Roudra Chhaya and its restaurant enrich your Kurseong experience

Kurseong is one of the oldest municipalities in West Bengal

Kurseong, whether in the sun or in the rains, is an experience worth writing a book about, as anyone who has been there will tell you. And your visit will only be made more memorable by a stay at the poetically named Roudra Chhaya Tourism Property (formerly Kurseong Tourist Lodge), run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDCL). The already beautiful property is made even more attractive by its restaurant, which offers a clear view of the world’s third highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga. As a bonus, the restaurant serves the gorgeously flavoured and world renowned Makaibari tea along with another of its specialties, mouthwatering momos.

Not many perhaps know this, but Kurseong is one of the oldest municipalities in West Bengal. It became an independent municipality in 1879, and did not become a subdivision until 1890, when Darjeeling was formed as a separate district. Today, Kurseong town and municipality remain part of Darjeeling district, and the town also functions as the headquarters of Kurseong subdivision.

Blessed with pleasant weather throughout the year, Kurseong is 34 km from Siliguri, connected both by road and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or the famous toy train. The nearest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Nestled among the lower Himalayas and famed for schools such as Goethals, Kurseong offers plenty of natural beauty, particularly its waterfalls or ‘kholas’. That apart, it is close to such world renowned tea gardens as Makaibari and Castleton, which are important names on West Bengal’s tea tourism trail.

For Bengalis, Kurseong is also memorable as the town where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was interned by the British in the late 1930s. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies were later set up in a house belonging to Netaji’s elder brother Sarat Chandra Bose in the Giddhapahar area. The museum displays priceless artefacts related to Netaji’s life, including photocopies of letters between Netaji and his future wife, Emilie Schenkel, rare photographs of the Indian National Army (INA), and other memorabilia.

In order to truly enjoy all of this, you must stay at Roudra Chhaya Tourism Property for a few days, if only to enhance your Kurseong experience with the Makaibari tea and momos. In fact, so popular has the wooden-floored restaurant become that its 40 seats are quite often occupied by guests not even staying at the property. With a floor area of 57 sq m, it is open for service from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, and at a per head cost of only Rs 300, offers delicious fare at extremely reasonable rates.

Kurseong is 53 km from New Jalpaiguri junction, from where plenty of cars/jeeps are available. You can also travel from Darjeeling on the toy train, available twice a day. For those wishing to fly, the nearest airport to Kurseong is Bagdogra, about 40 km away.

For bookings and more details, do contact:

West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Udayachal Tourist Lodge
DG Block (1st floor), Sec II, Salt Lake, Kolkata – 700091
Phone: 033 2358 5189 Email: visitwestbengal@yahoo.co.in, mdwbtdc@gmail.com, dgmrwbtdc@gmail.com

Lamahatta encouraging eco-tourism since 2012

Ecotourism guarantees that biodiversity and ecological harmony of the environment will not be damaged. The locals will closely collaborate on the growth of the tourism industry and manage businesses that will enable them to profit from it, making it long-term and sustainable. Lamahatta, in West Bengal, has set up an example of being one of the best eco-tourism destinations in India.

The serene hamlet of Lamahatta is located at an altitude of about 5,700 feet. It is only 23 kilometers from Darjeeling and takes over an hour to reach there by car. In late 2012, Lamahatta developed as an eco-tourism place. The word ‘Lama’ stands for Buddist Monk and ‘Hatta’ for a hut, making Lamahatta a monk’s hermitage.

Lamahatta offers beautiful natural attractions enough to lure the minds of tourists. You can see a beautiful garden stretched vastly along the sloppy hill here, known as the ‘Roadside Garden’ or Lamahatta Eco Park. It is shadowed by a forest of tall dhupi and pine trees. Walking by the shrubs of colorful seasonal flowers, you would notice several gazebos made of wood and bamboo. You can sit leisurely or indulge in meditation for a while. The Eco Park is embellished with rows of colorful flags, fluttering in the chilly wind. You will also find a wooden watch tower, offering a clear view of the entire Lamahatta. With a clear sky, you can see the peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill, Namchi, portions of Darjeeling, and the beautiful Rangeet river flowing below.

