Bishnupur is a town famous for unique terracotta temples dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Made under the rule of Vaishnavite Malla kings, the temples used the local laterite soil to create detailed terracotta work with a distinct look. The dominant architectural style is the Bengali Eka-Ratna, with a single tower set upon a sloping roof and a square cell, with a porch on each side. One of the most popular is the Jor Bangla temple with the signature curved double roof of Bengal and its walls covered with intricately carved terracotta plaques. The terracotta work depicts scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The town is also known for Baluchari sarees – rich and regal silks with mythological tales woven into them. The weavers draw inspiration from the temple motifs. Traditionally, beige tussar silk is used as a base, with designs woven in maroons, reds, deep purple, and gold, giving the sarees a very royal touch.
Distance From Kolkata: 150 kilometres
Time Taken By Car: 4 - 5 hours
Things To Do: See the 12.5 ft Dalmadal cannon that fired in 1742 when the ‘Bargis’(Maratha armies) had attacked Bishnupur, shop for Bengal handicrafts like the patachitra, Dashavatara cards, terracotta toys like the famous long-eared Bankura horse, buy sarees.
LBB Tip: You can also take any of the direct trains from Kolkata, such as the Hwh Prr Exp (12827), Rupasibangla Exp (12883), and Aranyak Express (12885).
