Best Places to Visit in Paschim Bardhaman – Top Attractions & Landmarks

1.Garh Jungle

Garh Jungle is a great place in Hindu mythology, especially Shakta. It falls under Kanksa CD block (near Durgapur) in Durgapur subdivision in the Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal.

Here Asram of Medhas Muni was erected.According to Sri Sri Chandi, King Surath meet to Boisya samadhi at Ashram of Medhas. This Ashram was founded under Garh Jungle. Here it has been learned that King Surath and Boisya Samadhi have learned Devi Mahatmya from Medhas. Surath organized a durgapuja here at the spring time. According to Shri Shri Chandi and Markandeya Purana this was first Durga puja in the world and was held at Garh Jungle.

Surath had founded Tridebi’s temple in this jungle area i.e. Temple of Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. Now along with them Ashram of Medhas Muni, a Temple of Mahakal Bhairabis also there.There were 16 temples and only two are present. Shyamarupa Mandir and Shib Mandir.

2.Ichhai Ghosher Deul

Ichhai Ghosher Deul, or tower temple (rekha-deul), is found near Gourangapur, in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is one small sub group among Odisha Bengali temples from which the architectural suggestions can be traced back.The Ichai-Ghoshur-temple is mostly enclosed by river Ajay, which separates it from locality Gourangapur in Paschim Bardhaman district.According to Binoy Ghosh, Ghosher De It is one of the very few in Bengal rekh-deuls. Scholars date it about 16 th-17th centuries and it may have been built by the descendants of Ichhai Ghosh, to perpetuate his memory. David J. McCutchion writes of Ichhai Ghoser Deul at Gourangapur as a large smooth curvilinear rekha deul having a base of 20 feet It is a simple brick building, but for the niches and images on tower.The Ichhai Ghosh Temple is an ASI listed monument according to the List of Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal.

3.Maithon

Situated on Barakar River, about 48 km from Dhanbad, Maithon Dam is an amazing coalescence of genius engineering, scenery and calm melancholy. Known as “Lake of the Mother” (from Ma-ithon), this dam is not only an important component of the regional infrastructure, but also a highly attractive place for nature and history lovers, travelers-devotees.

Built by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), Maithon Dam is considered a new pathway in India’s infrastructure. [It] was constructed at a sheer size of 15,712 feet in length and 165 feet in height; and was specifically designed for flood control and power generation.

What makes Maithon really stand out is its underground power station, the first of its kind in South East Asia. It produces huge 60,000 kW of output in electricity, which goes along in meeting power needs of the region.

Travel Details

Location: Maithon, Jharkhand (48 km from Dhanbad)

River: Barakar River

Best Time to Visit: October – March (good weather and a time of migration for birds)

Timings: Open to the public to view all day; access to power station may require prior permission.

Entry Fee: Free with nominal charges: for boating.

Suggested Duration: 2–4 hours

4.Ram Krishna Mission

Asansol Ramakrishna Mission High School is a Bengali medium, male only high school from Asansol in West Bengal, India. It was founded in 1939 and belongs to the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Asansol; a branch of Ramakrishna Mission. It is affiliate to the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.Starting from 1926, few devotees motivated by ideology of swami Vivekananda established a Ramakrishna Mission in Asansol which now is located at Paschim Bardhaman district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Belur Math took over as one of its branches in 1939 after which it was renamed Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Asansol. On first sight, the activities of the Mission are trivial, only an orphanage and a girl’s school. In 1938 a boys’ school began which was later developed into a High School in 1944.

5.Ghagar Buri Temple

Situated outside Asansol, Ghagar Buri temple looms large near the National Highway bypass as a temple with historical significance. Branded under the name of the Goddess Kali this small yet powerful shrine is said to be the oldest temple in Asansol and carries tremendous prestige spiritually and culturally for locals.

The literal translation of the name “Ghagar Buri” is “Old Lady of the Pot,” and the temple is both full of local folklore and of reverence. During the years it has turned from a place of worship into the symbol of community faith and age-long traditions.

Worship is conducted on both the Tuesdays and Saturday considered very auspicious for the goddess. Devotees come in large crowds to pray, and light lamps, and receive blessings for protection and prosperity.

Location & Travel Details

Location: Dakshineshwar Temple and Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Kolkata, Ramakrishna Matth, Belurmath, West Bengal, and Ghagar Buri Temple, Asansol, West Bengal

Nearest City: Asansol

Situated By: National Highway (Bypass)

Best Time to Visit: Tuesday’s, Saturdays or on the annual fair in January

Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Duration: 1–2 hour

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