5 things to do in Malda
Malda is one of the most historically relevant places in West Bengal, witnessing the reign of three major dynasties in India—the Pal, the Sen, and the Nawabs. About 350 km north of Kolkata, this town is located at the confluence of two rivers—Mahanadi and Kalindi. Malda is also famous for mangoes across India. Here's what you can do on a trip here.
How to reach Malda?
You can take overnight trains from Kolkata to Malda and reach early in the morning. Trains from New Delhi, Siliguri, Buxar, Lucknow, Varanasi among other cities also travel through Malda. You can also take a bus from Kolkata and other major cities in West Bengal.
Witness the architectural ruins in Gour
Founded by Shashanka, one of the pioneering Bengali kings, Gour became one of the most prominent capitals in Bengal's history and medieval architecture. Most of the ruins here date back to the pre-Mughal era of the Bengal Sultanate. Gour is dotted with ruins like Dakhil Darwaza, Firoz Minar, Qadam Rasul Mosque, Chika Masjid, Gumti Darwaza, Baisgazi Wall, Ballal Bati, and Baroduari Mosque.
Visit the Adina Mosque
Almost synonymous with present-day Adina, Pandua used to be the capital of the Bengal Sultanate between the 14th and 15th centuries. However, the city got lost with time, until rediscovered in 1808. One can find a resemblance to Bengali, Arabian, and Persian architecture in the ruins. Visit the Adina Mosque—an ASI-listed monument, Eklakhi mausoleum, Qutub Shahi Mosque, and Adina Deer Park.
Soak in the beauty at Bhatra beel
Visit the magnanimous Bhatra beel in the evening for a nice stroll and a beautiful sunset. Take a boat ride in the large water body to spend some peaceful time and capture breathtaking photographs. Enjoy the endlessness of the lake with your family and friends, just 30 minutes away from Malda town. Locally, the place is often referred to as Maldar Digha (Malda's Digha).
Visit Ramkeli mela
A hamlet near Gour, Ramkeli was the temporary home of Sri Chaitanya, the great saint of Bengal, for a few days while traveling to Vrindavan. This area, also called Gupt Vrindavan, has a temple preserving the saint's footprints on a stone. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the yearly week-long fair on Jaishthya Sankranti, to commemorate the arrival of Sri Chaitanya.
Eat and shop!
When in Malda town, do not miss the opportunity to walk through the bustling marketplace and try Roshokodombo, a famous local sweet. Also, your journey to the mango haven of India will be incomplete if you do not try their Aamshotto (aam papad) before you head home. And of course, make sure to carry a few bags of ripe and heavenly mangoes home!
