the Ratna style, which has a flat roof with a canopy or shikhara on top. If there is only one shikhara in the center of the roof it is called Ek – Ratna . If there are 5 shikhara’s – one in the center and 4 on the four corners of the roof, it is called Panchratna . And if there is an additional set of 4 shikhara’s on 4 sides of the roof it is called a Navratna temple. Here the temples do not have a flat roof, but a slightly curved roof, which is a depiction of the style of roofs in the region. The prominent Ek-Ratna temple here is Madan Mohan temple.

Built in 1694 CE by King Durjan Singh and has noteworthy terracotta work. Other examples are Radha Madhab and Radha Gobind temple, which has a unique mini chariot in the form of a temple.

Shyam Rai Temple

Shyam Rai temple is the best example of the Panchratna temple style. It has the most exquisite carvings on the terracotta of all the temples. The carvings of this temple are the finest and the whole temple creates an imposing impact. The central shikhara is octagonal while the corner shikhara is rectangular in shape with interesting curvi-conical roofs. You are not allowed to go inside the temple. But as you go around, you can almost read the stories the terracotta tiles are telling. The intricacy of the carvings will intrigue you.

Unfortunately, some of it has started decaying or eroding. Panels include stories of everyday life and its activities, Puranic stories, and motifs depicting the flora and fauna both real and imaginary.  The o ther Panchratna temple is the Madan Mohan temple. This is the most common temple style in this town.

Chala Style

The second style of the temple is the Chala style, which imitates triangular roofs of rural Bengali huts. Jor Bangla temple is a leading example of this style. Here the twin triangular roofs are further accentuated by another roof on top called Charchala. If instead of one roof on top, there were 4 roofs it would be called Athchala referring to the total of eight roofs. Jor Bangla – the name itself tells the style of the temple. Jor means 2 or twin and Bangla refers to the common roof style of Bengal. The roofs are shaped like a thatched hut roof.

There are extensive carvings on the ceiling and the exterior and interior walls of this temple. Carvings here most prominently depict Krishna Lila, apart from the animals and human life. I could see a lot of imagined animals in this temple’s carvings.

It is also known as the Kesata Rai temple and was built in the mid-17th century by then king Raghunath Singh. This is one of the most famous temples in this region, standing apart from the others because of its typical roof design.

Nagara Style

The third style is the Duel style which is the common Nagara style temple with a long curvilinear or tapering shikhara on it and has its origins in Orissa. I did not see any temples of this style in the town. Though I read about their rare existence. These temples were probably built in the early medieval period.

Besides these temples , there is Rasamancha, a unique structure built by Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. It is a huge square structure in bricks with a pyramid roof, built on a raised laterite plinth, 24.5 meters wide and 10.7 meters high. Inside the structure are circumambulate walls. Its labyrinth-like lanes take you to the center of the structure which is locked as of now. You can only make an educated guess that it may have been a shrine. There are 10 arches on all four sides, which in turn have further arches as you move inside the structure. Arches have the lotus motif carved on top of them. This is primarily a brick structure and the terracotta carvings are minimal.

There is a white limestone coating on the outer walls that are more or less on its way out. But gives an impression that this structure might have been white instead of the red that it is now from bare bricks.

Rasa Festival

Thick pillars support the low but huge arches. On top of the outer arched, there is a series of curved roofs. Each roof roughly covers the two arches and a smaller version of them covers the corners. In the middle is a massive pyramid roof made of bricks that give an impression of a staircase from some angles. I could not gather the purpose of this structure. Though I was told that this was a place meant for fairs and festivals. And still, hosts an annual fair called the Rasa festival. Apparently, people used to come here from neighboring areas with their village deity idols for the Rasa festival. And displaying them in the galleries of Rasamancha.

It is said that it is one of its kind structure. There is no parallel that has been found anywhere in the world. Making it a unique landmark of the historical place.

Maintenance

The most important aspect of these temples was that all the temples are beautifully maintained. They are clean and hence are very inviting. The lawns around the temples are well maintained, with flowers blooming everywhere and lawns surrounding them perfectly manicured. And unlike most temples in India, there are lawns and gardens surrounding almost all temples . Barring a couple that is there within the living areas of the town. This made the visit even more special as it may not sound something great, but it is something that we do not get usually.

Watching so many temples in the vicinity of each other, reminded me of the temple clusters of Khajuraho. Each successive King, probably for personal worship, constructed at least one temple .   Another motive could have been to take forward and excel in the art form created by their ancestors.

I am sharing a few photographs of the Bishnupur Terracotta Temples here but intend to do a photo-essay on the 2-3 important Terracotta Temples, apart from another write-up on the art of the historical town.

Read more about Bishnupur Tourism

Art Mart of the town

Things to do in Bishnupur town

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19 comments.

Well written…..

My wife and I have widely traveled in Bengal and photographed terra cotta temples of WB. Very happy to visit your site.

