May is on its way out and we still seem to be in this seemingly never-ending maze where we are just running around in circles. It’s been almost 18 months now since the pandemic hit us and we are all going stir-crazy!
Singapore had introduced a tightening of measures a couple of weeks back due to an increase in cases, and this week announced, contrary to expectations they will not impose a lockdown. But the number of cases has still not gone down to a couple of months back, so we’re still not out of the woods yet. We’ve now learnt that Malaysia has imposed a total lockdown for fourteen days from Tuesday because of the sudden surge in cases. And this has ruled out any trips across the causeway for the near future, which is quite disheartening as this is a favourite jaunt for people in Singapore. We do day trips and also short holidays to cities and resorts across the Johor Straits.
Today’s quote comes from Roy Bennett who says that we should not be limited by the fears in our mind, we should be instead guided by the dreams in our heart. This is so true because when we are limited by our fears, we don’t like to take any risks, thinking it will never work out. Anytime this happens, we need to recognise this emotion and let that go. Instead, be guided by what we want to achieve in life and use that as the beacon for what we want to do in life. This is a quote that all of us should internalise and use it as a life principle.
On the children’s front, they are busy with school, though BB’s school has deferred their mid semester exams to the end of June, when hopefully they can go back to school for in-person learning. Practicals and lab work has been moved online and will probably resume in the second half of the semester, though I always ask him how they do practicals and lab online! GG on the other hand is super busy with project submissions and exams all due in a couple of weeks.
My eye infection flared up in the beginning of May and since I had a scheduled check-up, I didn’t call ahead for a new appointment. I’ve been started on a new medicine regime and the infection seems to have subsided quite a bit in just a few days. I have another follow-up in a month’s time, so here’s hoping for the best.
That’s all from me this week. Stay safe, stay masked and above all, get vaccinated if you are eligible to.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business – Charles Duhigg
A young woman walks into a laboratory. Over the past two years, she has transformed almost every aspect of her life. She has quit smoking, run a marathon, and been promoted at work. The patterns inside her brain, neurologists discover, have fundamentally changed.
Marketers at Procter & Gamble study videos of people making their beds. They are desperately trying to figure out how to sell a new product called Febreze, on track to be one of the biggest flops in company history. Suddenly, one of them detects a nearly imperceptible pattern—and with a slight shift in advertising, Febreze goes on to earn a billion dollars a year.
An untested CEO takes over one of the largest companies in America. His first order of business is attacking a single pattern among his employees—how they approach worker safety—and soon the firm, Alcoa, becomes the top performer in the Dow Jones.
What do all these people have in common? They achieved success by focusing on the patterns that shape every aspect of our lives.
They succeeded by transforming habits.
In The Power of Habit, award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. With penetrating intelligence and an ability to distill vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives, Duhigg brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential for transformation.
Along the way we learn why some people and companies struggle to change, despite years of trying, while others seem to remake themselves overnight. We visit laboratories where neuroscientists explore how habits work and where, exactly, they reside in our brains. We discover how the right habits were crucial to the success of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. We go inside Procter & Gamble, Target superstores, Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, NFL locker rooms, and the nation’s largest hospitals and see how implementing so-called keystone habits can earn billions and mean the difference between failure and success, life and death.
At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, raising exceptional children, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is understanding how habits work.
Habits aren’t destiny. As Charles Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.
Shantiniketan Known as Rabindranath Tagore’s home and now a university, Santiniketan is a small town which comprises mainly of the Visva Bharati University. Set up by Rabindranath Tagore’s father and later popularised by Tagore to radically change the concept of education in India, today, this small and beautifully laid out university town is a unique destination. Santiniketan comprises many academic blocks, each dedicated to a separate branch of study. The China Bhavan, as per its name, focuses on studying of Chinese Culture, traditions and language. As it’s name suggests, Kala Bhavan promotes art among the students and focuses on developing the artistic bent among its patrons and very aptly also has the most beautifully done block. The Sangeet Bhavan is the block that fosters music and dance with regular practices held here. The Nippon Bhavan, just like the China Bhavan, aims to foster Japanese- India relations. The centre, though located in the main campus is an autonomous body and not controlled by the university. It also conducts many exchange programs to and from Japan. Chattimtala was the meditation spot of Tagore’s father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. A scholar himself, he advocated meditation and introspection as the keys to success and world progress. Every student is very deeply connected to this place as graduates are honored with a branch of Saptaparni tree seen in Chhatimtala.The prayer hall, one of the prettiest places in Santiniketan is located in close vicinity. The site is considered to be very sacred and highly revered. The Uttrayan complex takes you down Tagore’s memory lane and particularly worth seeing is Udayan, where Tagore lived. The beautiful heritage building is very well maintained. Other places to see are Konark, Shyamali, which is a mud hut, Punascha and Udichi. The complex has beautiful gardens and the Rabindra Bhaban Museum in close vicinity. Combined entry fee for the two is Rs 5. Cameras and hand bags not allowed. The complex remains shut on Wednesdays. Located in close vicinity of the university, Amar Kutir showcases a number of locally made handicrafts, including leather printed bags, printed cloth etc. The Rabindra Bhaban Museum is perhaps the most satisfying place for historical inquisitiveness. Built in 1961, it houses some of Tagore’s original manuscripts, letters, documents, paintings, certificates and photographs. It also includes the Nobel Prize Medallion he received and is a must-visit for everyone who comes to Santiniketan. The small rural town of Kankalitala is located about 7 km from Santiniketan and the drive, or the walk, if one prefers, takes one through the beautiful landscape of semi urban India. There is also a small temple that is considered to be highly sacred.
Durgapur Known as the Steel Capital of West Bengal and the fourth largest urban agglomeration after Kolkata, Asansol and Siliguri, Durgapur is the only city in eastern India to have an operational dry dock. Durgapur was planned by two American architects, Joseph Allen Stein and Benjamin Polk in 1955 on the bank of the Damodar river. The Durgapur Steel Plant comes under the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) with the massive complex an engineer’s delight. A number of large-scale operations and equipment are housed in the premises and is a great learning experience, but the plant is not open to the general public and one needs connections to be able to make a visit to the plant. The Durgapur Barrage which was built to control the overflowing Damodar river in the monsoons and also connects Durgapur with Bankura and is one the prime attractions of the town. This structure keeps the flow of Damodar river, notorious as the Sorrow of Bengal in check with the structure and the adjoining bridge offering a breathtaking view. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novels, Devi Chaudhurani and Durgesh Nandini mentions the maze of tunnels of Bhabani Pathak’s Tilla. Today a protected monument, it opens in the city center and goes up to the Damodar river. This well preserved place is must visit but one should not venture into uncertain places as they may get lost. The Troinka Park offers a complete leisure time for the entire family with rides, water sports and boating. A charming little hamlet in Durgapur’s suburbs beside the river Ajay, Deul Park is was formerly a lightly wooded forest area rich with the legacies and legends of Ichai Ghosh and is now a popular tourist spot. Deul is as rich in nature as it is in historical significance.
