Best Tourist Places in Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Best Tourist Places in Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Medinipur also called as Midnapore is a town in Paschim Medinipur District in the Indian state of West Bengal situated about 128 kms west of state capital Kolkata. Medinipur is located between 22.25° north latitude and 87.65° east longitude and situated at an elevation of 23 meters. The Postal code of the Medinipur is 721 101.

Medinipur is home to Vidyasagar University, the only university in Paschim Medinipur District and also houses numerous best schools and colleges. The prominent temples in Medinipur include Chapaleswar Temple and The Jagannath Temple.

Etymology and history of Medinipur:

There are several theories about the origin of the name ‘Medinipur’, one theory states that Medinipur derives its name from the native goddess “Medinimata” and another theory states that Medinipur derives its name from the larger presence of mosques in Medina in the earlier times.

Medinipur has strong historical and cultural background and also well known for playing a prominent role in the Indian freedom movement. It was ruled by major dynasties of the country like Kalinga Dynasty, Bengal Nawab and Malla kings.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Medinipur:

Medinipur houses numerous historical temples like Jagannath Temple, Hanuman-Jeu Temple, Sitala Temple and Rukmini Temple. Medinipur is populated with higher majority of Hindus and equal ratio of Muslims and Christians. Midnapore Art College and Medinipur Shilpi Chakra are the famous cultural education centres situated in Medinipur.

Aurora, Mahua and Hari Cinema Hall are the major film theatres in Medinipur. Also Medinipur is well facilitated with several South Indian, North Indian and Chinese Food Corners along with local food item centres. The locals of Medinipur are fond of both vegetarian and non vegetarian food.

How to reach Medinipur?

Medinipur has good connectivity with its nearby regions and the major cities of the state through road and railway transit. Medinipur Central Bus Stand and Abash Bus Stand are two most important bus terminals of the Medinipur.

Medinipur is served by Midnapore Railway Station through express trains to Howrah, Ernakulam, Puri and Delhi is located 2 kms away from the heart of the town.

The nearest airport to Medinipur is Kolkata International Airport situated at a distance of 135 kms.

Tourist places near Medinipur:

Jhargram Raj Palace:

Jhargram Raj Palace was the house of the Malla Deb Royal family. It is located in Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur district and was constructed with blend of Gothic and Muslim architectural style. Jhargram Raj Palace was constructed in the year 1931 AD and the ground floor has been renewed into a heritage hotel.

Chandrakona:

Chandrakona is a well known town famous for historical Samoleswar Mahadeb Temple. The temple was constructed with strong stones and designed with beautiful architecture. Bidyadhar Puskarini Lake is another prime attraction of Chandrakona situated in the vicinity of Sarasanka Dighi Lake.

Jonathan Temple:

Jonathan Temple is a famous worship place of Hindus situated in Utan Lazar. It is said that this temple was built in the year 1851.

Karnagarh:

Karnagarh is a village situated about 11 kms from Midnapore Town. The village is well known for Stone Fort, constructed by Raja Karnakeshri of the Keshari Dynasty. The fort includes water tank and temples. Karnagarh houses several famous worship places namely Dandeshwar Temple and Mahamaya Temple.

Bahiri:

Bahiri is one of the villages in Midnapore District. This village is well known for Lord Rama Ashram, Bhimsagar Lake, Hemsagar Lake and Lohitsagar Lake. Ther are Buddhist stupas namely Paltikri, Saptikri, Dhantikri and Godhantikri can be seen in Bahiri Village.

The list of other tourist places in and around Medinipur include:

Pathra
Karnagarh
Deer Park
Chilkigarh Raj Palace
Kanak Durga Temple
Tribal Museum
Sabitri Temple
Gidhni Annukul Ashram
Jungle Mahal
Mukutmanipur Dam

Best time to visit Medinipur:

Winter months are advised to holiday Medinipur because of its wonderful weather condition and there are annual fairs celebrated during these months.

Accommodation options near Medinipur:

The hotels of Medinipur have the facilities of cable TV, doctor on call, free Wi Fi service, laundry, tennis court, fitness centre, swimming pool, hot water bath and air ticket booking facility. Major luxury hotels and lodges located in Medinipur are as follows: