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Bishnupur, an elegant town filled with heritage and stunning artworks, is an appropriate choice for travellers who want to experience the cultural essence of West Bengal. What makes the city special are the terracotta temples and the intricate temple art. There are numerous things to do in Bishnupur, a beautiful collage of history, native architecture, music and craft. However, this place is about more than terracotta. One can find a glimpse of ancient culture in the form of temples preserved centuries ago and faded traditional craftsmanship enriched with splendid stage performances. For anyone intending to travel there, here is a list of the top things to do in Bishnupur for a great adventure.
Top 10 Things To Do In Bishnupur
Discover some of the best things to do in Bishnupur that blend history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.
1. Explore The Terracotta Temples
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The temples are constructed of terracotta using ornamental bricks with carved figures, defining the structures for the temples and the encompassing walls. The structures are famous for their complex stone sculptures inspired by legends. Among them are Rasmancha, Jorbangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Sri Shyam Rai Temple, etc. The Rasmancha temple is famous for its unique shape and design, and it is worth visiting during the Ras festival, which is held annually. The festival takes place once every year, namely during August. On the other hand, Jorbangla Temple has figures from Mahabharata and Ramayana carved in terracotta on its walls.
Location: Banks of the Bodai River
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Enrol In A Craft Workshop
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Terracotta crafts are exquisite in Bishnupur owing to the vast number of artisans. When you participate in a workshop, you can observe the artisans using their hands to shape the clay and explain how to do so. Pottery and terracotta are available in workshops where you can learn how to make artefacts that capture your experiences and take them as souvenirs. This form of the workshop not only gives an understanding of the local arts quite well but also communicates the cultural aspects of Bishupur. The people are friendly, and most of them are artisans who are willing to teach.
Location: Local artisan studios
Craft Type: Terracotta, Pottery
3. Try Out Local Dishes
Photo: Charles Haynes / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the mouth-watering Bengali food is essential on any trip to Bishnupur. The thalis served in restaurants of the town consist of classic Bengali delicacies such as macher jhol (fish curry), kosha mangsho (mutton curry), mishti doi (sweet yoghourt), sandesh and the much-adored roshogolla. To appreciate the culture of Bishnupur to its fullest, relishing some of the local foods is recommended. Vegetarians will be pleased to know there is no need to compromise as vegetarian thalis are also available, providing the regional touch. Food lovers and occasional eaters will find the culinary tradition of Bishnupur to be warm and rich in Bengali heritage.
Best Place: Local Bengali eateries
Local Delicacies: Macher jhol, Mishti doi, Roshogolla
4. Witness A Traditional Musical Or Dance Performance
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only
Bishnupur is famous for its gharana, a distinct classical music tradition. A live performance of this music with beautiful tunes will surely leave a mark on you. If you are fortunate enough, you can watch dance performances, which are one of the attractions of your journey. Whether the presentation is at an occasion or a planned event, drama performances of this classical art make it with its unique flair of Bengal’s art culture. Performers are encouraged to check their local bulletin boards, ask friends about dancing events, and take their chance to hear the tunes of Bishnupur’s many talented artists.
Music Type: Bishnupur Gharana
Dance Type: Traditional Bengali dance forms
5. Attend The Bishnupur Festival
Photo: Jonoikobangali / Wikimedia Commons
Bishnupur’s terracotta crafts, handloom, and pottery are celebrated in this December festival, and many people look forward to it every year. The festival serves as an opportunity to mingle with the local artists, taste the food, and benefit from the displays of art and culture. It is a treat for the eyes and ears and an amazing way to experience the culture of Bishnupur. It is essential to note that through live shows and sales of handmade crafts, the steel town makes history and art relevant today. If you come in December, you will have a good chance to be at the festival where various activities to celebrate the cultures of Bishunipur town will take place.
Time: December
Where: Various locations around Bishnupur
6. Visit The Bishnupur Fort
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
The Hawa Mahal section that has remained intact is still intact and has a unique historical origin. Still, it is no longer at the top of its game because only a portion of the original Egyptian structure, also called the Bishnupur or Egyptian temple, stands. In the vicinity of the Krishna Balaram Deul Temple, Hawa Mahal is overgrown with rub and plants, making it look quite aged, which gives the place an aura of suspense. The construction of this fort in the ancient city of Bishnupur, which was also the country’s earliest defences, began in the 18th century, aiming to protect the kingdom and its rich culture and people.
Location: Rajdarbar, Dalmadal Para
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
7. Dalmadal Cannon
Photo: SuvadipSanyal / Wikipedia
The Dalmadal Cannon is a fascinating relic that embodies the bravery and heritage of Bishnupur. It is a no-as-thick iron cannon that is said to have been made under the rule of King Gopal Singha in the 17th century, and he used it to defend himself from Marathas, which was effective. The only other structure in Vishbahn is the cannon, which has an archaeological survey of the Indian shield that mentions its physical and aesthetic structure. Many note how the Dalmadal cannon is almost imbued into everything Bishnupur stands for. To most people, it is a sundry relic that marks a time in history when violence was prevalent, but even still, it is a reminder of how valuable history is.
Location: Near Jor Mandir Temples
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
8. Take A Trip To Lalbandh
Photo: Michał Robak / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lalbandh, built in 1658 by Malla Raj Raghunath Singha, is a beautiful, serene area with vast historical significance, making it one of the downtimes in Bishnupur. Lalbandh was also intended and utilised for a dual purpose: to furnish the water supply to the town and, at the same time, to serve as a security moat. The lake emerged from the name of Lalbai, a Persian dancer the Malla king thought much of, thus adding some romance stories to its history. A thick cover of trees around the lake enhances its peace and makes it appropriate for leisure walks and quiet time. Owing to its calmness and natural beauty, this pond complements the other beauties of Bishnupur’s architectural sights, as guests can calm down and enjoy nature without any hurry.
Location: Lalbandh, Bishnupur
Built-in: 1658
9. Bishnupur Museum
Photo: Craig Adderley / Pexels / Image For Representation only
Bishnupur Museum, popularly known as Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, is a historical Bajrada place in Bishnupur that allows visitors to understand the city’s history and artistic development. The museum depicts the various aspects of Bishnupur by having many artefacts, manuscripts, sculptures, and textiles of different eras. Among the collections are realisable anthropic memorabilia such as tools of the Mesolithic Era and coins and microliths of the Gupta era, some of which are much older than the town itself. For those interested in history and art, Bishnupur Museum is a recommended place.
Location: Dalmadal Para
Timings: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5
10. Embrace The Soul Of Shopping
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to bring back a souvenir from Bengal, the Bishnupur markets are your best bet. Among these are the attractive Baluchari sarees, whose intricately woven mythological stories are hand-woven artefacts by local craftsmen. Additionally, there are traditional products such as necklaces made from conch shells, dokra (metal)work, and terracotta figures of elephants, pots, and gods. These items, also ideal souvenirs and presents, embody the heritage of the region’s culture. Chak Bazar, Chinnamasta, and Indira markets are some of the most interesting places to shop since they are crowded with vendors selling these products.
Location: Chak Bazaar, Chinnamasta Market, Indira Market
The charm of Bishnupur is that it masterly combines art, history, and spirituality, making it the perfect place for a cultural getaway. There are several things to do in Bishnupur, at its famous terracotta temples, colourful fairs, and booming arts. To top off an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, TripXL provides customised travel packages that guarantee the best experience in Bishnupur and create lifetime experiences in the city of West Bengal.
Cover Photo: SuvadipSanyal / Wikimedia Commons