Jhargram A small town with a rich historical and cultural past, Jhargram is surrounded by dense forests and is the perfect place to spend time mesmerised by its picturesque beauty. Founded by Sarveshwar Singh of the Chauhan clan of Rajputs from Fatehpur Sikri in Rajputana, Jhargram, which means a forest village surrounded by by canals and walls with the locals calling it Ugal. Jhargram is filled with beautiful and thick trees and medicinal plants and a number of birds including rare and migratory birds. The Chilkigarh Kanak Durga temple lies 15 km from Jhargram and is an ancient temple believed to be built in 1348 and later reconstructed. The Sabitri Mandir is at a distance of 3 km from Jhargram and was built around 350 year ago with intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. Kendua which is 10 km from Jhargram is a quaint village and famous for bird watching. The village is replete with lush green trees amongst which birds live as well as many migratory birds. The Medicinal Plant Garden also known as Amlachoti Medicinal Plant Garden by locals is filled with a number of plants used as medicines. Ketki Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is full of water. The Tribal Museum in Jhargram is a must visit place to learn about the tribals with the rich history and culture of the area that can be seen through artefacts. Jhargram Palace used to be the home of the king of Jhargram and is grand palace with 10 rooms and 3 dormitories. The Jhargram Mini Zoo is spread over a vast area with an entire section dedicated to deers calling it Deer Park. The Chilkigarh Raj Palace lies in ruins today but was an affluent palace once upon a time and houses two temples. The Dulung river flows through Jhargram and is sacred to the tribals. The beauty of Jhargram is at its peak during the winter season with the weather is pleasant and windy.
Asansol Known as the Land of Black Diamond and the City of Brotherhood, Asansol is the second largest and most populated city of West Bengal and the 39th largest urban agglomeration in India. Located on the banks of the Damodar river, Asansol’s economy is primarily dependent on its steel and coal industries, railways, and its trade and commerce. It’s name is derived from a combination of Asan which is a species of tree which generally grows thirty meters tall and is found on the banks of the Damodar river and sol which refers to land. Historically the city was anglicised as Assensole during the British colonial era but the name everted to Asansol after independence. The region is believed to have been a part of the kingdom of Vishnupur where the Malla dynasty ruled for approximately thousand years till the British came into the picture. Dravidian people constituted the initial settlement in this area and the prevalent Jain temples serve as proof of Jain activities that happened over two thousand five hundred years back. It is believed that the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira Vardhamana, used to live here. Popular places of attraction include the Rabindra Bhawan, Nazrul Academy, the Kalyaneshwari Temple, Burnpur Riverside and the Jagannath temple. The Kalyaneshwari Temple is situated on the boundary that divides West Bengal and Jharkhand and easily accessible while the Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple is built in beautiful shades of orange and white and is surrounded by water bodies. Nehru Park’s beautiful greenery and picturesque locale alongside the Damodar river makes it a must-visit spot. Satabdi Park is a famous recreational zone frequently visited by locals and has plenty of entertainment facilities and amusement park rides that are a hit.
Murshidabad Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly river, Murshidabad was the capital of the Bengal Subah of the Mughal empire in the 18th century and the seat of the hereditary Nawab of Bengal and the richest Mughal province. Silk was a major product of Murshidabad and the city was also a centre of art and culture, including the Murshidabad style of Mughal painting. The city’s decline began with the defeat of the last independent Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Murshidabad was named after its founder, Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and was part of the Gauda and Vanga Kingdoms in ancient Bengal. During the 17th century, the area was well known for sericulture.
The Wasif Manzil is a palace built by Nawab Wasif Ali Mirza Khan the then Nawab of Murshidabad. Located at the south end of Hazarduari Palace, it is touted as the new palace because it was built much later. It houses numerous marble statues and used to have an artificial hill and landscape on its side which got destroyed along with most of the palace in the earthquakes of 1867 after which the palace was restored, but the hill was never reconstructed. Located a few kilometers off Murshidabad, the Kath Gola palace complex, built originally to entertain European and Muslim guests during trade visits is a must-visit. The name Kala Gola, which means wood warehouse is from the lumberyard that used to be functional in the area before the palace was built. The palace, endless gardens, ponds, a temple devoted to Adinath and a statue of michealangelo are few of the distinctive features of the palace. Spread over an area of 41 acres, the Hazarduari Palace is second to none with a stunning structure on the Kila Nizamat campus. Located on the eastern banks of the river Bhagirathi within an enclosure known as Kila Nizamat, the palace’s name roughly translates to a thousand doors as this palace is embellished with a thousand ornamental gateways. Out of these, 900 doors are real, and the rest are fake doors built to confuse intruders. The construction style is an amalgam of Italian and Greek architectural styles. The perimeter of the palace also houses the Nizamat Imambara, Wasif Manzil, Bacchawali Tope and the Murshidabad Clock Tower. A museum today, the palace has many antiques which range from Siraj-ud-Daula’s prized swords to the vintage cars owned by the Nawabs. The palace is closed on Fridays and on other days is open from 9 am to 5 pm and has an entry fee of INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners. Built by the descendants of Debi Singh, a tax collector in the early days of East India Company, the Nasirpur Palace has a Ramachandra Temple, one of the biggest temples of the district and The Lakshmi-Narayana Temple, famous for its Jhulanjatra celebrations. The Jahan Kosha Cannon is one km off Katra and was built by Janardan Karmakar of Dhaka, a small craftsman at the time. The 7 ton cannon means the destroyer of the world. In addition to the 18 feet tall cannon, close by is the beautiful Kadam Sharif Mosque which contains the replica of the footprint of the prophet Hazrat Mohammad. On the northern side of the palace lies the Nizamat Imambara, built in 1847 AD by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan Feradun Jah, son of Humayun Jah. The stunning mosque was built after the Imambara built by Siraj-ud-Doula that burnt down in a fire. The mosque complex is known to be the biggest in Bengal, and maybe even India. Construction of the Footi Mosque was begun by Nawab Sarfaraz Khan and is located towards the east of the Hazarduari Palace, at Kumrapore. The mosque could not be completed and is often rumored to have been built in one night. Madina is a small mosque between the Palace and the Imambara and made to replicate Hazrat Muhammad’s tomb at Madina. The original mosque’s foundation had soil from Mecca, before it got destroyed in a fire and the one constructed later was built with soil from Karbala. The rooms of the mosque can house 700 Quran readers and has two minarets at the two ends of the mosque measuring 70 feet high. The architectural layout of this mosque is rectangular and has been divided into five inlets, each with a curved entrance and the central one is the most noticeable one as it has a lean steeple. The mosque has five domes, each of them used by a solo Namaz reader.