If you have more interest in this subject, specially related to the Iconography, pl contact me OR vist my sites @ # tctob.blogspot.com # przmm.blogspot.com and # hubpages.com/shyamchat

Best wishes.

Just a note to add!

“Then there is a room on the other side of the temple, which I presume can be either the storeroom or the place for priest to live.”

Typically, the structures facing the temples are called “Naat Mancha”, literally, Theatre Stages. These were built for offering music to the deities, but later it became a fashion to add them though not mostly in use for musical or theatrical purposes. The rooms at the back of the temples were “Paak Shaal” or kitchens where the “Bhoga” or the offering was cooked.

I am working on a travel and tourism guide website of mine. I will post about some other Terracotta temples of Bengal (apart from the Bishnupur ones) and will let you know.

Regards, Kumar.

Beautiful, beautiful post.

Bishnupur has been on my bucket list for so long now that I am ashamed. It’s high time I make this my next destination.

Sudhagee, Do come back and share your experience and stories.

Hmm…terracotta temples. That’s interesting. I’m fascinated.

Yes D, the temples are fascinating

Pleasant surprise, wonderful heritage works, thanks for sharing

Nice Blog. Thanks for sharing ur experience. For this Janamashtami I will visit this temple. Nice pics. Know more about Travel Destinations in India

Fantastic!! I know so little of these temples .. and the more I hear the more amazed I am. Thank you so much for this site!!

wow wow just wow..

Bishnupur is unique place in India. It is the only place in India where u will find such amazing temples, conch shell art, terracotta art (famous for its horse), sari and playing cards (which u have missed, I guess) and also classical music and also dokra nearby. Have u been to Panchmura where they make this terracotta artifacts ? u can see sourabhdg.blogspot.com for playing cards etc

Thanks for dropping by Sourabh, I have written more posts on Bishnupur and the other unique arts have been covered in them, please do have a look

Thank you for writing about my home town. It’s a pleasure to me. Again thank you.

You are so lucky to have Bishnupur as your home Debasis. We loved our trip there – the town is so rich in culture.

Bishnupur is also famous for its “Dashavatar Tash”i.e card game with cards which depict the 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu, Baluchori Saree, Bankura Ghora(Claymade Horse Statue of unique Bankura Style) and the :Bishnupur Gharana”, a genre of Indian Classical Music.

Yes, they are called Ganjifa cards, I have written about them in another post on Bishnupur.

wow its great to about it Bishnupur its look like really nice place for visit

Mahipal Ji, Bishnupur is one of the most beautiful temple towns of Bengal or rather India.

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• West Bengal

Bishnupur – Terracotta Temples details, History and Tour Guide

• March 20, 2022

Bishnupur, one of the popular cities in West Bengal is the capital of Mallabhum Kingdom . It is known as the “city of terracotta Temples”.

Malla Dynasty was an important Hindu Dynasty of Bengal.

The temples of tourist attractions were built by the Malla king and dedicated to their main Hindu god Radha-Krishna.

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The temples have utterly beautiful inscriptions and wall carvings, old fortifications.

Bishnupur is a planned town and a heritage city also known for its famous Baluchari Sarees and terracotta works.

So let us take a look at some of the famous temples there.

List of Famous Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur

In this article, I have listed some of the famous Terracotta Temples that you can see while visiting Bishnupur. For each of these temples, a short history and some other details are also added.

Ras Mancha, Bishnupur – History, and Details

Ras Mancha is one of the main terracotta temples in Bishnupur, West Bengal.

It is built by Mallya Raja Birhambir in the 1600 AD.

The name is derived from the Ras Utsav that use to be organized in the temples by the Mallya’s from 1600 AD – 1932 AD dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna.

The temple rests on a base made of Makhra stones and the temple is made of bricks.

The temple has a pyramid-like structure and numerous door like structures made of bricks.

A beautiful green garden surrounds the temple.

Start your journey of Bishnupur from this temple.

There is a one time ticket to visit all the temples that will cost you around Rs.25. You can also take a guide who will explain every detail of all the temples.

Totos are also available here to take you for a tour of the other temples.

Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur- History, and Details

After spending some time at the Ras Mancha, next, you can visit this temple.

Madan Mohan Temple is another important temple in Bishnupur built by Malka Raja Durjan Singha in 1695 A.D.

The temple is been built over an area of 12.2 ×12.2 sq m.with a height of 10.7 m. A tower or Sikhara is surmounted on the “Chala” type roof.

The temple is built on a laterite block with the front part mostly made of terracotta.

The temple walls narrate the story of “Krishna Leela”. This place became popular after the visit of Chaitanya Maha Prabhu.

Around the main deity, there is the porch surrounding the temple. Three arch-like openings are present on three sides of the temple.

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

While having a tour of Bishnupur, this is the temple that should be next on your list. It is very close to the Madan Mohan Temple.

This is a 17th-century Hindu temple famous in Bishnupur built by Raghunath Singha in 1655 A.D.

