Unseen Treasures of India (part 3)

India, the third largest country in Asia, is home to some of the greatest scenic wonders of nature and yet, nearly all travellers stick to the same-old places and the main reason behind it is the lack of awareness about the unseen treasures. There are so many unseen places in India to visit that it would take several lifetimes to see them all. If you are looking for a real experience, it is time to go for the less-travelled road and discover unseen treasures in the nature. Here are some of the lesser-known destinations which are the wonderful alternatives to the greatly visited getaways in India:

1. Halebidu


Halebid (or Halebidu) is a city located in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, Halebid is a city with adorned with a beautiful collection of temples, shrines and sculptures. It is also known as the Gem of Indian architecture owing to its sterling Hoysala architecture, its magnificent temple complexes and some stunning Jain sites. Once the majestic capital of the Hoysala empire, the city is in ruins now.

Frozen in time, Halebid can be a great showcase of culture, architecture and imprints of certain significant events of the past. Halebid was the imperial capital of the great Hoysala Empire during the 12th and 13th century and is now home to the distinguished Hoyaleswara and Kedareshwara temples. It is also famous for its sculptures and panels designed in the prominent Hoysala style. During the 14th century, it was looted and plundered by Malik Kafur of the Delhi Sultanate twice. Hence it got its name ‘Halebid’ which translates to the ‘old city’.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Halebidu by flight 

The nearest domestic airport to Halebid is Mysore Airport, almost three hours’ drive away. The nearest international airport is Kempegowda International Airport situated in Bangalore. It is roughly four hours’ drive away from Halebid. Frequent flights from all the major national and international destinations take off from here. Taxis are available for hire from both the airports.  


How to reach Halebidu by road 

There are a lot of state and private buses which run from Bengaluru to Halebid. You can board the bus from various bus stands of Bengaluru, namely Malleswaram, JP Circle, Majestic Bus Stand, etc. It takes approx 7 hrs to reach Halebid from here. Alternatively, you can hire a car or taxi to go to Halebid. Car journey takes around 5 hrs to reach and is considered the best way. If you are staying in Hassan, there are buses at every ten or fifteen minutes to/from Halebid. 


How to reach Halebidu by train 

The nearest railway stations to Halebid are Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan. These stations are connected to all the major cities in the country. Taxis are available for hire from all these cities which will take you directly to Halebid. 


Local transport in Halebidu 

Taxis and autorickshaws are the best way to travel within the city. 

Places to visit:

(Belur)

  • Belur - Belur and Halibeedu or Halebid are two tiny towns of Karnataka considered as the 'jewels in the Indian cultural heritage'. Known for their ancient temple and exquisite craftsmanship, the place is absolutely worth a visit.
  • Hoysaleswara Temple - Hoysaleswara temple, also spelt Hoysaleshwara, is a temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. It was built in Halebidu Karnataka, during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The construction was started around 1120 CE and completed in 1150 CE. During the early 14th century, Karnataka was sacked and looted by Muslim invaders from northern India and the temple fell into a state of ruin and neglect. Previously known as Dorasamudra, Halebidu is 16 km from Belur, 31 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore, in the state of Karnataka, India.
  • Yagachi Dam - About half an hour away from Belur, is the Yagachi Dam. Visit the dam not so much for the structure itself but the water sports that it hosts. One can enjoy Jet Ski, Speed Boat, Bumper Ride, Cruise Boat, Banana Boat Ride and Kayaking here, filling the town of temples and ruins with a dash of enjoyment and adventure.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HALEBIDU

October to February are the best months to visit Halebid. The dance festival of Hoysala Mahotsava during March along with Mahashivratri and Diwali can also make your experience festive and all the more enjoyable.

2. Patan 


Home to Rani Ka Vav, the latest Indian entrant to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan is a treasure trove of architectural gems and ancient temples that has a history dating back to the medieval period. Situated in Gujarat, this place is located at the banks of what are the remains of ancient Saraswati River.

