The 11 Best Places to Visit in Murshidabad | How to Visit Murshidabad From Kolkata

Murshidabad Travel Guide: A Blend of History and Beauty

Murshidabad is a historic city in West Bengal, deeply connected to the legacy of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. The city is famous not only for its historical significance but also for its stunning architecture, natural beauty, and rich culture. In this blog, we will share essential details about traveling to Murshidabad, including key attractions, budget, transportation, and other necessary information.

Hazarduari Palace

How to Reach Murshidabad

There are several ways to reach Murshidabad:

By Train: You can take trains like Hazarduari Express, Bhagirathi Express, or Lalgola Passenger from Kolkata to reach Murshidabad station easily.

By Road: You can travel from Kolkata to Murshidabad by car or bus via NH-34. Private taxis and cabs are also available. The distance from Kolkata to Murshidabad is approximately 217 km.

Tourist Attractions in Murshidabad

1. Hazarduari Palace

The most famous tourist attraction in Murshidabad, Hazarduari Palace, was built in 1829 during the reign of Nawab Humayun Jah. The name means "Palace of a Thousand Doors" because the grand structure has more than 1,000 doors. Inside, there is a massive museum showcasing the Nawabs' weapons, clothing, paintings, and rare artifacts.

2. Nimaitita Rajbari

Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Nimaitita Rajbari is renowned for its mesmerizing architectural beauty. Built between 1866 and 1867, this ancient royal palace has been featured in many Bengali films. Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray shot scenes from his movies Devi (1960) and Samapti (1961) here.

3. Katra Mosque

Built between 1723 and 1724 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, this mosque is an exceptional example of Islamic architecture. Murshid Quli Khan shifted his capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad in 1717, and the city was named after him. The mosque is famous for its ornate arches and terracotta artwork.

4. Motijheel (Pearl Lake)

Once a recreational retreat for the Nawabs, Motijheel is now a popular tourist spot. It is a large water body surrounded by serene natural beauty. Locals believe that the Nawabs hid treasures in this lake.

5. Khushbagh

Khushbagh is one of the most historic sites in Murshidabad. It is the burial place of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and his family members. Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, this cemetery is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful and historical ambiance.

6. Kathgola Bagan (Kathgola Garden Palace)

Laxmipat Singh Dugar, a wealthy and influential businessman, owned Kathgola Bagan, famous for its magnificent architecture. The area is said to be named after Kath Golap (frangipani flowers) or a wood storage area that once existed nearby. It was a major hub of trade during the Nawabi era.

7. Jagat Seth’s House & Museum

This museum displays personal belongings of Jagat Seth, a famous banker of the 18th century. The collection includes ancient coins, muslin, and Banarasi sarees woven with gold and silver threads. A secret underground chamber can also be found here. Entry fee: ₹30.

8. Nashipur Rajbari

Built as the court of Debi Singh, a tax collector during the British rule, Nashipur Rajbari has now been transformed into a museum. The museum houses family artifacts, official documents, and royal decrees from that era.

Nizamat Imambara

9. Nizamat Imambara

Located opposite Hazarduari Palace, Nizamat Imambara was originally built by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah but was destroyed by fire between 1842 and 1846. The current Imambara, built by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan in 1848, cost 6 lakh gold coins. It is 680 feet long, making it one of the largest Imambaras in India.

10. Jahan Kosha Cannon

Meaning "Destroyer of the World," Jahan Kosha is a massive medieval cannon made of eight metals (gold, silver, zinc, copper, tin, iron, mercury, and lead). The cannon is 17 feet 6 inches long, with a circumference of 5 feet, and weighs 212 tons.

11. Nashipur Akhra & Sri Raghunath Temple

Located near Nashipur Rajbari, this site includes Sri Raghunath Temple, which hosts the Jhulan Yatra festival and an annual fair. Visitors can also see a wooden chariot, a gold and silver chariot, and an ancient carriage.

Murshidabad Travel Budget

Hotel Costs: Budget hotels cost ₹800-1,500 per night, while luxury hotels range from ₹2,500-5,000.

Food Expenses: Around ₹300-500 per person per day.

Local Transport Costs: Rickshaw, auto, and e-rickshaw rides cost around ₹100-300. If you book an e-rickshaw for a full tour, it costs around ₹450-500. You can also explore by horse cart for ₹350-400.

What to Eat in Murshidabad?

Try Murshidabad’s famous chhanar malpua and misti doi (sweet yogurt).

Don’t miss the Murshidabadi Biryani, influenced by the Nawabi culture.

Travel Tips for Murshidabad

Hire a guide to learn about the history of the places.

Some sites, like Hazarduari Museum, require separate camera tickets.

Follow local safety guidelines issued by authorities.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Murshidabad is not just a tour—it’s a journey through history. The city’s rich heritage, grand architecture, and unique culture will leave you mesmerized. So, plan your visit and explore this historic gem!

Jagat Seth's House

Have you been to Murshidabad? Share your experience in the comments! If you liked this guide, share it with your friends!

Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace | History and Its Significance | Travel Guide and Tips

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