Stand at the crossing of Bijoy Chand Road and GT Road and the Curzon Gate rises in front of you, its eight columns topped with lions and three female figurines holding swords, boats and sheaves of corn. This is the ceremonial heart of Bardhaman, and it sets the tone for a city where the Burdwan Raj left its mark on palaces, temples and gardens.
Bardhaman suits travellers who are already in West Bengal and want a day or two of Mughal tombs, terracotta temples and quiet green spaces without the crowds of Kolkata. It is reachable by train on the Howrah–Delhi main line and by bus from across the region, and most of what is worth seeing sits within the city or a short ride from it.
This guide covers the sights named in the source material, grouped so you can plan a route rather than a checklist.
Top things to do in Bardhaman
1. Curzon Gate
Officially Bijoy Toran, this arched gateway was built by Bijoy Chand Mahtab to commemorate the visit of Lord Curzon to Bardhaman in 1903. Eight columns support the arches, the side arches are topped with sitting lions, and the central arches carry three female figurines. After independence it came to be known as Bijoy Toran, and the new name is inscribed in Bengali atop the arch. A pair of statues stands in front of the gate.
It sits at the crossing of Bijoy Chand Road and GT Road, so it works well as the first stop of a walk. Christ Church is just north of the gate, making the two easy to combine.
2. Bardhaman Rajbati
The royal palace was built by Mahtab Chand Bahadur in the 19th century on the site of a Mughal fort, and constructed by Burn and Company. Uday Chand Mahtab later handed the building to the state government, and it now houses an administrative department of the University of Burdwan.
It stands on BC Road. Note that it is a working administrative building rather than a museum, so plan your visit around that rather than expecting a formal tour.
3. 108 Shiva Temples
This complex at Nababhat on National Highway 114 consists of 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, arranged in a rectangular formation around two ponds. The temples follow the at-chala style, with the four corner temples octagonal, and the Shivalingas in all of them are made of black stone. It was constructed in 1788 by Maharani Bishnu Kumari Devi, wife of Tilak Chandra Bahadur of the Bardhaman royal family.
Look for the two statues of Nandi Bull, one white and one black, and the set of 108 bells near the entrance. The complex also has a waiting shed for pilgrims.
4. Nawab Bari
On Khaja Anwar Road, this Mughal-era tomb complex houses the grave of Khaja Anwar, the amir of Azim-us-shaw, who was killed in an ambush in 1698. Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar later built a huge tomb over the grave in 1715. The walled complex centres on a huge tank that has long dried up, with an arched pavilion known as Hawa Mahal at its centre, connected to the mainland by an arched causeway.
The entrance is through a two-storied gateway in the north. On the western side is a triple-domed mosque that is still functional and has stucco work on its walls; the tomb itself lies at the southern end, a single-domed square structure flanked by slender minarets.
5. Mazhar of Pir Baharam
In Alamganj, this site houses the tomb of the Persian Sufi saint Pir Bahram Sakka, who was known for providing water to thirsty travellers and spent his last days in Bardhaman. The grave of Pir Bahram is inside a single domed structure.
The place is also known as the resting place of Sher Afghan Khan, the first husband of Noor Jahan, and Qutubuddin Koka, who died fighting each other in a battle at Bardhaman in 1610. Their tombs sit next to each other inside a flat-roofed structure, and the tomb of Pir Baharam predates them.
6. Golapbag
Literally "rose garden", Golapbag is a botanical garden built in 1883 by Raja Bijoy Chand Mahtab on Dikhusa Avenue. Once a retreat for the Rajas, it later became the main campus of the University of Burdwan.
It contains several ancient structures, including the Hawa Mahal, a domed pavilion located on an island. Because it is a university campus, expect an active academic setting rather than a manicured visitor garden.
7. Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary
Originally a botanical garden, Ramnabagan became a deer park with spotted deer in 1978 and was declared a wildlife sanctuary by 1981. It holds animals from different parts of the erstwhile Bardhaman district.
The forest of tall teak and sal, with mesophytic associates like kadbels, dumur and jam, offers a break from the noise of the city. It is also known as Bardhaman Zoological Park.
8. Bardhaman Science Centre
Founded in 1994, the centre promotes scientific mechanisms through models and displays. Popular exhibits include the mystery behind flying objects, a game of energy balls and the wonders of chemistry show, and the galleries cover Fun Science, Human Performance and a Life Science Corner.
