Explore the 9 best places to visit in Malda and its diverse culture and rich history. Read this guide to learn about this district’s top parks, temples, mosques, and historical landmarks.
Malda is a city in the Malda district of West Bengal state, India, and is the 6th largest city in West Bengal. This city is located on the bank of the Mahananda River and is 347km from Kolkata toward the north side. It has a diverse culture and lots of tourist attractions; due to its rich history, this destination has become an excellent getaway for picnics and exploring the history of monuments. This district is also famous for its lush mango gardens and is quite renowned in India for producing good-quality silk. Except for Malda, there are other nicknames for the city, such as English Bazar and Mango City.
Tourists can reach here by any means, such as by train, bus, or air. The city is well connected with regular trains from different cities in India, and to reach it by bus, you can book a reservation from any town, as the destinations are NH18 and NH34. Its airport was active till 1972, but after the Bangladesh war, it closed; now, the nearest airport is in Bagdogra, which is 250km from Malda. You can visit this city throughout the year, but because of the scorching heat on summer days, October to March are favorable months for making a trip. This guide will provide information about the 9 best places to visit in Malda by their beauty and history.
1. Adina Mosque
Adina Mosque is a historical marvel in West Bengal and the largest Mosque in the state due to its vast premises and building architecture. It was built by Sikander Shah in 1369. The tomb of Sikander Shah is also inside the Mosque. He made this great monument to commemorate his victory against the king of Delhi at that time.
This Mosque is quite beautiful and exciting for history lovers; though the environmental climates damaged the building, its glory and grandeur are still not to be ignored and attract tourists globally. The Mosque has large arches, and the stone engraving work can mesmerize anyone with its perfection and beauty.
This place has serene beauty due to its photogenic lush green gardens, and you can spend a good time with your family in a silent place with the serenity of having many seasonal flowers in the gardens.
Timings to visit this Mosque are from 9 am to 6 pm, and there are no entry charges.
2. Adina Deer Park
Adina Deer Park is just 21km from Malda railway station and is the best place for those who want to spot rare species of animals and birds. This place is the best getaway to enjoy a dry picnic, as there is no restaurant inside the park, and you can enjoy leisure time with your family by packing some food with you.
This park was developed in 1982 and serves as a breeding center for deers and a rescue and rehabilitation center for deers or cheetahs. This green park is spread over 10 hectares and enclosed in fences. This mini zoo has other animals except deer and a natural habitat for butterflies and birds.
You can spot Fish Eagle, Asian open bill, Paradise Flycatcher, and prinia inside the park. It opens from 9 am to 4 pm, and entry is free of cost.
3. Eklakhi Mausoleum
This historic landmark is just 3km from Adina Mosque and is a tremendous historical gem for tourists. This ancient mausoleum was built in 1425 AD and has three tombs of Sultan Jalaluddin Muhammad Shah, his wife, and his son Shamsuddin Ahmad Shah, the last Muslim ruler in West Bengal.
The whole structure was constructed in one lac rupee at that time, so it was named the Eklakhi mausoleum. It was built in a square-shaped building covered by a dome, and red bricks were used in construction. Terracotta work is artistically designed on walls and pillars.
Visiting hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, and this picnic spot is also free of charge.
4. Dakhil Darwaza
Dakhil Darwaza is originally an Urdu word which means an entrance door. This entrance door was built in 1425 AD by the Mughal royal family. It is an excellent monument in West Bengal in Gaur, Malda. Thus, a fantastic memorial remembers the glory time of Mughal rule and depicts the Muslim style of architecture.
Small red bricks are used in its construction, and terracotta work is artistically designed on these bricks; its built arches are used to fore canons, as given to salute for welcoming honorable guests. It is also called salami Darwaza.
This spot has a peaceful environment, and a lack in the backside of the site enhances the serene beauty. The structure is surrounded by gardens in which green grass is planted nicely. This tourist attraction is a great place to spend time with family in a beautiful environment with no disturbance.
Visiting hours of Dakhil Darwaza are from 9 am to 6 pm, and this place is also accessible from entry charges.
5. Firoz Minar Tomb
Firoz Minar is situated in Gaur, 40 km from central Malda city, and was built by Sultan Saifuddin Feroz Shah during 1485—89AD. Feroz Shah became king after defeating and killing Barbak Shah. This Minar resembles the famous Qutb Minar of Delhi, which is why it is also called Malda Qutb Minar; according to some scholars, this monument is a Bengali version of Qutb Minar.
Minar is 26m high and 19m in the circumstances; five stories of Minar are constructed with red brick. Decorated strips cover the lower three stories, while the last two upper stories are compared with the lower three. A dome covers the previous top story and looks like a flat. Spiral staircases are built to give access to the top floor, but now it is impossible for tourists as Minar’s main gate is locked.
Terracotta work can be observed at the entry Door. This grand structure is an excellent attraction for history enthusiasts, and they can take a glimpse of history and know the interests of rulers of that time. Constructed in the 15th century, it stands like a magnificent landmark enclosed in green surroundings and gives a perfect place to enjoy peace.
