Bandel a day trip from Kolkata

Bengal, a state that is steeped in history. A past that has seen victory, conquest, intrigue, sorrow, pride, independence, compassion.  My Bengal exploration continues as this time, I focus  on Bandel. This post is themed on Bandel, a day trip from Kolkata. The town founded by early Portuguese settlers in the 15^th century. Bandel continues to grow over time, yet history can still be traced and lives on through its monuments and customs like many other towns. This post will speak about what to see if visiting Bandel.

What is my blog all about ?

My blog focuses quite a bit on ancient history among other places of travel which I keep doing. The history posts comes up because there is in ancient Indian History so many monumental architectures which are created. Read through the posts on the Land of 1000 temples, Tamil Nadu or Stunning churches of Goa. I am sure a visit to them would be fascinating to just about anyone purely from an architectural magnificence prism of view. In case interested read about HAMPI here. How about some thoughts on  Manikarnika Ghat, Varanansi.

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Bandel a day trip from Kolkata

The main places to see in Bandel are

• Bandel Church
• Hooghly Imambara
• Hangseshwari Temple
• Ananta Basudeb Temple

In addition to this, Bandel is dotted with multiple terracotta temples found in nondescript alleys and streets as the city grows around them and time takes its toll. So lets me concentrate on Bandel a day trip from Kolkata.

Day trip from Kolkata

So in context of day trips from Kolkata or weekend trips from Kolkata. I would recommend you to browse my journey to Baranti, Purbasthali , Bishnupur , Serampore and Gongoni. There is so much to see in this state much similar to like the Northern Karnataka architectural circuit of Hampi and Badami.

Places to see in Bandel

Bandel Church

The Basilica of the Holy Rosary, commonly known as Bandel Church, is one of the prime attractions for all those who visit this place. However, owing to the ongoing Pandemic, the Church has been closed to visitors. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Church when it reopens. Founded in 1599, it is one of the most prominent Churches in Bengal and India. It is one of the oldest churches to be built in India.

Hooghly Imambara

The next place to visit as a part of the Bandel a day trip from Kolkata is  Hooghly Imambara, a Muslim congregation hall and mosque built to dazzle the visitor. Once a visitor enters through the monumental gateway to face twin towers 80 feet high rising into the sky. These towers can be climbed from the inside and comprise 152 steps. The earliest version of the Imambara was in 1694; however, the present-day modern edifice was raised in 1861. The clock tower houses a gigantic clock which was manufactured in London and after that installed here.

On the wall of the Imambara facing the Hooghly river is engraved the trust deed of the founder of this magnificent Imambara, Haji Muhammed Mohsin.

Hangseshwari Temple

Hangseshwari temple constructed in the 19^th century in the village of Bansberia, Hooghly. The temple, built to a height of 21 mts, has 13 towers rising high into the sky in a lotus-shaped formation, dedicated to the goddess Hangseshwari. The temple was built by Raja Narsigdeb in 1801. The main deity is a four-armed goddess Hangseshwari,  a manifestation of Goddess Kali made per tantric principles. The idol is constructed of blue neem wood, follows the structure of a human body. As the temple has both the deities of Shiva and Shakti hence aptly named Hangseshwari. I hope the  Bandel a day trip from Kolkata post helps the reader decide to visit the place.

Ananta Basudeb Temple

It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built in the terracotta style of temple construction. This temple is located adjacent to the Hangseshwari temple and can be easily visited. Built-in 1679 by Raja Rameswar Datta. The temple tower is octagonal in shape, and the terracotta works depict scenes from the Indian legends of Mahabharata and Ramayana.

What is travel for me? Why this blog ?

Everyone who travels has their own definition of why they travel based on what they perceive. I guess I travel to have an avenue of Letting Go the everyday life that I lead. Having said that i am fortunate to have an inclination to travel to see something of value that exists even today. The natural progression of this is to document in simple language for readers to know about a place and thereby generate an interest in them to see the place for themselves and draw their own conclusions. I hope this blog and the choice of destinations has helped many a reader among you to form your own desire list of places. This blog will remain for years to come helping readers and travelers . This is the main essence of the effort put in. So do interact with me over comments with your thoughts and suggestions.

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FAQ – Bandel a day trip from Kolkata

How to get to Bandel

Bandel is accessible from Howrah and Sealdah railways station if one does not have a personal vehicle. In case one has the option for an individual vehicle, it takes around an hour and a half to reach Bade; from Kolkata. However, note that it is prudent to park the car near Bandel Church and then explore all the places using local rickshaws. The streets are narrow and not built for vehicular traffic. Hence it is recommended to club this visit under category “Bandel a day trip from Kolkata”.

Eating options in Bandel

Well, I did not find any worthwhile eating option in the town. There are a few options near Bandel church. However, I decided to give them a miss looking at the condition within.

Bandel and me

Well, for me,  Bandel, a day trip from Kolkata, was particularly satisfying. It can also be clubbed on a weekend trip with specific other destinations if required. I, of course, did not explore the whole city rather only the above places. It was definitely interesting from a historical point of view, and well, that was the theme of this visit. West Bengal has a chequered history, and I feel that the readers (who stay in this region ) should make an effort to visit and see history. It is, of course, understandable that not all will be understood by us, but then a glimpse of it and memories of the incidents and events will definitely enrich the thoughts and experiences.

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