What about doing some heritage travel this year? Somewhere in the districts, where commercial tourism is not rampant and there are hidden archaeological treasures to seek out? And as a bonus, you get to see a treasure trove of exquisite sarees too!

Curious? Get your bags packed and plan a trip to West Bengal’s terracotta and silk hub – Bishnupur. It is a historical, quaint, small town located in Bankura District, in West Bengal, India.

The place is famous for the terracotta temples and monuments built by the Malla Dynasty kings, who had relocated from Rajasthan to Bengal in the seventeenth century. Not only archeological wonders, what Bishnupur also offers, is a glimpse into the traditional handloom legacies that have been sustained by generations of weavers settled here.

 

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So, what about a trip that packs history, archeology and heritage, along with sartorial wonders in silk? Doesn’t that sound exciting?

Terracotta Masterpieces
I made the trip to Bishnupur, along with my family, in early February when the pandemic was slowing down.
The weather was cool and crisp, and flowers were in bloom everywhere. The narrow winding lanes of the town give the feel of quaintness, and rustic charm. We booked a Toto, or a local three-wheeler, to navigate the narrow lanes and do the mandatory sight-seeing.
Built with terracotta some four to six hundred years back, these temples are archaeological wonders, having weathered the ravages of time quite jauntily.

A half day-trip would cover a tour of Rasmancha, Shyam Rai Temple, Jora Mandir, Madan Mohan Temple, Krishna Rai Temple, Bara Pathar Durwaza, and Dalmadal Cannon, all located close to each other.
With their intricately carved panels, arches, pillars and domed exteriors, the historical monuments are simply amazing to behold. Familiar episodes from the Ramayana and the Puranas come alive on these terracotta walls.

What is heartening is the way these heritage structures have survived the ravages of time and climate to retain their authentic charm and splendour.

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Artefacts and MemorabiliaStalls loaded with terracotta knick-knacks, all run by local craftsmen, abound near the temples. There are household items, jewellery, idols of gods and goddesses, utility items, and most famous of all- this region’s special Bankura horses, with their polished bodies and typical long pointy ears. You can get some superbly carved knick-knacks at unbelievably affordable prices.
Dokra or twisted metal artefacts are also available at some stores in Bishnupur. Pretty jewellery pieces, sculptures and statues – intricately crafted in Dokra, are available at fairly reasonable rates, to take home as mementos.

Baluchori – Woven Wonder in Silk
This town is also famous for its superior quality pure silk sarees, woven with finesse and diligence, and embellished with scenes from Indian epics. These sarees made from the purest silks, embroidered in traditional motifs with silk thread, are the GI tagged treasures of this region of Bengal.
The Baluchori sarees are literally works of art on fabric, handwoven painstakingly by master craftsmen. A visit to the textile hub showed us skilled artisans, working away on traditionally operated looms, to create the most awesome sartorial wonders, literally by hand. It takes a week or more to complete a piece! And that too without any modern machinery or power-operated looms.
So, do make sure you support the sustainable weaving traditions here, and pick up a piece or two of these exquisite silk sarees! You can get printed silks and tussores too, at fairly affordable prices.

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Where to Stay in Bishnupur
There is West Bengal government owned tourist lodge that has decently furnished AC rooms at reasonable rates.
Dining options are limited and the service standards are strictly functional, but the convenient location and comfortable rooms (all with balconies) are worth checking out.
Or you can opt to stay in any or the other hotels that offer decent boarding and lodging facilities. No fancy resorts or star hotels here though.

How to Reach Bishnupur
Take a flight or train to Kolkata/Howrah. From there, you can opt to either take a train or a car to reach Bishnupur. The time taken for the rail or road journey varies from 3 to 4 hours.

Best Time to Visit Bishnupur
The ideal time to visit would be in winter or in spring (October to March). A weekend trip is ideal to cover all the tourist attractions. If you want to check out the saree weaving circuit, or visit the nearby tourist spots of Jairambati, Kamarpukur, or Mukut Manipur, then plan a week-long stay.
So, what holds you back? Make that trip to Bishnupur this winter.

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Author Bio – Barnali Roy

Presently an avid Blogger and Content Writer, she has rich experience in HR and training. She has worked, as visiting faculty for Business Communication, HR, and Soft Skills, in the several management institutes in Kolkata.

An avid reader, cine-lover, foodie, crossword-junkie and travel enthusiast, she writes on diverse niches, ranging from food and health, to motivation, emotional growth and self-development.

She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in Kolkata. Among her loves are travelling to off-beat places, cooking, analyzing human behavior and social trends, reading and blogging on issues close to her heart.