The temple town of Bengal

Bishnupur

Temples, terracotta and tales of the Malla kings. A town that speaks the language of burnt clay, famous the world over for its Baluchari silk.

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Known forTerracotta temples

CraftBaluchari silk

Every SaturdayPoramatir Haat

FestivalMela, 23–27 Dec

Overview

Where history is written in burnt clay.

Adi Malla founded the Malla dynasty, and Jagat Malla, the 10th king, moved his capital to Bishnupur. With little stone in Bengal, builders turned to burnt clay bricks and created the craft we know as terracotta. It reached its peak in the 17th century, when the Malla kings raised temple after temple covered in stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the life of Krishna.

Today Bishnupur is known for its Baluchari sarees, its own school of classical music, the Bishnupur Gharana, and a Saturday market of terracotta crafts beside the temples.

Bishnupur tour packages

997 ADMrinmoyee temple, home of Bengal’s oldest Durga Puja

1600 ADRasmancha, the oldest brick temple, built by King Hambir

7 lakesDug by Bir Singh in 1658 for water and defence

112 quintalDalmadal, the iron cannon of 1742 that never rusts

Main attractions

Eight places you shouldn’t miss.

1600 AD 01

Rasmancha

Pyramid roof, three galleries and lotus arches on a laterite plinth.

Mrinmoyee Temple

The oldest temple in town, with the oldest Durga Puja in Bengal.

Jorbangla Temple

Twin “do-chala” roofs and panels from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Shyam Rai Temple

The five-spired Pancha-chura temple with a giant Raschakra.

Madanmohan Temple

A living temple to Radha-Krishna with some of the finest terracotta.

Jore Shreni Temples

Three laterite eka-ratna temples, backdrop of the Saturday haat.

Lalbandh

One of seven royal lakes, named after the dancer Lalbai.

Archaeological Museum

Sculptures of the 10th–12th century and about 5,000 manuscripts.

More to see in and around town.

Gar DarjaFort gatewaysTwo stone gates of the royal fort, with terraces and secret chambers.

Dalmadal Cannon1742 · 3.8 m longLegend says Lord Madan Mohan fired it to drive away the Marathas.

Dihar8 km from BishnupurTwin laterite Shiva temples in Oriya Deul style, busy at Shivaratri and Gajan.

Basudevpur AerodromeJoypur jungleA World War II runway, now great for spotting paradise flycatchers.

Lalgarh Eco-ParkOpen 8 am – 6 pmButterflies and a watchtower with views over Lalbandh.

Gokulnagar Temple1643 · 64 ftThe largest stone temple of the Mallas, weathered and mysterious.

Joypur ForestNear BishnupurSal, kusum and mahua forest with spotted deer and elephants.

Hadalnarayanpur RajbariHeritage palaceAn old Rajbari of the region, a short drive from Bishnupur.

GI-tagged silk of Bishnupur

Baluchari saree

Stories from the epics, woven in silk.

The Baluchari is Bishnupur’s signature saree. Its pallu carries scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, drawn from the same terracotta panels you see on the temple walls, and woven thread by thread on jacquard looms.

Visit a weavers’ lane to watch the looms at work and buy directly from the families who make them.

Weavers’ lanesWatch the looms

SwarnachariGold-thread cousin

Buy directFrom weaver families

All arts & crafts of Bankura

23–27 DECEMBERBishnupur Mela

Five winter days when the temple town comes alive.

Every December the fields around the temples fill with craft stalls, folk music and dance. Baluchari weavers, terracotta potters and Dokra artists from across Bankura bring their work, and the evenings belong to baul songs and chhau.

Craft & handloom stallsBaluchari, terracotta, Dokra

Folk eveningsBaul, chhau and jhumur

Poramatir HaatAlso every Saturday, all year

Bishnupur Music Festival1st week of February

Book a stay for the Mela All fairs & festivals