Having been the capital of the state for as many as 650 years in the medieval period, Patan has a lot of historical value and has been a part of the research of archaeologists in the past. Just as it has temples, it also has Dargah and Jain temples. Patan is a spiritual city and strongly believes that it is their Kuldevi and her presence that has kept the town intact and its people happy and growing.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Patan by flight 

Ahmedabad has the nearest airport, around 100 km away. There are daily flights connecting Delhi to Ahmedabad provided by all the major airlines like indigo, SpiceJet, Air India with fares starting from 1650 rupees. Patan is around 100 km from Ahmedabad and is connected via roads and railways.

How to reach Patan by road 

Patan is connected to the rest of the nation via national and state highways. It is 100 km away from Ahmedabad. It takes 2 hrs, 50 mins to travel, via NH 947 and GJ SH 18. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus from Ahmedabad to Patan. The road is in decent condition.

How to reach Patan by train 

It is connected to metro cities and also there are frequent local trains running from the neighbouring cities. There are 5 trains connecting Ahmedabad to Patan. There are trains plying all 7 days a week. One train terminates at Patan and takes 3 hrs to reach. Ahmedabad is connected by train to all the metro cities, 

Local transport in Patan 

Shared autos, jeeps, cabs and buses are available to the tourists to travel within the city. If you have fixed number of days in hand and don't want to miss out on anything, book a cab that'd stay with you for the entire day and follow an itinerary to show you around.

Places to visit:

(Rani ki Vav)

  • Rani ki Vav - Rani ka Vav or 'Queen's Stepwell' is a unique step well located in the small town of Gujarat called Patan. Located on the banks of River Saraswati, it is not only a distinctive form of water resource and storage system but also represents a unique craftsmanship.
  • Sahastralinga Talav - Situated in the north west of Patan, this is an artificial water storage tank constructed by the Chalukyan king Sidharaj Jai Singh in the late eleventh century.
  • Patola Saree Making Unit - The beautiful hand-woven Patola Sarees are famous worldwide and Patan is said to be the home of Patola artists. It is one of the most sought after possession for women.

BEST TIME TO VISIT PATAN

October to April is the best time to visit Patan, as the weather would be pleasant and not as humid and dry. The temperature during this time is between 12 and 28 degrees celsius. Rani Ki Vav is a popular festival and a massive tourist magnet held between January and December. However, as this is a peak season for tourism in Patan, it is much expected that travel and other prices would hike up.

3. Theog, Shimla

A quiet escape and one of the less crowded attractions of the state, Theog in Himachal Pradesh, warmly wrapped in the arms of the mighty Himalayas, has everything a popular hill station can give you minus the tourist rush. 32 km away from the main town of Shimla, Theog makes up for a beautiful weekend getaway in the hills, comfortably located in the lap of nature. It is also considered one of the most favourite camping site options for campers.

Much away from the chaotic atmosphere of cities and the excited shouts of joy and chatter of popular tourist destinations, Theog can be called an underrated destination, which in fact works in its favour, away from the city jazz and close to the lost tranquilly of nature.

HOW TO REACH 

How to reach Theog by flight 

The nearest airport Jubbarhatti is in 45kms away in Shimla. There are regular flights running from Delhi to Shimla. The frequency and schedule of the flights gets affected in winters due to extreme snowfall. Cabs are available from the airport to Theog.

How to reach Theog by train

Kalka is the nearest railway station for Theog. 105 kms away from Theog, it is well connected with the major cities of the country. Local buses and cabs are available from here to Theog.

How to reach Theog by road 

If planning to take a bus, you will first have to get down at Shimla and then board another bus to Theog, which is only 30kms away from the main town. Theog is 381kms away from the capital, a road journey to the town can be undertaken.

