Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Looking for things to do in Kharagpur? This charming town in West Bengal is known for more than just its prestigious IIT campus; it’s a vibrant destination filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty. From exploring the iconic Railway Station, which boasts one of Asia’s longest platforms, to unwinding at the lush Hijli Eco Park, Kharagpur offers a variety of experiences for travellers. Dive into the town’s spiritual side with visits to temples like Malancha and Jhapatapur, each rich with local lore. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast, Kharagpur has something special for everyone to discover.
Top 10 Things To Do In Kharagpur
Here is a list of the 10 best experiences that a visit to Kharagpur offers. Spend a memorable vacation with these things to do in Kharagpur
1. Picnic At Hijli Eco Park
Photo: Sutanu Ghosh YT / Wikimedia Commons
Although not officially classified among the major national parks in West Bengal, Hijli Eco Park offers a lush, expansive natural environment designed to promote ecological conservation while providing a serene escape for visitors. Located just outside the bustling areas of Kharagpur, the park features scenic walking trails, boating facilities, and a small zoo with native wildlife, making it ideal for family outings. Well-maintained green spaces and a lake with boating facilities create a peaceful environment, perfect for those looking to relax and connect with nature. Birdwatchers can spot local species, while photography enthusiasts capture the beautiful landscape.
Location: Paschim Pathri (near IIT), Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Best Summer Festivals In West Bengal
2. Explore The IIT Kharagpur Campus
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The sprawling IIT Kharagpur campus, covering over 2,100 acres, is renowned for its academic excellence and beautiful landscape. Beyond being an educational institution, the campus is home to architectural marvels, open green spaces, and the Nehru Museum of Science and Technology. Visitors can explore research facilities and gardens, while the museum provides a glimpse into scientific advancements and houses an impressive collection of artefacts. The campus is also steeped in history, having been established in 1951, making it India’s first IIT. For those passionate about education or innovation, IIT Kharagpur offers an inspiring environment, combining academic prestige with historical significance.
Location: IIT Main Road, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Pray At Malancha And Jhapatapur Temples
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Malancha and Jhapatapur Temples are serene spiritual centres known for their architectural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Located on the outskirts of Kharagpur, these temples are frequented by devotees and tourists seeking a quiet place for meditation and prayer. Their traditional Bengali architecture, intricate carvings, and serene surroundings make them a visual and spiritual retreat. The temples’ peaceful settings also make them ideal spots for introspection and relaxation, and they are often highlighted as offbeat places in West Bengal for travelers looking to experience lesser-known spiritual and architectural gems.
Location: Within Malancha and Jhapatapur localities, central Kharagpur
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
4. Shop At Gole Bazaar
y
Photo: Dmgultekin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the best things to do in Kharagpur is exploring the Gole Bazaar, which is the bustling marketplace of Kharagpur, alive with the sounds and sights of daily life. Known for its variety of shops, it’s the ideal destination for everything from clothing and electronics to traditional Bengali sweets and street food. The market is a cultural hotspot, where locals gather to shop, chat, and eat, giving visitors a taste of Kharagpur’s vibrant community. For food lovers, Gole Bazaar offers a variety of delicious snacks and sweets, like kathi rolls and sandesh, giving a true flavour of Bengali cuisine.
Location: Central Kharagpur, near Talbagicha Road & Panch Bazar
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
5. Take A Dip In Rameshwar Kund
Photo: NetherZone / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Onlyq
Rameshwar Kund, located near Kharagpur Lake in West Bengal, is a serene and picturesque spot ideal for picnics and spiritual retreats. The kund is believed to wash away sins, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy the lush green surroundings, spot rare plant and animal species, and take a refreshing dip in the holy waters. The area is particularly beautiful during winter, making it a perfect time to visit. With its tranquil environment and spiritual significance, Rameshwar Kund offers a peaceful escape for those seeking both relaxation and spiritual solace.
Location: On the outskirts of Kharagpur, within the Bhimbandh forest area
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Asanol
6. Explore Kahler Bonpatna
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kahler Bonpatna is about 12 km from IIT Kharagpur and has a 500-year-old temple to Lord Ram. The temple used to have a golden idol, but it was stolen twice and was later replaced with a metal one. The path is great for a leisurely bike ride through lush paddy fields, peaceful villages with lotus-filled ponds, and people making crafts. It gives you a peaceful look into rural Bengal Walking through the fields and village paths, you’ll encounter locals working in the fields, hear stories of daily life, and experience Bengal’s agricultural charm.
Location: 12 km from IIT Kharagpur on rural roads toward Khargra & Khajr
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
7. Visit Rabindra Bhavan
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Rabindra Bhavan is Kharagpur’s premier cultural venue, hosting art exhibitions, musical performances, and theatrical shows throughout the year. Named after the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, this centre celebrates Bengali culture in all its forms, from traditional dance and music to contemporary art. The Bhavan is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and anyone eager to explore the region’s cultural heritage. Events here offer a chance to witness authentic performances, blending modern and classic Bengali artistry.
