Malda is the gateway to North Bengal and the base for two of the Bengal Sultanate's old capitals, Gaur and Pandua. The district town, English Bazar, sits on the Mahananda river and takes its name from the English trading factories that were set up on its banks in the 17th century. Most visitors come not for the town but for the ruins: mosques, gateways and tombs of red brick and terracotta, scattered through fields and villages within about 20 km.
The pace here suits people who like to look slowly. Pandua, to the north, has the huge Adina Mosque, the Eklakhi Mausoleum and a living Sufi shrine. Gaur, to the south, has the Dakhil Darwaza gateway, Firoz Minar, the Qadam Rasul Mosque and a string of smaller mosques, some close to the Bangladesh border. A small district museum in town and the half-fallen Nimasarai Minar fill in the story.
Plan for heat and sun. The ruins are open-air with little shade, so mornings are the right time and a car with a driver is almost essential. October to March is the comfortable window. Malda is also known for its mangoes, and a visit in mango season can add a tasting stop, though the season coincides with the hottest weather.
For older travellers the sights are largely level and short, which helps, but facilities are basic and distances between monuments need a vehicle. Two days is enough for the main circuit, with a third if you want to add the quieter sites.
Before you plan
Malda at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable; October and March are workable. April to September is hot, humid and wet.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 days for Pandua and Gaur2 days for Pandua and Gaur; 1 day if you pick the main monuments only
- Airport
- No operating airport in MaldaNo operating airport in Malda (the old Malda airport closed in 1972). Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri is the usual air gateway, roughly 250 km away; Kolkata (CCU) is the other option.
- Railway station
- Malda TownMalda Town (MLDT) on the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri line; trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and elsewhere stop here
- Getting around
- Hire a car with a driver for Gaur…Hire a car with a driver for Gaur and Pandua; local autos and e-rickshaws work in town but not for the ruins
- Daily budget
- Modest outside the car hireModest outside the car hire, which is the main cost; check current rates for car, entry tickets and meals locally
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: sights are mostly level…Moderate: sights are mostly level and short, but open-air, with limited shade and seating and basic facilities
- Language
- Bengali is the main languageBengali is the main language (about 91 percent in the 2011 census); Hindi and Santali are also spoken
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Malda: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Malda itinerary
One good day
1 day in Malda
Leave early by car for Pandua and spend the first two hours at the Adina Mosque, then step across to the Eklakhi Mausoleum and the Qutb Shahi Mosque. Return to town for lunch and a rest through the hottest hours. In the afternoon drive south to Gaur for the Dakhil Darwaza and Firoz Minar, and finish at the Qadam Rasul Mosque if time allows.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Malda
Start at the Adina Mosque before the heat, then visit the Eklakhi Mausoleum, the Qutb Shahi Mosque and the Chhoti Dargah, dressing modestly for the shrine. Stop at Nimasarai Minar on the way back and spend the afternoon at the Malda Museum.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Malda
Adina Mosque, Eklakhi Mausoleum, Qutb Shahi Mosque and the Chhoti Dargah, with a long break at midday.
Day-by-day plan →
