Krishnanagar

It was the residence of Raja Krishnachandra, a great patron of art and culture in Bengal medieval period.
Krishnanagar is an important centre for culture and literature.
In Ghurni, a neighbourhood of Krishnanagar, there is a colony of artists who work with clay. These artists produce images of Hindu gods and goddesses for traditional worship throughout the year, as well as clay models of human figures and real life objects. Open studios and shops of the artists comprise an important attraction for tourists. Some of the artists have started using fibre glass in place of clay.

Krishnanagar lies 100 km north of Kolkata on the Sealdah-Lalgola line (2 1/2 hrs.). Frequent EMU trains and Lalgola passengers along with a few express trains connect it with Sealdah. It is well connected with the neighbouring cities and towns by buses. National Highway No. 34 passes through the Krishnanagar town.

Cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws are available for movement within the town.

City landmarks

• Jalangi River

• Krishnanagar Railway Station

• GhurniThe Bangalore-based Deccan Herald has written, "“We have clay dolls, toys and even clay sculptures in different parts of India. But there has been nothing to match the clay doll artisans of Krishnanagar in the Nadia district of West Bengal. The creations of these artists are displayed in most of the handicraft museums of the world. In India, we have a large display of these dolls in the Shankar's Dolls Museum in New Delhi. One look at the clay dolls and we are amazed at the reality with which the artist has displayed the character of the model." Exhibitions of Krishnagar dolls have been held in London, Paris and Boston. Doll makers market their products personally to the local people as well as to the outside visitors. Sales are also made through Krishnanagar Mritsilpa Co-operative Society, Nadia District Service cum Marketing Co-operative Industrial Union Ltd., and West Bengal Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd.

• Krishnanagar Roman Catholic ChurchIt stands out for its distinctive architecture. There are 27 oil paintings describing the life of Jesus Christ. There also is a Protestant church in the same compound.

• RajbariThe Rajbari has a beautiful Durga temple in the courtyard. Jhulan Mela is celebrated in July-August, Baro Dol is held 12 days after Dol Purnima in March-April.

• Clay Model of Krishnanagar

  phone: +91-9434370961
  Leading manufacturer of clay model based in Krishnanagar

• Ghurni studiosDoll makers market their products personally to tourists.

• Studio di Scultura

  address: Ghurni
  Bronze sculpture installed - 7' 6" standing statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Leicestor, UK; 5' sitting statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Munich; 3' 6" bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Shanghai; 3' bust of Jagadish Chandra Bose in Teheran; 6' statue of Rani Rashmoni in Kolkata (Esplanae); 9' statue of Swami Vivekananda in Dakshineswar and many others.

• Swarbhaja and Swarpuriya - two renowned sweet-meat items of Krishnanagar.

• Adhar Chandra Das & Sons

  phone: +91 3472 252139, +91 9434057465
  address: Nadiar Para
  Claims to be inventor of Swarbhaja and Swarpuriya. Shop founded in 1902. This shop was famous for the shooting of the movie Sabar Upore, starring Uttamkumar and Suchitra Sen. Many other sweetmeat novelties available.

Mid-range

• Hotel Haveli

  phone: +91 3472 271756, +91 3472 271757, +91 3472 654743, +91 3472 645186
  address: NH 34, Bhatjangla

Budget

• Aiswariya

  address: 16 Station Approach Road

• Asian Guest House

  address: 28 Sukanta Sarani, Kanthalpota

• Basasree Hotel

  address: Rabindranath Tagore Road

• Ghosh Suitas

  address: NH 34

• Hotel Astha Midway

  phone: +91 3472 271759, +91 7407188882
  address: NH 34, Basak Para, Bhatjungla

• Krishnanagar Municipal Tourist Lodge

• Mullick Lodge

  phone: +913472254538
  address: State Highway 11

• Mumpi Hotel & Lodge

  address: Krishnanagar Bus Stand, Lal Mohan Ghosh Road

• Sristi Lodge

  phone: +913472326297
  address: Biswambar Roy Road

• Trinath Lodge

  address: Beledanga Morh

• Bethuadahari - wild-life sanctuary, 24 km from Krishnanagar
• Mayapur - religious centre
• Plassey - Famous for historical battle of plassey between Nawab Siraj ud Doula and East India Company
• Murshidabad - historical and cultural location, former capital of Sube Bangla