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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. 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. 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 for an idyllic getaway.
1. Explore The Terracotta Temples
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Some of the top things to see in Bishnupur are its magnificent temples. 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. On the other hand, Jorbangla Temple has figures from Mahabharata and Ramayana carved in terracotta on its walls.
Major Attractions: Architectural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual vibes
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Kali Temples In Kolkata
2. Enrol In A Craft Workshop
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
If you are wondering what to do in Bishnupur, you should indulge in a craft workshop. 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.
Major Attractions: Exquisite craft work and pottery workshops
Craft Type: Terracotta, Pottery
3. Try Out Local Dishes
Photo: Charles Haynes / Wikimedia Commons
Bishnupur local sightseeing is incomplete without sampling some scrumptious delicacies of the region. 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.
Local Delicacies: Macher jhol, Mishti doi, Roshogolla
Top Restaurants: Jen Aura Restaurant, Mandyroj Restaurant, and Loktak Ema Floating Restaurant
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kolkata
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.
Key Spots: Rasmancha Temple, Jadubhatta Mancha, and more
5. Attend The Bishnupur Mela
Photo: Jonoikobangali / Wikimedia Commons
Bishnupur’s terracotta crafts, handloom, and pottery is celebrated at the Bishnupur Mela. The mela 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 festivals that highlight the vibrant culture of Bishnupur town.
Location: Madan Mohan Temple
Major Attractions: Craft sessions, pottery workshops, and local culture
Suggested Read: Pailan Temple Travel Guide
6. Visit The Bishnupur Fort
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
Bishnupur Fort is a lesser-known jewel and an architectural marvel elegantly nestled in the region. It was once a formidable defensive bastion of the Malla dynasty and acted as a shield against invasions, rivalries, and resilience. Here, you can witness exquisite designs and red laterite texture. Apart from that you can also catch glimpses of a variety of birds dwelling near the small ponds. Also, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from the fort. Bishnupur Fort is an ideal destination for history buffs, architectural enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Location: Bishnupur, Bankura district, West Bengal
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
7. Visit The 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.
Location: Near the Chinnamasta Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Dakshineswar Temple
8. Take A Trip To Lalbandh
Photo: Coolmaster69 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Bishnupur is to take a trip to Lalbandh. It was built in 1658 by Malla Raj Raghunath Singha, is a beautiful, serene area with vast historical significance. 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. A thick cover of trees around the lake enhances its peace and makes it appropriate for leisure walks and quiet time.
Location: Lalbandh, Bishnupur, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Eco park and scenic beauty
9. Explore The Bishnupur Museum
Photo: Ankit Manoharan / Unsplash / 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, Bishnupur, West Bengal
Timings: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5
Suggested Read: Smaranika Tram Museum
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
Major Attractions: Colourful handicrafts, local produce, and souvenirs
11. Explore Garh Darja
Photo: Uphogaphy / Wikimedia Commons
Garh Darja, an ancient fort, is one of the top places to visit in Bishnupur. This towering structure exudes grandeur and architectural beauty. Constructed in the 17th century during King Bir Singha II’s reign, Garh Darja features double-tiered galleries and magnificent gates. It is a testament to the region’s medieval architecture and erstwhile strategic significance. Garh Darja is the perfect place for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Location: Bishnupur, Bankura district, West Bengal
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Bankura
12. Seek Blessings At The Lalji Temple
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Lalji Temple is a laterite eka-ratna temple and one of the top Bishnupur temples. It was built in 1658 by Bir Singha II of the Malla dynasty. The temple illustrates the rich history and cultural significance of the region. Built on a raised square plinth, the temple’s sloping “Char-chala” roof leads up to a central shikhara. It also has stucco, terracotta, and an expansive verandah, adding to the architectural beauty of this temple. The best time to visit this temple is during Dussehra, when the temple is adorned with gleaming lights and colourful hues.
Location: Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
13. Offer Prayers At The Radha Shyam Temple
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
If you are wondering what to see in Bishnupur for a spiritual retreat, you should visit Radha Shyam Temple. The temple was built by King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 and is a treasure trove of historical elegance and architectural beauty. It has a dome-shaped sikhara with stucco motifs that depict floral, geometric and the life of the puranas. Here, you can witness idols of Radha and Krishna, Nityananda, Chaitanya, and Jagannath. A popular Bishnupur tourist spot, Radha Shyam Temple holds utmost significance for both the locals and devotees alike.
Location: Near the Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Kalyaneshwari Templ
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
