Have you ever walked through a city where the whispers of a thousand-door palace compete with the silent sorrow of a forgotten battlefield? Step into a forgotten era of grandeur, betrayal, and architectural brilliance! Welcome to Murshidabad, the former capital of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, a place where sheer opulence met devastating betrayal. The history of this vibrant city on the Bhagirathi River is the story of India’s fate, sealed by the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Get ready for the ultimate Murshidabad Tour Plan!
A quick trip simply won’t do justice to this layered city. To truly appreciate its historical gravity and stunning monuments, you need a comprehensive itinerary. This Murshidabad Tour Plan is designed to immerse you in the best of the city, combining its magnificent palaces, haunting cemeteries, and nearby historical gems over a perfect 2-night, 3-day exploration.
The Jewel of Bengal: Top Attractions in Murshidabad
The heart of any Murshidabad Tour Plan lies in its historical monuments, which are clustered in two main areas: Lalbagh and across the river.
The Lalbagh Complex (Kila Nizamat)
This area holds the grandest structures and is the starting point for your Murshidabad Tour Plan.
Hazarduari Palace & Museum The centerpiece of any Murshidabad Tour Plan, this “Palace with a Thousand Doors” was built in 1837 by architect Duncan McLeod for Nawab Humayun Jah. It is a stunning example of Italian-Doric architecture. Of its 1,000 doors, 100 are fake, strategically built to confuse intruders and dacoits. Now a museum, it houses 114 rooms and 8 galleries filled with an incredible collection of armor, royal carriages, portraits of the Nawabs, and rare ivory artworks. The library alone contains nearly 12,000 rare books and manuscripts. It showcases an exquisite collection of weaponry, vintage cars, paintings, palanquins used by the Nawabs, and the crystal chandelier in the Durbar Hall.
Nizamat Imambara Standing directly opposite the Hazarduari Palace, the Nizamat Imambara is the largest congregation hall for Shia Muslims in India. The current structure was built in 1847 by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan at a cost of six lakh rupees, after the original wooden Imambara built by Siraj-ud-Daulah was destroyed by fires in 1842 and 1846. It is 680 feet long and is traditionally only opened to the public during the ten days of Muharram, though its massive white facade is a landmark year-round for every Murshidabad Tour Plan.
Madina Mosque This small, sacred structure is nestled between the Palace and the Imambara. It is highly significant because it is the only remaining structure in Murshidabad originally built by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. Legend has it that the foundation was laid using soil brought all the way from Mecca and Karbala. It features a central dome and two minarets, replicating the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. Though entry is restricted to maintain its sanctity, it remains a focal point for visitors following a comprehensive Murshidabad Tour Plan.
Wasif Manzil Also known as the “New Palace,” this residence was built by Nawab Wasif Ali Mirza Khan in 1904. Located very close to the Hazarduari complex, its architecture resembles a castle with small corner turrets. The original structure had a second story that was tragically destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1897. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains it as a museum, where you can see marble statues, a semi-circular pediment featuring the Nawab’s coat of arms, and a beautiful iron gateway.
Bachchawali Tope This massive iron cannon is an essential stop for military history buffs on a Murshidabad Tour Plan. Manufactured between the 12th and 14th centuries, it weighs over 7,600 kg and requires about 18 kg of gunpowder for a single shell. Its name literally translates to “The Cannon that Induces Childbirth,” stemming from a legend that its massive sound was so powerful that it caused pregnant women within a 10-mile radius to go into labor. It now sits prominently on the Nizamat Fort Campus.
The North and South Historical Spots
Moving beyond the central palace area reveals key sites reflecting the city’s political and religious life.
Katra Masjid Built between 1723 and 1724 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, this was once a grand mosque-cum-Islamic learning center (madrasa). The most striking feature of your Murshidabad Tour Plan visit here is the tomb of the Nawab, which lies beneath the entrance staircase; he requested this so his soul could be blessed by the dust of the feet of the pious entering to pray. Originally, it had four massive octagonal minarets, of which two still stand at 70 feet high, looming over the 35,000-square-foot plinth.
Motijheel Park A highlight of the Murshidabad Tour Plan, Motijheel is a horseshoe-shaped oxbow lake. It was once the residence of Ghaseti Begum, the powerful aunt of Siraj-ud-Daulah, and later served as a base for British officers like Robert Clive and Warren Hastings. The 350-acre area has been beautifully developed into a tourist park with lush gardens and a musical fountain. The Light and Sound show here is the best way to understand the complex political maneuvers that led to the Battle of Plassey.
