Adina Mosque: Unveiling The Grandeur Of Bengal’s Largest Mosque

A view of Adina Mosque, an imposing structure in Malda district, West Bengal

The Adina Mosque in Malda, West Bengal, is one of the most famous sites of Islamic architecture in India, an imposing structure that has many linkages with the past, especially the 14th century. Almost all buildings have impressive architectural features, amazingly carved friezes, and ornamental designs, which, at the time of construction, saw Adina Mosque as the largest in the Indian subcontinent. Dated back to its history through the inscriptions of its domes and arches, this mosque is a blind spot for tourists and historians.

Location

A view of 15th-century Adina Mosque, a large mosque with a vast compound in Bengal

Photo: Rupu / Wikimedia Commons

Adina Mosque address is Pandua, Malda, West Bengal, India. It is situated about 20 kilometres away from the Malda town proper. Quietly situated within the natural setting, the Adina Mosque is supported by the vegetation that splits the building from the contemporary structures and old remnants.

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How To Reach

A picture of Adina Mosque, an ASI monument near Malda, West Bengal, India.

Photo: Ajit Kumar Majhi / Wikimedia Commons

By Road: This Mosque can be accessed by Road from Malda for visitors. Taxis and buses are also available from Malda city centre, which is nearly 20 km away and a 40-minute drive away.

By Rail: Nearest Railway station is Malda Town Railway Station, about 20 kilometres from the site. From there, one can first take local transport, like local buses and taxis, to the mosque.

By Air: The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, located in Kolkata, is just 350 kilometres away from the mosque.

Places To Visit Near Adina Mosque

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture surrounding, uncovering hidden gems and must-visit sites that enrich your travel experience in West Bengal.

1. Gour

A view of Glen Gour landscape with River Gour flowing through, surrounded by lush greenery

Photo: Ajit Kumar Majhi / Wikimedia Commons

Gour is a historical place around 16km away from Adina Mosque in Malda district, and there are other historical monuments, including the Baisgazi Wall and Dakhil Darwaza. The place was the ancient capital of Bengal, and there were fountains, which provided much evidence of the historic Bengal from its terrains, which are now occupied by the ruins of Gour, which, however, present an enriched Islamic architecture. History enthusiasts can enjoy the trip to explore the palace, gateways, and mosque.

Location: Gour, Malda, West Bengal
Best Time To Visit: October to March.

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2. Firoz Minar

A picture of Firoz Minar Tower near Adina Mosque, showing Islamic architecture

Photo: Ajit Kumar Majhi / Wikimedia Commons

The town of Malda has a splendid Sultanate structure known as Firoz Minar, which is 26 meters high and 12 km from Adina Mosque. Sultan Saifuddin Firoz Shah built this brick-built Minar with a spiral-type stairway to take one up to the top to view the sights of the rustic Malda district. Having a worthy architectural style, Firoz Minar remained an important historical and architectural landmark of the region.

Location: Malda, West Bengal
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to February

3. Qutb Shahi Mosque

A picture of the ancient stone structure of Adina Mosque, has arched doorways

Photo: Subrata Ghose / Wikimedia Commons

About 15 km from Adina Mosque, Qutb Shahi Mosque at Malda is also an attractive monument that combines Bengal and Islamic architecture. Constructed in the 16th Century, this mosque has a great work of domes, minarets, and arches, which tell the architectural features of the constructions of that period. Again, it is a perfect location for visitors to feel the calmness of Bengal’s enriched culture and traditions.

Location: Malda, West Bengal
Best Time To Visit: November to February

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Where To Stay

An image of a hotel room with clean bed sheets and two beds on the side a warm light lamp

Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The hotels that tourists can find in Malda include Golden Park Hotel, which is a conveniently located and famous hotel in Malda, Hotel Gitanjali, which is an economical hotel; and lastly, Malda Tourist Lodge, which provides basic facilities to the guests. Another good one is Hotel Sumati, which is a very good hotel with friendly staff that is easily accessible.

Where To Eat

A picture of a street food vendor near Adina Mosque; an array of colourful Indian snacks

Photo: Abhihari4 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Some of the restaurants near Adina Mosque, where you can find a touch of local Bengali food, are Silver Spoon Restaurant, Royal Bengal Hotel & Restaurant, which offers North Indian food, and New Shiraz Hotel, which offers the Mughlai foods of Bangladesh. Shree Dinesh Restaurant is also one of the places people prefer to have a normal meal.

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Best Time To Visit

A picture of Adina Mosque, a large brick mosque with intricate carvings

Photo: Subrata Ghose / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit Adina Mosque is during the winter season, particularly from mid-October to March, since it is relatively calm, with temperatures hovering between 10°C and 20°C. Adina Mosque timings to visit the mosque and other attraction sites within the area because of the heat.

Other Factors To Consider

A picture of Adina Mosque, Malda: expansive ancient ruins with arched doorways

Photo: Agniswar Kansabanik / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost Of The Trip

An average tour to Adina Mosque cost may be between Indian ₹2000 to ₹5000 per head, including transport, food, and some incidental charges. However, distance travelling charges are involved for those from Kolkata or other cities.

Cash Payments

There are places in Malda where people who require cash can withdraw; the facilities are called automated teller machines. Always avoid being empty-handed when it comes to cash. Some places around the mosque do not accept cards or mobile money.

Tips For Travellers

  • This is especially so since there is a lot to view within the compound, and thus, appropriate footwear should be worn.
  • Take bottled water and some fruits along, especially should they visit in the middle of hot weather.
  • You may also want to continue exploring other monuments and visit local Gour and Firoz Minar landmarks to maximise your time.
  • Obey bodily etiquette and take off your shoes when you are supposed to.
  • You should avoid visiting this place during the rainy season since it may affect your tour.

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Adina Mosque West Bengal is an architectural feature and an important archaeological factor in knowing about Islamic culture in Bengal. Visitors might be interested in the interior of the Adina Mosque, the Persian-style architecture, and the relaxed atmosphere. For those who want to know more about medieval Bengal, especially West Bengal, one should visit the Adina Mosque in Malda. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore Adina Mosque seamlessly.

Cover Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, visitors do have the liberty to take Adina Mosque photos. However, do not step into the praying domains, and remember that it is a very sacred place.
The Adina Mosque was constructed during the reign of Sultan Sikandar in the 14th century; it is the largest mosque of the early period in the Indian subcontinent. Persian and Bengal architectural styles seem to have been imbibed in the cuisine of the building.
Yes, one can go there on occasions like Eid. However, many groups of people may be praying there, including in the mosque. The best thing about this is seeing how religious people are on the site.
Tours of the nearby sites can be arranged, and most local companies provide specific tours that feature the Adina Mosque. Contacting local tourist offices for more information should be a good idea.
It takes roughly 1 to 2 hours to visit Adina Mosque. Still, it depends on the amount of interest showcased by the visitors who wish to visit other historical sites around the mosque.

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