Barrackpore, a small but historically significant town in West Bengal, has much to offer anyone exploring the area. Known for its beautiful green cover, colonial architecture, and calm riverside scenes, places to visit in Barrackpore is a town that has been overlooked for a long time. From visiting temples to aged fire stations and absorbing the history of the Indian liberation movement, Barrackpore is certainly a place to explore.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Barrackpore
Discover Barrackpore’s charm with these top 10 must-visit places that blend history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.
1. Annapurna Temple
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Resembling the magnificent Dakshineswar Temple, the Annapurna Temple is breathtaking in its sheer architectural design. The time of construction of this temple is estimated to be around 1870. This temple, with nine pinnacles, was built under the patronage of Jagadamba Devi, who was the daughter of Rani Rashmoni. The temple lies in the Ganges and is near Talpukur in Barrackpore. It is a tribute to Goddess Annapurna. The making of this brick-structured temple, which had raised portions along with a staircase, took a span of five years.
Location: Park Rd, Titagarh, Barrackpore
Timing: 5 AM – 1:30 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
2. Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya
Photo: SMITA DUTTA / Wikimedia Commons
Mahatma Gandhi preserved his legacy in the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya with the intent to encourage its relevance to younger generations. The museum showcases five exhibits organised thematically. This establishment also houses a library with a comprehensive collection of informative books and audio and visual material collections documenting the life history of the Father of the Nation, other writers, and the Indian independence movement.
Location: 14 Riverside Road, Barrackpore
Timing: 11 AM – 5 PM, (Closed on Wednesdays)
3. Lalkuthi Fire Station
Photo: Anna Shvets / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Although dilapidated, the Lalkuthi Fire Station is a reminder of Barrackpore in its colonial days. The building is next to the Annapurna Temple. This building’s redbrick construction is full of American characteristics, even American Architecture, but it’s appealing regardless. The building may not be used as a fire service anymore. Still today, however, the building serves its purpose as it is located in Lalkuthi’s red brick style, which has not changed over time.
Location: 13, Jodhpur Park Rd, Titagarh, Barrackpore
Timing: Open 24 hours
4. Wesley Church
Photo: Nothing Ahead / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
In 1883, the Wesley Church was built by Mrs. Wesley and stood tall in the Barrackpore cantonment area, which is approximately 400 metres away from St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. St. Bartholomew’s is an Anglican Church, and the Singapore Methodist Church belongs to the Methodist tradition and is under the Barrackpore Diocese (CNI). The church’s architecture is modest but lovely, following the design methods.
Location: Cantonment, Barrackpore
5. Mangal Pandey Ghat & Park
Photo: Soumava2002 / Wikimedia Commons
Mangal Pandey Ghat was constructed to remember the first fight that rose against British Rule, which Mangal Pandey led in 1857. This Ghat, beside the Hooghly River, is close to the Flagstaff house and adjacent to a well-maintained public park that charges very nominal entry fees. This quiet and breezy park located near the river has the statue of Mangal Pandey, who proved to his administrator that he was a brave and sacrificial soldier.
Location: Barrackpore, Barrackpur Cantonment
Timing: 8 AM – 6 PM
6. Tarakeswar Temple
Photo: SuvadipSanyal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are not fond of the hustle of big city life, Tarakeswar will send you back 500 years in a matter of seconds. Avoid visiting on weekends, and I beg you to avoid Khiladiya Gali. Constructed in the 18th century, the Tarakeswar Temple stands out for its leathery texture and divine fragrance. A lit ′ sanctum built to house a ‘Shiva Lingam’ is complemented by an open, stucco-covered wrap-around porch for group worshippers somewhere on the property.
Location: Diri Para, Nimta, North Dumdum
Timing: 6 AM – 1:30 PM, 3 PM – 7 PM
7. Barrackpore Park South Gate
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Barrackpore Park South Gate, set within the British colonial context, used to be the southernmost point of accessing the Barrackpore expansive park. Now stripped down to its bare structure between the Annapurna Temple and Gandhi Ghat, which has completely lost its Ganga-like charms, the gate stood once attached to the original gates. This gate offered access to an area of parks, lakes, and even a zoo that stood apart from the quarters occupied by the natives. The area was called the powder ghat amidst trees where there was a whiff of war and death.
Location: Shankar Mandal Rd, Titagarh, Kolkata, Barrackpore
Timing: 24*7
8. Barrackpore Government House
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
The British Governor-General’s summer quarters. A building with a colonial past and history. The Barrackpore government houses symbols of the British Raj in Barrackpore, as well as monuments of the past. Situated in the Cantonment area, this structure has been expanded and transformed into a hospital and other institutions, especially after independence. It has been met with newly gained power. It includes a museum in its basement with historical exhibits and British colonial memorabilia.
Location: Cantonment, Barrackpore, Barrackpur Cantonment
Timing: 24*7
9. Lady Canning Tomb
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lady Canning Tomb is found in the Jawahar Kunja Range and now has an imperial warning as it lies within the premises of the West Bengal Police Training Academy, which is sensitive. Such permission is granted only for planned visits that allow entry through the main gate. This stone tomb was erected in her honour as General Canning’s wife, Amanda. Amanda’s tomb was broken and later relocated to St. Paul’s Cathedral and then moved to St. John’s Church in Kolkata. Even though the site is bordered off, this tomb is one of the must-see structures for people interested in British history in Barrackpore.
Location: Cantonment, Barrackpore, Barrackpur Cantonment
Timing: Open 24 hours
10. Jawahar Kunja Park
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Jawahar Kunja Park, close to the Gandhi Ghat, is a magnificent area for picnics where one can relish nature along the Hooghly River. Jawahar Kunja Park has a large grassy area with beautiful trees, large colourful flowers, and a small pond in the centre. A small fee allows visitors to access this lush area, which is good for family picnics or walks. The only restriction is seasonal. Some months during monsoon season, the park might be inundated.
Location: Shankar Mandal Rd, Barrackpore
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹5 for Children
Exploring Barrackpore is an enriching journey through India’s cultural and historical heritage. With spots like Annapurna Temple and Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya reflecting its cultural depth, Barrackpore offers a perfect blend of history and tranquillity. Plan your visit with TripXL for an immersive experience across Barrackpore’s iconic sites. Discover the past, relax in serene parks, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this charming town. From historical museums to picturesque riverfronts, Barrackpore has something for every traveller.
Cover Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons