What Comes to mind when we think about architectural masterpieces based on it's artistic as well as structural magnificence in India? ........
Taj Mahal , Red Fort , Khajuraho Temples, Kailash Temple of Ellora Caves and so on.
It's true. They are mind-blowing . But there are some beautiful artistic and very creative architectures in a very Small City of
BISHNUPUR in BANKURA district of INDIAn state of WEST BENGAL . This art form is fondly known as TERRACOTTA -The art of creating art using Burned Clay (which is also what Today's Bricks are) . There are not only architectures and beautiful designs carved on it using terracotta but various other things are also fondly made and sold in this City including Ornaments , Showpieces and many more .
These Temples were built by the Vaishnav Malla Kings of Bengal during 17th and 18th Century using Locally available Laterite Stones , Brick(also considered terracotta) in the most creative and marvelous way . Terracotta Plates are being on the temples walls to depict various stories of Hindu Epics and designs . Old Bengali Scriptures can also be found these walls which is quite fascinating for me being an Bengali . The terracotta Temples of Bishnupur are UNESCO World Heritage.
The Journey to Bishnupur was unplanned. We actually went to Visit the beautiful JOYPUR FOREST in the Bankura District . After Spending sometime in the Charming Greens we decided to visit this City of Art and Heritage. It's less than an hour Drive(15kms) from there .
How to Reach - The City is well connected from Kolkata ,Durgapur or Asansol via Trains or Buses. But I recommend to do a Road trip in your personal vehicle or Rented Cab . The Journey is marvelous amidst beautiful Lush Forests on both sides of the Road.
Places of Interests - The whole city is swarming with arts and architecture . The Temples are spread around the whole city along with some other architechures . It's wise to hire local Toto(E- Rickshaws) or use the personal vehicle to commute from one temple to other. I'll mention some of the temples and places I was being able to cover in our short trips along with some other options which is worth visiting.
Rasmancha - This is the Oldest brick temple with an elongated pyramidal tower Surrounded by hut-shaped turrets . This is the first temple to Visit both for the Entry Tickets and for the jaw dropping beauty of this Temple. This temple used to the centre stage for all the festivals especially the annual Vaishnav festival of Ras .
Other eminent Temples are Jor-Bangla Temple ,Radha Madhab Temple,Madanmohan Temple,Shyam Ray Temple,Radha-Gobinda Temple,Jor Mandir Complex,Kalachand Temple , Pancha Ratna Temple ,Gour-Nitai Temple ,Lalji Temple ,Nandalal Temple Etc.
Photos of some of the Temples are given Below.
Other Attractions - Along with these breathtaking Terracotta Temples there are some other places which is also worth the while .
Stone Chariot - A small structure temple built on laterite plinth originally with 3 wheels on each side. The lower part resembles the pavilion of Rasmancha and upper part resembles the Ek Ratna temple .
Lalbandh - This historic Bandh was built by the Malla kings to resolve the water scarcity in the Kingdom.
Pathar Darwaja - It used to be the main gateway to the city of Ancient Royal Bishnupur . It's and outstanding architecture with beautiful details.
In addition to all these the Baluchuri Sarees and Mallabhum Sarees (made of tashar silk) is also indigenous to this Place. Don't miss the terracotta artworks of local artisans near the temples.
Travel Cost - The travel cost is always subjective to the person always but for a 1 day return trip ,It shouldn't cost more than Rs 5000 for Group Tour in Total even with Private Car Food and some reasonable Shopping even if traveling from Kolkata.