About Gaur City :
The city of Kolkata offers you wonderful excursions. If you want to have historical and archaeological expeditions near the city, Gaur is the place for you. The city is said to be one of the oldest residential places in West Bengal. Located near the western bank of Ganges, it is about 40 km downstream from Rajmahal, in the Malda district of the state. Though the wonderful architecture of the city has now been reduced to ruins, there is an aura about this place that attracts tourists towards it in the present times as well. Earlier, Gaur was known as Lakshmanavati as it was said to be discovered by Lord Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Ram. Later, during the Muslim reign, its name was corrupted to become ‘Lakhnauti’. The city was also known as Gauda, in the reign of the famous Bengali ruler Sasanka. Though the historical links of the city are very old, the exact records are available only from 1198, after Muslims conquest over this place. It has also remained the capital city of ancient and medieval Bengal for long. Gaur is a wonderful destination for archeological studies and historical surveys. The monuments of Gaur are now looked after by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Though most of the architectural structures have merely reduced to ruins, owing to the small and thin rocks used in the construction of buildings here, you can still roam around the place, to have a look at the chronological journey of the city and get an idea as to why it was a prominent center of politics and state affairs in the past. In the old remains, you can have a look at the famous Bara Darwaza of the city built in 1526. The other famous architectures here are Small Golden or Eunuchs’ mosqUe, Tantipar Mosque, Dakhil Darwaza, Kadam Rasut Mosque and Firoz Minar. The tomb of the saint Makhdum Shaikh Akhi Siraj is also visited by many tourists. This city, surrounded by dense forests and covered by remains of the wonderful architecture, is mostly loved by those who want to explore the stories from the old remains. If you are one of them, wait no more, pack your bags and leave for Gaur!
General Information about Gaur City :
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 Gaur City :
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.