Places to visit:

(The Ridge)

  • The Ridge - This is the most popular point in Shimla. Located on the Mall road, at the heart of Shimla, this is a much loved and enjoyed stretch here, where visitors come and soak themselves in the views of surrounding areas.
  • Kufri - While in Shimla, visit its colder, higher and less crowded cousin, Kufri just 13 km away from the main town. The views and sceneries here only get better, and the landscapes more flattering, a bit untouched with the tourist rush.
  • Chail - This small village in Himachali is situated at a height of 2250 m above sea level and is known as a hiker's paradise. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience to a tourist.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THEOG 

Theog mostly experiences pleasant weather all around the calendar. Generally, October and November are considered better months to visit as the climate and the hamlet are in its best form then. It gets extremely cold here after November with the mercury falling sharply accompanied by mild or heavy snowfall.

4. Shoja 

Shoja is a small village sitting quietly in the middle of wilderness and panorama. Its untouched beauty might be just the thing that you need to relax and unwind. Located amid the Banjar Valley, the village is dotted with several temples made of wood.

At a mere distance of 5 Kms from Jalori pass, Shojha has pleasant weather throughout the year. With verdant deodar forest covering the area with snow peaked Himalayas hovering on one side, this village is packed with tourist attractions like fort, lake and waterfall. Do visit this place for treasured memories.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Shoja by flight 

The Bhuntar airport in Kullu-Manali is the closest airbase to the village nearly 8 kms away from Shoja. You can easily hire a cab from outside the airport till your destination. The Bhuntar airport is directly linked with many major cities like Delhi, Shimla, etc. 

How to reach Shoja by road 

Private and state-run buses have regular services from Delhi and other neighbouring states. You can take a bus from Delhi to Manali or Mandi. From there onwards, taxis and buses are easily available to Shoja within the price range of INR 1000 to 2000. 

How to reach Shoja by train 

The nearest railway station to Shoja is Shimla at a distance of nearly 60 km. Joginder Nagar railway station is the second nearest at a distance of about 165 km. Regular buses and taxis are available from the station to your destination. 

Local transport in Shoja 

Shojha is a small village where commuting is quite easy. Apart from walking and hiking, taxis are available to commute from one spot to another. But make sure you trip is well planned considering the fact that the winters here are almost freezing.

Places to visit:

(Tirthan Valley)

  • Waterfall Point - A long silent walk through the nature with gurgling sound of water can do wonder to your senses. At a mere distance of 1 Km from Shojha, the waterfall point is a magical journey that spellbinding and beautiful.
  • Jalori Pass - Jalori Pass is almost 80 Kms from Kullu and can be considered as a stunning place for trekking and picnic at an altitude of 3134 m above the sea level. One can create an everlasting memory, etched within their hearts, gearing up with their bag, lunch and gear and proper footwears to enjoy the stunning view of the great Himalayas with Dhauladhar stretched in a line peaking from far behind... as time flies
  • Tirthan Valley, Shojha - It is a place that will quench your thirst for amazing wildlife and fishing. Trithan valley is famous for housing the Great Himalayan National Park, the best spot for angling; several steps have been taken to protect the belt from undesirable impacts. The place is quite famous among the tourists.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SHOJA 

The village experiences moderate climate throughout the year. However, the best time to relish the natural beauty and tranquil environment would be the summer season. During June, you can witness the blooming flowers adorning the mountain slopes. The spring and autumn seasons bring with them spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas and Dhauladhar. The winter season experiences nail-biting cold, so try and avoid that season or carry heavy woollens.

5. Bhimbetka

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.

Bhimbetka is home to more than 500 rock shelters and caves which have a large number of paintings. The oldest paintings are considered to be 30,000 years old, but some of the geometric figures date to as recently as the medieval period. The colours used are vegetable colours which have endured through time because the drawings were generally made deep inside a niche or on inner walls. It a great place to visit for people of almost all age groups.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Bhimbetka by flight 

The nearest Airport is Bhopal. It is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Indore and all other major cities of India 

How to reach Bhimbetka by road 

Bhimbetka is just around 46 km drive from Bhopal. Taxis and Buses are easily available on this route. 

How to reach Bhimbetka by train 

There is no direct rail connectivity to Bhimbetka. Bhopal junction railway station is the nearest railway station to the site, approximately 45 km away from the same. 

Local transport in Bhimbetka 

Although auto and buses are available , it would be preferable to book a cab for the day.

