Bankura is an interesting tourist destination in West Bengal. With a rich cultural heritage and history to boast of, Bankura can be quite a captivating experience for the travelers. One comes across some of the best terracotta architectural specimens here and some beautiful scenic spots for camping, trekking and picnicking. Here is a snippet of travel guide to see in the town, one that is rife with tourism almost through the year.

By Air:

The closest airport to Bankura is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Dum Dum, Kolkata located about 170 km away. There is another new airport now that can be accessed in Durgapur that is a mere 45 km from Bankura. However Durgapur is yet to enjoy the kind of connectivity that the Kolkata airport does with rest of the country. From the airports tourists can hire cabs to reach their preferred destination in Bankura.

By Rail:

Bankura does have a railway station of its own, the Bankura Junction Railway Station which is part of the South eastern railways. This is however not a very big junction and has trains traveling to and from Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar only. The closest major railheads are Midnapore railway Junction and Sealdah in Kolkata. Midnapore has trains coming from different parts of the state while Kolkata of course enjoys superb connectivity with the rest of the country. From the station tourists can take taxi to reach Bankura.

By Road:

Bankura enjoys good connectivity by roads with major places of the state. It is connected by National Highway 14 and State Highways 5 and 9. There are regular buses operated by South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) from Bankura to Kolkata up and down. It takes about 5-6 hours to cover a distance of 170 km.

Getting Around: 

For moving around Bankura and visiting places tourists can rely on rickshaws and auto rickshaws. They more than suffice. Rental cars are a good option too if you want to travel some distance to see the neighboring tourist areas. They are easily available.

Summer (March to May):

Bankura, like most of the places in Bengal, barring the northern part, experiences sizzling hot summers. Summer sets in March and continues till June when monsoon arrives. It is hot, sultry and extremely uncomfortable. Temperature crosses the 40°C mark but the feel factor is much more. Touring or moving around Bankura can be extremely tough and unpleasant.

Monsoon (June to September):

The first showers of monsoon bring much needed respite from the hot sultry summer months. It infuses freshness everywhere and the weather improves. However Bankura receives considerable amount of rainfall that makes traveling and sightseeing difficult.

Winter (November to February):

Winter starts setting by November and the mercury dips considerably, which is such a relief after the humid and wet summer and monsoon. Temperature remains between 10°C and 22°C. The sky remains clear and blue, there is no rainfall or uncomfortable heat. The weather is perfect for exploring Bankura and the neighboring areas. It is undoubtedly the best time for visiting the town.

Trekking in Susunia and Biharinath Hills:

Susunia and Biharinath hills offer a lucrative opportunity for enthusiastic trekkers. Susunia is 1500 feet high covered with rich vegetation and trees while Biharinath temple is one of the tallest hills in the region and offers a great view of the surrounding Purulia hills and River Damodar. Here one comes across blooming Palash and Shimul flowers that are quite rare. Trekking up this hills offers tourists a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of the surrounding landscape and natural beauty.

Exploring Beauty of Bishnupur:

Bishnupur is a small town in Bankura that is extremely famous for its breathtaking terracotta sculptures and architecture. The works of art that one comes across here are true gems and pride of Bengal. The craftsmanship, the artistic skills and the intrinsic works are truly commendable. Bishnupur is also popular for the lovely Baluchari sarees that are woven here. So a visit to Bishnupur is must during one’s stay in Bankura.

Sightseeing of Stunning Terracotta Temples:

A visit to Bankura is incomplete without a tour of the very popular terracotta temples that are found all over the place. They are a sight to behold. The sculptures and works on every temple is different and intriguing. They speak volumes about the artistic excellence of the artists who created these masterpieces. Lalji temple, Jorbangla Temple, Madanmohan Temple are some of the most popular temples that one must visit during their stay here.

Go on Day’s trip to Jhilimili:

Also known as ‘Darjeeling of South Bengal,’ Jhilimili is a charming place to visit, explore and spend some quiet moments. Hillocks and dense lush forests with River Kangsabati flowing through it make Jhilimili a favored spot for picnickers. The bank of the river is splendid to gorge on some delicious food and devour the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Tourists will be disappointed if they are looking for fine dining or luxurious dining options in Bankura. A small town as it is there is a collection of simple eateries and restaurants available here that offer delicious Bengali food. There may be a few where North Indian cuisine may be served. Bankura is very popular for Bengali sweets like Peras, Mecha Sandesh etc. It makes a local alcoholic drink Mahua that is equally famous here.

There are no big malls in Bankura. There are simple local shops selling some of the things that Bankura is extremely famous for across the country. Terracotta statues, artifacts, and pieces of jewellery are great for buying and for gifting. Bamboo works and dokra items are also found here and popular among tourists. Another thing that Bankura is famous for is the beautifully woven Baluchari sarees that create quite a sensation. Pick one up before leaving the town.