Hey, Travel lovers! Are you searching for must-visit spots in India? Well, include places to visit in Murshidabad at the top of your list. Find out how to get there, what to look forward to, the best time to visit, and plan your itinerary all the details are right at your fingertips!
Information about Places To Visit In Murshidabad
Did you know that Bengal’s capital used to be in the city of Murshidabad? Everything had to do with art, culture, and significant things in the 18th century. The Mughals and the British brought about many modifications to the city. These days, locations like Nizamat Imambara Imambara and Hazarduari Palace use their luxurious buildings to tell these fascinating tales.
Let’s explore these fantastic tourist destinations in Murshidabad. There are legends of kings and queens within the thousand doors of Hazarduari Palace. During Muharram, a large structure called Nizamat Imambara was a unique place for Shia Muslims.
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Top 15 Places to Visit in Murshidabad
If you are planning to Places To Visit In Murshidabad most popular places to visit, this well-compiled list surely will make your trip easier.
1. Hazarduari Palace
Hazarduari Palace is located on the Kila Nizamat campus and is renowned for being the “palace with a thousand doors.” The palace, which was once the Nawabs’ home, is now a museum with an amazing collection of weapons, artwork, antiques, and historical items. Travel back in time to the Nawabs’ imperial age as you explore this famous palace. Out of 1000 doors in the palace, 100 are fictitiously constructed to confuse criminals and make it easier for guards to apprehend them.
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- Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
- Nickname: “Palace of a Thousand Doors” (though it has around 900 doors)
- Current Use: Museum
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)
- Time Required: 1-3 hours (depending on your interest level)
- Entry Fee: Indians: INR 5, Foreign Nationals: INR 100
- Famous for: European Architecture, Sightseeing, Museum
- Best Time to Visit: July to November
- Duration: 1 Day
2. Nizmat Imbambara
Nizamat Imambara, a mosque of significant historical and architectural value, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Murshidabad. Enter to see the gardens with the biggest cannon in India and stunning chandeliers. The Nizamat Fort, also known as Nizamat Kila, which was formerly the Nawabs’ home, is another landmark of the site. The Black Hole Monument, an imposing entrance gate to the fort, honours the horrific event known as the “Black Hole of Calcutta.”
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- Location: Nizamat Imambara, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
- Timing: 6 am to 8 pm
- Special Attractions: Big Mosque, Largest Imambara, Peaceful Yard
- Famous for: Islamic Architecture, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Duration: 1 Day
3. Footi Mosque
The Footi Mosque, also known as the Futi Mosque, is located in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. It’s an architecturally significant structure dating back to the 18th century. Starting in 1724 under Nawab Sarfaraz Khan, the mosque was not finished when he was killed in war, having only completed roughly 75% of the structure. The mosque’s unique appearance, with half-arches and a missing dome, attracts tourists fascinated by Mughal-era architecture and Bengal’s Nawabi history.
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- Location: Kumarpur, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India
- Famous for: Architectural Sites, and Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: whenever during the year
- Nickname: Futi Mosque, Phuti Mosque
- Current Use: While not a functioning mosque, it is a popular tourist destination
- Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset
4. Wasif Manzil
Wasif Manzil, also known as Wasef Manzil and New Palace, is a 120-year-old palace located in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. Nawab Wasif Ali Mirza Khan constructed it as his home. The palace stands near the Hazarduari Palace, situated on the Nizamat Fort Campus. It is positioned between the campus’s southern gate, known as Dakshin Darwaza, and the Hazarduari Palace. Directly across from the South Zurud Mosque within the campus, it runs parallel to the Bhāgirathi-Hooghly River. The Wasif Manzil was finally opened to the public in December 2023 after being closed for 16 years.
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- Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal, India [near Hazarduari Palace]
- Nickname: New Palace
- Current Use: Public museum [Reopened in December 2023 after 16 years]
- Famous for: Architectural Sites, and Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: September to January
- Other Places to visit: Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque
5. Motijheel Park
Motijheel Park is a relatively new park located in Murshidabad, India. It’s designed to be a modern attraction catering to tourists of all ages. The park itself is a blend of eco-friendly spaces, nods to Murshidabad’s Nawabi history, and amusement rides like toy trains and swings. This is a wonderful spot for relaxing with loved ones and making wonderful memories while having fun.