Places to visit:

(The rock caves)

  • The Rock Caves - Bhimbetka is a world heritage site and houses one of the oldest cave paintings in the world. Just as you will enter the caves, you will find a small illustration showing how early age man used to draw paintings.
  • Hoshangabad - Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the everyday events of ages back, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes on the walls. Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions, wild boars, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles, and many more have been abundantly depicted in some caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently.
  • Bhojpur - Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the everyday events of ages back, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes on the walls. Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions, wild boars, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles, and many more have been abundantly depicted in some caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BHIMBETKA

The best time to visit Bhimbetka is from October - March. Winter season is the best season for a visit to Bhimbetka. Monsoon season is also a nice time to visit, while summers should be avoided, owing to the hostile climate.

6. Anthargange

Anthargange is situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka in the Shathashrunga range, about 70 km from Bangalore. The mountains at an altitude of 1712 meters from sea level with rocky boulders, small caves and dense plantations are one of the best getaways for trekking, rock climbing and cave exploration enthusiasts.

The name Anthargange refers to the perpetual spring that flows through the rocks from the middle of the mountains. The name literally means 'Inner Stream' or 'Ganges from the deep' in Kannada. The origin of this stream is still a mystery. It also houses the Kashi Vishweshwara Temple which attracts devotees as well.The small and big rocks of the mountain have caved in to form many small caves in the mountain. Cave exploring enthusiasts can find themselves occupied for an entire day. Some of the caves are narrow and small, that requires to be crawled in to explore, which adds to the adventure and thrill. Night time treks and cave exploration activities are also available. The Anthargange mountain is a structure of small and big rocks coupled with natural springs and dense forest at the foot of the hill. This provides an excellent place for trekkers.There are also some temples along the way to visit. The trek is of a moderate difficulty starting with staircase up to the temple and then followed by raw natural boulders and rocks, streams and caves. One can trek to the peak and stay overnight, have a bonfire and trek back the next day.Arrive in Anthargange. Reach the base of the beguiling hill range. Explore the caves tucked beautifully circumscribed through the dense vegetation. Take a small trek. Take a small break and freshen up. You can later opt to go back to your hotel or opt for a night trek in the fringed hill range of Anthargange. It is usually advisable to take a night trek umbrellaed under the moonlight since the rock hills get piping hot during the day time. Once you have reached over an altitude of 4000 ft, you can sit back. Lit a bonfire and relax for the night and watch the star-studded sky from here. Wait there till the sunrise and bask yourself in the glory of this splendid view. Head back to the hotel. Rest for a while. Head to the famed Anthargange temple. Post this you can pay a visit to the gorgeous seven villages that are tucked in this little district of Kolar and discern the visionary destination.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Anthargange by flight 

The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore Airport), located at a distance of 70 km from Anthargange. Air India, Indigo, Spicejet, and Vistara operate direct as well as connecting flights from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai to Bangalore. You can hire a taxi to go to Anthargange from the airport or you can self-drive a car or a hired motorbike to the destination in less than an hour. 

How to reach Anthargange by road 

You can arrive in Anthargange using the excellent road network the Karnataka state board has to offer for its tourists. You can hire a taxi to travel to the destination from the nearby cities like Bangalore, Tirupati, Chennai etc. Unfortunately, there are no bus services available to the destination. Yet the beautiful and tremendous road network offered by the State board is the best way to reach Anthargange by a self-driven car, motorbike or taxi. 

How to reach Anthargange by train 

The nearest railway station is Kolar 3 km away from the main tranquil town of Anthargange. This is well connected with a rich railway network to most of the major cities in India like Bangalore, Tirupati, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai. Alternatively, you can travel to the broad gauge railway station of Bangalore located 70 km away from Anthargange, and then hire a cab or even self-drive to reach the destination in approximately 1 hour. 

