MurshidabadOnce the capital of the Bengal Nawabs, Murshidabad was an important trading town between inland India and the port of Calcutta. About 200 km north of Calcutta, Murshidabad gives you an experience of a typical idyllic rural life of Bengal and the grandeur of Nawabi lifestyle. It has a tradition of silk, ivory, and bell metal ware. PLACES OF INTEREST Nazamatkila -- an Italian style palace built by the British for Nawab Mirjafar; Khusbagh -- the garden where the Nawabs were buried; opposite is the Moti Jhil or Pearl Lake; Hazarduari -- the mansion of a thousand doors, which has now been converted into a museum of the Nawab dynasty's belongings. EXCURSIONS Forty km away is the mango grove where the Battle of Plassey was fought between Siraj-ud-Daula and the British in 1757. It was the battle which changed the history of the sub-continent. Baranagar, famous for its 18th century Bangla Temple, which is one of the finest specimens of Bengal's terracotta temples. ACCESS Murshidabad is well connected by rail and road to Calcutta 221 kms. |