A short nature trail through the woods would take you to the small lake, which the villagers here consider to be a sacred one. However, you must take the guidance of a local as the forest trail is not well marked at places. Do not forget to catch the breathtaking view of the confluence of rivers Teesta and Rangeet located about 10 kilometers from here.

Visit the Lamahatta Monastery located only 1.5 kilometers from Lamahatta Eco Park. You can trek from Lamahatta to Takdah forest, where you could see the alluring Takdah Orchid Centre. Or, you can trek towards the Gari Danda fort nearby. Passing through the lovely Peshok Tea gardens, you can visit Tinchuley, another wonderful mountain hamlet only 6 kilometers away from Lamahatta.

Lamahatta is 72 kilometers from Siliguri and would take 3.5 hours to reach. Darjeeling and Kalimpong are also not much away from Lamahatta. You can stay at the Darjeeling Tourism property, an initiative by WBTDC, and experience the magic of the hills.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a bit of world heritage in Bengal

The line opened between Siliguri and Kurseong in August 1880

There are quite a few landmark years in the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The first of these is 1878, when Franklin Prestage proposed a narrow gauge (610 mm) hill tramway to Darjeeling from the recently built Northern Bengal Railway terminus in Siliguri. The idea was to reduce the haulage rates of commodities (such as rice) to Darjeeling and improve the viability of local industries (such as tea). The government supported the scheme to reduce road maintenance costs.

By August 1880, the line had opened to the public between Siliguri and Kurseong. Larger Class 2 (later Class A) locomotives were ordered from Sharp Stewart, UK and delivered in 1882-3. In July 1881, the extended line from Kurseong to Darjeeling was opened by Sir Ashley Eden, Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, and in 1882, the first full year of operations, DHR had carried 8,000 passengers and 380 tonnes of freight.

From then on, the numbers simply continued to grow. By 1930, despite increasing competition from private cars and buses, DHR was still carrying 258,000 passengers and 80,000 tonnes of freight annually. Post-Independence in 1948, the Government of India purchased DHR on October 20 and the line was absorbed into the Indian Railways.

The first major crisis that DHR faced was in 1992, when competition from road haulage and interruption to services in previous years finally ended freight traffic, and Indian Railways decided to close DHR. Local citizens led by Sherab Tenduf-la, owner of the famed Windamere Hotel, set up the DHR Heritage Foundation and organised a series of stakeholder workshops. Thanks to their continued efforts, closure plans were abandoned in 1994, and in 1999, UNESCO declared DHR a World Heritage Site.

Running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling today, the DHR climbs from about 100 m (330 ft) to about 2,200 m (7,200 ft), using six zigzags and five loops to gain altitude, including the famous Batasia Loop, where a small market has sprung up to cater to tourists on the train. Six diesel locomotives handle most of the scheduled service, with daily tourist trains from Darjeeling to Ghum India’s highest railway station – and there is also a special steam-hauled Red Panda service from Darjeeling to Kurseong. These specials are hauled by vintage British B-Class steam locomotives.

We don’t want to spoil the DHR experience by giving all of it away. You must come and experience the ride for yourself. While here, stay at the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation’s beautiful Meghbalika Tourism Property (formerly Darjeeling Tourist Lodge) which offers excellent accommodation at extremely reasonable rates. For for reservations and other information, do get in touch with WBTDCL.

Spend your Diamond Harbour weekend at Sagarika!

Diamond Harbour was formerly known as Hajipur

What exactly does one do in Diamond Harbour? You may well ask if you have never been there. As is fairly common with people in general, we often end up ignoring attractions to which we have easy access. And since Diamond Harbour is a mere 50 km from Kolkata, many of us have probably never taken it seriously as a destination. However, take our advice and spend a weekend at this old riverside town. You will come away refreshed and charmed.

Located on the eastern bank of the River Hooghly at the confluence of the river and the Bay of Bengal, Diamond Harbour is a popular weekend destination, and the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation’s Sagarika Tourism Property boasts of the best location of all the accommodation options in the area, with all 36 of its rooms offering a panoramic view of the river.

If you choose to stay at Sagarika, you will have the luxury of lazing around in the spacious balcony attached to your room and gazing at the ships, trawlers and boats entering Kolkata and Haldia ports. The sunset too is spectacular from the rooms.

