Kolkata offers you several wonderful excursions. One amongst them is Bankura, one of the most exquisite districts of West Bengal. This is a place with a wonderful past and glorious historical heritage. It is also a fantastic center for local Bengali crafts and arts. Located on the banks of Dwarakeshwar, it offers you umpteen opportunities to visit several destinations that are unique from cultural and historical perspective. A trip to Bankura would be fantastic for those who are interested in archaeology, history, culture and crafts. Spread over an area of 6881 sq km, the district has several places worth visiting. It houses the second biggest earthen dam of India, at the confluence of Kangsabati and Kumari River, in Mukutmonipur. The place, with its lush green beauty and deep blue water, is certainly the most captivating section of entire Bankura district. Other than this, the Susunia hill is famous for trekking expeditions as well as its natural streams. Biharinath Hill and Jhilimili are other places in Bankura where you can head for a trip. Bankura is also a wonderful place for arts and handicrafts. The famous Bankura horses are the logo of all Indian handicrafts for export. Other than the terracotta crafts, handicrafts like dokra, stone-carvings and wood-carvings are also a specialty of Bankura district. Works of silk and tasar handlooms have also bloomed up very well in the last few years. Other notable crafts of the place are pottery, conch shells, leather works and baluchari sarees. A trip to Bankura is incomplete without a candid rendezvous with all these items.
General Information about Bankura District :
Location: Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Bankura District :
By Air:
Kolkata is well connected by airways, to all the major countries in the world as well as to the key Indian cities. There are regular flights from all the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, to the place. Even international destinations, in France, Britain, Holland, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Jordan and Thailand, are connected to the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata. This airport is located at Dumdum, about 15 km away from the main township.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Trains connect the city with all the major cities of India. Super fast trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ply between Kolkata and Delhi and other nearby places. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.
By Road:
The road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.
How to Travel in Kolkata:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving Carry all your important documents and money If you are travelling alone, don’t publicize it. Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country’s embassy. It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveller’s checks and insurance. Beware of touts and agents. Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed. To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.

