West Bengal ·
Murshidabad
Murshidabad is a historic town in central West Bengal. It was the capital of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha during the Nawab rule.
Murshidabad at a Glance
Why Murshidabad?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Hazarduari Palace
- Katra Masjid
- Fauti Mosque
- Jama Masjid
- Madina Mosque
- Chawk Mosque
Murshidabad at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Murshidabad before planning your visit.
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Explore Murshidabad
Places to Visit
- Hazarduari Palace: The Hazarduari Palace, earlier known as the Bara Kothi, is a former palace and now a national monument and public cultural museum, located in the campus of Kila Nizamat in Murshidabad, in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated near the bank of the river Ganges.
- Katra Masjid: The Katra Masjid is a former Shia caravanserai, mosque and tomb, in a partial ruinous state, located in the north eastern side of the city of Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
- Fauti Mosque: The Fauti Mosque, also known as the Phuti Mosque, is a former mosque in a ruinous state, located at Kumarpur in the Murshidabad-Jiaganj CD block in the Lalbag subdivision of Murshidabad district, in the state of West Bengal, India. It was built by Nawab Sarfaraz Khan in 1740 CE.
- Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid, also known as the Kala Masjid and as the Motijheel Mosque, is a Friday mosque, located on the western bank of Motijhil, in the historical city of Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India. The Jama Masjid was built by Nawajish Muhammad Khan in c.
- Madina Mosque: The Madina Mosque are two mosques, located in the Nizamat Fort Campus in Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
- Chawk Mosque: The Chawk Mosque, also known as the Chawk Masjid and also as the Chowk Shahi Masjid, is a mosque located in the Hazarduari Palace complex at Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
Things to Do
- Motijhil Park: A park complete with toy train rides and a children's activity centre.
- Nawab Sirajuddaula Park: Nawab Sirajuddaula Park is worth a visit while in Murshidabad.
- Hazarduari Palace: A palace of 1000 doors - 900 real and 100 fake. The palace was constructed by Duncan Macleod in 1837 on the orders of Sayyid Mubarak Ali Khan II, popularly known as Humayun Jah (reign: 1824 - 38) at the site of the old fort known as Nizamat Quila.
- Nizamat Imambara: The imambara is a congregation hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies, especially those associated with the remembrance of Muharram. It is situated just opposite the palace.
- Clock Tower: There is a Clock Tower between Hazarduari and Imambara. It was built by Sagar Mistri, assistant of Duncan Macleod.
- Bachchawali Tope: The barrel is 11′6″ long, with a girth in the middle of 7′9″. Made between the 12th and 14th centuries, it weighs 7657 kg.
Sightseeing Places
- Hazarduari Palace: The Hazarduari Palace, earlier known as the Bara Kothi, is a former palace and now a national monument and public cultural museum, located in the campus of Kila Nizamat in Murshidabad, in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated near the bank of the river Ganges.
- Katra Masjid: The Katra Masjid is a former Shia caravanserai, mosque and tomb, in a partial ruinous state, located in the north eastern side of the city of Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
- Fauti Mosque: The Fauti Mosque, also known as the Phuti Mosque, is a former mosque in a ruinous state, located at Kumarpur in the Murshidabad-Jiaganj CD block in the Lalbag subdivision of Murshidabad district, in the state of West Bengal, India. It was built by Nawab Sarfaraz Khan in 1740 CE.
- Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid, also known as the Kala Masjid and as the Motijheel Mosque, is a Friday mosque, located on the western bank of Motijhil, in the historical city of Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India. The Jama Masjid was built by Nawajish Muhammad Khan in c.
- Madina Mosque: The Madina Mosque are two mosques, located in the Nizamat Fort Campus in Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
- Chawk Mosque: The Chawk Mosque, also known as the Chawk Masjid and also as the Chowk Shahi Masjid, is a mosque located in the Hazarduari Palace complex at Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
Places That Define Murshidabad
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Hazarduari Palace
The Hazarduari Palace, earlier known as the Bara Kothi, is a former palace and now a national monument and public cultural museum, located in the campus of Kila Nizamat in Murshidabad, in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated near the bank of the river Ganges.
Katra Masjid
The Katra Masjid is a former Shia caravanserai, mosque and tomb, in a partial ruinous state, located in the north eastern side of the city of Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
Fauti Mosque
The Fauti Mosque, also known as the Phuti Mosque, is a former mosque in a ruinous state, located at Kumarpur in the Murshidabad-Jiaganj CD block in the Lalbag subdivision of Murshidabad district, in the state of West Bengal, India. It was built by Nawab Sarfaraz Khan in 1740 CE.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid, also known as the Kala Masjid and as the Motijheel Mosque, is a Friday mosque, located on the western bank of Motijhil, in the historical city of Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India. The Jama Masjid was built by Nawajish Muhammad Khan in c.
