Ambika Kalna

Ambika Kalna or simply Kalna is the headquarter of Kalna Subdivision of Bardhaman district, in West Bengal, India. Situated on the western bank of Bhagirathi, it is also called the Temple City for the number of old temples found here. The town got its name from the deity Ma Ambika (Goddess Kali) of Siddheswari Temple.

Bengali is the native language here. Hindi can also be used for communication.

By road

By road, Kalna can be accessed from Krishnanagar, Katwa, Bandel, Pandua, Bainchi, Memari and Bardhaman.

By rail

The railway station is Ambika Kalna and it is connected to the loop line route from Howrah to Katwa. 81 km from Howrah, it can be reached by several local as well as express trains which travel in that route.

By air

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

Toto and auto rickshaws are the only mode of transport within the town.

The city is known for the various old temples with terracotta works. A toto can be hired to visit all the attractions. Most will guide you to all the places.

• Siddheswari Kali mandirThis is from where Ambika Kalna got its name.

• Nava Kailasha

• Kalna temple complex

• Rameswar temple

• Gopalji temple

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

Unfortunately there are not too many places for a proper meal in the city.
For snacks there are sweet shops all over the city, where one can have sweets as well as snacks like kochuri, singara, paratha or petai paratha.
For lunch or dinner there are few small shops and roadside stalls around Chowk Bazar near the Kalna temple complex. There you can have rice, vegetables, meat or fish. None are hygienic, so if you are concerned, avoiding this places will be better. Bringing your own food is a good option.
For a more hygienic and proper meal, Hotel Priyadarshini near the bus stand is a good option for Bengali lunch and dinner.

• Hotel PriyadarshiniSituated near the bus stand, this is a standard hotel. Tasty Bengali food is served.

• Shiboramokrishno LodgeThis lodge is situated beside the 108 Shiva temple complex. If you want to stay near the main attractions, this is a good place. The lodge provides clean rooms and shared washrooms. Food is not available, but with prior order they can arrange home delivery.

• Baidyapur
• Guptipara