Bankura Travel Guide – Discovering the Hidden Gem of West Bengal

Located in the heart of West Bengal, Bankura is a land of art, history, and natural beauty. Known for its red soil, terracotta temples, hills, and warm-hearted people, it’s a destination that perfectly blends heritage with peace.

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 How I Reached :

I began my journey early morning from Kolkata. Took a train from Howrah to Bankura, which took around 4.5 hours. From the railway station, I booked a local cab to reach my hotel. The drive through red soil paths and lush greenery already made the journey refreshing.

 Best Time to Visit Bankura :

The best time to visit Bankura is October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant, perfect for exploring temples, hills, and outdoor attractions. Avoid summer months (April–June) as it gets quite hot. The monsoon (July–September) brings greenery but occasional heavy rain.

 Places I Explored :

 Day 1 – Terracotta Temples & Susunia Hill :

After breakfast, I started exploring Bishnupur, famous for its ancient terracotta temples. Visited Rasmancha, Jorbangla, and Madanmohan Temples, each filled with beautiful carvings that tell stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In the afternoon, I headed to Susunia Hill — an ideal spot for short treks and nature walks. The view from the hilltop and the cool breeze made it worth the climb. Ended the day with a simple Bengali dinner — rice, fish curry, and pithe (sweet rice cakes) at a local eatery.

 Day 2 – Mukutmanipur & Spiritual Vibes :

Early morning, I set out for Mukutmanipur, about 55 km from Bankura town. The Mukutmanipur Dam on the Kangsabati River looked breathtaking, especially during sunrise. Enjoyed a peaceful boat ride, clicked pictures, and soaked in the calm atmosphere. Tried local snacks like muri with ghugni and sweet sitabhog. Later, I visited Joyrambati and Kamarpukur, the birthplaces of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa — a place of deep spiritual peace. Returned to my hotel in the evening, tired but happy.

Day 3 – Shopping and Farewell :

Before leaving, I explored the Bankura local market. The shops were filled with terracotta art, Dokra metal crafts, and the famous Baluchari sarees. Watching artisans create these handmade pieces was inspiring — it felt like art and tradition live in every corner of Bankura.

Day 4 - Returning Home :

On the last morning, I packed my bags and took a train back to Kolkata. As the red soil landscapes faded into the city skyline, I carried home memories of peace, culture, and simplicity.

 Local Food I Enjoyed :

• Breakfast: Luchi with aloo torkari

• Lunch: Rice, mochar ghonto (banana flower curry), posto, fish curry

• Snacks: Muri, vegetable chop, ghugni

• Dessert: Mihidana, Sitabhog, Pithe

The local food was homely, fresh, and full of traditional Bengali flavors — a true highlight of the trip!

    Quick Travel Tips – Bankura :

• ✅ Best time to visit: October to March

• 💰 Carry some cash — small shops may not take cards

• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes for temple visits and hill walks

• 🚖 Hire a local cab or auto for sightseeing

• 🥗 Try local food & sweets – Mihidana, Sitabhog, Mochar Ghonto

• 🛍️ Buy terracotta and dokra handicrafts as souvenirs

• 📸 Visit early morning or sunset for best photography

  

 Quick Facts — Bankura Travel Guide :

Feature	Details
Nearest City	Bishnupur (35 km), Durgapur (45 km), Kolkata (220 km)
Best Time to Visit	October – March
Famous For	Terracotta temples, Susunia Hill, Mukutmanipur Dam, Art & Handicrafts
Ideal Duration	2–3 days
Nearest Railway  Station	Bankura Railway Station
Languages	Bengali, Hindi
Popular Activities	Temple sightseeing, trekking, boating, handicraft shopping

My Experience :

From exploring terracotta temples to trekking at Susunia and relaxing by Mukutmanipur Lake, every corner of Bankura felt like a connection to Bengal’s roots. The locals were kind and welcoming, always ready with a smile and a story.

 Final Thoughts :

If you love heritage, nature, and local culture, Bankura is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The terracotta art, serene hills, and local warmth make it a perfect weekend getaway for any traveler.