Mukutmanipur A popular weekend getaway for Kolkata locals, Mukutmanipur is a serene town located at the confluence of the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers close to the Jharkhand border. With lush green forests, clear blue water and green hills in the backdrop, Mukutmanipur is a Jain pilgrim town, especially Ambikanagar which is just 3 km from the town. The Mukutmanipur Dam is said to be the second largest dam in the country while the man-made barrage here which canalises the river water of the Kumari and Kangsabati rivers for irrigation purposes during summers is also the second largest of its kind. Built in 1956 on the Kangsabati river, the Kangsabati Dam is a huge damn with the view in the evening close to sunset, merged with the entire backdrop absolutely breathtaking. The road by the damn can be driven on and is a smooth ride, a very romantic one at that. Named after the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Parasnath Hills which falls across the border in Jharkhand is a popular Jain pilgrimage centre. It is believed that 20 out of 24 Teerthankars have attained their deliverance here on the highest peak in this range, Sammet Sikhar. There are as many as 20 temples here, some of which were built more than 2000 years ago. Ambikanagar is famous as a Jain pilgrimage and an ancient city situated by the river. It is also known for its tribal population and culture with handicrafts made from bamboo and grass a local speciality.
Malda Malda or English Bazar is the sixth largest city in the state on the banks of the Mahananda river. The name English Bazar is derived from Angrezabad or English town, which came about in the 17th century because of the English factory nearby. Located at the confluence of the rivers Mahanadi and Kalindi, about 350 km from Kolkata, the town is popular not only for its mango orchards but also for its rich history and heritage. The folk culture comprising of Gombhira and Kaviyal is another major attraction. Sultan Yusuf Shah built the Chamkati Masjid Chika Mosque in 1475 and the name has a very unique origin. It is called the Chika Mosque because it sheltered a number of Chikas or bats. In addition to beautiful Arabic carvings, which are still partly visible, the mosque also bears Hindu temple architecture, adding to its uniqueness. The Adina Mosque bears a strong resemblance to the Great Mosque of Damascus as it consists of bricks designed with stones. Built by Sikandar Shah in the 14th century, the second sultan of the Ilyas dynasty, the Adina Mosque was the largest mosque in India at the time. It has been damaged by natural calamities over the years, but still stands. It is often said that the mosque was built by the king to commemorate his victory over the then king of Delhi, Firoz Shah Tughluq. The Baroduari Mosque is the largest mosque in Malda and its name means 12 doors, though it has only eleven. The mosque was started by Allauddin Hussein Shah, but he died before its completion and then was completed by his son, Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah. The mosque was the first of its kind, built in Arabic style architecture. The Kadam Rasool Mosque derives its name from the stone tablet, which bears the footprints of Prophet Muhammad and is kept in the mosque. The mosque was built in 1530 by Sultan Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah. A unique element of the mosque are the four black marble towers on its four corners. Opposite the mosque is Fateh Khan’s tomb, who was a commander under Emperor Aurangzeb, though the tomb is made in the Hindu Chala style. Many tales surround the construction of the Lattan Mosque. However, historians believe it was built by Sultan Shamsuddin Yusuf Shah in 1475. The structure was originally built with intricate work of precious stones and colors. It was popularly called the Painted Mosque because of its colourful exterior and has an arched roof, supported by octagonal pillars. The Temple of Jauhra Kali is a famous and beautiful Hindu temple made on a raised platform and surrounded by trees. Devotees believe to have had miraculous results from praying in the temple. The Luko Churi Gate or the Lakhchhipi Darwaza is built on the Southeast corner of the Kadam Rasool Mosque and is believed to have been built by Shah Shuja in 1655 in the Mughal architectural style. The name is derived from the game of hide & seek that the king used to play with his wives or begums. However, who built this structure is unclear with another school of historians claiming that it was built by Allauddin Hussein Shah in 1522 and this double-storeyed Darwaza operated as the main gateway to the palace. The Eklakhi Mausoleum in Pandua, about 18 km from Malda is a tomb that is truly one of a kind. It has an inscription of Lord Ganesh and a converted son of a Hindu Emperor is believed to have been buried here. Located along the banks of the holy river Ganges, Gour is one of the oldest residential colonies existing in the state. In ruins today, it was the capital of ancient Bengal and was believed to have been discovered by Lord Lakshman and was called Lakshmanavati. When muslims conquered the state, its name was changed to Lakhnauti. Dakhil Darwaza is a surviving ruin of an old castle from the 15th century and is a gateway to a fort. In the south-east corner of the fort, a high wall encloses the ruins of an old palace. The gate is also popularly known as Salaami Darwaza as cannons used to be fired from it. The Firoz Minar is located a km from the Dakhil Darwaza. Built during Sultan Saifuddin Feroze Shah’s rule, this five-storey tower is often touted as Malda’s Qutab Minar. The first three storeys of the tower have twelve adjacent faces each, and the uppermost two storeys are circular in shape. It is built in the Tughlaqi style of architecture and is also known as the Pir-Asha-Minar or the Chiragdani. Situated about 35 km from Malda, Jagjivanpur, which is now an important archeological site was long forgotten until the discovery of a copper-plate inscription of the Pala emperor Mahendrapaladeva and the structural remains of a 9th century Buddhist Vihara, Nandadirghika-Udranga Mahavihara. Excavation work have been carried out and old remains of an entire ruined city have been found. About 20 km off Malda is the Adina Deer Park which is governed by the forest department. The most famous deer found here are the Cheetals or Spotted Deer and Nilgai and is also home to numerous migratory birds
Siliguri Known as the Gateway of Northeast India, Siliguri is the twin city to Jalpaiguri and is popular for three Ts – tea, timber and tourism. Located on the banks of the Mahananda river at the foothills of the Himalayas, Siliguri is the third largest urban agglomeration in West Bengal, after Kolkata and Asansol. Siliguri has great strategic importance in West Bengal as it is located conveniently, connecting four international borders, China, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. It also connects the North-East with the Indian mainland. Siliguri has its own international airport which serves mainly as a base for tourists to explore the northeast. Siliguri means a stack of pebbles or stones and until the 19th century this region was called as Shilchaguri when there was dense Dolka forest covering the area. Because of its appeal as an agricultural village, the Kingdom of Sikkim captured Siliguri making it the southernmost part of their kingdom until the Kingdom of Nepal interfered and so Kirati and Nepalis came to settle in the region. The Siliguri Corridor was formed when Bengal was divided into West Bengal and East Pakistan which later became Bangladesh in 1947, with Sikkim later merging with India in 1975.
