Bardhaman

Bardhaman (Bengali: বর্ধমান Bardhamān), also spelt Burdwan, is the headquarters of the namesake Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. It is the largest agricultural centre in the state, located in what has been traditionally called the "granary of Bengal". It is a major transport centre with rail and road connections all around.

Understand
Bardhaman (BAWR-dhoh-mahn), the administrative headquarters of Purba Bardhaman district, is the fifth largest city in West Bengal and growing fast. Since independence, it has emerged as a higher education hub. Bardhaman gets its name from Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Jain tirthankara in 6th century BC, who is said to have traversed this region.

Located in the fertile plains of Bengal, it has been the target of many an invader and witnessed many battles, the most touching being the battle between Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak in 1610, to determine the fate of Meherunissa, wife of Sher Afgan, who emerged as Noor Jehan. Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak lay buried in Bardhaman.

The Badhaman Raj family has played a more dynamic role in shaping the destiny of Bardhaman. Curzon Gate is an important landmark in Bardhaman and the Rajbati now houses the University of Burdwan.

By plane
The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport at Durgapur, roughly  from Bardhaman. However, only a few flights serve the airport. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata (roughly  from Bardhaman) is the nearest airport to get to Bardhaman smoothly. In either case, one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination.

By train
Barddhaman station has one two-bedded non-air-conditioned retiring room and an eight-bedded dormitory. The station consists of 8 platforms and each platform is given high-speed Wi-Fi access. Also, the station has escalator service on platforms numbered 2, 3 and 8. One can find plenty of cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws outside the station building. The bazaar around Barddhaman station, colloquially known as Station Bazar, provides essential commodities for both the city's residents and the commuters to Bardhaman.

By bus
Bardhaman is well connected by bus with numerous places all around. South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) and private operators operate buses from Esplanade and Karunamoyee in Kolkata, which takes 2-2½ hours. Most buses arrive and leave from Uttara (Nababhat) Bus Stand and Alisha Bus Stand.

By car
The Grand Trunk Road runs across the city. NH 19, also called Durgapur Expressway, bypasses the city.

Get around
Cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws (locally known as totos) are available for travel within the city. As all the tourist attractions are near the major roads, walking is also a good option. There is no need of booking a rickshaw. They are widely available and a combination of rickshaws and walking is the best way to explore the city.

However, due to restrictions imposed on totos in Bardhaman, crossing the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) in the city with such vehicles can be problematic or even prohibited. You should either take other modes of transport or simply walk to cross the road.

Festivals
Durga Puja is the main festival in Bardhaman. Kali Puja, Holi, Diwali, Saraswati Puja, Christmas, Ratha Yatra and Raksha Bandhan are also celebrated in the city. Due to a long-term tradition, Holi in Bardhaman and nearby villages is celebrated a day after the rest of the world.

Buy
The Barabazar (big market) and Raniganj Bazar areas of Bardhaman are flocked with numerous shops along Bijay Chand Road (BC Road). The bazaar around Barddhaman station, colloquially known as Station Bazar, provides essential commodities for both the city's residents and the commuters to Bardhaman.

Eat and drink
Bardhaman is famous for two sweetmeat items: mihidana and sitabhog. These sweets have been exported as far as Bahrain. There are plenty of shops selling these items on GT Road and elsewhere. Mihidana and sitabhog are also available at Saktigarh, but it is not always as good as in Bardhaman town. The best quality is available in shops around the Curzon Gate.

Go next

 * Ambika Kalna
 * Katwa