Malda
The Malda region is a major crossroads different empires and religious sects. Two ancient capitals of Bengal, Gaur & Pandua are here in this region of West Bengal. Many of the attractions of this region are in ruins today. Malda is very popular for its Mango production and silk weaving. There is also a museum in Malda. Temperatures can reach as high as 46 °C in the hot and dry months of May - June and about 4 °C in the months of December - January.
To See
- Gaur (13 kilometers from Malda, capital of Pal Dynasty, Bardhan Dynasty)
In Gaur – Ramkeli, there are eight kundas or tanks flanking the temple namely Rupsagar, Shyamkunda, Radhakunda, Lalitakunda, Bishakhakunda, Surabhikunda, Ranjakunda and Indulekhakunda. Other places of interest in Gaur are Dakhil Darwaza, Kadam Rasool, Firoz Minar, Chicka Mosque, Gumti Darwaja, Harem Mahal, Tantipara Mosque, Lattan Mosque, Gunamanta Mosque
- Pandua (16 kilometers from Malda, capital of Muslim Nawabs of Bengal)
In Pandua - Bada Dargah, Salami Darwaja, Nur Kutu – Ul - Alam’s Mazar, Eklakhi Mosque, Qutub Shahi Mosque, Adina Mosque, Satash Ghar (twenty homes)
To Reach
- By Air – Malda is nearly equidistant from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and Netaji Subhas Bose International airport in Kolkata. Its 258 kilometers, 4 to 5 hours drive by road or rail to Bagdogra airport and 350 kilometers from Netaji Subhas Bose International airport in Kolkata
- By Rail – Malda is an important railhead of Northeastern Frontier Railway (Indian Railway). Long distance trains are available to and from New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai etc.
- By Road – It is nearly 258 kilometers, 5 – 6 hours drive by road to either Siliguri or 340 kilometers from Kolkata. Direct bus service is available for Siliguri, Kolkata, Balurghat, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri etc.