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Chandraketugarh Museum, located in the heart of West Bengal, is one of the least mentioned yet historically rich museums. Situated in the heart of the small town of Chandraketugarh, about 35 kilometres from Kolkata, this Museum provides an astonishing perspective of the ancient history of that region. The Museum holds interesting archaeological findings in the form of terracotta sculpture, pottery, coins, and inscriptions belonging to the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties. One of the most significant historical sites is Chandraketugarh Museum West Bengal, which epitomises this region’s rich culture.
Location
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chandraketugarh Museum is located in the town of Chandraketugarh in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, about 35 kilometres from Kolkata. This area is also historically and archaeologically important. The Chandraketugarh Museum’s address puts it pretty close to various other ruins and historical places from the Mauryan and Gupta periods.
How To Reach
Photo: Markus Spiske / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Road: The Museum is also accessible by road. It can be reached by private cabs or buses, which take about an hour to reach Chandraketugarh from Kolkata.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Baruipur, which is around 10 km away from the Museum. You can hire a cab or auto-rickshaw from the station.
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is the nearest airport, about 40 km from this Museum.
Places To Visit Around Chandraketugarh Museum
Below is a list of a few places that you can uncover on your trip to Chandraketugarh Museum in West Bengal.
1. Chandraketugarh Archaeological Site
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chandraketugarh Archaeological Site: One of the most significant historical sites near Chandraketugarh Museum. The ancient site has one of the most valuable collections of terracotta artefacts: figurines, pottery, and sculpture. The site dates back to the Mauryan and Gupta periods, and you will glimpse an early life long forgotten.
Entry Fees: Free
Distance: 5 km from Museum
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Sundarbans National Park
Photo: Soumyajit Nandy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that any nature lover should visit. This place has a unique mangrove ecosystem and is home to Bengal tigers. Plenty of wildlife can be seen here, such as saltwater crocodiles and various bird species. Boating safaris through the dense forests and learning about the ecological importance of Sunderbans make it an admirable location.
Distance: 50 km from Museum
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Baruipur Temple
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This temple at Baruipur, located approximately 10 km from Chandraketugarh Museum, provides the magnificent Baruipur Temple. Being a temple to the Hindu gods, it is a prominent cultural and religious place in the region. The temple’s tranquil setting and unique design attract any spiritual and architectural admirer to this place. There is a living essence of rural Bengal due to the silent scenario and local Bengali traditions within the temple.
Entry Fees: Free
Distance: 10 km from Museum
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Where To Stay
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Several convenient stay choices are available around Chandraketugarh Museum. There is Hotel Kamal around the Museum, which offers cheap rooms with modern facilities. The other option is Sundarban Tourist Lodge, a little away from the place. It is more of a silent environment, and nature and wildlife can be accessed closely during the stay. The Baruipur Hotel, approximately 10 km from the Museum, can be chosen for its authentic Bengali ambience. Here, accommodations are cosy, and hospitality and local traditional touches are present.
Where To Eat
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Dotted with local eateries, Chandraketugarh Museum has enough traditional Bengali dishes. Two are the Bengali Kitchen’s fish curry with steamed rice and hot meals at Chandraketugarh Dhaba, which serves good food at low prices. Hotel Kamal Restaurant is a casual option for on-the-go people, and Indian and continental dishes are available there.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Amrit Sufi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best season to visit Chandraketugarh Museum is from October to March, as it provides a relatively comfortable weather situation. Mildly warm weather characterises this period, making it a favourite time for tourism and outdoor recreation activities. Summertime can be hot and humid from April to June, constraining your visit. So, a visit during winter gives ample opportunity to understand the Museum and the historical places around it.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip: The estimated cost of a day trip from Kolkata to Chandraketugarh is INR 2,000-4,000 for transportation and food.
Cash Payment: Some hotels and restaurants accept credit/debit cards; however, it is wise to carry INR cash in small amounts or for rural stays. ATMs are available in Baruipur but less so in Chandraketugarh.
Tips For Travellers
- Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you must walk a lot.
- Carry a bottle of water with you while visiting to keep yourself hydrated.
- Visit temples or the local region to learn about the customs of that particular locale.
- The climatic condition also needs to be checked so that a visit during a cooler time can be planned.
- You are visiting to buy small things. Card payments are only accepted in some places.
Chandraketugarh Museum is a beautiful journey into Bengal’s ancient history, with artefacts dating back to the Mauryan and Gupta periods. Unique terracotta sculptures and ancient pottery make it a ‘must-visit’ for all history lovers. Visit Chandraketugarh Archaeological Site and Sunderbans, which lie near the Museum. If you want an idea of what awaits you, look at Chandraketugarh Museum photos. Organise your itinerary with us; we will ensure that your visit to this treasure of history is smooth and memorable.
Cover Photo: Excusemepls / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