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- Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
- Current Use: Public Park
- Famous for: Rides and Activities, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year
6. Char Bengal Temple
The Char Bangla Temples, also known as Char Bangla Dham or Bhawaniswar Mandir, are a group of four temples located at Baranagar in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India. In the 18th century, Rani Bhabani of Natore (now in Bangladesh) constructed the temples. The name “Char Bangla” translates to “four buildings” in Bengali, referring to the four separate temples that make up the complex. The temples are famous for their exquisite decorations based on either mythology or daily life. The decorations are made of terracotta, a form of fired clay. The temples are also notable for their unique architectural style, which is a blend of Bengali and Mughal influences.
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- Location: Baranagar, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India
- Nickname: “Char Bangla Dham” or “Bhawaniswar Mandir”
- Current Use: Hindu temple complex
- Famous for: Religious Sites, Bengal Architecture, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: September to January
- Duration: Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the temple complex comfortably.
- Other Places to visit: Hazarduari palace, Katra Masjid
7. Khoshbagh Garden
Khosh Bagh also spelled as Khoshbagh, which translates to “Garden of Happiness”, is a historic garden-cemetery complex located in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. This garden, which extends 7.65 acres, is well-known for its Islamic architectural design. The resting place of Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah and his relatives. Even though this location is home to the tombs of well-known monarchs and their families, it is also very colorful and inviting, so you should stop by when in Murshidabad.
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- Location: Khosbag, West Bengal 742149, India
- Nickname: “Garden of Happiness”
- Current Use: Cemetery and Historical Monument
- Timings: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free entry
- Famous for Graveyard, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: Every time during the year
- Other Places to visit: Hazarduari palace, Katra Masjid, Nizamat Imambara
8. Murshidabad District Museum
The Murshidabad District Museum is a great place to visit if you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of West Bengal, India. The museum was established in 1965 and houses a large collection of artefacts, including sculptures, paintings, coins, and manuscripts. The museum is located in the city of Murshidabad, which was once the capital of Bengal. The museum is housed in a building that was formerly the palace of a local nobleman. The collection of the museum is largely based on the donations of Rai Bahadur Surendra Narayan Singha of Jiaganj.
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- Location: Jiaganj, Jiaganj Azimganj, West Bengal 742122, India
- Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Fridays.
- Current Use: Museum showcasing the history and culture of West Bengal.
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Famous for: Museum, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: vacations
9. Kathgola Palace
Built by Dhanpat Singh Dugar and Lakshmipat Singh Dugar, Kathgola Palace stands as a captivating beauty in Murshidabad, dating back to 173. This palace served as the residence of the renowned Dugar family, distinguished Jain traders who later relocated due to British influence. Today, this palace has transformed into a museum, offering a delightful fusion of art and architecture.
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- Location: Kathgola, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India
- Current Use: Museum
- Architectural Style: Blend of French and Bengali art
- Interesting features: Ornamented facade with paintings, mirrors and furniture, small pond and a baoli (stepwell) beside the palace.
- Famous for: Museum, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: Every time during the year
10. Katra Mosque
Katra Masjid is one of Murshidabad’s historical sites. This location served as Nawab Murshid Quli Khan’s tomb, which was constructed between 1723 and 1724. It’s among India’s biggest caravanserais. This building, which is situated on the northeastern edge of the city, is particularly remarkable for its two enormous corner towers, which have openings for musketry. This location is well-known for its stunning Islamic architecture. By going here, you can discover more about Mughal history.
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- Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
- Famous for: Religious Sites, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: July to November
- Current Use: Mosque and Tomb
- Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free entry
11. Jafarganj Cemetery
Spread across 3.51 acres, this Cemetery was commissioned by Mir Jafar and is nestled within waved walls. Situated about half a mile north of the Nizamat Fort campus, it houses the graves of the Nawabs of Bengals from the Najafi dynasty. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India looks after this historical site that holds great significance. Feel free to visit and pay your respects to the brave rulers who fought many battles during their time.
