Familiar with different names such as the “City of Joy” and the “Cultural Capital of India”, Kolkata is a wonderful destination in India. It is a well-known city in India for its rich culture and heritage. Especially, here you can witness a large number of temples dedicated to Goddess Durga. As it earned the tagline of the cultural capital of India, it justifies its presence. Not just cultivating inside the city, it reflected the rich culture of its nearby places also. Now we go through some of the important religious places to visit near Kolkata.
Exploring 13 Renowned Religious Sites Around Kolkata:
1. Dakshineswar Kali Temple (12 km)
Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata is an auspicious and important temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. This temple is one of the Shakti Peetas and also the most powerful Shakti Peeta. The idol of Goddess Kali in this temple is also a special attraction, which looks very fierce and angry with a skeleton garland. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa also got the darshan of Goddess Kali in this temple while he was working as the chief priest. Such a powerful and sacred place to visit in Kolkata.
The temple’s architecture is another attraction of the place to witness beautiful Bengali architecture. Every day the temple looks crowded with a huge number of devotees. Especially, during Navaratri we can’t explain in words such a massive crowd attend to this temple.
2. Hooghly (55 km)
Hooghly is an interesting religious attraction near Kolkata because it is like a blend of all religious prominent places. Here different religious places are popular for Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Simply, here you can see the unity in diversity. The important religious places to visit here are Hangseshwari Temple, Tarakeswar Temple, Shandeswara Temple, Hooghly Imambara, Chandannagar Church, and Bandel Church. Every place is known for its unique architectural styles. Especially, HangeshwariTemple is the best one.
Apart from these, Tribeni a small town in Hooghly is a historic place where the holy rivers Ganges and Saraswati rivers confluence. For Hindus, this spot is a sacred place according to many mythological stories.
3. Tarakeswar (62 km)
Located in Hooghly, Tarakeswar is a famous pilgrimage spot for Lord Shiva. The Tarakeswar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the key attraction of the place. This temple is one of the oldest temples in West Bengal and its architectural works look stunning. Between July and August, Shravan Mela will be celebrated in this temple, which is an auspicious moment for many devotees. From all corners of West Bengal devotees visit the temple in a large number during that time.
Other important religious attractions of the place are Siddheshwari Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and Ganga Puja Ghat. Devotees perform different rituals at this Ghat seeking the blessings of Ganga.
4. Chandannagar (55 km)
Chandannagar is a popular religious spot located in Hooghly known for many religious institutions. For all religions, different famous religious places stand as the major attractions. Among all, Chandannagar Church is the major attraction of the place. It was built in the 19th century by the French.
In this church, you witness the beautiful colonial architecture. Apart from these, numerous temples and mosques of the place are the other important religious attractions of the place. Besides, Gandhi Bhavan and Chandannagar Museum are the important tourist attractions of the place.
5. Kamarpukur (95 km)
Kamarpukur is a small village with few religious attractions, which is a worthy visit place near Kolkata. This place is the birthplace of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the great saint who witnessed Goddess Kali. Many places where he used to meditate and stay now turned into religious spots.
The important religious places to cover here are Sri Ramakrishna Math and Mission and Haldarpukur Pond, where Ramakrishna used to meditate. Apart from these, Shyampukur and Narikelbaria villages are other worthy places to visit.
6. Nabadwip (120 km)
For a separate sect of Hinduism known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism, this place is a great pilgrimage center. This is the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who founded this sect. Here you can a lot number of Vaishnav temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The important religious spot in Nabadwip is Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.
In this math, Navadvipa Dham Parikrama an annual festival will be celebrated every year. It is an important event to witness in this place and it is celebrated on Gaura Purnima day. The special attraction of Nabadwipis its festivals like Ratha Yatra, Nityananda Trayodashi, and Gaura Purnima.
7. Mayapur (130 km)
Mayapur is a similar destination to Nabadwip, where Gaudiya Vaishnavism is followed in the majority. This place offers a serene atmosphere with numerous temples and maths. Especially, Bhajan Kutirs which are spread across the place. We can sit in these huts and perform meditation, prayers, and chanting.
