Malda Tourism

Top Tourists Places To Visit in Malda

Gour

Gour was once the capital of Bengal. Today, it is a land of ruins and monuments that speak of its glorious past. The city was filled with palaces, gateways, and mosques, many of which still stand in parts. Walking through Gour feels like stepping back into history.

Baro Shona Masjid:

It is also called Baroduari Masjid. It was built in the 16th century. It originally had 12 doors, but now 11 remain. The fine stone carvings show the great talent of the craftsmen. Though time has damaged parts of it, the mosque still stands as a symbol of the golden days of Gour. Visitors admire its size and the peaceful atmosphere around it.

Firoz Minar:

It is a 26-meter tall tower built by Sultan Firoz Shah. It looks like the ‘Qutub Minar’ in Delhi and it gives wide views of the nearby area. The view of fields and ruins from the top gives a lovely glimpse of Malda’s history and nature together.

Dakhil Darwaza:

It is a huge gateway which once served as the main entrance to Gour. It was built in the 15th century and is made of red bricks. The huge arched door shows the strength and beauty of medieval Bengal.

Chika Mosque:

It was built in 1475 by Sultan Yusuf Shah. It is known for its unique design. The name ‘Chika’ means bat, as bats once filled its interiors. The simple but strong structure has thick walls and a single dome. Today, it is visited both for its history and the quiet charm of its surroundings.

Gumti Darwaza:

This gateway was built in in 1512 by Alauddin Hussein Shah. It portrays a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The arches and carvings on the walls display artistic beauty. This is smaller than Dakhil Darwaza, but many visitors stop here to take photos and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Pandua:

Pandua is also called as ‘Adina’ and it was once the capital of Bengal before Gour. It holds some of the impressive monuments of the region. Walking around Pandua provides a sense of Bengal’s medieval power and glory.

Adina Mosque:

This mosque was built in the 14th century and is one of the largest in India. Its size is truly impressive, with rows of arches and a huge courtyard. Though many portions are in ruins today, the remains show the scale and beauty of the original structure.

Eklakhi Mausoleum:

This tomb belongs to the 14th century and is famed for its unique design. It is considered one of the initial brick monuments in Bengal. The square construction with its single dome looks simple but strong. The tomb of Sultan Jalaluddin Muhammad Shah is positioned inside the structure.

Ramkeli:

Ramkeli is a holy place for followers of the ‘Vaishnavite tradition’. It is connected with the life and works of 02 great saints- Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami. The calm ambiances of the village add to its spiritual feel.

Madanmohan Jiu Mandir:

This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was set up in the early 16th century by Rupa and Sanatana Goswami. The temple is simple in architecture but holds deep spiritual value for devotees. Pilgrims come here every year to offer prayers and take part in spiritual meetings.

Jagjivanpur:

It is vital for Bengal’s Buddhist history. The place was once home to a famous monastery and shows the influence of the Pala Empire. Archaeological work here has brought out many remnants of the past.

Nandadirghi Mahavihara:

This Buddhist monastery was constructed in the 9th century. It was once a place of learning and spiritual practice. The ruins of brick structures, copper plates, and terracotta works were discovered here. These give us a glimpse of Bengal’s Buddhist legacy. History enthusiasts often visit the site to explore and imagine how monks lived here centuries ago.

Adina Deer Park:

Adina Deer Park is situated near the Adina Mosque. It is a green retreat with plenty of wildlife. The park is home to deer, birds, and other small animals. The Park spreads across a huge area filled with trees and grasslands. Tourists enjoy walking, bird watching, and photography. It is a good stop for those who want to mix history with nature in their Malda trip.

Malda Museum:

The Malda Museum was established in 1937. It is one of the best places to learn about the district’s past. Though the collection is not very large, it is rich and well-kept. Museum Collection: The museum has old sculptures, terracotta plaques, stone inscriptions, and coins. These items tell stories of Malda’s history from different phases. Each display connects to the heritage of Bengal, including Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic art.

Top Things To Do In Malda

Explore Historical Ruins

You can walk through the old ruins of Gour and Pandua. The ancient structures show art and history of Bengal’s glorious past.

Visit Temples and Mosques

Malda has many temples & mosques. Each place has its own story, history, and beautiful architecture.

Enjoy Mango Orchards

Malda is famous for its mangoes, particularly the Haribhanga and Langra varieties. Visiting mango orchards during the fruiting season (from April till July) is a charming experience.

Shop for Local Handicrafts

Explore local markets for traditional Bengali handicrafts, including silk sarees and jute products.

Best Time To Visit Malda

The ideal time to visit Malda is between October and March when the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

How To Reach Malda?

By Air :

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, approximately 350 km away (7-8 hrs drive). From the airport, taxis are available to reach Malda. But it is suggested to book the transport, hotels and the guide service in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

By Rail :

Malda has its own railway station and has a few trains operated from some cities.

By Road :

Malda is connected by road to the nearby towns. Regular buses and taxis are operated from Kolkata and nearby cities.

Things To Know Before Visiting Malda

Hotels: Malda mainly has “budget hotels” or ‘basic hotels’. So the International travellers should be prepared for simple stays rather than luxury accommodations. You have to keep your expectations low on the accommodations in Malda. If you are looking for luxury/deluxe or high end accommodations, Malda may not be the ideal place to stay. 

Weather: Malda has a hot and humid weather in summers and mild winters. Summers can be quite warm, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated. Generally cotton clothes are fine for all the months.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Many tourist spots have uneven pathways, and you could need to walk a bit to explore ruins, markets, and orchards.

Health Precautions: Malda is at a low altitude, so altitude sickness is generally not a problem. But it is suggested to drink enough water and take breaks if you are walking a lot.

Language: Bengali is the primary language spoken, but Hindi and English are also understood. If you don’t speak Hindi/Bengali, an accompanying English speaking guide is recommended.

Connectivity: Mobile networks are generally consistent in town areas. Internet is available in most parts. However, some remote areas might have weak connectivity issue.

Local Etiquette: Visitors need to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques. Ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.

Cash: Keep some cash handy for small shops, local markets, and transport. ATMs are available in town, but cash is useful in rural areas.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Essential items to pack: Please remember to carry international adapter to charge your devices with ‘Indian power sockets’. Also, carry mosquito repellent cream & basic medicines/tablets, sunscreen lotions & hats.