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- Location: Inside the Namak Haram Deorhi Complex, Murshidabad
- Famous for: Graveyard, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: Every time of the year
- Timing: Open daily
- Current Use: Mausoleum
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Time Required: 30 minutes
- Entry Fee: Free
12. Nasirpur Rajbari
Nashipur Rajbari, also known as Nasipur Palace, is yet another example of Bengal’s sultanate period beauty. A trader named Devi Singh, who originated in northern India, constructed this palace. It was the court of Devi Singh, a British tax collector in the Nawabi period. Later on, this location was transformed into a museum that now houses and displays the Nashipur Royal family’s farms, court records, and personal effects. This castle also houses one of Murshidabad’s biggest temples, the Ramchandra temple. You must go here if you want to have a look into the Nawabi era’s past.
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- Location: Nashipur Rajbari, Kathgola, Murshidabad, West Bengal, 742160, India
- Timing:10 AM–6 PM
- Famous for: Architectural Site, Museum, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: September to January
- Other Places to visit: Kathgola garden
13. Jahan Kosha Cannon
The Jahan Kosha Cannon, one of the biggest cannons in the world, is located at the Topekhana, the Nawab’s Artillery Park. Built during Sher Shah Suri’s reign, this enormous cannon is around 17.5 feet in length and weighs approximately 7 tons. While visiting Murshidabad’s finest attractions, take a moment to admire the Jahan Kosha Cannon and consider the incredible engineering and craftsmanship of the past. Don’t forget to visit Jahan Kosha Cannon if you’re fascinated by ancient weapons.
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- Location: 57HV+28M, Kadamsarif, Murshidabad, West Bengal 742149
- Timings: Opens throughout the day
- Famous for Cannon, sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: July to November
14. House of Jagath Seth
In Murshidabad, the Jagath Seths were a wealthy Jain Marwari family involved in business and money lending during the reign of Nawab Siraj Ud-Daulah. It will astound you to see the beautiful edifice that is now a museum. The artefacts serve as proof of the person’s extravagant lifestyle. Since Jagath Seth served as the Nawabs’ Diwan, the local museum highlights the Seth family’s wealth and prominence. It is also thought that this magnificent structure contains numerous hidden chambers to keep treasure and shrines dedicated to Hindu deities.
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- Location: 6756+JRP, Rabindra Sarani, Kathgola, Murshidabad, West Bengal 742149, India
- Timing: 10 AM–6 PM
- Famous for: Architectural Sites, Museum, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: September to January
15. Kiriteswari Temple
Kiriteswari Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is situated in Kiritkona hamlet in Murshidabad. Devi Mahamaya is reported to have slept in this location, which is thought to be older than a millennium. In 1405, the first temple was destroyed. In the 19th century, Darpanarayan, the monarch of Lalgola, built the current temple. Due to Devi Vimala’s (Peeth Devi) mukut falling here, this location is also known as Mukuteshwari. This ancient and clean region of goddess Vimala is rich in mythology and has its history and spirituality, which can only be discovered by visiting this area.
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- Location: Vill-Damarul, P.O. Nabagram, district Berhampore, West Bengal 742104, India.
- Timing: Open 24 hours
- Architectural style: Hindu temple architecture
- Famous for: Temple, Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit: any time of the year
- Other Places to visit: Hazarduari Palace
10 days at Places To Visit In Murshidabad itinerary plans
Day – 1
Arrive in Murshidabad
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- Arrive in Murshidabad and check into your hotel.
- Visit Hazarduari Palace, a beautiful 18th-century palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- Take a walk through the Hazarduari Gardens, which are home to a variety of plants and flowers.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner at a local restaurant.
Day – 2
Nizamat Imambara, Katra Mosque,Motijheel Park
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- Visit Nizamat Imambara, a large Shia mosque that was built in the 18th century
- See the Katra Mosque, a beautiful mosque that was built in the 17th century.
- Hop on a boat ride along the Bhagirathi River flowing through Murshidabad for a delightful experience!
- In the evening, visit the Motijheel Park, a large park that is home to a lake, a zoo, and a children’s park.
Day – 3
Footi Mosque, Wasif Manzil, Khoshbagh Garden
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- Visit the Footi Mosque, a mosque that is known for its unique architecture
- See the Wasif Manzil, a 19th-century palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- Visit the Khoshbagh Garden, a beautiful garden that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bengali dance performance at a local theatre.
