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Why Is Murshidabad famous?

Murshidabad is a centre for handicrafts, sericulture and agriculture. Silk was the major material that made Murshidabad one of the most prosperous cities in Bengal. Thus, Murshidabad tourist spot received its name from Murshid Quli Khan. cultural performances are also quite popular in and around Murshidabad. 

Originally called Maksudabad, it was reputedly founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. In 1704, the nawab transferred the capital there from Dacca and renamed the town from Makshudabad to Murshidabad. Along with Silk sarees, food at Murshidabad makes the place one of the right things that drag tourists to Murshidabad. 

Is Murshidabad near Kolkata?

Yes, Murshidabad is near Kolkata. It takes 5 hours from Kolkata to reach Murshidabad. You can take a direct train from Kolkata station to Murshidabad. Apart from this, you can also take a bus from Dharmatala Bus Stop to Murshidabad SBSTC Bus Stop. Since this place is just at a distance of 5 to 6 hours. Hence it is an excellent choice for spending a weekend’s tour of this place and getting some cool pictures. 

What type of food is famous in Murshidabad? 

Murshidabad is famous for murgh biryani, Gobindo Bhog rice and mishti pulao. Besides this, you must eat exotic dishes like kheera shimla mirch tarkari, maheen boondi, mughlai dishes. Fish is also a very prominent dish here in Murshidabad.  Mostly they are bought from the Ganges. 

Which is the best time to visit Murshidabad?

The best time to visit Murshidabad is at the onset of winter. These months include October to March. Murshidabad experiences both summer as well as extreme winters. When the summers are hot, winters are equally cold here. However, you will need to stay pleasant and serve the best time to visit. Moreover, for the Bengalis, it is best to visit during Durga Puja and Rath Yatra. 

Which Saree Is Popularly Known In Murshidabad?

Although Murshidabad Silk is so popular here, the jamdani Silk saree is also famous and known by everyone here. The Jamdani is the king of the Muslin silk saree which is sought after for its quality. Hence, Murshidabad is famous for its Murshidabad silk saree, baluchari saree, mulberry silk saree with red borders and smooth designs of special silk. 

Shopping in Murshidabad is a very common activity. Since Murshidabad is particularly popular for handicraft material. Also, another thriving industry is the silk industry. Sarees from Murshidabad are highly sold all over the country and also abroad. The cost is also within range thus people take interest in buying sarees from here. 

How to Reach Murshidabad? 

By Air: The nearest airport is NSC Bose Airport, Kolkata. From here you will need to travel by taking the train or by boarding a direct car to Berhampur.  

By Train: The nearest station is Murshidabad Berhampore Court. It is well connected to Kolkata and the rest of India. From Sealdah you can board the Sealdah Lalgola Express to reach the Berhampore Court railway station. Another train that takes the same route is the Bhagirathi Express and the Lalgola Passenger. It takes 186 KM to reach Hazarduari. 

By Road: Berhampur and Kolkata are both well connected and the buses run on NH roads. And, from here you can directly reach Hazarduari. Buses connect from Durgapur, Malda, Krishnanagar, Bolpur, and Rampurhat. You can stay at the hotels by taking a halt at Berhampur. It takes 220 KM by road. 

A Short Overview of Hazarduari Murshidabad

Murshidabad Hazarduari is a nearby tourist place from the Berhampur bus stand. From here you can also take an auto-rickshaw which will cost you around Rs. 110/- for reaching there. 

And once you reach the Hazarduari auto stop, here you will get to see carts that are pulled by horses standing in royal positions to take you to the main door of Hazarduari. Not necessary you will have to hire a rickshaw to reach Hazarduari, you can also walk up to the main gate in around 10 to 15 minutes. 

Price of the Food Near The Hazarduari Hotels 

While taking walking distance, you will get to see that there are a few handfuls of street-side hotels where you can take lunch in a very pocket-pinching low cost ranging between Rs. Rs.100/- (veg) and Rs. 150/- (non-veg). After taking the food as per your choice, you can easily take your step ahead. Hazarduari palace is also known as Bara Kothi.

If you visit in the months of summer, it might make you feel disturbed due to the scorching heat of the sun. The reason is that the place is near the Tropic of Cancer and thus receives the direct heat of the sun. Therefore it is important to make all the necessary arrangements.

Hazarduari Murshidabad is a proud heritage of West Bengal and also plays a significant role in the history of Indian history. It is spread over an area of 42 acres and is a magnificent masterpiece. Taking the roadways to reach Hazarduari is much more convenient than any other mode of transport. 

Hazarduari is the first port of call for tourists in Murshidabad. It is called Nawab’s own abode or the Rajbari. The design of the palace depicts Greek architectural designs. And, the name roughly translates to a palace with a thousand doors. The idea behind Hazarduari was to prevent intruders from entering the palace and doing anything fishy. 

The name of Hazarduari was so called because it has 1000 doors. Down memory lane when Murshidabad was the capital of the Royal Nawabs in West Bengal, this place was a prominent port on the banks of the Ganges. Out of which 100 doors are real and the rest 900 are false. Travel freaks from all corners of the country come in to visit the palace and flock together to have a gala time over here. 

What Is The Timing To Visit Hazarduari Palace?

Hazarduari Palace is on the check time of 11 AM every day. The cost of the ticket is Rs. 5/- for Indian travellers whereas it is Rs. 100/- for Foreigners. The palace is situated on a wide spread of land. Therefore it takes a long time to complete the tour inside. 

