Key hubs
Malda airport and railway station
- Airport
- No 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 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 and Pandua; local autos and e-rickshaws work in town but not for the ruins
How to reach Malda by air
Malda has no operating airport; the old Malda airport closed in 1972. The usual air gateway is Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri, roughly 250 km away, or Kolkata (CCU), about 340 km. Both require a long road or rail onward journey.
How to reach Malda by train
Malda Town (MLDT) is on the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri line, and every train on that route stops here. It has direct services to Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati and other cities. Other stations in the area include Old Malda Junction and Gour Malda.
How to reach Malda by road
Malda is on National Highway 34, with bus services between Kolkata and Siliguri stopping here. Kolkata is about 340 km away and Siliguri about 250 km. Gaur is about 16 km south and Pandua about 18 km north of Malda town.
Getting around Malda
Local autos and e-rickshaws work in English Bazar, but the ruins at Gaur and Pandua are best reached by hired car with a driver. Agree the route and number of stops in advance.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Malda
- Hire a car with a driver for the whole day so you can rest in the vehicle between sights and avoid long walks.
- Carry water, a hat, sunscreen and a photo ID; the Baro Sona Masjid is close to the border and ID is useful.
- Dress modestly at the Chhoti Dargah and other active shrines, and carry socks for hot paving.
- Avoid the monsoon months from June to September, when sites are muddy and roads can flood.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.