Stepping into Murshidabad is like walking through the fading pages of a grand historical novel. Once the capital of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha under the Nawabs, this riverside town on the banks of the Bhagirathi is a living museum of lost opulence and colonial intrigue. What makes it a truly lovely visit is the sheer architectural drama—from the magisterial Hazarduari Palace with its “thousand doors” (many of which are clever optical illusions) to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the Katra Mosque. It’s a place where history isn’t just kept in glass cases but is etched into the very soil, visible in the weathered terracotta of old temples and the sprawling garden estates like Kathgola.
Beyond the monuments, the charm of Murshidabad lies in its quiet, nostalgic pace. You can drift down the river in a country boat as the sun sets behind the minarets, or explore local workshops where artisans still produce the world-famous Murshidabad silk. It’s a destination that appeals to the soul of a storyteller, offering a poignant look at a time when this city was one of the wealthiest trading hubs in the world.
The nearest airport is at Kolkata,Name of Airport “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)” is located about 195 km from Murshidabad. The airport is well connected by flights to Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. From the airport taxi services are available for Murshidabad.
Murshidabad & Berhampore Court railway station are connected by trains to Howrah, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmadabad and several other Indian cities. Taxi services are available from the station.
Bus: Regular bus services operate from Siliguri or Kolkata. | Car: It is only 220 kms away from Kolkata. A 5.5 hours’ drive will make you reach Murshidabad.