Founded by the Indian Army, the Madhuban Park is located in the outskirts of Siliguri and serves as an ideal picnic spot. The lush green surroundings of Sukna Forest offers cool climate and serene ambiance. When in Siliguri, one should definitely take a walk down the resplendent tea gardens where one can watch the workers at work, at sowing, reaping or harvesting, depending on the season and also taste the tea at the estate and also purchase some. Situated in Mahakal Pally, Suryasen Park is an urban green park the highlight of which is the bust of the great freedom fighter Surya Sen installed in the heart of the park. The park also holds an exhibition on alternative energy and has the Mahanandi river flowing through it.
Also known as Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, this temple was built by ISKCON, which stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. With a grand temple, beautiful campus and soothing ambience, this temple is a must visit for everyone. The Sevoke Kali Mandir is an ancient temple on the banks of the Teesta river, close to the Coronation Bridge and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The Lokenath Baba Mandir is an architectural wonder showcasing artwork in the form of the idols of different deities. The most loved idol here is the split idol of Lokenath Baba and Lord Shiva. Established by Tibetan Buddhist Monks and the followers of Dalai Lama, the Salugara Monastery is famous for the 100 feet stupa founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. This monastery also known as The Great International Tashi Gomang Stupa and is situated just 6 km away from the main town and contains five kinds of Buddhist relics. The Sed-Gyued Monastery is a breathtaking monument which was destroyed by the Chinese army, and then rebuilt. The monastery is home to more than 90 monks of the Gelukpa divison, and is presently used as a research centre. Photographers and experience seekers love to visit this place and meditate there.
Jalpaiguri Located on the banks of the Teesta river, the second largest river in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri which is on the foothills of the Himalayas, lies 35 km east of its twin city, Siliguri with the merging of the two cities making it the largest metropolis of the region and is bordered by Bhutan to the north and Bangladesh to the south. The name Jalpaiguri comes from the word Jalpai meaning olive and Guri meaning a place. Jalpaiguri’s history goes back to the 1900s due to the rich plantations of olive there. Dotted with tiny rivulets and small hilltops, Jalpaiguri is a tiny tourist town with endless vistas of tea plantations, gushing streams and elaborate rice farms, and is known for its heavy downpour. Primarily a rural district with 80% rural population mostly inhabited in forest villages, the town is popular for its untouched beauty and natural landscapes. Located on the bank of the river Baniya, Mendabari fort, also known as Nalrajagarh is an ancient fort dating to the 5th century. 9 km away from the main town of Jalpaiguri, the Murti river is near the hamlet of Murti in the middle of thick forest where one can often spot wild animals like elephants, rhinos, deer who can often be seen at the riverbank.
Cooch Behar At the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Cooch Behar is the only planned city in the North Bengal region with the remnants of a royal heritage. The name Cooch Behar is derived from the name of the Koch or Rajbongshi tribes.The word Behar is derived from Sanskrit word Vihara which means a dwelling. During the British Raj, Cooch Behar was the seat of the princely state of Koch Bihar, ruled by the Koch Kingdom often described as the Shiva Vansha, tracing their origin from the Koch tribe of North-eastern India. Cooch Behar formed part of the Kamarupa kingdom of Assam from the 4th to the 12th centuries and became became a part of the Kamata Kingdom. The Khens were an indigenous tribe, and they ruled till about 1498, when they fell to Alauddin Hussain Shah, the independent Pathan Sultan of Gour. During this time, the Koch tribe became very powerful and proclaimed itself Kamateshwar or Lord of Kamata and established the Koch dynasty. As the early capital of the Koch Kingdom, Koch Behar’s location was not static and became stable only when shifted to Cooch Behar town. In 1661, Mir Jumla, the subedar of Bengal under the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, attacked Cooch Behar and conquered the territory, meeting almost no resistance and the town of Cooch Behar was named Alamgirnagar, but was reclaimed by the maharaja within a few days. In 1772–1773, the king of Bhutan attacked and captured Cooch Behar and to get rid of the king of Bhutan, the kingdom of Cooch Behar signed a defense treaty with the British East India Company on 5 April 1773 and after expelling the Bhutanese, Cooch Behar again became a princely kingdom under the protection of the British East India company. After India’s independence, Cooch Behar became part of the state of West Bengal. As a geopolitical curiosity, there were 92 Bangladeshi enclaves, with a total area of 47.7 sq km in Cooch-Behar with a similar 106 Indian enclaves inside Bangladesh, with a total area of 69.5 sq km, part of the high stake card or chess games centuries ago between two regional kings, the Raja of Cooch Behar and the Maharaja of Rangpur. Twenty-one of the Bangladeshi enclaves were within Indian enclaves, and three of the Indian enclaves were within Bangladeshi enclaves. The largest Indian enclave was Balapara Khagrabari which surrounded a Bangladeshi enclave, Upanchowki Bhajni, which itself surrounded an Indian enclave called Dahala Khagrabari, of less than one hectare. But all this has ended in the historic India-Bangladesh land agreement in 2015.