Located close to the Gangasagar delta, Diamond Harbour was formerly known as Hajipur, and given its present name by the British. It is here that the River Hooghly bends southward on its way to the sea. On the other side of the river is Haldia, to which you can take a ferry, and the road along the huge expanse of sparkling water is worth driving down any day.

Diamond Harbour was an important area for 16th and 17th-century Portuguese river pirates, the ‘harmad’ as they were called in Bengal. Even today, the ruins of Chingrikhali Fort, reportedly built in the 16th century by said pirates, are a must visit whenever you are in the area. Tourists also visit the Sarisha Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Not to be missed is an old lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the entire area. Or you could simply sit on the riverbank and watch the boats. Or have a picnic if you wish, because a more ideal spot for a picnic would be hard to find.

The fully air-conditioned Sagarika has standard and deluxe rooms as well as suites, and the rooms provide absolute calmness and tranquillity, though they are equipped with all modern amenities including free wifi, intercom, TV, electric kettles, and geysers. Sagarika also has a wonderful tavern and an AC restaurant, which serves delicious meals, especially fish.

If you are there for the weekend, you could take in the township of Joynagar, about 15 km away. Joynagar is primarily famous for housing ancient manuscripts and stone idols linked to Lord Mahavira, Lord Buddha and Lord Vishnu. You may also make trips to nearby destinations such as Bakkhali, Raidighi, Gangasagar and Kakdwip.

How to get there

Sagarika Tourism Property is 46 km from Kolkata by road, and about 1.5 hours from Sealdah station by train. Once you get off at Diamond Harbour station, the property is just a three-minute drive away.

Charkhole – a holiday gateway to crave for

Charkhole is a bird watcher’s paradise

The natural world has abandoned all of its riches at a height of 5,500 feet on this one isolated small patch of land in the Himalayas. Charkhole, a tiny Lepcha town, is known for its idyllic natural settings. Charkhole offers an enigmatic warmth and the broadest vista of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. Covered in enormous Pine, Cypress, Oak, Shal, and Rhododendron trees, Charkhole is a bird watcher’s paradise. You will undoubtedly be amazed to see birds of several endangered species, such as the Blue-fronted Redstart, Indian Robin, Green-backed Tit, Pipit, Ashley Prinia, and many others.

Beautiful orchid varieties make the location even more beautiful. Ensure an unforgettable experience by watching the sensual sunrise or brilliant sunset from the adjacent hilltop of Jhandi Dara. Even Mt. Everest is visible from the location on clear days. There are many hike routes and trip destinations available from Charkhole. A trip to Kaffer Lolegaon, Lava, Rishyap, Pedong, Rishi, Rikisum, and Gumba Dara will make your Charkhole vacation something you’ll remember forever.

However, the well-known “Canopy Walk” along the suspended wooden footbridge amid the enormous pines and oaks is the most popular attraction at Lolegaon. Another newly discovered wonderland, “Chuikhim,” is only a short distance from here. The best thing to do in Charkhole is to climb to the Gamphus Dara Viewpoint to witness an amazing sunrise. The short hiking track that leads to this outcrop winds through a sparsely forested area. 

If you want to go straight from NJP to Charkhole, the Sevoke Road will take you there in around 3.5 hours. There are no shared taxis in Charkhole, therefore you must book a reserved cab to get there. A worthwhile side trip from Lava, Loleygaon, and Kalimpong is Charkhole has already received numerous honours for being the “most promising offbeat destination.” You can walk through the woods, enjoy a bonfire under the stars, and sip some delicious elaichi tea. If you visit Charkhole, make sure to purchase some hot red pickles from the neighbourhood stores.

One can undoubtedly choose Morgan House Tourism Property in Kalimpong for a great stay in Charkhole. Operated by WBTDCL, it guarantees a tranquil retreat with a gorgeous view.

Murguma – a reservoir in the heart of the Ajodya hills

The Saharajhore River serves as the foundation for the Murguma Dam

About 55 kilometres from Purulia town, the Murguma Dam, or Reservoir, is situated in the Jhalda Block, to the north of Begunkodar. It is a tribal village in the Purulia District that stands on the border of Jharkhand and Purulia. It works as a tributary to the Kangsabati River. Surrounded by the beautiful Ajodya hills, Murguma is a great location for a picnic. 