Location: Kharagpur
Timings: Varies
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Barrackpore
8. Visit The Haha Punch Kumari Waterfalls
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the best Kharagpur tourist places is Haha Punch Kumari Falls, a beautiful waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery. Situated above the Kharagpur Dam, the falls are a popular spot for picnics and nature walks. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, and explore the surrounding trails. The area is particularly enchanting during the monsoon season when the waterfall is at its peak. With its picturesque setting and tranquil ambience, Haha Punch Kumari Falls offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Location: Adjacent to Rameshwar Kund, Bhimbandh forest region
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
9. Visit The Nehru Museum Of Science & Technology
Photo: Ambuj Saxena / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the Nehru Museum of Science & Technology is one of the best things to see in Kharagpur. It is housed in the famous Hijli Shaheed Bhavan at IIT Kharagpur. The museum is in a building that used to be the administrative centre of the Hijli Detention Camp. There are many displays for people to look at, such as rare technical models, artefacts, and photos that show how technology has changed and how IIT Kharagpur has grown. There is also an outdoor show of old locomotives, aeroplanes, and other engineering marvels at the museum, which is a great way for people of all ages to learn.
Location: Hijli Shaheed Bhavan, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, WB 721302
Timings: 9:30 AM -12:30 PM & 3 PM – 6:30 PM
10. Explore Khargeswar Temple
Photo: Sutanu Ghosh YT / Wikimedia Commons
The Khargeswar Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Kharagpur. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by King Kharag Singh about 400 years ago and has important mythological and historical meanings. Local stories and the Mahabharata say that the area was once ruled by Hiramba, the demon king, and that the Pandavas came here for part of their exile. The temple is built in a traditional North Indian style, and it has a beautiful white shrine and quiet grounds, making it one of the best places to visit in Kharagpur.
Location: Railway Settlement area, Kharagpur, 721301
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
11. Relax At Kharagpur Lake
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
One of the best things to do in Kharagpur is to spend time at the Kharagpur Lake, which is in the Bhimbandh or Haveli Kharagpur area. It is a peaceful place to get away from the busy city life. People like to picnic, take outdoor walks, and watch birds at the lake, which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The water is quiet and peaceful early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the sky is changing colours. It’s great for families, groups, and solo visitors looking for a peaceful place to relax in the area around the lake.
Location: Bhimbandh/Haveli, Kharagpur region
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
12. See The Stunning Shahi Masjid
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
Wondering what to do in Kharagpur? The Shahi Masjid offers a beautiful design and a spiritual atmosphere. People from all over the community gather at this mosque, which has a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful front. The building has domes, minarets, and other traditional Islamic architectural features that make it a beautiful sight for people who love architecture. The prayer hall is large and bright on the inside, making it a peaceful place to pray and think and reflect. A lot of people go to the mosque during big Islamic holidays, when it turns into a centre for religious and cultural activities.
Location: Junction of Mahatma Gandhi Marg & NH‑9, Kharagpur
Timings: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Things To Do In Kharagpur
Apart from the best things to see in Kharagpur, here are some of the things to do near Kharagpur for a memorable experience.
1. Birdwatching At Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Susmita Chatterjee / Wikimedia Commons
Apart from famous wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal, you can visit Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, also known as CKBS. It is a lush paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning over acres of dense foliage, it offers a natural habitat for various bird species, butterflies, and small mammals, making it a sought-after spot for wildlife photography and peaceful nature walks. The sanctuary is rich with flora, including towering trees, unique orchids, and seasonal flowering plants that attract a wide range of birds, such as the spotted owlet, black-rumped flameback, and stork-billed kingfisher.
Distance From Kharagpur: 146 km
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kalimpong
2. Visit The Santragachi Lake
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Wondering what to do in Kharagpur? Santragachi Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake just outside Kharagpur, famous among birdwatchers for its winter migratory bird population. Each year, species like pintails, gadwalls, and egrets flock here, creating a stunning display against the calm waters. The lake is a favourite spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers, especially during the colder months. Surrounded by greenery, it provides a peaceful escape from city life and is an ideal location for a morning or evening stroll. Santragachi Lake remains a top attraction for those seeking both wildlife and scenic beauty.
Distance From Kharagpur: 120 km
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Shopping Malls In Kharagpur
Kharagpur, with its blend of history, nature, and vibrant culture, offers a unique travel experience that caters to a variety of interests. From the architectural marvels of IIT Kharagpur to the bustling energy of Gole Bazaar and the tranquil landscapes of Hijli Eco Park, this town captivates visitors with its charm and diversity. Whether you’re drawn to its railway heritage, intrigued by its educational legacy, or simply looking to unwind in scenic spots like Santragachi Lake, Kharagpur promises a fulfilling journey. Ready to explore Kharagpur’s fascinating attractions? Plan your trip with TripXL to experience this delightful town effortlessly.
Cover Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