The Rajbari or the Cooch Behar Palace is also known as rthe Victor Jubilee Palace and is built after the Indo-Saracenic architecture style. The Rajbari was constructed under the reign of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887, and the design was inspired by the Buckingham Palace in London. The main entrance resembles St. Peter’s Church in Rome and the rooms have beautiful paintings on the walls and the ceilings. The complex is spread over an area of 51,000 sq ft and is a brick-built structure. The palace has a projected porch that leads to the Durbar Hall with the first floor having a series of beautiful arcaded verandas with alternately arranged piers in double and single rows. The palace houses over 50 rooms including bedrooms, dressing rooms, billiard room, kitchen, dining hall, dancing hall, library, tosha khana and the ladies gallery. The Durbar Hall has a beautiful metal dome with a cylindrical louvre on the top that also acts as a ventilator. The dome is at 124 feet high from the ground level and is built in the traditional Italian Renaissance architecture. The dome also is beautifully carved in step pattern and rests on four arches supported by huge Corinthian columns adorned with a lantern on the top. Several small yet elegant balconies also surround the dome of the Durbar Hall. The palace and the museum are open daily between 10 am and 5 pm, though the museum is closed on Fridays. The is also a Sound and Light Show that takes place between 6 to 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The palace has an entry fee of INR 10 with children below 14 entering free. Sagardihi is a huge tank situated in the heart of the city, excavated by Maharaja Hitendra Narayan. The tank has heritage hotels, Victor House and a War Memorial around it. Built during 1885-1887 by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, the Madan Mohan temple is a beautifully designed temple and enshrines deities like Madan Mohan, Tara Ma, Kali Ma and Ma Bhawani. On the occasion of Rash Purnima, the temple celebrates the Rash mela and Rash Yatra. Located 10 km from the centre of the city, the Baneswar Siva temple homes a Shivalinga which is 10ft below the plinth level and also has a statue of Lord Arthanarishwar. On the occasion of Madan Chaturdashi and Dol Purnima, the deities are carried to the Madan Mohan Temple in a celebrated procession. The temple premises also has a huge pond which house a large number of tortoises, very old in age and form.
Bagdogra Part of the greater Siliguri metropolitan area, Bagdogra is a small hill station at the foothills of the Himalayas, famous for its tea estates and an abundance of greenery. During the monsoons, when the clouds hover around the peaks of the mountains, it’s simply mesmerising. The river Teesta flows through the town, making it an excellent spot for river rafting. Bagdogra gained importance for being the entry base for tourists travelling to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Siliguri and neighbouring Bhutan. The best time to visit Bagdogra is from July to February. July to October constitute the monsoon season with the summer season starting in March and going on till the end of May with summer being the peak tourist season. The Himalaya World Museum which was inaugurated recently aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.
In part 4, we continue to explore the mountains in West Bengal
Everything that Makes Us Human: Case Notes of a Children’s Brain Surgeon – Jay Jayamohan
Jay Jayamohan makes life and death decisions on a daily basis. That’s because he’s a Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon in a busy Oxford hospital. Every day, parents put all their faith in him to make their In this gripping and sometimes heartrending book, Jayamohan – who has featured in two highly acclaimed BBC fly-on-the-wall series following the work of neurosurgeons – brings the highs and lows of the operating theatre into vivid life.
Beginning with his struggles as an Asian growing up in 1970s Britain, he chronicles his early days as a medical student and spans decades of extraordinary activity, drawing on case studies from various aspects of his career: not all of which have happy endings. Jayamohan describes how he found the strength to keep going despite terrible setbacks: no matter how many times he is knocked down, he always gets up again to face the next challenge.
Our next destination is Kolkata’s twin city, Howrah.
Located on the western bank of the Hoogly and known as the doorway to Kolkata and also its twin city, Howrah is a part of the greater Kolkata area and an important transportation hub. The word Howrah comes from the Bengali word, Hoar which means a fluvial swampy lake, a depression where water, mud and organic debris accumulate. Howrah’s history dates back to over 500 years historically occupied by the ancient Bengali kingdom of Bhurshut. In 1713, the Bengal Council of the British East India Company, on the accession of the Emperor Farrukhsiyar, grandson of Aurangzeb, to the throne of Delhi, sent a deputation to him with a petition for a settlement of five villages on west bank of Hooghly river along with thirty-three villages on the east bank and by 1728, most of the present-day Howrah district was part of either of the two zamindaris: Burdwan or Muhammand Aminpur. On 11 October 1760, as a result of the Battle of Plassey, the East India Company signed a treaty with Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, to take over the control of Howrah district.
The Santragachi Jheel, is a lake which attracts different migratory birds over the winter months and is a perfect day-trip destination for birdwatching. The lake is situated right next to the Santragachi railway station and covers an area of 32 acres. Most of the lake is fenced, barring one or two spots, but the lake is not well maintained leading to contamination of the water body causing a steady fall in the number of birds flocking to this area.
The Hooghly river, also known as the Bhagirathi-Hoogly and Kati-Ganga river is a stunning waterbody and an important source of water, seafood and the lifeline of Howrah. 260 km long with the channel flowing through the city and finally merging with the Bay of Bengal. It’s a local picnic hotspot where they spend time taking in the morning sun or a ferry ride across the river. The river also known as Bhagirathi Hooghly which means created by Bhagiratha, the prince of the Sagar dynasty who was destined to bring the sacred Ganges from heaven to earth which is why the the waters of the Hooghly river is considered as holy as the Ganges.
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, better known as the Botanical Garden, is a sprawling garden spanning an area of 273 acres located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata. Established in 1787, it used to be known as the Company Garden at that time and today is under the Botanical Survey of India, under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Considered to be one of the most stunning landscaped gardens in the country with undulating land topography and astonishing artificial lakes, the garden is home to 12,000 living perennial plants as well as thousands of dried out plants that have been collected from across the globe. The major attraction of the garden, however, is the vast and widespread banyan tree, which is popularly known as the Great Banyan tree reputed for forming the second most extensive canopy in the world. A fun fact is that the tea that now grows in Assam and Darjeeling was first developed in these gardens. The flora is nurtured in 25 divisions, glasshouses, greenhouses and conservatories with rare species of trees that have been specially brought in from Nepal, Malaysia, Java, Brazil, Sumatra and Sicily among other places. The Botanical Gardens also has a serpentine lake where visitors can enjoy boating and the library in the Botanical Garden also boasts of an extensive and impressive collection of books. The gardens are open from 8 am to 5 pm and Indians need to pay INR 10, foreigners INR 100 and to take photos, a camera fee of INR 20 is charged. An annual membership fee for daily walkers is INR 200.
The Great Banyan tree which is about 250 years old is located in the botanical gardens and is popular due to the gigantic size, expanding to about 4.67 acres. The tree continues to grow beyond the 330-metre long road that was built around it circumference and has been mentioned in many travel books since the 19th century. More than an individual tree, it appears like a dense forest with the highest branch rising to 24.5 metres, and the crown of the tree having a circumference of 486 metres. There are 3772 aerial roots that connect to the ground. It is unknown when the tree started growing, but references of it can be found in travel books dating back to the 19th century.
