Bardhaman

Bardhaman, headquarters of East Bardhaman district, is the fifth largest city in West Bengal and growing fast. It is the largest agricultural centre in the state, located in what has been traditionally called the "granary of Bengal". It is a major transport centre with rail and road connections all around. Since independence, it has emerged as a higher education hub. Bardhaman gets its name from Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Jain tirthankara in 6th century BC, who is said to have traversed this region. Located in the fertile plains of Bengal, it has been the target of many an invader and witnessed many battles, the most touching being the battle between Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak in 1610, to determine the fate of Meherunissa, wife of Sher Afgan, who emerged as Noor Jehan. Both Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak lie buried in Bardhaman. In more recent history the Badhaman Raj family has played a more dynamic role in shaping the destiny of Bardhaman. Curzon Gate is an important landmark in Bardhaman and the Rajbati now houses Burdwan University.

By road

The Grand Trunk Road runs across the city, NH 2 bypasses the city. South Bengal State Transport Corporation and private operators operate buses from Esplanade and Karunamoyee in Saltlake. It takes around 2-2½ hours. Bardhaman is well connected by bus with numerous places all around. All buses arrive and leave from Uttara (Nababhat) Bus Stand and Alisha Bus Stand.

By rail

The main Howrah-Delhi rail track passes through Bardhaman. One can take a local train from Howrah to reach in 2 hrs. One can also travel along the Sahibganj Loop, which branches off, one station after Bardhaman. The narrow gauge line to Katwa is being upgraded (as of 2013) to broad gauge.

Cycle rickshaws are available for travel within the city.

City landmarks

• Bardhaman District Court

• Bardhaman Railway Station

• Bardhaman RajbariNow houses the Burdwan University administrative office

• Curzon Gate

• Krishak Setu across Damodar River

• Tinkonia Bus StandOn GT Road, in the heart of the city

• Uttara Bus TerminalOn NH 2, in the northern outskirts of the city, in the Nababhat neighbourhood

108 shiv mondir

• BardhamaneswarA huge Shivlinga in Alamganj

• The University of Burdwan

  address: Main campus at Golapbagh

• Krishnasayer Park

• Mazhar of Pir BaharamThe Mazhar of Pir Baharam, which houses the tomb of a Persian Sufi saint, also houses the tombs of Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak who were killed in a battle at Bardhaman in 1610. Meherunissa, the wife of the Jagirdar of Bardhaman, Sher Afgan, was sent to Agra after the battle, and later emerged as Noor Jahan.

• Meghnad Saha Planetarium

• 108 Shib Mandir4 km from the town. Comprises of 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Ramna BaganMini Zoo

• Sarbamangala TempleTemple dedicated to Ma Sarbamangala. The temple has beautiful teracota works.

• Science Centre

• Bardhaman town is famous for two sweetmeat items: mihidana and sitabhog. There are plenty of shops selling these items on Grand Trunk Road and elsewhere.

Mid-range

• City Tower Hotel

  phone: +91 342 2568275
  address: 23 GT Road

• Hotel Manohar Inn

  phone: +91 342 2550649, +91 342 2560169
  address: BC Road

Budget

• Hotel Kalyani

  phone: +91 342 2568702, +91 342 2564192
  address: Anita Cinema Lane

• Hotel Kandari

  phone: +91 342 2563458, +91 342 2560158

• Hotel Mainak

  phone: +91 342 2562580
  address: GT Road, Patal Bazar

• Hotel Samrat

  phone: +91 342 2567757, +91 342 2565981
  address: GT Road, Palika Bazar

• Natraj Hotel

  phone: +91 342 2566180

• Hotel Barddhaman Inn

  phone: +91 342 2659471
  address: Nawabhat More, Bardhaman
  Hotel Barddhaman Inn is near 108 Shiva Temple in Bardhaman.

Nearby

• Aranya Sundari Valki Machan

  phone: +91 3452 200604, +91 3452 203597
  address: Valki Machan Tourist Spot, Vill & PO Valki, Distt. Bardhaman
  It was a hunting spot (with 'machan') of the Maharajas of Bardhaman.

• Asansol
• Ambika Kalna
• Bankura
• Bishnupur
• Durgapur
• Garh Panchakot/Panchet Dam
• Maithon
• Santiniketan