Bishnupur, West Bengal
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A set of unique terracotta temples awaits visitors at Bishnupur. These beautiful temples have a strange attraction with their unique art, curved ceilings, eye-catching architecture, and most of all, style. The detailed design work done on terracotta material is most impressive. Temple building in India has evolved continuously and visit Bishnupur to witness firsthand another great style of Indic architecture. Walk around the 20 different temples and soak in the outstanding creativity on display. There are a total of 20 temples in the complex, larger ones and smaller ones, but each one stands out for its sheer, brilliant detailing. These temples were built during the 17th century and later years by the kings of the Bishnupur Malla dynasty. Terracotta temples are usually found in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Bishnupur is at a distance of about 35 kilometres from Bankura, the district headquarters, and about 136 kilometres from Kolkata. Bishnupur has a good rail connection, and the nearest airport is at Kolkata.
Nearby Places to See
The Archaeological Museum of Bishnupur, also known as the Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, was founded in 1951 and is home to more than 4,500 manuscripts and roughly 100 sculptures unearthed in neighbouring villages. The museum also possesses valuable artefacts such as musical instruments, vintage textiles, and more.
The twin temples of Dihar are located in a small village about 10 kilometres from Bishnupur. These temples, dedicated to the gods Sareshwar and Saileshwar, are both impressive in height. Instead of terracotta, laterite stones are used to make these tiles.
Mukutmanipur, about 69 kilometres from Bishnupur, is a pleasant place to unwind after a day of temple-hopping. There is no need to look elsewhere for amusement because Kangsabati Dam, a sunset viewpoint, a deer park, a boat ride, a light show at the dam park, and a variety of restaurants are all available.
When it comes to religious buildings, the oldest and most impressive is the Rasmancha Brick Temple, which is notable for its attractive pyramid-shaped roof and the perfectly symmetrical arches between its pillars. The gods Radhe Madhav, Mrinmoyee, Shyam Rai, Gar Daja, Jorbangla, JoreShreni, and Madanmohan are honoured by the other important temples in Bishnupur.
Things to Buy
Things to buy include Baluchari Sarees, Pottery, Jewellery and other items made from terracotta, Paintings from Bishnupur school of painting.
Foods to Relish
Mecha Sandesh (Sweet), Postor Bora (a fritter of poppy seed).
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Destination