The Rail Museum is considered as the second rail museum to be constructed after the National Rail Museum in Delhi. It has a wonderful collection of preserved old and rare steam engines, electric locomotives, tracks and signals. Located very close to the Howrah railway station, the museum consists of handmade replicas of various trains, locomotives and engines as well as a miniature of the Howrah Railway Station. An open-air establishment, the Hall of fame inside gives insights into the history, the engineering and the evolution of trains from steam engines to diesel to electric. Entry fee is INR 10 per person and children below three enter free. The museum is open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm and is closed on Mondays.
Gadiara is a quaint little hamlet located south-west of Howrah and is where the three rivers, Hooghly, Roopnarayan and Damodar converge. Fort Mornington which is the ruins of an English fort is a must visit place here and the village is a magnificent spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. One must make sure to take the river cruise during sunset to take in spectacular views.
Barrackpore Barrackpore was where the the British first set up their cantonment in India. Here, one can find some of the best green parks and temples. The name comes from the English word Barracks and this is due to the first British East India Company cantonment. Another reason given for the name is that it comes from the word Barbakpur penned by Bipradas Piplani in his famous work Manasa Vijaya. In the 19th century two major revolts took place in Barrackpore in the war for independence including the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The Mangal Pandey Park is built in honour of Mangal Pandey the first nationalist to rise against the British who was hanged on 8 April, 1857 in Barrackpore. There is a splendid statue of him situated in the park. The Gandhi Museum is a grand museum with five galleries, a study centre and a huge library filled with some rare books. The museum is open between 11 am and 5pm every day except Wednesday and does not have an entry fee. Built in the 18th century, the Tarakeswar temple houses a lingam in the inner sanctum while the open veranda is used to hold congregations and is built of white marble. Also known as the Garrison Church, the Bartholomew Cathedral was built in 1847 in the gothic style. Believed to be over seven centuries old, the Kali temple was built to honour Goddess Kali and was also where nationalist leaders gathered to hold meetings. The Jawaharkunja Garden is situated near the Gandhi Ghat and is popular as a picnic spot. The Gandhi Ghat was built as a memorial to honour Mahatma Gandhi and comprises of many murals depicting Gandhi’s life, including some of his ashes which were spread here. The Nishan Ghat was built by the British for the Governer General and the East India Company and is close to the river Hooghly. The ghat is surrounded by verdant trees. If possible try to witness either a sunrise or a sunset from here as the scenic beauty during this time is splendid. Built near the homes of the washermen, the Dhobi Ghat is also located on the banks of the Hooghly, though today this ghat is only used to take people to Serampore by boat. The Flag Staff House was constructed by the British in 1863 and used by the secretary as his home and came to be known as Flag Staff because of the flagstaff built near it. After Independence the house was transformed into a weekend retreat. Barrackpore is the oldest cantonment in India and has a lot of warehouses surrounded by rich green trees and creepers.
Chandan Nagar A former French colony on the western bank of the Hoogly river, Chandan Nagar, also known by its former name Chandernagore and French name Chandernagor would have been where Kolkata is today has history gone in its favour. First ruled by the Nawabs, then the French and finally the British, the town has a a unique Bengali-French culture. The name Chandernagor is possibly derived from the shape of the bank of the river Hooghly which is bent like a half-moon, so originally it was Chander Nagar as from the river bank, it looked like a crescent moon-shaped necklace. Local tradition holds that the city was once the major hub in the trade of sandalwood or Chandan in Bengali which could also account for its name. One more possibility for the name is a temple of the Goddess Chandi. The city was also known as Farasdanga or France dongi as it was a French colony and this appears in Bengali literature. The town, which started as a French colony went into the hands of the British in 1757 after a war between the British and the French and Chandan Nagar’s importance was soon eclipsed by Calcutta situated down river. Chandernagore was restored to the French in 1763, but retaken by the British in 1794 during the Napoleonic Wars. The city was returned to France in 1816, along with a 7.8 sq km enclave of the surrounding territory and was governed as part of French India until 1950 under the political control of the governor-general in Pondicherry. After India’s independence, the French government held a plebiscite in June 1948 which found that 97% of Chandannagar’s residents wished to become part of India and so in May 1950, the French allowed the Indian government to assume de facto control over Chandannagar, officially ceding the city to India on 2 February 1951 and de jure transfer took place on 9 June 1952. The inhabitants were not given the option to retain French nationality, unlike their counterparts in Pondicherry. On 2 October 1954 Chandannagar was integrated into the state of West Bengal. Today Chandan Nagar is seen more or less as an extended suburb of the greater Kolkata region.
The tree-shaded Chandan Nagar Strand is a promenade along the river about 700 m in length and 7 metres in width, lined with trees and lights with many buildings of historical importance along the way. The most important pathway in the town, it is also the most popular spot to to stroll. Along the Strand one can find the Vivekananda Mandir, a meditation centre which protrudes into the river. The Chandan Nagar Museum was established in 1961 and boasts of a collection of French antiques such as cannons used in Anglo-French war, wooden furniture of the 18th century, among other things which are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. The institute still teaches French through regular classes. The Museum is closed on Thursday and Saturday. The Nandadulal Temple was built in 1740 by Indranarayan Roychoudhury in the Do Chalha style. One of the few temples in the area, the walls are covered with idols and carvings. The temple’s old idol of lord Krishna was thrown away into the pond behind the temple by a general and later the pieces of the idols were fished out and submerged in Varanasi. The Bishalakshmi temple is situated near Brahmin para, in the western part of railway station and is an ancient temple with an obscured history. The deity is worshiped regularly by the local people. A temple of Lord Jaggannath, Sabinara Thakurbari is situated on Rather Sadak or the road of Lord Jaggannath’s chariot. Mahaprabhu Chaitanya is said to have visited this place in his time and currently this temple is maintained by the Chattopadhyay family. The Sacred Heart Church of Chandannagar is situated near the Strand and was designed by French architect Jacques Duchatz. Over 200 years old, the church is a beautiful example of French architecture. The white stone church looks even more stunning at sunset. The French Cemetery contains 150 tombs and is located on Grand Trunk Road opposite Lal Dighi, a large lake. Constructed in 1937, to mark the Fall of Bastille, the Chandan Nagar Gate has the slogan of the French Revolution, Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality Fraternity) etched on it.
