Hidden Treasures of Bishnupur: Private Day Tour from Kolkata

I went on a solo private tour with Mukerjee and a driver to Bishnupur. This is a hidden gem few tourists would have heard of. It requires a 12 hour trip as the drive will take around 4 hours from Kolkata. The roads can be uneven with speed bumps slowing the journey time plus large tracks are still being constructed. However you’ll be rewarded with a rural and quite Arcadian view of the West Bengal countryside. Hay stacks that resemble a Monet painting and some really picturesque rice fields. There will be a stopover for a local Chai and sweet snack. Followed by a drive through forested roads that are part of a nature reserve for elephants and tigers. Once you reach the town of Bishnupur you realise the colours of the houses belie an ancient kingdom dating back four hundred years. There are palace grounds with lakes as well as a fortress and many temples. The ancient banyan trees conjure a Jungle Book image with water, ruins and thick trees. The showstopper has to be two ornately decorated terra cotta temples. One marvels at the details and story board of images and figures from the Ramayana and Mahabhartha. Pause and really study the details. It’s worth the long journey ! The other temples showcase the styles from Egyptian pyramids to Mughal arches and Hindu pillars. All in volcanic stone or brick unlike the marble and granite of the other parts of India. The temple tour will conclude with a visit to the silk hand looms of Bishnupur that weave the vivid silk sarees of Baluchari. I would suggest if you have time to stay a night to take advantage of the long journey and include the other historical towns as part of a circuit Shantiniketan and Gangasagar.

Excellent tour, highly recommended, so much to learn and see. Lunch is yummy too. Tirthankar is very passionate about his home state and has a of knowledge to share. Trip does take all day but it worth it. Local people were fun to speak with. Lots of good photo opportunities. Nice to see rural West Bengal outside of Kolkata City.

T. Mukherjee and his team made our experience visiting Bishnupur absolutely fantastic. His attention to detail, kindness, and willingness to make this a unique day for us made this day a highlight of our trip to Kolkata. The terracotta temples are beautiful, and the local guide was so knowledgeable about their history. I could not recommend this highly enough if you've got a full day free.

Our tour of Bishnupur was wonderful! The guides took us to a stunning selection of temples, giving context to the history and architectural styles of each. We particularly enjoyed seeing local craftspeople working their looms at the end of the tour. Highly recommend!

What an amazing day trip! Bishnupur is such a gem just outside of Kolkata — a beautiful city full of temples and tuk tuks. We were initially hesitant about this trip because of the long drive, but we are so glad that we did it! Highly recommend to future travelers who may be considering it.