The road going to the lake will turn off and head to the neighbouring forests at a distance of around two kilometres from the lake. Muruguma, which is a part of the Ajodhya Pahar range, is frequently used by visitors as a stopover en route to the main Ajodhya Pahar attractions, including the Lower Dam, Upper Dam, Pakhi Pahar, Bamni Waterfall, Turga Waterfall, Deulghata Temple, Charida Mask Village, Tarpania Lake, and Khairabera Lake.

The Saharajhore River serves as the foundation for the Murguma Dam. The dam is being built at the foot of the Ajodhya Hills, close to the town of Murguma. In addition, several additional streams enter the dam straight from the Ajodhya Hills. There are hills, trees, and a lot of tiny islands all around the dam. The location lies on Ajodhya Hills, which are thought of as the eastern continuation of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. The oldest residents here are the tribal people, primarily the Santals. Agriculture is the foundation of their economy. The dam is depicted in the Purulia District brochure of the government tourism department. Being isolated from urban interference, the Murguma dam is a hub for researching the local aquatic flora and fauna.

The airport closest to Purulia is Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is around 250 kilometres away. You can then travel to Purulia by bus or train from there. Purulia is 322 kilometres away from Kolkata via rail. There are frequently departing trains from Kolkata bound for Purulia. The shortest rail ride from Kolkata to Purulia is 5 hours and 25 minutes. It has good road connections to nearby cities including Bankura, Asansol, Bokaro, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, and others in the state bordering Kolkata. Jhalda is the closest train station, and a single metalled road from there connects it to the location.

Hilltop Tourism Property enhances your Kalimpong experience

The property is a magnificent British-era bungalow

For many Bengalis, Kalimpong, the Land of Orchids, is inextricably linked to memories of Rabindranath Tagore, given how much he loved the hill town, and how much time he spent there. However, Kalimpong is worth celebrating and visiting for many other reasons, both historical and current.

Its stunning orchids, temperate forests, monasteries, churches, Tibetan handicraft centres, colonial-era bungalows and other structures, and panoramic valley views make Kalimpong an absolute paradise for tourists. And the tourism experience is further enhanced by the West Bengal Tourism  Development Corporation’s Hilltop Tourism Property, a magnificent British-era bungalow spread over 2.3 acres of land on Darwin Road in the area known as Khasmahal, peaceful and quiet thanks to its distance from the centre of town.

The first recorded mention of the town in British documents seems to date back to 1865, courtesy Ashley Eden, an official with the Bengal Civil Service. Kalimpong was added to Darjeeling district in 1866, and soon became a subdivision. Its wonderfully temperate climate and natural beauty prompted the British to develop Kalimpong as a hill getaway like Darjeeling, and a favourite summer destination for many.

The arrival of Scottish missionaries in the 1870s boosted the town’s colonial links, as well as giving it some of India’s most sought after missionary schools, which continue to flourish. Its proximity to mountain passes like Nathu La and Jelep La made it a prosperous outpost for the trade in fur, wool and food grain between India and Tibet. This in turn attracted large populations of Nepalis from neighbouring Nepal and Sikkim, and Kalimpong had soon transformed from a small hamlet to a thriving town, though trade routes with Tibet were closed after the Indo-China War of 1962.

One other important influx was that of Tibetan Buddhist monks following China’s annexation of Tibet in 1959. Hundreds of monks fled Tibet and established monasteries in Kalimpong, bringing with them numerous rare Buddhist scriptures.

Hilltop Tourism Property is close to some of Kalimpong’s most popular landmarks, such as Thongsha Gumpha (2.25 km, the oldest monastery in the region, dating back to the 1690s), Dr Graham’s Home (4.3 km), Kalimpong Cactus Nursery (0.8 km), Pine View Nursery (0.8 km), and Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery (1.9 km), this last consecrated by the visiting Dalai Lama in 1976. As you can tell, all are within walking distance of the property.

The well-maintained bungalow has a huge common balcony connecting all its 10 rooms. All the rooms are equipped with modern amenities including TV, intercom, electric kettle, room heater and geyser, with some rooms also offering a fireplace. The property has free-wifi and ample parking space.