Patal-Bari or the Underground House has its lower floor submerged during monsoon when the level of the river rises. Rabindranath Tagore frequently visited the place and appreciated the building and felt it influenced him to a large extent and broadened his intellectual capabilities and mentioned Patal-Bari in many of his works. Built by Harihar Sett and donated to the people of Chandan Nagar, the Nritya Gopal Smriti Mandir still serves as a theatre hall and a library. It was first of its kind in the entire locality and has one of the largest collections of books in French, English and Bengali in the district.
The KMDA Park is a popular park and picnic spot which was opened in 2002. Also known as Wonderland Park, the park is spread across 44 acres and is well-maintained, with manicured and lush green gardens, a variety of shrubs and herbs and a plethora of various flowers adorning the each part of the park. The park has many sections such as a children’s park, a boating complex, a games section, a restaurant and a guest house for those wishing to spend a night. The best time to visit the park is during the Jagdharti Puja when the park is lined with lights. The park is open from 8 am to 7 pm and has an entry fee of INR 10 per person and INR 200 for a group of maximum 40 people in a group. The Mango Gardens are now privately owned and maintained and are a popular picnic spot situated west of the railway station near Mankundu. The gardens have been operational since 2009.
Chinsurah Chinsurah or Chuchura, as it is called is situated on the bank of the Hooghly river, 35 km north of Kolkata. Chinsurah is also the home of the oldest Armenian church in India and old Hindu Temples. The state highway 6 or the Grand Trunk Road passes through the town. The Portuguese founded the town in 1579, but was part of the kingdom of Bhurshut and flourished as a trading port. In the 17th century the Mughal governor of Bengal expelled the Portuguese who lost the statue of Mary in the river which was found by the local. The Portuguese was awarded the death sentence after being taken to Delhi but was granted amnesty by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and granted a piece of land on the bank of the river Hooghly, where the statue of Mary was reestablished. There the Portuguese constructed a church to house the statue, which still receives pilgrims today. The church was renovated in the 1980s and has been declared as a Basilica. In 1656 the Dutch erected a factory here and at this point, it was Calcutta which was the principal settlement in Dutch Bengal. In 1759 the Dutch garrison of Chinsura, on its march to Chandernagore, attacked a British force in a battle that lasted less than half an hour and ended with the rout of the Dutch attackers. In 1825, the Dutch ceded many of their possessions in India to the British, in exchange for the British-occupied possessions in Sumatra. India’s national song, Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Chinsurah.
Also known as Ghorir More, the Edwardian Clock Tower is a piece of British architectural marvel. Located at the centre of the town, this clock tower was built around 1914, in honour of Edward VII and serves as the town’s prime attraction. Located on the riverfront, the Sandeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple complex also houses numerous small temples. A ritual held here on the last day of the Bengali calendar which involves taking out the brass Shiva Linga and two brass drums belonging to the temple for public display. The second oldest Christian church in Bengal and the oldest Armenian Church in India, the St. John the Baptist church was built by the Armenians around 1699. The annual feast of John the Baptist is celebrated with great enthusiasm between 13 to 14 January. Founded in 1599, Bandel Church, also known as The Basilica of the Holy Rosary is one of the oldest and most prominent churches. Dedicated to Mother Mary, this church has three altars, an organ, numerous tombstones and a shrine to Mother Mary. One will find a mast right in front of the Church, which is said to have been presented by the Captain of a ship that came across a storm in the Bay of Bengal. The Captain remained unharmed, who then credited his rescue to Mother Mary and presented the mast as a token of gratefulness. The Dutch Cemetery of Chinsurah, a site protected by the Archeological Survey of India has numerous graves from as early as 1743. Built in 1861, the Hoogly Imambara serves as a congregation hall as well as a mosque for the Shia muslims. The walls of the mosque are engraved with intricate designs and texts from the Holy Quran and a striking feature of the monument is a giant clock on the main entrance, right between the twin towers. The clock has two dials and three bells with the smaller bells ringing at an interval of 15 minutes while the bigger ones ring at an interval of one hour. Two people wind the clock for half an hour each week. The twin towers are approximately 150 ft. in height and have about 150 steps. Bankim Bhavan at Joger Ghat is where the iconic poet wrote the soul stirring song, Vande Mataram. But the house is in ruins today. The best time to visit Chinsurah is between October to March when the pleasant weather and a plethora of festivals in Bengal make it unforgettable.
Bardhaman Bardhaman or Burdwan has a history from about 5000 BC or the Mesolithic or the late Stone Age. The origin of this name dates back to the 6th century and is attributed to Vardhaman Swami or Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, who spent some time in Astikagrama, according to the Jain scripture of Kalpasutra. This place was renamed as Vardhamana in his honour. During Jahangir’s rule, it was named Badh-e-dewan or the district capital. It was the headquarters of the Maharajas of Burdwan. The most unique structure in the town is the 108 Shiv Mandir because there are 108 smaller temples lying side by side in a beautiful vertical pattern. The best time to visit the temple complex is during Shivratri when the entire place is lit up with lights and decorations. The Kankeleshwari Kalibari is an intricate structure of Goddess Kali is located in Brishnu Mandir where Goddess Chamunda is depicted through this sculpture. Made from precious stones and black rocks, the structure is so finely detailed that even the veins running through her many hands look real. The sculpture is also believed to be a symbol of the continuity of life as its made from the stones found on Damoder riverbed after the devastating floods of 1923. The Sarbamangala Temple, which is highly revered is believed to fulfil all wishes and is believed that Sarbamangala is actually Goddess Durga in a different form. Another very interesting feature of the temple is that the statue of the goddess and the surrounding temple were built a few decades apart. The goddess was established in 1740 A.D. by the king Kirti Chand while the temple structure was built by king Mahatab Chand. Located on the Grand Trunk road, the Kalyaneshwari Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Kali which has a unique story. Built around many decades back, the temple is believed to have been a haven for dacoits, where they stayed and also offered prayers. The temple has been preserved in its simple original form with minimal renovation and is believed to fulfill wishes for offsprings of childless women. The red brick Christ Church was built back in 1816 and is still very well maintained, set in the midst of a well trimmed courtyard.