Local transport in Anthargange 

If travelling from Bangalore, you can avail all public transport facilities. There are regular local buses that go to Kolar from there you can take a rickshaw. You can also hire a private vehicle or a cab for an entire day. If travelling from Kolar district, there are plenty of intra-city buses and rickshaws to take you to Anthargange.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTHARGANGE

October to March is the best time to visit Anthargange when the monsoon drifts away, and the cold starts to settle in. Summers are hot and humid and may be uncomfortable for visitors as the trek becomes unbearable

7. Hogenakkal

Hogenakkal is a waterfall located in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu where the Kaveri river splits into multiple streams of waterfalls. Located at a distance of 180 km from Bangalore, Hogenakkal has water throughout the year. The carbonite rocks, the coracle (basket boat) rides, freshwater fish, oil massages by locals make it a perfect one day trip or a weekend getaway from Bangalore.

Sometimes referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India," it is also known for the medicinal baths. Also known at Marikottayam, Hoge actually means smoke and Kal means rock. Recently, the place has been found to be littered with plastic bags and garbage and the fish market outside the waterfall might stink. Weekends can be crowded. Keep all these points in mind before visiting.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Hogenakkal by flight 

The nearest airport is the Bangalore International Airport which is about 150 km away. From there you may have to travel to a nearby major bus stand, to get a direct bus to Hogenakkal. Or you can hire a taxi from outside the station. 

How to reach Hogenakkal by road 

If you wish to travel by road, the regular bus services are available. The Dharmapuri Bus Stand and the Salem Bus Stand are the two nearest Bus Stations. If a direct bus is unavailable, you may have to travel to one of these places first. 

How to reach Hogenakkal by train 

The nearest railway station to Hogenakkal is the Dharmapuri railway Station. It is about 47 km away and taxis are easy to find. 

Local transport in Hogenakkal 

Hogenakkal, being a hill station, does provide some commuting options. Auto rickshaws, that can typically seat three at once are available. So are some taxis. The place also has options of buses. However, the most trusted option is to ask your hotel or guest house to arrange for a car, and pay them the additional amount.

Places to visit:

(Mettur Dam)

  • Hogenakkal Falls - The place obviously has a lot of options for boating. A very unique kind of boat is available here. Often referred to as basket-boats, the circular vessels called Coracles.
  • Mettur Dam - Mettur Dam, situated 30 miles from Salem in a small Mettur Village is one of the largest dams of India. The dam is surrounded by hilly range and is quite popular among tourists.
  • Melagiri Hills - After having seen the breathtaking falls, the next most attractive place of Hogenakkal are the Melagiri Hills. The Hills are a few km away and various trekking options upto the hill add to the thrill of finally seeing the ranges.
  • Boating - The place obviously has a lot of options for boating. A very unique kind of boat is available here. Often referred to as basket-boats, the circular vessels called Coracles.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HOGENAKKAL

The best time to visit Hogenakkal is during the winter from October - February to relax and unwind near the waterfalls. Winters in Hogenekkal is pleasant with moderate weather throughout the day. Whereas the summers are warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from 23 - 34 degree celcius. Despite summers being an off season, a dip in the hogenekkal lake is  rejuvenating for all. Monsoon on the other hand has a pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 13 to 20 degree celcius, making it an ideal time to enjoy its spectacular beauty. 

 8. Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh. This is a picturesque national park, gracing the beauty of Western Himalayas.  Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks.

At the meeting point of the Himalayan ranges, Zanskar and Western and Eastern Himalayas, the valley of flowers discovered by Mountaineer Frank S Smith in 1931 has been declared a world heritage site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. Famous for its exotic varieties of medicinal herbs, it is also believed that Hanuman brought Sanjivani to the ailing Lakshmana from the valley of flowers. A perfect place to laze around the umpteen number of Himalayan water-falls, streams and paddocks and let the beauty of the place sink in.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Valley of Flowers by flight 

There is no direct flight connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest commercial airport. You can hire a cab from the airport which will take you directly to Valley of Flowers. 

How to reach Valley of Flowers by road 

There is no direct road connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Buses ply through well connected, motorable roads to Govindghat, the nearest bus stop, approximately 12 km away from the actual site. 