Its main attractions are the 3D Theater, Science Shows, Science Magic and Miracle shows, Taramandal Shows and sky observation through telescope. Entry is ₹25, with separate tickets for the daily shows: 3D show ₹25, Science show ₹10 and Taramandal show ₹10. It is open from 10AM to 6:30PM.
9. Sarbamangala Temple
Established by Maharaja Kirtichand Ray, this temple is dedicated to Ma Sarbamangala, the family deity of the Bardhaman royal family. It follows the navaratna, or nine-pinnacled, plan.
The temple has been largely modified over the years, but many of its terracotta panels have survived. It remains an active temple with several other structures around it.
10. Kankaleshwari Temple
In Kanchannagar, this is a navaratna temple with terracotta reliefs. Although the temple is said to be ancient, the idol of Goddess Kali was found in 1913 in the Damodar River. The idol has eight hands, four on each side.
Pair it with the other temple stops on a single circuit rather than treating it as a standalone trip.
11. Bardhamaneswar Temple
This Shiva temple houses a huge Shivalinga that is not very high but has a large circumference, which is why it is often called Moṭā Śib Mandir. According to legend, the temple was founded by the legendary trader Chand Sadagar of Mansamangal fame.
It is an active temple today with modified and added structures, and hardly anything remains of its earlier history, so come for the living practice rather than the architecture.
12. Christ Church
North of Curzon Gate, this is the oldest church in Purba Bardhaman district, built in 1816 under the auspices of Charles Stuart. It is a small church with a brick-red facade.
It is busiest during Christmas. Combine it with the Curzon Gate, which is a short walk away.
13. Sri Guru Nanak Gurdwara
On GT Road, this is the sole gurdwara of Bardhaman and one of the few Sikh places of worship in West Bengal. It was built by Civil Surgeon Lt. Col. Harikishan Singh between 1930 and 1935 in memory of his parents.
Its position on GT Road makes it convenient to fold into a route that already includes the Curzon Gate and Christ Church.
14. Bardhaman Clock Tower
On GT Road at Birhata, the clock tower was built by the Burdwan Development Authority and resembles the Big Ben of London. It is a quick stop rather than a long visit.
Use it as a landmark while moving between the northern and central parts of the city.
15. Krishak Setu and the railway overbridge
Krishak Setu is a bridge on the Damodar River connecting Bardhaman to Bankura and Arambagh, built in 1978. The Bardhaman Railway Overbridge is a four-lane cable-stayed bridge connecting Bardhaman to Katwa, constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and inaugurated in 2019, replacing the century-old two-lane overbridge.
Both are pieces of infrastructure rather than attractions, but they are worth noting if your route takes you across the river or towards Katwa.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start at Curzon Gate at the crossing of Bijoy Chand Road and GT Road, then walk north to Christ Church. Continue to Bardhaman Rajbati on BC Road, and if time allows, add the Bardhaman Clock Tower on GT Road at Birhata.
Afternoon. Head to Golapbag on Dikhusa Avenue, then continue to the Bardhaman Science Centre for its galleries and a show. If you prefer open air to exhibits, swap the Science Centre for Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary.
Evening. Make your way to the 108 Shiva Temples at Nababhat on National Highway 114, where the temples are arranged around two ponds. If you have energy left, the Sarbamangala Temple is an active temple and a fitting close to a day of royal and religious Bardhaman.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Bardhaman?
The main Howrah–Delhi rail track passes through the city, and Bardhaman railway station is served by the Howrah Rajdhani Express (via Patna). You can also take a Howrah–Barddhaman chord line local train from Howrah. By road, the Grand Trunk Road runs across the city and NH 19 bypasses it, with buses from Arambag, Asansol, Baharampur, Bankura, Bolpur, Esplanade, Kirnahar, Purulia, Saltlake and Tarakeswar.
What should I eat in Bardhaman?
Sitabhog and Mihidana are the two famous sweets of Bardhaman, introduced first in honour of the Raj family.
How do I get around the city?
Cycle rickshaws and E-Rickshaws, known locally as Toto, are available for travel within the city, and a few autos run as well. Mini buses operate within the city and the surrounding area, and Rapido's bike and Toto services are also active.
When is the best time to visit the temples and gardens?
The climate is classified as a tropical savanna climate, so plan outdoor stops like Golapbag, Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary and the 108 Shiva Temples for the cooler parts of the day. Christ Church is crowded during Christmas if you want to see it at its busiest.
With the Curzon Gate, the Rajbati and the temple complexes all within reach, Bardhaman rewards a traveller who plans a route rather than a list, so start mapping your day around the GT Road and Bijoy Chand Road crossings.