Gopal Bagh which means the garden of roses is the most beautiful place in Bardhaman and is the Botanical and Zoological garden established by King Bijoy Chand Mahatab in 1884. The garden is believed to have nearly 150 different types of trees including mango, casuarina, eucalyptus, jaam and shimul and is full of structures, statues and beautifully landscaped areas. In 1691, the then king of Bhardam constructed a huge artificial lake, Krishnasayar on nearly 33 acres of land and later a park was built around it by the Krishasayar trustee board. Visitors can enjoy rowing in the lake or enjoy the various flowers and art exhibitions as well as the aquarium within the park. The Deer Park has numerous animals including deer, leopards and tigers as well as a guest house for overnight stay. Bardhaman is located on the banks of the Damoder river and visitors can enjoy evenings on the riverside and enjoy the cool breeze or hire a boat and enjoy the gentle waves, especially on a pleasant day. The Rajbati or Mahatabmanjil was built by Mahatab Chand Bahadur, in 1851.The imposing building houses the administrative office of the Bardhaman University. The Maharajdhiraj Uday Chand Women’s College and the settlement office lie on the sides. Rajbati. The majestic Curzon Gate was erected in 1903, by the king of Burdwan Maharaja Bijoy Chand Mahatab to celebrate Lord Curzon’s visit. Though just an archway towering over the road, the majestic structure easily grabs attention, especially at night and the Royal Palace is situated one km from the gate. Numerous tales surround Sher Afghan Khan, the tuyuldar of Bardhaman during Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s rule and who was accused of having conspired with the Afghans against the Emperor. He was eventually killed in this confrontation and his wife, Mehrunissa, famously known as Nur Jahan, who was believed to have been extremely beautiful eventually married the Emperor Jahangir. His tomb is a popular ssite with the tomb of Qutbuddin adjacent to that of Sher Afghan. The Science Centre has numerous displays along with interesting classes and seminars and is open daily between 11:30 am to 7 pm. The Meghna Saha Planetarium, innagurated in 1994, was built by a Japanese optical company with assistance from the Japanese and Indian governments.
Haldia Often considered as a river port assisting Kolkata, Haldia is an industrial port city. A major river port and industrial belt located approximately 124 kilometres southwest of Kolkata near the mouth of the Hooghly river, Haldia Township is bordered by the Haldi River, an offshoot of the Ganges and is a centre for many petrochemical businesses and is being developed as a major trade port for Kolkata.
The Mahishadal Rajbari or Palace was originally built to house Janardan Upadhyay of Uttar Pradesh, who often came to the region for business. The famous Krishna Temple, Gopaljee Temple, is situated in the courtyard of this palace. Built under the rule of Rani Janki Devi, the temple also has idols of Lord Shiva. A Jagannath Temple and Natmandir are positioned on either side of the entrance. The complex comprises two palaces, an old one and a new one with the new one inhabited by the successors of the royal family. The ground floor rooms have a good collection of paintings and furniture which can be viewed on request. The Muktidham Temple is made of white carved marble and idols of Goddess Kali, RadhaKrishna and Hanuman are worshipped in the temple. The temple has its private courtyard and the famous Shiva Temple is situated next to it. Maynagarh is unique in the sense it has a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple and a Muslim mosque in close vicinity. The best time to be there is during the evening when the sounds of prayers from all the three holy shrines can be heard all at once. The Ramjew Temple is a 90 feet tall temple that is dedicated to Lord Ram and houses idols of Ram, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman. The temple was established way back by Rani Janki Devi and has the huge Dubey Palace behind it. Another unique place in Haldia is Sataku which is a mini Japan due to having many employees of the Mitsubishi Chemicals plant who are Japanese living here. With many Japanese eating joints, cinema halls and a news station, Japanese culture lovers will enjoy a visit here. The Haldia dock was originally built to take some load off the overflowing Kolkata Port. The growth of the Haldia Dock Complex that started functioning in 1968 increased in momentum with the commissioning of the Haldia Port in 1977, when it started it’s international operations. The dock is the commercial epicenter of Haldia and a trip to Haldia, without seeing the dock, is incomplete. Matagini Hazra was a freedom fighter during India’s independence movement and during the movement, she, along with others marched towards Tamluk prison to protest and faced police firing and Matangi died on the spot with India’s flag still in her hand. The stone statue in her likeness was constructed on that very spot in her memory. The Haldia Marine drive is a beautiful 6 km road stretch from Coast Guard Jetty to the 3rd oil jetty point. The road is lined with palm trees and every now an then a ship can be seen anchored on shore. Perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in Haldia, it’s a beautiful contrast from crowded city roads.
Midnapore Located on the banks of the Kangsabati river, Midnapore or Medinipur is a small town in interior Bengal where one visits to have a holiday of a different kind. There are conflicting accounts of how the name Medinipur came to be with one account claiming that Medinipur was named after a local deity Medinimata which means Mother of the World, a Shakti incarnation. The Kali Temple is very popular with evening prayer held at the temple especially crowded with devotees even coming from nearby towns. The temple construction is done in old Indian Panchratana style. The Chilkigarh Kanak Durga Mandir & Forest Area premises has a main building and a small tract of forest in the same vicinity. The forest has numerous bushes of rare herbs, some whose medicinal properties aren’t even fully known. There are many butterflies, swans, peacocks etc which run free in the temple and the forest. The Jagannath, Shyamaleswar and the Chandaneswar Temples are all situated in close proximity to one another and made from the same kind of rock with each housing a different idol. The temples are surrounded by trees and each have a shaded area for devotees to sit in peace. The Jora Masjid, which means twin mosques, are two mosques built side by side in white marble in the ancient Islamic architectural styles. Around Eid, the mosque is lit up and very beautiful. Close to Midnapore, Chandrakona’s must visit sites include the Fort of Ramgarh and Lalgarh, built by the Chauhan kings. The Palace of King Chandraketu is also worth visiting as is the ancient Mahadev Temple which has a long history of destruction and was later rebuilt by a Burdwan King. The Khirpai Temple, the Lal Ji Temple and ruins of Sobha Singha’s Fort are also worth paying a visit to. Tamluk city is situated on the bank of the Rupnarayan river east of Midnapore. Surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to the south and the Subarnarekha river to the West, it was historically known as Tamralipti or Tamralipta and has been a witness to the various invasions and migrations from the east, west and northern India. The history of Tamluk says that while Sanjay was describing the names of holy rivers and places to Dhritarashtra, he mentioned Tamralipta and that it was the capital of Venga kingdom and a well-recognised port. The Bargabheema Temple in Tamluk is dedicated to Devi Bargabheema, a form of Goddess Kali. Believed to be nearly 1200 years old, the temple is believed to fulfill all wishes of devotees of the goddess. It is also believed that the sculpture of the Goddess was crafted by Lord Viswakarma himself. This temple is considered as 51 shakti peth of mother Durga and it is believed that Sati’s left ankle fell here.
Memories and Such 