Madina Mosque
The Madina Mosque are two mosques, located in the Nizamat Fort Campus in Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
Chawk Mosque
The Chawk Mosque, also known as the Chawk Masjid and also as the Chowk Shahi Masjid, is a mosque located in the Hazarduari Palace complex at Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
Kiriteswari Temple
Kiriteswari Temple is situated in Kiritkona village under the Nabagram CD block in the Lalbag subdivision of Murshidabad district in the state of West Bengal. This is one of the Shakta pithas among the 51 pithas.
Nizamat Imambara
The imambara is a congregation hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies, especially those associated with the remembrance of Muharram. It is situated just opposite the palace.
Yellow Mosque
The Yellow Mosque, also known as the Zurud Mosque, is a mosque located in the Hazarduari Palace complex at Murshidabad, in the state of West Bengal, India.
Khushbagh
Cemetery of Alivardi Khan, his grandson Siraj-ud-Daulah and other members of their family. The complex also hosts a three-domed mosque at the western end.
St. Mary Armenian Church
Saint Mary Church of Saidabad, is a parish of the Armenian Apostolic Church situated at Saidabad, Cossimbazar near Baharampur in Murshidabad district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus.
Tomb of Azimunissa Begum
Tomb of Azimunissa Begum is located at Azimnagar (oid Murshidabad), in the Murshidabad district. According to the List of Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal the Tomb of Azimunissa Begum is an ASI Listed Monument.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Murshidabad on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Murshidabad: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Murshidabad: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP), about 121 km from Murshidabad.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Murshidabad Junction railway station, about 1 km from central Murshidabad.
- By Road: Regular long distance buses are also available from Kolkata. Volvo bus service is available for the Kolkata-Berhampore route.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Murshidabad (Apr, May, Jun) averages 25–34°C with about 133 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Murshidabad (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 26–32°C with about 303 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Murshidabad (Oct, Nov) averages 21–31°C with about 79 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Murshidabad (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 14–25°C with about 0 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 26°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Murshidabad trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Murshidabad is a historic town in central West Bengal. It was the capital of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha during the Nawab rule.
- Overview: Murshidabad is a historic town in central West Bengal. It was the capital of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha during the Nawab rule. The last capital city of independent Bengal was named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.
- Ancient History: The area was part of the Gauda Kingdom and Vanga Kingdom in ancient Bengal. The Riyaz-us-Salatin credited the initial development of the town to a merchant named Makhsus Khan. The merchant's role is also mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari. During the 17th-century, the area was well known for sericulture.
Festivals
- Overview: Murshidabad is a historic town in central West Bengal. It was the capital of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha during the Nawab rule. The last capital city of independent Bengal was named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.
- Best Festival Time: The most comfortable months are January, February, March, November and December.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Murshidabad is a historic town in central West Bengal. It was the capital of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha during the Nawab rule. The last capital city of independent Bengal was named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.
- Accommodation: Listed options include Hotel Manjusha, Hotel Indrajit and Netaji Abas.
- Best Way To Explore: Cars are also available for hire. Horse-drawn carriage is also an option for short distances.
The Sacred Heart of Murshidabad
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
The area was part of the Gauda Kingdom and Vanga Kingdom in ancient Bengal. The Riyaz-us-Salatin credited the initial development of the town to a merchant named Makhsus Khan.
Spiritual Significance
The area was part of the Gauda Kingdom and Vanga Kingdom in ancient Bengal. The Riyaz-us-Salatin credited the initial development of the town to a merchant named Makhsus Khan.
Pilgrimage Traditions
Murshidabad (MOOR-shee-DAH-bahd) became the capital of Bengal under Murshid Quli Khan in 1727. He was the first independent ruler of the region, which consisted of present-day Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Murshidabad is most comfortable in January, February, March, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is June (average high 35°C) and the wettest months are May, June, July, August, September and October.
The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP), about 121 km away. The nearest railway station is Murshidabad Junction railway station, about 1 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid, Fauti Mosque, Jama Masjid, Madina Mosque and Chawk Mosque.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 23°C to 35°C over the year, with about 1509 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Murshidabad
Your Murshidabad Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.