To soak in a calm and serene spirituality, this place is an ideal one. The important temples to cover here are ISKCON Temple and Samadhi Mandir of Srila Prabhupada. Maybe you can’t find lavish and massive temples but you feel the serenity of the place.
8. Gangasagar (120 km)
Gangasagar is a sacred and famous religious place near Kolkata. During the Makara Sankranti festival, this place fills with a huge number of devotees from all corners of West Bengal. At this time, Ganagasagar Mela an annual fair will be celebrated. On this day, devotees take a holy bath at the confluence of the River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.
The important religious places to visit here are Kapil Muni Temple and Ashram, Bharat Sevashram Sangha Ashram, and Sagar Dwadash Shib Mandir. On the banks of the river Ganges, every day Aarti procession takes place and it is an important thing to witness here and seek blessings.
9. Bishnupur (140 km)
Bishnupur is a famous place for its well-known terracotta temples and rich culture and heritage. Located in the Bankura district, Bishnupur is quite famous for its ancient terracotta temples built between the 17th and 19th centuries. Every temple showcases its unique blend of architecture and craftsmanship of the locals.
The important and must-visit famous terracotta temples of the place are Rasmancha Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Jorbangla Temple, Radha Shyam Temple, Malleswar Shiva Temple, and Shyam Rai Temple. Among all, Rasmancha is the oldest and an important temple to visit in Bishnupur. You will feel delighted with the beautiful architectural temples of the place.
10. Shantiniketan (162 km)
Not a famous religious site but a peaceful and cultural land. Shantiniketan is the birthplace of the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Here many places speak about the life of the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. The special attractions to visit here are Visva Bharati University founded by Tagore and his residence called Tagore’s Ashram.
You will learn here what is the true meaning of education formulated by Tagore. More than a religious site it is a great knowledge-seeking place to visit near Kolkata. When it comes to religious attractions Kankalitala Temple and Sriniketan Temple are the important religious places of Shantiniketan.
Read More: Shantiniketan, West Bengal: History, Top Attractions, Travel Routes & Best Time To Visit
11. Durgapur (170 km)
Durgapur is a lovely and rejuvenating religious destination with a few temples. Even though not crowded with a large number of temples the presence of simple temples will make you rejuvenate.Ram Mandiris the most important temple in this region, which attracts a huge number of devotees.
Apart from this, Saraswati Temple, Sagar Bhanga Ghat Temple, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurudwara are the other important religious attractions. Also, the Durgapur Barrage is a wonderful place to enjoy nature besides the Goddess Kali Temple called Bhabani Pathakini Temple located here.
12. Murshidabad (210 km)
Murshidabad is a famous Islamic religious spot near Kolkata. Once this place was the capital of the Nawabs of Bengal. Due to this reason, here you can witness several mosques and palaces belonging to the Mughal era. Hazarduari Palace is a must-visit place because it houses Nizamat Imambara, which is one of the largest imam baras.
This Imambara is the key attraction of the place. Besides, Katra Masjid, Khirasara Mosque, Kadam Rasul Mosque, and Jafarganj Cemetery are other important religious attractions of the place. Apart from the Islamic religious attractions, Adinath Temple and Nashipur Rajbari Temple are famous temples of the place.
13. Mukutmanipur (230 km)
Mukutmanipur is like a perfect blend of nature and spirituality. It is a beautiful village with natural attractions and a few religious spots. The major attraction of the place is its Mukutmanipur Dam, which is a beautiful place to enjoy nature. When it comes to prominent religious attractions of the place, Biharinath Temple, Jhilimili Temple, and Chintamani Templestand as major religious attractions of the place.
Apart from these, the Kangsabati Dam Reservoir Area is also a wonderful tourist attraction to rejuvenate yourself with the amid pristine nature. To experience the blend of serenity with spirituality, this small quaint village near Kolkata is a wonderful option to choose from.
These are beautiful religious places near Kolkata within a radius of 300 km. Maybe you spot some unfamiliar temples but you will be surprised by their special attractions. Each religious place is popular for different things promoting the rich culture and heritage of West Bengal. To witness the rich culture and heritage of West Bengal, it is a must to cover these religious places near Kolkata. Hope you will find the best religious destination for your next religious trip around Kolkata.
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