Day – 4
Murshidabad District Museum, Kathgola Palace, Jafarganj Cemetery
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- Visit the Murshidabad District Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts from the history of Murshidabad.
- See the Kathgola Palace, a 19th-century palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- Visit the Jafarganj Cemetery, which is the burial place of many of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- Want to have some fun? Head to the local markets for a shopping spree in the evening!
Day – 5
Nasirpur Rajbari, Jahan Kosha Cannon, House of Jagath Seth
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- Visit the Nasirpur Rajbari, a 19th-century palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- See the Jahan Kosha Cannon, a large cannon that was built in the 18th century.
- Visit the House of Jagath Seth, an 18th-century mansion that was once the home of a wealthy banker.
- In the evening, take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Bengali dishes.
Day – 6
Kiriteswari Temple
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- Visit the Kiriteswari Temple, a Hindu temple that is dedicated to the goddess Kali
- Visit the Murshidabad College, a 19th-century college that is one of the oldest colleges in West Bengal.
- Visit the Imambara of Nawab Najimuddaula, a Shia mosque that was built in the 18th century.
- In the evening, go for a walk along the Bhagirathi River.
Day – 7
Baharampur Palace,Adina Mosque
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- Take a day trip to Baharampur, a town that is located about 20 kilometres from Murshidabad.
- Visit the Baharampur Palace, a 19th-century palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- Visit the Adina Mosque, a 14th-century mosque that is one of the largest mosques in West Bengal.
- In the evening, return to Murshidabad.
Day – 8
Krishnanagar, Krishnanagar Rajbari,
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- Take a day trip to Krishnanagar, a town that is located about 40 kilometers from Murshidabad.
- Visit the Krishnanagar Rajbari, a 19th-century palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Bengal.
- Visit Krishnanagar College, a 19th-century college that is one of the oldest colleges in West Bengal.
- In the evening, return to Murshidabad.
Day – 9
Shopping at the local markets
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- Relax at your hotel or go shopping at the local markets for souvenirs. Be sure to explore the Mackintosh Burn Ltd., a heritage building built in the 18th century and is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
- In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and experience the warm hospitality of Murshidabad.
Day – 10
Depart from Murshidabad
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- Depending on your departure time, you can visit some nearby places or relax at your hotel.
- You can visit the French Cemetery, a quiet and peaceful place that is the final resting place of many French soldiers and civilians who died in Murshidabad during the 18th century.
- Depart from Murshidabad, taking with you memories of its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Tips for planning your Places To Visit In Murshidabad
Here are some tips for planning places to visit in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
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- Hire a guide to learn more about the history and culture of Murshidabad.
- When visiting religious sites, it is important to dress modestly.
- Carry plenty of cash, as not all places accept credit cards.
- Remember to pack comfy shoes for all the walking ahead.
- Sample the local cuisine, which is known for its use of spices and fresh ingredients.
- Learn a few basic Bengali phrases before you go. Enhance your ability to interact effectively with the residents of the area.
- Explore nearby places of interest like the Ganges River Delta or the Vikramshila University ruins.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture by watching a folk dance or music show.
- Murshidabad has a slower pace of life. Take a moment to unwind and soak in the vibe.
FAQs for Places To Visit In Murshidabad
When is the best time to visit Murshidabad?
The ideal time to visit Murshidabad is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. Summers can be quite hot and humid, while monsoons may cause travel disruptions.
How can I get to Murshidabad?
Murshidabad is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Kolkata is the nearest major airport, and from there, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to Murshidabad.
What are the best places to visit in Murshidabad?
Some of the top places to visit in Murshidabad are the Murshidabad District Museum, Katgola Palace, Nizamat Fort, Jahan Kosha Cannon, Imambara, Hazarduari Palace, and Katra Masjid.
What are the best hotels in Murshidabad?
Here are some accommodation options in Murshidabad:
- Hotel Manjusha
- Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel
- The Fame
- Jalchhabi Hotel and Resort
- Hotel Samrat
How many days are enough for Places To Visit In Murshidabad?
The number of days needed to visit Murshidabad depends on your interests and pace of travel.