Over thousands of years of Indian history, many cities and towns have passed on the baton to represent India. And Malda, once a cultural capital of India, illuminated India like no other city. Malda has Indian history written into every streets and corner of the town, and the story each of the historical ruins in Malda tell, is of historical significance.
Situated at the confluence of the rivers Mahanadi and Kalindi, Malda is located about 350 km from Kolkata, in the interiors of West Bengal. Besides its rich Indian history and heritage, Malda is also known for mango orchards, silk, jute and mulberry plantations.
Many breathtaking and incredible historical sites have been built in Malda that will enthral you with a visual treat. Malda in the past was reigned over by three dynasties - the Senas, the Palas and the Nawabs. And multiple reigns gave rise to diverse culture and traditions intensifying the charm of the small town. Boasting many monuments and tourists attractions, Malda welcomes people from all walks of life and is a must-visit for every Indian at least once in a lifetime.
How To Reach Malda
By air: The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, and it is located about 360 km away from Malda. Cabs and buses are readily available for a drive down to Malda which is about 7-8 hour drive.
By train: Malda Railway station is located in the centre of the town and has excellent connectivity, not just with nearby places like Kolkata, but also to other major cities in India.
By road: Malda has easy road access. And roadways are well connected to other major cities in India. Frequent buses can be availed from Kolkata, Patna and Bhubaneshwar, to name a few.
Best Time To Visit Malda
Winter is the best season to visit Malda, i.e., from October to January. Summers are hot and overwhelming, and monsoon brings in a lot of rain. Therefore, neither Summer nor Monsoon is a good time to visit Malda. During winters, the weather remains pleasant and provides favourable conditions to tourists for sightseeing.
Places To Visit & Things To Do In Malda
1. Explore the ruins of Dakhil Darwaza
An important centre of Indian history, Malda has a lot of prominent archaic architectures. And one of the most important and famous ruins is Dakhil Darwaza. Located in Gour, Dakhil Darwaza is a surviving ruin of the castle from the 15th century. Though most of the castle is in ruins, a large wall still stands tall in the south-east corner of the castle, displaying many cannons that were once used during battles. If you want to know Indian history, Malda is the best place to be.
2. Experience of Indian Culture and Heritage at Gour
Gour is located on the banks of holy river Ganga. The control of Gour was passed on from the hands of Nawabs of Bengal to the earliest British representatives of the East India Company. Much of its monuments are in ruins. Nevertheless, it allures many tourists and travellers from across the world with its unique history. There are many other monuments in Gour's vicinity. Bada Darwaza, Tantipar Mosque, Eunuchs' Mosque, Kadam Rasul Mosque, Dakhil Darwaza, and Firoz Minar, to name a few.
3. Visit ancient mosques in Malda to know your roots
Since the Nawabs ruled West Bengal for a very long time, you can find many beautiful mosques in and around Malda. From Adina Mosque, that resembles the great mosque of Damascus to Kadam Rasool Mosque, that bears the footprints of Prophet Muhammed; Malda offers the best mosques that one can witness in one city. Chamkati Masjid Chika Mosque and Baradouri Mosque are a few other archaic mosques you can visit in Malda. Malda has to be in your bucket list if you want to experience the roots of Muslim culture and tradition in India.
4. Inspire and educate yourself about ancient Indian history at Malda Museum
Malda Museum is located off Bandh Road and is the abode to many artefacts dating back to 15th century. From paintings to religious tablets, it archives the best of Indian literature and history. While you are in Malda, visit the Malda Museum to know in detail how West Bengal transformed into what it is today.
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5. Offer your thoughts and prayers at Jauhra Kali
Amid manymosques and muslim relics, there also lies a famous Hindu Temple called the Jauhra Kali. Beautiful trees surround it and boast a resting and garden area in its vicinity. Rumour has it that, the temple has the mystic power to help your wish come true. So, offer your prayers at Jauhra Kali and wait for the miracle to come about. And besides its spiritual prominence, the fascinating architecture of the temple is sure to catch your eye.
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