LOCATION: Malda is located 365 km. north of Kolkata.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Formerly it was known as English Bazaar from the time of Pandua Kings. Since then it is known for famous center of silk and cotton textile manufacturing and trade. Here the first British factory was built in 1771.The East India Company to facilitate the silk trade had built up Kuthies, around which the weavers of both the communities - Hindu and Muslim had settled. Later this kuthies were called as Englejabad . In course of time Englejabad became English Bazaar. People now come to Malda mainly for visiting the historical spot of Gour and Pandua. This was the capital of Bengal during the reign of Ballal Sen and Lakhsman Sen.

Safety: Safe; Roads: Motorable road. Road traffic: Normal; Medical support: Available; Fuel Pumps: Available; Car repairing:Possible; Market & Shopping Center:Available; Tourist Information Center: No; Railway Ticket: Available; Hotels & Restaurants:Available; Sports & Game Centers: No; Cellular service: BSNL & Airtel; Car rental: Available.

Places of interest: Minimum days of stay: Two days. Gour: It is 12 km. south of Malda town, near the Indo-Bangladesh international border. Gour was the ancient capital of Bengal and had experienced the rule of three dynasties - the Buddhist Pals, the Hindu Sens and the muslim Nawabs. And it had three distinct era of glory - outstanding sculptures of Buddhist era, the highest standard of education and culture reached at it's peak during the period of Ballal Sen (Hindu Dynasty) and superb architectural manifestation in the era of Muslim Nawabs. Now the relics of those temples, Mosques, Minars and tombs bear the testimonies of the golden eras. The most worth seeing and remarkable objects are the Bara Sona Mosque, Dakhil Darwajah, Kadam Rasul Mosque, Lattan Mosque. The Bara Sona Mosque - is the largest memorials in Gaur .This beautifully decorated and engraved mosque was first started by Alauddin Hussain Shah and was completed by his son Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah in 1526. Dakhil Darwajah - The 70 feet high gate is made of burnt clay and red bricks so beautifully constructed and ornamented that still astonish the viewers. It was built by Barbak Shah in 1425. Pandua: is located 18 km. north of Malda on NH 37. Pandua too was the capital of Bengal. There are also many impressive architectures that includes - Bara Dargah, Eklakhi Masjid, Qutab Shahi Masjid, Salami Darwaza, Adina Masjid etc.

The Eklakhi Masjid was built by Jalaluddin Muhammad Shah who was a Hindu king but converted to Muslim. It was built on the model of Chi ka Masjid in Gour. The exquisite terra cotta design of the Masjid attracts the eyes of the tourists in wonder. The Pa than Sultan Jalaluddin, his son and Begum have been buried in this mosque. The Adina Masjid is a vast rectangular Masjid that resemblance the size, shape & style of 8th century Jima Masjid in Damascus. It was built by Sickened Shah in 1369 and is believed to be constructed over a Hindu temple. Three side of the Masjid is totally destroyed and only the western part still stands as the remnant structure of 14th century grandeur.It has 400 pillars and 370 domes.The three combination of sculptures of Hindu, Jain & Buddhist type are found in the architectural design of the Masjid. Even the images of Hindu Gods & Goddesses are found within the Masjid compound.

TRANSPORT: The regular long distance bus service (both Govt. & private) from Kolkata directly available for Malda Town. From Shahid Minar & Ultadanga, Kolkata bus terminus A.C. / Non A.C Rocket, Super Deluxe, Deluxe, Luxury & Ordinary coaches of NBSTC, SBSTC, CSTC as well as other private buses leaves during day & night for North Bengal and Maldah also.

Rail: Malda is well connected by railways from Howrah and Sealdah division. All North Bengal bound train stops at Malda Junction station. Malda town is a small station but the express trains do not stop there. The tourists can avail the trains from Delhi and also from Guwahati.

There is an air-strip but presently not operational for commercial flights.

Special mention: Malda is famous for mango, specially for the Fajli variety. The harvesting season of mango is from June to August only.

Last Updated on Monday, 25 January 2010 19:00