An old tree near Minar also increases its alluring and beauty attraction. You can visit this place from 7 am to 6 pm without having any entry charges.
6. Aquatic Bengal
Aquatic Bengal is a water park that is just 9 km away from Malda railway station. It is a great place to enjoy, relax, and hang out with friends and family. The park is maintained nicely and has a lot of thrilling water rides and recreational activities for groups of every age.
There is enough space for children to play, and an air-conditioned hall is also available for meetings. This place is a good option for having fun with family and enjoying a day full of excitement. Inside the park, water pools are clean, and inside these pools, you can enjoy zip-zap slides and swings. The park has a specific area for capturing beautiful pictures.
You have to pay at the entry counter once, and inside the park, everything is free; costumes are available to enjoy in water pools, and personal lockers are available for saving valuable items. Inside the park, restaurants and cafes are settled to enjoy food and beverages.
This park opens from 10 am to 6 pm, but on the last three days of the week, closing time is 5 pm. You have to pay INR 400 per person as an entry fee and clothes charges are INR100 per person.
7. Lotan Masjid
Lotan Masjid is another preserved monument in the Gaur region of Malda, west Bengal, India, and it depicts the Islamic architectural style of old rulers in India. Sultan Yousef Shah built this Mosque at the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. Though this monument passed from many climate changes that affected its structure, this Mosque is still a marvelous building for history lovers to visit.
This Mosque was devoted to a royal court dancer, Lottan, who was named after her. Enameled brickwork can be observed in the construction of the Mosque, and colored stones are also used with bricks, but most of the rocks are exchanged with ordinary bricks.
This Mosque has a square prayer chamber with a single dome, and its verandah is covered with two crowns. The surrounding area of the Mosque has green gardens in which you can sit and have a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Around the Mosque, mango orchards also make this place ideal for planning a picnic with family in a clean environment.
8. Baroduari Mosque
Baroduari Mosque, also known as Baro Shona, is located in Gaur, south of Malda. This Mosque is just 12km from Malda district and is close to the India- Bangladesh border. This Mosque got its name Baroduari because it has twelve doors, though only 11 at this time.
This Mosque is a giant structure built with bricks and stones in a rectangular frame and is also known as the Great Golden Mosque due to the use of gold plates in the domes of the Mosque. This Mosque was constructed by Allauddin Hussain Shah, who died before its completion; later on, his son Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah completed this Mosque in 1526 AD.
The architectural style of this Mosque is indo-Arabic and beautifully reveals the artistic work and craftsmanship of that time. This place has serene beauty due to its lush green gardens. The 11 domed doors are covered by domes open in the extended porch area in the east and west.
This Mosque has no security guards, and there is no maintenance by the government, due to which most of the part of the Mosque is in a wrecked situation, it is open for visitors from 8 am to 5 pm.
9. Temple of Jauhra Kali
This temple was initially built in 1500 and has a great attraction for devotees, as it is believed that prayers in this temple have excellent results. Mango orchards surround this temple on one side, and on the other side, lush green fields and long tree boughs cover the temple.
The temple is situated a few kilometers away from Malda and has a simple architecture, but among the Muslim areas in India, the most captivating thing about this temple is its natural beauty, which lies in green mango orchards.
This temple has an idol of the Jauhra goddess, and the statue is very different and unique, as only the face with the tongue is present, and no other remaining body is. This place is a great Hindu temple to visit and enjoy the serene natural beauty.
FAQS
Which river is near Malda?
Malda is situated in the North Central side of west Bengal, and there is a point on the east side of town where two rivers confluence at one point, Kalindri and Mahananda rivers. Malda is a historical place for tourists and has scenic water bodies.
What is Malda West Bengal also known as?
Malda is also known as English Bazar and was the capital of the West Bengal state in the past. Old Malda is still a part of the English Bazar. Due to its rich history, the district maintains its historical culture with many historical buildings.
What is the folk culture of Malda district?
Malda district has a unique folk culture called ghombira. This is a fantastic way to express national and international matters. Local people also express their joy and sorrow through this unique representation.
Why is Malda famous?
Malda is famous for its historical background and rich industrial culture. During the 18th century, the place was recognized for its rich production of cotton and silk of good quality that was supplied to the whole of India. Malda is also famous for the growth of mulberries and mangoes.
Which Masjid is famous in Malda?
Adina Mosque is a famous former Mosque in Malda. It is the only structure in Malda known as the largest Mosque in the Indian subcontinent and was built by the Bengal government by Sikander Shah, whose tomb is also inside the Mosque.
Final Analysis
This is all about the 9 best places to visit in Malda based on their attractiveness, unique history, and beauty. Malda is famous for having two historical regions, Pandua and Gaur, that have a lot of historical buildings to visit, enclosed with natural beauty and serenity. Those places are worth visiting. Avoid staying in the hot summer, as the summer heat is unbearable. Take your water bottles, snacks, and food in your pack, as most tourist spots have no restaurants, and you have to manage by yourself. Due to their grandeur, background, and historical importance, and to know about the lifestyle of rulers at that time, you should visit these places once in your life.