The view from the rooms and balcony is breathtaking, and another winner is the beautiful lawn, from which you can see Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day. The lush garden surrounding the lawn is resplendent with flowers, which attract a variety of butterflies and birds. The property also has a restaurant which can seat 48 persons at a time, and provides local cuisine and complimentary breakfast.

How to get there

Kalimpong is 65 km by road from Siliguri and 75 km from Bagdogra airport. If you are travelling from Darjeeling, the 50 km-drive will take about two hours. For those wishing to drive down from Kolkata, the distance is 623.6 km and the drive takes about 14 hours.

If you travel by train, board the Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah and get off at New Jalpaiguri station, from where Kalimpong is another 77 km. Public and private transport are easily available at the station.

Shoilpik Tourism Property enhances your Durgapur visit

The property is very near the city centre

Durgapur is a major industrial city, the fourth largest urban settlement in West Bengal after Kolkata, Asansol and Siliguri. Planned by American architects Joseph Allen Stein and Benjamin Polk in 1955, Durgapur was nicknamed the ‘Ruhr of India’ after Germany’s famous industrial region, and is the only city in eastern India with an operational dry dock. It is also famed as the home of the Durgapur Steel  Plant, under Steel Authority of India.

The city attracts plenty of business travellers who seek value-for-money and centrally located accommodation, and the renovated Shoilpik Tourism Property (formerly Pathik Motel)  is perfect for them. Spread over an area of 25 katha (1.7 acre), the property has 16 rooms – four AC super deluxe, 6 AC deluxe, and 6 AC standard. It also has a beautiful green lawn, and each room is equipped with all modern amenities including TV, intercom, electric kettles, and geysers.

The two AC conference halls can accommodate up to 500 and 80 guests respectively, and the lawn can be reserved for picnics, weddings, birthdays, and other social occasions. Shoilpik also offers an AC restaurant and bar, as well as 24×7 generator back-up, free wifi, and abundant parking space.

Located only about a five-minute walk from the city centre, Shoilpik is also close to Durgapur Barrage – the first project in Durgapur by the Damodar Valley Corporation – and Durgapur Steel Plant. Nearby excursion points include Jaydev Kenduli (25 km), the site of a famous annual winter fair during Makar Sankranti, Santiniketan (62 km) and the magnificent ancient temple town of Bishnupur (72 km), a marvel of Bengal’s typical terracotta architecture. Durgapur is very easily accessible from Kolkata both by rail and road (170 km northwest).

Batabari, the perfect starting point for your Dooars safari

Batabari is 53 km from Jalpaiguri town

Batabari is a beautiful, sleepy little village in Jalpaiguri district, at a distance of 53 km from Jalpaiguri town. This erstwhile obscure village has been made famous by the well-known Batabari Tea Estate. Some say the name ‘Batabari’ literally comes from a particular species of bamboo called ‘bata’, used in the construction of houses in the area. Whatever the origin of its name, the village offers spectacular, panoramic natural views as only the Dooars can, and its proximity to several prime tourist attractions makes it an ideal base camp.

The 10-room Batabari Tourism Property offers all modern amenities at extremely reasonable rates, including a restaurant, and its conference hall is ideal for a wedding party. The rooms are built in the cottage style, blending in with the lush green surroundings and enhancing your ecotourism experience.

Batabari is essentially part of Gorumara National Park, so you can make it a starting point for your jungle safari. The park’s core area is just about 8 km from the village, and the Murti river flows close by. As is widely known, Gorumara National Park offers sightings of diverse wildlife, including the Indian bison, elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, leopards, wild boar, and plant life such as Shimul, Sal, and bamboo.

A little bit further, approximately 13 km away, is Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its Jeep safaris. Also about 22 km away is Samsing, a birdwatcher’s haven. Should you be feeling a little more adventurous, you could drive for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Jaldapara National Park, one of India’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries. About two hours of driving will take you to Chilapata Forest and a little less than three hours away is Buxa Tiger Reserve.

