Temples in Murshidabad
- 01
Baranagar Terracotta Temples
A cluster of 18th-century Bengal temples built by Rani Bhabani, with fine terracotta panels. A short day trip north of Murshidabad.
- Time needed
- 1-1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning light, November to February
- Tickets
- ASI-listed monuments, but access and fees vary. Ask locally, and treat any active temple with respect, including shoes off and modest dress.
- 02
Kiriteswari Temple
A Shakta pilgrimage temple linked to the crown of Sati, in the village of Kiritkona. It is a living shrine and a good half-day addition.
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning; avoid major festival days if you dislike crowds
- Tickets
- Free to enter. Shoes come off before the courtyard, and dress modestly. Photography rules vary, so ask before using a camera.
Palaces in Murshidabad
- 03
Hazarduari Palace
A neoclassical palace of the Nawabs of Bengal on the Bhagirathi, now an ASI museum. It is the anchor of any Murshidabad visit and the easiest sight for most travellers.
- Time needed
- 1.5-2.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Weekday mornings from November to February
- Tickets
- Run by the Archaeological Survey of India. Tickets, photography charges and the weekly closing day (commonly reported as Friday) change, so check the ASI listing or ask at the gate before you travel.
- 04
Kathgola Palace and Gardens
A four-storey merchant palace in a large garden, with a Jain temple nearby. It is faded, a little eccentric and good for an easy afternoon.
- Time needed
- 1-1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon, November to February
- Tickets
- Kathgola is privately maintained, and access and fees depend on the family and the caretakers. Ask locally before you go, and respect temple rules.
Landmarks in Murshidabad
- 05
Jafarganj Cemetery
A walled graveyard of the later Nawabs of Bengal, begun by Mir Jafar. It is an atmospheric, sobering stop with a name that carries a heavy history.
- Time needed
- 30-45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, November to February
- Tickets
- ASI-maintained. Entry arrangements and any fee can change, so ask locally. It is a cemetery, so dress modestly.
- 06
Jahan Kosha Cannon
A seven-tonne cannon of eight metals cast in 1637, lying in the old artillery park. It is a quick, odd stop with a good story.
- Time needed
- 10-15 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Any dry day
- Tickets
- ASI-maintained open-air monument. Check any entry arrangements locally. It is outdoors and normally accessible in daylight hours.
Places of worship in Murshidabad
- 07
Katra Mosque
A ruined brick mosque and caravanserai begun by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, who is buried beneath its entrance steps. It is atmospheric, uneven and best seen in morning light.
- Time needed
- 45-60 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning light, November to February
- Tickets
- Protected by the ASI; entry arrangements and any fee can change, so ask locally. It is a mosque, so dress modestly and ask before entering prayer areas.
- 08
Nizamat Imambara
A long Shia congregation hall beside Hazarduari Palace, rebuilt in 1847 after a fire. It is an active religious building and a quiet counterpart to the museum.
- Time needed
- 30-45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning; avoid the days of Muharram unless you have a reason
- Tickets
- Free to see from the courtyard when open, but practice varies. Dress modestly, remove shoes, and ask before photographing inside. Access can be restricted during religious observances.
Gardens and parks in Murshidabad
- 09
Khushbagh
A walled garden cemetery holding the graves of Alivardi Khan and Siraj ud-Daulah. It is quiet, sober and more moving than most monuments in town.
- Time needed
- 30-45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon, November to February
- Tickets
- Check current access and any entry fee locally. It is a cemetery, so dress modestly and keep conversation low.
- 10
Motijheel
A horseshoe-shaped lake on an old bed of the Bhagirathi, with a mosque and ruined gateway. A calm place to walk once the palaces are done.
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon, November to February
- Tickets
- Park access arrangements vary and the Jama Masjid area is a protected monument. Check any fee at the gate, and dress modestly for the mosque.
Museums in Murshidabad
- 11
House of Jagat Seth
The surviving buildings of the Jagat Seth banking family at Mahimapur, with a small private museum. A useful stop for the money behind the Nawabs.
- Time needed
- 45-60 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, November to February
- Tickets
- The museum is privately managed and hours, fees and access can vary. Confirm locally before you go. The site is also protected by the state.