How to reach Valley of Flowers by train 

There is no direct rail connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to the same, 272 km away from the Valley. Regular buses ply between Rishikesh and Valley of Flowers. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi from Rishikesh. 

Local transport in Valley of Flowers 

Walking is the only option here.

Places to visit:

(Nanda Devi National Park)

  • Valley of Flowers National Park - A World Heritage Site, Valley of Flowers is probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The spread of colorful flowers against the snow-capped mountains during spring is a must-see.
  • Nanda Devi National Park - Himalayan snow leopard is the major attraction of Nanda Devi National park amidst the valley of flowers and mountain ranges. Other animals found here are the endangered Asiatic black bear, blue sheep, and brown bear.
  • Fauna & Flora - This area is home to several rare and endangered species including the Snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, musk deer, flying squirrel, tahr, brown bear, red fox and blue sheep.

BEST TIME TO VISIT VALLEY OF FLOWERS

The valley opens on June 1 each year and shuts in October. The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is between July to September when you can see the valley at this bloom with flowers. August is the best time to see the flowers bloom; however, it might get difficult to reach there due to landslides and heavy rainfall. 

It remains accessible for the rest of the year because of heavy snow. Keep in mind that entrance to the Valley is restricted to daytime - you can enter the Valley only between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and you will have to leave before 5:00 PM. Overnight camping is prohibited. 

9. Bishnupur

A small town in West Bengal famous for its terracota temples, Bishnupur is famous among tourists, especially for its rich culture including architecture, music and handicraft.

Bishnupur is a town with a rich heritage and a present as rich in culture, art and architecture. Its heritage and an ornamented culture transcends into multiple attractions for the tourists, which can be witnessed in the area's soft corner for classical music, paintings or while you take home a Baluchari sari. The temples that the area is known for include Jorbangla temple, Rasmancha temple, Shyamrai Temple and many more. These find immense grandeur in their identity as carriers of significant histories as well as architectural marvels.

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Bishnupur by flight 

Bishnupur doesn't have an airport of its own. Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport is situated in Kolkata, and it's at a distance of 121 km from Bishnupur. You can either hire a taxi from the airport or go to Howrah and get a train to Bishnupur. 

How to reach Bishnupur by road 

You can drive to Bishnupur on your own. Besides that, you have the option of taking a bus to Bishnupur. Local buses run in Kolkata, and the nearest bus stand to Bishnupur is in Panagarh which is 46 km away. An alternative option is available, as you can deboard at Durgapur Bus stand which is 48 km away from Bishnupur. You have to hire a taxi from these bus stands to reach to the city of Bishnupur. 

How to reach Bishnupur by train 

Bishnupur is well connected through the railways, as trains from Howrah to Bishnupur leave the stations on a regular basis. The shortest route that these trains cover to reach Bishnupur is approximately 136 km. 

Local transport in Bishnupur 

As this is a small town, you can easily walk around Bishnupur.

Places to visit:

(Rasmancha)
  • Rasmancha - The oldest brick temple, Rasmancha was commissioned by Malla King Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. The temple has one inner chamber housing the idols of Radha-Krishna.
  • Lalji Temple - This laterite eka-ratna temple was built in 1658 by Bir Singha II of Malla dynasty on a square raised plinth which consists of ornamental stucco decorations on low relief carvings.
  • Susunia Hill - Located 63 km away from Bankura town, this is a very important tourist spot here. This hill is famous for its natural spring and Silalipi. One can also trek around this place.
  • Jorebangla Temple - Built by Malla King Raghunath Singh in 1655 AD, The temple made of laterite bricks has an appearance of two thatched huts joined together and surmounted by a single tower.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BISHNUPUR

Bishnupur is open to the visitors during all the months. However, the best time to visit Bishnupur is the winters. During the cold season, the weather is pleasant, and you will enjoy your stay here. During the summers, the weather can be scorching hot, and it can get difficult to stay hydrated and visit every temple. During the monsoon season, the presence of humidity in the air can turn your experience disastrous.

 

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