Best Places to Visit in Malda – Explore Historical Gems & Nature Escapes

1.Gour Malda

Gaur (also spelled Gour) lies buried amidst the Malda district of Bengal and has a treasure trove of history and architectural marvels. Although it once served the glorious ancient Bengal as its capital, Gour remains a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the region’s abundant history, creating an unforgettable experience for history geeks and culture lovers.

A Journey Through Time

• Gour was the capital of Bengal for centuries through different dynasties – the Sena, Pala, the later Muslim rulers. Between the 12 and 16 centuries, this city was politically and culturally active and the ruins remind today the grandeur.
• The ruins of outstanding ruins dot the site, such as:
• Firoz Minar: This 26 metres high tower (at one time compared with the Qutub Minar) was made by Sultan Saifuddin Firoz Shah in the 15 th century.
• Bara Sona Mosque: Famous for its great arches and beautiful domes, here is Islamic architecture at its best.
• Dakhil Darwaza: A huge gateway which originally formed entrance to the complex of royal palace, erected during times of Sultan Barbak Shah.
• Qadam Rasul Mosque: Valued as protecting a footprint that is said to belong to Prophet Muhammad.
• Lattan Mosque, Chamkati Masjid and the Tantipara Mosque are also a must see for intensive terracota and stone work.

Visitor Information

• Location: In an area approximately 15 km to the south of Malda town, West Bengal

• Suggested Duration: 2 to 3 hours

• Best Time to Visit: October to March, during a favorable weather for walking and sightseeing.

• Entry Fee: Most of the sites are free some of the monuments will ask for nominal charges.

2.Adina Mosqu

Located just outside the Malda town in West Bengal, Adina Mosque is a wooden beauty standing tall reminding people of the Sultanate age in Bengal. The Adina Mosque considered reverend as the largest mosque in Bengal and one of the most significant Islamic architectural sites to be found in India, is a combination of magnificence, spirituality, and historic heritage.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) now protects the Adina Mosque as a controlled artifact. When you stroll through its large stone corridors and wide open courtyard you’ll get an idea of how huge the Islamic worship spaces were at the height of its glory.

The calm environment, as well as weight of history of the monument makes this place a perfect stop for history buffs, architecture students, photographers, and travelers.

Location & Accessibility

• Location: Adina near Pandua some 18 km from Malda Town

• Best Time to Visit: October-March with favourable weather

• Entry Fee: Free

• Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours

3.Jagjibanpur

Hidden amid the peaceful undulations of Malda district, Jagjibanpur is no ordinary Bengal village; it is a rich, fragment of our ancient past—that of glorious Bengal. This relatively unknown location is full of history, culture and rural charm and is a must see for heritage seekers and curious travellers.

A Discovery That Rewrote History

The sleepy village of Jagjibanpur hit the current archaeological headlines when a copper plate inscription and age-old monastic remains were found here in 1987. These discoveries indicated that Nandadirghika-Udranga Mahavihara Buddhist monastery existed in the 9 th CE century, under Pala dynasty.

The finding was revolutionary because it;

Firmly established the fact that there was a great Buddhist center in the north Bengal.

Bring light into the spread of Mahayana Buddhism in the region.

Brought light to the rural Bengal unsung story.

Copperplate inscription, issued by king Mahendrapala of Pala, described origin of monastery and now protected in the Malda Museum.

Visitor Information

• Location: Approximately 40 km away from Malda town West Bengal

• Suggested Duration: 3–4 hours

• Best Time to Visit: From November to February (during cool winter weather which is perfect for exploring).

• Entry Fee: Free (No formal entry since it’s a village site though visits may be allowed with guide).

4.Malda Museum

Situated at the heart of English Bazar in Malda town, the Malda Museum is a small, yet a culturally relevant one, that takes the patron into the depths of the past in history and archaeology of Malda region. Anybody interested in Bengal’s glorious history – from Buddhist relics to Islamic art this is a museum not to be missed.

Though it is not extensive, Malda Museum is carefully documented with artifacts found from notable nearby historically significant sites such as Gour, Pandua, Jagjibanpur and Adina. It runs the gamut of dynasties and religious traditions, and is a look into the long layered history of Malda.

Key Highlights Include:

Terracotta plaques depicted from Buddhist and Hindu temples

Stone carvings of Pala and Sena period deities

Islamic calligraphy and architecture fragments from Sultanate period

Copper plate inscriptions including the renowned Jagjibanpur copper plate of 9thcentury CE

Ancient coins, pottery, and tools

Location & Visitor Info

• Location: Rabindra Avenue English Bazar Malda West Bengal

• Entry Fee: Nominal charge (free or nominal for students).

• Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Closed on Mondays and public holidays)

• Suggested Duration: 1–2 hours

5.Adnina Deer Park

Adina Deer Park is a tranquil escape hidden in the quiet rustic background around Adina, Malda district of West Bengal; for anyone seeking an escape to nature to relax. This serene wildlife sanctuary is not only a sanctuary for spotted deer but also a gem, undiscovered for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and families in search of solitude.

🌳 A Natural Retreat

Extending over a vast green area, the Adina Deer Park is beautiful, clean and well maintained; and provides rare viewers an opportunity to gaze at animals in a serene and natural habitat. There exists a healthy population of spotted deer (chital) that move ideo around in their semi natural habitat. Sometimes you may even see peacocks, hares and a variety of birds, prevalent early in the mornings and at twilight.

If you are seeing the deer nibble, you hear birds singing or simply feel the gentle swaying of leaves, this park becomes an ideal getaway from urban madness.

Location & Visitor Info

• Location: After around 20km from Malda Town near Adina Mosque

• Suggested Duration: 2–3 hours

• Best Time to Visit: November- March ( less warm, more active wildlife)

• Entry Fee: Minimum charge (Check at your locale as it may differ)

• Timings: Generally open between daylight hours i. e 9 AM to 5 PM

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