For those wishing to stick to the tea garden trail, Malbazar is an excellent alternative. Just about 15 km from Batabari, Malbazar is famous for its tea gardens, moist deciduous forests, and Mal Park. And the best place to stay is the lovely Bonolokkhi Tourism Property (earlier Malbazar Tourist Lodge), equipped with a restaurant, bar and off-shop, and situated near Malbazar bus stand. The other plus is a great view of the beautiful Mal Park from the rooms.

For booking and all other details, kindly contact

West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Udayachal Tourist Lodge

DG Block (1st floor), Sec II, Salt Lake, Kolkata – 700091

Phone: 033 2358 5189 Email: visitwestbengal@yahoo.co.in, mdwbtdc@gmail.com, dgmrwbtdc@gmail.com

Nothing ordinary about Narajole Rajbari!

Today you will see plenty of remnants of Narajole’s royal past

At first glance, the village of Narajole, about 115 km west of Kolkata by road in Paschim Medinipur district is a completely ordinary rural settlement. Until you find out its history, and that of the royal family it was once home to.

The founder of this family was Udaynarayan Ghosh, who is believed to have moved from Burdwan to Narajole in the 1400s. Legend has it that Udaynarayan had a vision of goddess Durga in a dream, which led to the recovery of a Durga idol made of gold in the jungles of Narajole, along with other treasures such as gems and jewellery. Udaynarayan took this as a divine hint and settled in the village.

The family were later handed the zamindari of Narajole and its adjoining regions by the Mughals, and continued to hold that position until the abolition of zamindari following Independence. However, there are interesting twists to this tale.

In 1596, in return for supporting the Mughal army, Balwant Ray, an eighth-generation descendant of Udaynarayan, received the title ‘Khan’ from Raja Man Singh of Jaipur, Emperor Akbar’s famed general and the Mughal subahdar (governor) of Bengal. Subsequently, the family adopted the titular Khan as a last name.

After the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, the region was taken over by the Nawabs of Bengal and then the British East India Company, though the royal family continued to prosper. In the 19th century, it produced its most famous son, Mahendralal Khan (1843-92), a talented writer-musician and noted philanthropist whose written works provide valuable insights into the history of his family. In 1887, the British administration bestowed on Mahendralal the title ‘Rajah’.

Mahendralal’s son Narendralal Khan was also a philanthropist, notably in the domains of public education and women’s rights. Like his father, he too was awarded the title ‘Rajah’, but he was secretly helping Indian revolutionaries fight the British.

Post-1905, however, his activities were no longer secret, thanks to his association with such renowned revolutionaries as Khudiram Bose, Hemchandra Kanungo, brothers Arabinda and Barin Ghosh, and Ullaskar Datta. In fact, a hub for armed revolutionaries had come up on the protected premises of Narajole Rajbari (palace), where young men would undergo firearms and explosives training.

In 1908, the British-Indian police finally arrived at the rajbari with a search warrant, and found some firearms and bullets. This led to the arrest of Narendralal Khan, and he was banished to solitary confinement in Medinipur Jail. When his bail application was rejected, nearly 10,000 agitated locals gathered at the courthouse demanding his release. Finally granted bail after a few weeks, Narendralal was stripped of his title and kept under house arrest, though he continued to fund revolutionary secret societies until his death in 1920.

His son Debendralal Khan continued the nationalist legacy, hoisting the national flag at Narajole Rajbari on January 26, 1930 and becoming a close associate of both Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi. After Independence, the family lost its zamindari, though descendants still live in Narajole, the 21st generation of the family.

Today, you will see plenty of remnants of Narajole’s royal past, though much of it is in ruins. Most of the structures came up during the rule of Mohanlal Khan, grandfather of Mahendralal, and include beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities and a ‘rasmancha’ celebrating Radha-Krishna.

The main palace itself is home to the Sitaram Jiu temple, built in 1819. Large portions of the palace are now dilapidated and broken, though it once functioned as the home of the Narajole Raj College. Near the Sitaram Jiu temple stands the Govind Jiu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, possibly built by Sitaram Khan in 1860. Both temples boast some exquisite examples of stone and woodwork.

Festivals such as Ram Navami and Rasjatra are still religiously celebrated at Narajole, though visitors are not too frequent. About a three-hour drive from Kolkata, Narajole is just about 32 km from Medinipur town.