Places Of Attraction Nearby Murshidabad, WB

• Hazarduari Palace.
• Nizamat Imbabura.
• MotiJheel.
• Footi Masjid.
• Katra Mosque.
• Bacchawali Tope.
• Wasif Manzil. 
• Chawk Masjid.
• Shia Complex.
• Azimganj.
• Jiaganj.
• Terracotta temples of Baranagar.
• Bari Kothi. 
• Nasipur Palace.
• Khosh Bagh.
• Lalbagh. 
• Cossimbazar. 
• Clock Tower. (Big Ben). 
• Madina Masjid.
• Adina mosque Malda.
• Fauti Masjid. 
• Jahan Kosha Cannon.
• Tripaulia Gate.
• Tantipara. 
• Kathgola gardens & Palace.
• Zenana Mahal.
• House of Jagat Seth.
• Pareshnath Temple. 
• Plassey Battlefield.
• Tomb of Azimunnisa Begum.
• Namak Haram Deori.
• Jafarganj Cemetery.
• Jain temples of Azimganj.

What Are The Approx Expenses To Travel To Hazarduari?

The pocket pinch at Hazarduari is as follows:

Deluxe-type rooms are available at around Rs. 6000/- (exclusive of GST).

Premium rooms are available at Rs. 7000/-. Both these rooms are available for double occupancy. 

Breakfast is included with the stay. If there is any extra person, then the charges will vary between Rs. 1000/- and Rs. 1400/- approximately. 

The bus fare starts from Rs. 150/- to Rs. 200/- to reach Berhampur Court. 

Tour Itinerary For Murshidabad Hazarduari: A Suggestion 

You must make a travel plan for 2 to 3 days for a fantastic tour of Hazarduari palace. 

Day 1: Arrive at Bari Kothi.

Day 2: Local sightseeing at Murshidabad Tourist spot.

Day 3. Sightseeing at Azimganj and Jiaganj.

Day 4: Return Home. 

There are many affordable budget hotels near Hazarduari Palace where you can get a booking at the very lowest fare. Meals can be included along with the hotel booking. 

Where Can You Stay In Murshidabad? 

If you stay for 2 to 3 days in Murshidabad, you can completely have a great time seeing the beauty of the place. If you plan to have a luxury stay at the hotel, you must book Bari Kothi and experience luxury and heritage. But, Berhampur Tourist lodge is one of the best places to stay in West Bengal Tourism. Boutique Hotel located in Murshidabad is also an affordable place to stay. Spot booking is mostly what these hotels prefer. 

What is the Child policy for booking at Murshidabad palace? 

• No charges for kids under 5 years.
• Charges of Rs, 500/- extra can be added for kids above 5 years per head. 

FAQ On The Untold Facts About Murshidabad Hazarduari

Q1. When was the first foundation stone of Hazarduari laid? 

Ans1. Hazarduari Murshidabad is situated on the campus of Kila Nizamat in Murshidabad. The foundation stone of the palace was laid on August 9, 1829. It is now the most visible architectural structure in Murshidabad. It is 18 feet high with 5.5 m. There are 7 massive pillars. The design is amazing and has about 37 stones that lead to the upper portico. 

Q2. Who Designed Murshidabad Hazarduari?

Ans2. Architect Duncan Macleod proudly designed Hazarduari during the reign of Nazim Humayun Jah of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. This palace is not too far from the Bangladesh border. It was completed in the year 1837. The main goal of the designer was to highlight the Indo-European architecture style. 

Q3. What is included in the Murshidabad Palace?

Ans3. The complex of Hazarduari, it includes Nizamat Imambara, Madina Mosque, a huge clock, and other building structures. It was the capital of Bengal under Murshid Quli Khan unless Britishers came in and started trading here. The palace is around 40 feet from the Bhagirathi River and comprises 115 apartments each with its own entrance. 

Q4. What does the Museum display?

Ans4. The Museum of Hazarduari displays a wide collection of armoury, paintings and portraits of the Great rulers of the time. There are different swords that are collected from the battlefield, and a great canon also is a special attraction in this palace. Portraits of Siraj- Ud- Daula, and Nawab Alivardi Khan can also be seen here. There are certain rarest collections too which are available with special permission from authority only. 

Q5. Which are the Two Twin towns that surround Murshidabad?

Ans5. There are two twin towns that surround Murshidabad Jiaganj and Azimganj. It accounts for almost 5% of the world's GDP. Murshidabad is a hub for huge business. So, just imagine how prosperous this town is in the golden chapters of history. 

Q6. What is the brief history of Murshidabad?

Ans6. Murshidabad is an untold story of the tryst with history where a brahmin went on to become a Nawab. It was said that Murshid Quli Khan was born as a brahmin in the Deccan region. Due to penury, he was handed over to Haji Shafi Isfahani as a slave. He was a Persian merchant by trade. Haji Shafi renamed him as Mirza Hadi. And, it was after this that he was rechristened as Kartalab Khan. As luck would have him, when in the later years of the Mughal rule, Aurangzeb was searching for an apt man to become a Diwan, Kartalab Khan was crowned as Murshid Quli Khan who shifted his capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad. 

Final Words

Have you ever imagined that such a small settlement in West Bengal along the banks of the Bhagirathi River could become such an important thriving place for the people from London? Yes, Hazarduari Murshidabad is a popular Murshidabad tourist spot. 

The palace is highly recommended for travellers to steal some moments for a weekend tour of Hazarduari Palace. It is on the bank of the Ganges. And, the most important thing is that the palace is recognized by the Archeological Survey of India. It is a monument of National importance in West Bengal. It was the last seat for the Nawab in Bengal after which the Bristishers took over the rule of India under them. 

For those who are planning a tour at Hazarduari Murshidabad, let’s have a historical weekend at the end of this month and enjoy it with our friends and family.