Malda City Guide
Malda with its rich history and heritage is one of the most famous tourist destinations of West Bengal. Nestled at the confluence of Mahananda and Kalindri River, the town Malda with its entire grace add the beauty of Bengal. Rice, jute, legumes, and oilseeds are the chief crops in the surrounding area. Mulberry plantations and mango orchards occupy large areas, mango trade and silk manufacture are the main economic activities.
Malda was previously known as English Bazaar and it got its name 'English Bazaar' from the English factory, established here in 1771. Malda is a prime junction for visiting Gaur and Pandua. Gaur, capital to three dynasties of ancient Bengal - the Buddhist Palas, the Hindu Senas and the Muslim Nawabs - has seen three distinct eras of glory and has a major share in the history of India. Pandua, Pandua, once the alternate seat of power to Gaur, has the third largest concentration of Muslim monuments in Bengal. Historical monuments include the mosque Jami' Masjid (1566) and the landmark Nimasari tower across the river.
What to See
Baroduari : Built in an Indo-Arabic style of architecture, Baroduari is a gigantic rectangular structure of brick and stone. Its 44 spires covered with intricate gold chikkan work gave its other name of the Bara Sona Masjid.
Beels : Beels are the low-lying marshy tracts found throughout the district. They provide ample scope for birdwatching.
Chika Mosque : This single-domed mosque, built in 1475 by Sultan Yusuf Shah, contains traces of Hindu temple architecture.
Dakhil Darwaza : This 21-m. high structure, made of small red bricks and terracotta work, was built in 1425 as the main gateway to the royal fort.
Feroze Minar : This 5-storey tower, built by Sultan Saifuddin Feroze Shah during 1485-89, follows the Tughlaqi style of architecture. Its spiralling flight of 84 steps lead to the top, which is a wonderful view point.
Gumti Darwaza : Built in 1512 by Sultan Allauddin Hussein Shah, this brick and terracotta structure was decorated in brilliant colours, some of which are still partly visible.
Kadam Rasool : Mosque This mosque, built in 1530 by Sultan Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah, contains the footprints of Hazrat Muhammad on stone.
Lakhchhipi Darwaza : The Lakhchhipi Darwaza or Lukochuri Gate was built in 1655 by Shah Shuja in the Mughal architectural style. Situated on the eastern side of the royal palace, this double-storey Darwaza functionally acted as the main gateway to the palace.
Lattan Mosque : Legend attributes the building of this mosque to a dancing girl of the royal court. Also known as the Painted Mosque, its walls are covered with intricate mina work in bright colours.
Ramkeli : This small village was where Sri Chaitanya, the great religious reformer of Bengal, had stayed for a few days on his way to Brindaban. The main attraction is the tamal tree under which Sri Chaitanya is said to have meditated.
Things to see
Gaur
Pandua
