Discover Murshidabad, a historic gem by the Bhagirathi, where tales of Nawabs, palaces, and rich heritage await every curious traveler.
Nestled along the languid curves of the Bhagirathi River in West Bengal, Murshidabad is a place where time seems to pause, whispering tales of a bygone era. Once the glittering capital of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa under the Nawabs of Bengal, this historic town is a living museum of India’s opulent yet turbulent past. With its crumbling palaces, intricately designed mosques, and quiet riverside lanes, Murshidabad invites travelers to step into a world where every brick and breeze carries a story.
How to Reach Murshidabad:
Located 195 km from Kolkata, Murshidabad is accessible by train (Bhagirathi Express, 3.5–4 hrs, INR 150–600), bus (5–6 hrs, INR 150–300), or taxi (4.5–5 hrs, INR 3,000–5,000) from Kolkata. From Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Bengaluru, fly to Kolkata (2–3 hrs, INR 4,000–12,000) or take a train (17–36 hrs, INR 500–5,000), then connect by train/bus/taxi. Buses from Malda or Durgapur (2–4 hrs, INR 50–200) also work. Book via IRCTC, RedBus, or IndiGo.
Where to Stay:
Luxury Stays:
Bari Kothi, Azimganj: Heritage villa, riverside, INR 8,000–12,000/night (double, breakfast included). Book via MakeMyTrip.
Jalchhabi Resort, Lalbagh: Riverside with pool, INR 4,500–7,000/night (double, breakfast). Book via Yatra.com.
Cossimbazar Palace: Royal heritage, INR 5,000–9,000/night (double, breakfast). Book via TripAdvisor.
Budget Stays:
Hotel Sagnik, Berhampore: Clean, near station, INR 1,200–2,000/night (double, AC). Book direct.
Hotel New Heaven, Lalbagh: Basic, near Hazarduari, INR 800–1,500/night (double). Book via Yatra.com.
Purbasha Homestay, Lalbagh: Cozy, INR 1,000–1,800/night (double). Book via MakeMyTrip.
Tips: Book luxury stays early; budget hotels may lack Wi-Fi. Prices drop in monsoon (Jun–Sep).
A Glimpse into Murshidabad’s Glorious Past
Murshidabad’s historical significance is palpable as you wander its streets. In the 18th century, it was one of India’s wealthiest and most powerful cities, rivaling London in grandeur. As the seat of the Nawabs, it was a hub of commerce, culture, and political intrigue, flourishing under rulers like Murshid Quli Khan, who gave the city its name, and Siraj-ud-Daulah, whose defeat at the Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked a turning point in India’s colonial history. The echoes of this era linger in the town’s architecture and ambiance, inviting visitors to peel back layers of time.
The must visit places In Murshidabad:
Hazarduari Palace
the “Palace of a Thousand Doors,” an architectural marvel that stands as the crown jewel of Murshidabad. Built in 1837 by Duncan Macleod for Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah, this Indo-European edifice is a testament to the region’s cosmopolitan past. Its grand colonnaded façade, reminiscent of European neoclassicism, conceals an interior of intricate chandeliers, Belgian mirrors, and sprawling durbar halls.
The palace’s museum houses an eclectic collection—swords of nawabs, rare manuscripts, and even a colossal silver throne—each artifact whispering of a time when Murshidabad dictated the fate of empires.
As you stand in the vast courtyard, the Bhagirathi River glimmering in the distance, you can almost hear the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the murmur of courtly intrigue.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Fridays.
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indian citizens and ₹100 for foreign nationals.
Imambara
adjacent to Hazarduari, is one of India’s largest, its black basalt façade exuding solemn grandeur. Built by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, it is a place of reverence for Shia Muslims, especially during Muharram, when the air hums with chants and the glow of lanterns. The intricate tile work and towering arches invite quiet contemplation, while the view from its terrace, with the river snaking below, is nothing short of poetic.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Fridays.
Entry Fee: Free, visitors can view the exterior.
You can also read about these amzing places near Mumbai – https://www.travelseek.in/top-12-one-day-getaways-from-mumbai-nature-history/
Kathgola
Kathgola in Murshidabad is a historic palace built in the 18th century by the wealthy Jain merchant Dugar family. Originally designed as a luxurious garden house, it reflects a blend of European, Mughal, and Bengali architectural styles. The mansion features grand pillars, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows. Once used for entertaining British officers, Kathgola also houses rare antiques and a Jain temple. It shows the rich lifestyle and mix of cultures from that time. There is also a Small zoo where you can see various Species of birds.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Entry Fee: Rupees 30 including zoo .
Motijheel
known as the “Pearl Lake Palace,” is a hauntingly beautiful ruin surrounded by a crescent-shaped lake. Once the residence of Nawab Alivardi Khan’s daughter, its dilapidated arches and overgrown gardens tell a story of faded glory. Nearby, the Jafarganj Cemetery houses the graves of the Nawab’s kin, its quiet solitude a stark reminder of the transient nature of power.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person.
House of Jagat Seth:
Visit the historic residence of Jagat Seth, 18th-century bankers to the Nawabs. This Azimganj mansion, now a museum, displays antiques and Jain artifacts, reflecting their wealth and influence.
Opening Hours: 6.30 am to 6 pm.
Entry Fee: Rs. 15 per person.
A visit to Palashi
just 40 kilometers away, connects you to the pivotal battle that ushered in British rule. The Palashi Monument, a simple obelisk amidst fields of swaying sugarcane, marks the site where Siraj-ud-Daulah’s defeat changed India’s destiny. The surrounding countryside, dotted with mango orchards and mustard fields, offers a glimpse of rural Bengal’s timeless beauty.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Entry Fee: there is no ticket price to visit.
Local Dishes to Try:
Murgi Biryani: Chicken biryani with fragrant Gobindo Bhog rice, spiced mildly. INR 150–250/plate.
Misti Polao: Sweet, saffron-infused rice, often paired with mutton curry. INR 100–200/plate.
Mutton Rezala: Creamy Mughlai mutton curry with yogurt and spices. INR 200–350/portion.
Chanabutara: Sweet paneer-based dessert, a local specialty. INR 20–50/piece.
Fish Curry (Rohu/Ilish): Bengali-style fish in mustard or light gravy, served with rice. INR 120–250/plate.
Sheermal: Sweet, saffron-flavored flatbread, paired with curries. INR 30–60/piece.
A Journey Through Time
Murshidabad is not a destination for those seeking polished tourist circuits or modern conveniences. Its charm lies in its authenticity—crumbling yet proud, quiet yet resonant. The town demands patience, rewarding those who linger with stories etched in stone and whispered by the river. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of nawabs, marveling at intricate architecture, or simply soaking in the serenity of its gardens, Murshidabad offers a rare glimpse into a world where history and memory intertwine.
Related video, source YouTube – Murshidabad tour