The word “jor” refers to “Jora” which means connected. There are two temples located adjacent to each other which reflect two traditional village huts one serves as a porch and the other one where the main shrine is present.

They are connected in the middle by a wall. Thus the name.

The roof is of “do Chala” style with their curved roofs. The diety mainly is of “Radha Krishna” and the terracotta panels depict Ramayana & Mahabharat.

Nandalal Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

It is also an important temple in Bishnupur.

For the joy of Sri Radhika and Krishna, Mallaraj Birsingha built the temple in 1658.

The temple stands on a platform area of 12.3 × 12.3 meters square and 10.7 in height. It has a square curved roof with a single tower.

It has a very attractive vibe and excellent terracotta architecture.

Radha Govinda Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

The laterite Ekratna temple was built in 1729 AD during the time of Krishna Singha.

The temple has a square planned roof surmounted by a Sikhara at the top.

It is surrounded by a beautiful garden around and a pond on one side. The decorative motifs in the temple include floral patterns, puranic scenes.

The temple site is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and so are the rest of the temple.

You can visit the rest of the temples in this list in any order you want.

Lalji Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

Lalji Temple  has been built by Malla king Bir Singha, with Shikhara and built on a raised square shape platform.

This temple has been devoted to Radha-Krishna and is similar to that of Bengali architecture with ornamental decorations.

In front of the main temple, there are two chariots one of Lord Lalji and the other of lord Raghunath.

During the Dusshera festival, they are taken out in procession.

Malleswar Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

This is one of the important and one of the early temples built by Malla Raja Bir Singha in 1622 AD.

The deity present in the temple is Lord Shiva. The laterite platform is generally square and bears an octagonal-shaped tower.

A beautiful idol of Nandi is found in front of the shrine.

Near the temple, a ‘Thakur Dalan’ is present, where an idol of Devi Durga is worshipped during Navaratri. This Thakur Dalan is considered a symbol of heritage.

Pancha Ratna Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

Also known as the Shyam Rai Temple, the Pancha Ratna Temple was built by King Raghunath Singha in 1643.

On the four sides of the temple, three arches are presently leading to sanctum.

The main temple stands on a low square platform. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu worshipped as Krishna.

The name itself comes from the Pancharatna architectural style. There are 5 towers referred to as five gems. It has a “char Chala” roof surmounted by gems in each corner.

The corner towers are square-shaped and the central tower is octagonal.

Dalmadal Kaman

One of the main tourist attractions of Bishnupur is the Dalmadal Kaman (Cannon).

This canon of Historical importance was actually used by Lord Madan Mohan to fight battles.

This is one of the most iconic things in Bishnupur Town it is located adjacent to Chinnamasta temple in a square-shaped courtyard.

This was built by the Malla kings in the 17th century to protect their kingdom from invaders.

The Canon was made of iron with a length of 3.5 meters and bears a weight of 12 metric tons and almost cost Rs. 1.25 Lacs at that era.

Though it is of historic importance it is not maintained properly now-a-days by The Archaeological Society of India.

The city of Bishnupur is a city with beautiful tourist attractions that really refreshes the mind and heart.

An environment of sanity and peace prevails amidst the green garden and ancient forts and deities.

Bishnupur is a city rich in art that attracts tourists not only from West Bengal but from all over the world.

Make sure to pay a visit to this beautiful city.

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For any enquiry mail me at [email protected]

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All the images used in the blog are Copyright work of Swarnab Dutta and should not be used without permission.

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• West Bengal

Places to Visit in Bishnupur

• Shyam Rai Temple

Shyam Rai Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

India | West Bengal | Bishnupur

#11 of 20 places to visit in bishnupur, distance (from bishnupur bus station): 2 kms, visited from: jor bangla temple (450 m), trip duration (including travel): 15 mins or less, place location: inside bishnupur fort, transportation options: cab / walk/trek, website: na, phone no: na, place address: na, travel tips: visitors can get the entry tickets for all the bishnupur temples from rasmancha including this one. else, visitors are not allowed to enter inside the temple..

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Stand, Shyam Rai Temple is an ancient temple situated within the fort of Bishnupur. Located near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the popular temples in Bishnupur and among the must-see places to experience Bishnupur tourism. Popularly known as Pancha Ratna Temple, Shyam Rai Temple was built by King Raghunath Singha in the year 1643 AD. Like most of the temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is an example of the Pancha Ratna (Five gems) architecture and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. This is the most profusely carved temple in Bishnupur. It stands on a low square plinth and consists of an ambulatory pathway with a porch opened by three arches on the four sides of the temple. This brick-built temple consists of a square roof surmounted by five towers. The central tower itself is octagonal while the other four are square in shape. The walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna's life. The curved ceiling of the temple is influenced by Islamic architecture which cannot be seen in any other temple. Visitors can get the entry tickets for all the Bishnupur temples from Rasmancha including this one. Else, visitors are not allowed to enter inside the temple. Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM Entry Fee: Rs.10 for Indians & Rs.100 for Foreigners (to be taken at Rasmancha)

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