Murshidabad Travel Essentials

Rating:

 
3.8 /5 (41 ratings) Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: October to March Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Historian's Paradise"

Murshidabad Tourism

From the Nawabs of the pre-British era to the Lords from England, Murshidabad has seen history from its core. This small tourist haven in West Bengal serves as a place that manages to combine the beauty of the past with the beliefs of the present.

Calling it a religious town or a monument city would mean limiting its beauty and restricting it magnificence. This town reminds you that no matter how forward technology has brought us, some things are best experienced on foot. The city will transport you to a beautiful, ancient time and give you a great sense of peace and awe

Top Hotels In Murshidabad

More on Murshidabad Travel

Symbol of British Colonialism

One of the major commercial hubs apart from Kolkata & Durgapur, Murshidabad is a reclusive city situated in the state of West Bengal. Once famous for its calico, Murshidabad is now rather a notorious city, owing to the notorious association of the same with the British rule, and the traitor of the Battle of Plassey named Mir Jafar. Founded by Murshid Quli Khan, the governor of Mughal ruler Mohammad Shah, this city also houses some of the most exquisite architecture, built mostly in the European way, including the Hazar Duari Palace. So if you're interested in a bit of history, do visit Murshidabad.  

Local Handicrafts

Murshidabad has a rich array of beautiful and unique locally made handicrafts. Jute is used to make many products like carpets, bags, wall decorations and quality paper. Ivory and Woodcraft is also popular here, which has its origins during the reign of the Nawabs. Another renowned handicraft are the Sholapith items or items made from shola - which is a white coloured spongy wood and is lustrous with a beautiful texture. It is carved into many decorative items like peacocks, elephants, palanquins, garlands and also into exquisite jewellery. Sholapith items are especially on prominent display during the time of Durga Puja. Bell metal or Kansa is used to make utensils and is one of the other popular items here. It is also used to make good quality locks, iron chests and traditional betel cutters. There is also a Bengali tradition of gifting bell metal items to a bride during her wedding, which is considered to be auspicious. Murshidabad is also famous for its Baluchari silk saris, which are patterned with intricate designs of animals, court scenes etc. Floral motifs along the borders of the sari is a common pattern, and they are available in many gorgeous colours.

Restaurants and Local Food in Murshidabad

Although Murshidabad is not particularly famous for any special cuisine, numerous hotels have decent eating places where you can enjoy a nice meal. However, be very careful about the water. Have only bottled water as the local municipal water is contaminated with arsenic. Murshidabad is also known for murgi biryani, Gobindo bhog chaal and Misti polao among a host of other Bengali and Muglai dishes.
View Top Restaurants in Murshidabad

Suggested Itinerary for Murshidabad

A day might actually suffice if you do not plan to cover Murshidabad in detail. After having sorted your accommodations, start off to explore Murshidabad's most famous place - The Hazar Duari Palace. The beautiful and huge palace will take up at least a few hours to cover. The Nizmat Imambara, Jafarganj Cemetery, Wasif Manzil and Madina Mosque, along with a few other places are all located in the same area. The best way to bask in its glory is to explore the entire region on foot, even if it involves covering a few kilometres. If you start off early and have just enough time, you may stop at a Bazaar in Behrampore and shop for some beautiful ivory handicrafts and silk sarees and then end the day by savouring the delicacies and varieties of mangoes Murshidabad has to offer.

Best Time to Visit Murshidabad

How to Reach Murshidabad

How to Reach Overview

Murshidabad is well connected to the rest of India by rail & road. Regular rail, as well as bus services, ply to and fro Murshidabad junction, well connected by several passenger and express trains. There are no direct buses for Murshidabad; you need to break your journey at Malda for a taxi to the same. There is no direct flight connectivity for Murshidabad. The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

How to reach Murshidabad by flight

There is no direct flight connectivity to Murshidabad. The nearest commercial airport is in Kolkata, i.e. the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is connected to Murshidabad via GT Road and SH 7.

How to reach Murshidabad by road

Murshidabad is well connected via roadways to the rest of India, owing to the famous Grand Trunk Road transmitted through the city. There is no bus stand in Murshidabad, however. You have to take a taxi from Malda, approximately 95 km away from Murshidabad.

How to reach Murshidabad by train

Travelling by train is another feasible option. The main station is Belhampore Court, that has direct connectivity with Kolkata. Khagraghat, the other main station, is connected with the Howrah Station.

Local transport in Murshidabad

Intra City commuting is pretty efficient as it is majorly state run. Cars for hire, buses and cabs are easy to find. Many hotels also offer their private tour guides and cars for extra charges. It is however advised to hire a local taxi or bus as they are cheap and readily available.

Browse Hotel Collections

Murshidabad Photos

Murshidabad, West Bengal
Hazarduari Palace
Nizmat Imbambara
Wasif Manzil

+ 18
photos

FAQs on Murshidabad

What is famous about Murshidabad?

A historical hotspot. A major commercial hub of Bengal.

What is not so good about Murshidabad?

Limited connectivity.

Who should visit Murshidabad?

Suitable for historical enthusiasts and students. Also a good weekend getaway for tourists from Bardhaman, Kolkata, Kharagpur etc.

What is the best time to visit Murshidabad?

October to March are the best months to visit Murshidabad. Murshidabad experiences both summer and winter in all its glory. While summers get too hot and winters too cold, the early winter months, however, stay pleasant and hence serve the best time to visit.
Read More

What is the local food in Murshidabad?

Although Murshidabad is not particularly famous for any special cuisine, numerous hotels have decent eating places where you can enjoy a nice meal. However, be very careful about the water. Have only bottled water as the local municipal water is contaminated with arsenic. Murshidabad is also known for murgi biryani, Gobindo bhog chaal and Misti polao among a host of other Bengali and Muglai dishes.
Read More

What is the best way to reach Murshidabad?

Murshidabad is well connected to the rest of India by rail & road. Regular rail, as well as bus services, ply to and fro Murshidabad junction, well connected by several passenger and express trains. There are no direct buses for Murshidabad; you need to break your journey at Malda for a taxi to the same. There is no direct flight connectivity for Murshidabad. The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
Read More

What are the things to do in Murshidabad?

The top things to do in Murshidabad are Hazarduari Palace, Nizmat Imbambara, Shopping in Murshidabad, Footi Mosque, Wasif Manzil, Moti Jheel. You can see all the places to visit in Murshidabad here

What are the places near Murshidabad?

The top places near to Murshidabad are Tarapith which is 48 km from Murshidabad, Santiniketan which is located 81 km from Murshidabad, Kolkata which is located 179 km from Murshidabad, Nabadwip which is located 86 km from Murshidabad, Bishnupur which is located 155 km from Murshidabad

Have a Question on Murshidabad?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.

Popular Questions And Answers on Murshidabad

Q. How many days would it take to visit all the tourist sites

Pallavi Siddhanta

5 years ago
2 days is enough
Add Your Answer

Murshidabad Reviews

Your rating

Syed Muzaffar Hossain

3 years ago
Excellent place to visit, lot's of historical monuments and the main attraction is hazarduari palace but there are lots of other things to visit in there too. Remember to visit murshidabad in winter' (Read More)s and you will not be disappointed
See 11 Hotels