The short answer
Kathgola Palace and Gardens: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you want a softer, quieter sight after the Nawabi buildings. Expect an old, partly neglected house and garden rather than a polished museum.
History and context
The story behind Kathgola Palace and Gardens
The Adinath Temple, also called Paresh Nath or Kathgola Temple, dates to 1933 and was built by Lakshmipat Singh Dugar, reportedly inspired by his mother. It houses a white idol said to be about 900 years old and 17 other Jain images.
The palace and gardens are associated with the same family, but sources do not agree on exact dates, so treat any stated years with caution.
Useful facts
Kathgola Palace and Gardens facts at a glance
- Location
- Kathgola, Jiaganj area, Murshidabad
- Experience type
- Palace, garden and Jain temple
- Known for
- A four-storey merchant palace and Adinath Temple
- Architect/Built
- Dugar family; temple 1933
- Time or schedule
- Daylight hours; confirm access locally
Why it matters
Why Kathgola Palace and Gardens is worth your time
Kathgola belongs to the Jain merchant families who built fortunes in Bengal during and after the Nawabi period. The Dugar family is associated with the palace and with the Adinath Temple, and they show how trade rather than politics shaped the later town.
It also fills a gap in the Murshidabad story. The Nawabs and the British dominate the usual itinerary, but the merchants, bankers and temple-builders show what happened to the local economy once the court lost power.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The garden
A large, shady garden gives the visit its calm.
- 02
The palace front
An ornamented four-storey facade and a lion gate.
- 03
Adinath Temple
A Jain shrine with a white idol and other images.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Start with the garden, which is large and surprisingly quiet. Reports describe it as covering around 30 acres, with mango trees and a few statues. Walk towards the four-storey palace, which has an ornamented front and a lion gate, and ask whether you can see inside. The rooms are reported to hold paintings, mirrors and furniture, but the condition varies and parts have been demolished.
The nearby Adinath Temple, a Jain shrine built in 1933 by Lakshmipat Singh Dugar, is a short walk away. Look at the white marble idol and the other images, and remove your shoes at the entrance.
Carry water and a hat. The setting is rural, and the best moment is late afternoon when the heat drops and the light softens.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm access before you go
- Remove shoes at the temple
- Bring water and a hat
- Visit in late afternoon
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kathgola, in the Jiaganj area of Murshidabad
- Time needed
- 1-1.5 hours
- Best time
- Late afternoon, November to February
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Wide garden paths are mostly level, but the palace has steps and uneven floors. The temple needs shoes off. Shade is good in the garden.
- Tickets and access
- Kathgola is privately maintained, and access and fees depend on the family and the caretakers. Ask locally before you go, and respect temple rules.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Kathgola Palace and Gardens
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Wide garden paths are mostly level, but the palace has steps and uneven floors. The temple needs shoes off. Shade is good in the garden.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I go inside the palace?
Access depends on the family and caretakers, so ask locally and be prepared for a closed or partial visit.
Is the Adinath Temple open to visitors?
Visitors are generally welcome at Jain temples, but dress modestly and follow local rules, including shoes off and leather items kept out.
How far is it from Hazarduari?
It is a short drive within Murshidabad, but check the route locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
