Murshidabad
মুর্শিদাবাদ
Murshidabad district · Heritage Bengal
The last independent Nawabi capital of Bengal.
About Murshidabad
Murshidabad was the capital of Bengal under the Nawabs in the 18th century. The Hazarduari Palace (built in the 1830s), Katra Masjid, Nizamat Imambara and the Nawab-era tombs speak of a rich history. The Battle of Plassey (1757) took place nearby.
Highlights
- Hazarduari Palace and museum
- Katra Masjid and Nizamat Imambara
- Khushbagh (Nawab tombs)
- Silk weaving heritage
Plan your trip
- Best time
- October to March.
- How to reach
- Berhampore (Baharampur) Court station, about 4 to 5 hours from Kolkata by train; Lalbagh is the main tourist area.
- Suggested stay
- 2 days
- Distance from Kolkata
- About 210 km by road
- Travel time
- 4 to 5 hours
- Nearest railway station
- Murshidabad or Berhampore Court
- Budget
- Budget
- Food
- Mango in summer; chhanabora of Berhampore.
A suggested plan
- Day 1: Hazarduari, the Imambara and Katra Masjid
- Day 2: Khushbagh across the river, then Azimganj and the Baranagar temples
Tip
Check opening days at Hazarduari Palace; some sites close on certain weekdays.
Nearby and related destinations
- Azimganj & Jiaganj: Twin river towns of merchant mansions and Jain temples. (about 230 km from Kolkata, nearest station Azimganj Junction or Jiaganj)
- Bethuadahari Forest: A small deer forest beside the highway. (about 135 km from Kolkata, nearest station Bethuadahari)
- Malda: Gaur & Pandua: Ruined medieval capitals of Bengal. (about 330 km from Kolkata, nearest station Malda Town)
- Cooch Behar: A princely state and its European-style palace. (about 700 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Cooch Behar)
Part of these guides
Distances and travel times are approximate road figures from central Kolkata. Check timings, permits and road conditions before you travel.