Nashipur Rajbari Constructed in the 19th century by Raja Kirti Chandra Singha Bahadur, the Nashipur Rajbari is often referred to as a “mini-Hazarduari” due to its similar architectural style. It served as the court of the infamous tax collector Debi Singha. Inside, you can see the huge Durbar Hall, ancient furniture, and the Durga Dalan where festivals are still celebrated. The palace reflects the immense power held by the zamindars during the colonial era and is a fascinating addition to your Murshidabad Tour Plan.
Fauti Masjid Located about a mile from Hazarduari, the Fauti (or Futi) Masjid was built in 1740 by Nawab Sarfaraz Khan. The name “Fauti” implies something broken or dead, referring to its incomplete state. Legend says it was built in a single night but remained unfinished because the Nawab died in the Battle of Giria before it could be completed. Its five domes (some of which have collapsed) and massive 135-foot length give it a hauntingly beautiful silhouette against the sky.
The Sites of Betrayal and Commerce
These locations are vital to understanding the dramatic downfall of the Nawabs and the economic power shift.
Khosh Bagh, translating to “Garden of Happiness,” this 7.6-acre cemetery is the final resting place of the Afshar dynasty. It houses the graves of Nawab Alivardi Khan and his grandson, the ill-fated Siraj-ud-Daulah. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, with a small mosque on-site built by Alivardi Khan. Visiting this site is a somber reminder of the tragic end of independent Bengal, making it a deeply emotional stop on any Murshidabad Tour Plan.
Jafarganj Cemetery In contrast to Khosh Bagh, Jafarganj houses the graves of the later Nawabs of the Najafi dynasty, starting with Mir Jafar. Often called the “Cemetery of the Traitors” by some locals, it contains approximately 1,100 graves within its 3.5-acre enclosure. It is a vital historical site in your Murshidabad Tour Plan for understanding the lineage that ruled under British protection. The cemetery is well-maintained and provides a quiet space to reflect on the post-Plassey era.
Namak Haram Deori This was the main entrance to the palace of Mir Jafar. The name literally means “The Traitor’s Gate,” so named because it was here that Siraj-ud-Daulah was allegedly murdered by Muhammad-Ali-Beg on the orders of Mir Jafar’s son, Miran. Today, only the ruins of the gate remain, but it stands as a powerful symbol of the betrayal that changed India’s history forever. It is located just opposite the Jafarganj Cemetery, making them easy to pair together.
House of Jagat Seth No Murshidabad Tour Plan is complete without visiting the home of the “Bankers of the World.” The Jagat Seth family once controlled the economy of Bengal and the minting of coins. Their house is now a private museum displaying rare coins, gold-embroidered Banarasi sarees, and personal belongings. Interestingly, the museum includes a secret underground chamber and a tunnel that were reportedly used for hatching the conspiracy that led to the downfall of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.
Kathgola Palace Built by the wealthy Jain merchant family of Dhanpat Singh Dugar in 1873, this palace is an architectural marvel. It features a blend of European and Bengali styles with Corinthian pillars and marble floors. The complex includes the beautiful Adinath Jain Temple, made of white marble and dedicated to the 1st Jain Tirthankara. The sprawling gardens were once famous for black roses, and the site remains one of the most picturesque locations for photography in any Murshidabad Tour Plan.
2 Nights / 3 Days Murshidabad Tour Plan
Murshidabad, the last capital of independent Bengal, is a city steeped in history, best explored over a relaxed 3-day period. This itinerary is designed to take you through the major historical sites, covering the grand palaces, significant mosques, and serene tombs spread across both sides of the Bhagirathi River.
| Day 1 | Lalbagh’s Glory (The Nawabi Core) | Hazarduari Palace & Museum, Nizamat Imambara, Madina Mosque, Wasif Manzil, Bachchawali Tope. End with the Light & Sound Show at Motijheel Park. |
| Day 2 | Betrayal, Tombs & Commerce | Cross the river to Khosh Bagh. Return to explore Jafarganj Cemetery and Namak Haram Deori. Visit the merchant sites: House of Jagat Seth and Kathgola Palace. |
| Day 3 | North Side & Nearby Gems | Visit Katra Masjid, Nashipur Rajbari, and the mysterious Fauti Masjid. Conclude the Murshidabad Tour Plan with a trip to Baranagar. |
Timings and Ticket Prices for Your Tour
Major Monuments & Museums
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| Attraction | Visiting Hours | Entry Fee (Indians) | Weekly Holiday |
| Hazarduari Palace & Museum | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹25 | Friday |
| Wasif Manzil (New Palace) | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹20 | None (Open Daily) |
| Katra Masjid | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Free | None |
| Kathgola Palace & Garden | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | ₹30 | None |
| House of Jagat Seth | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹20 | None |
| Nashipur Rajbari | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹20 | None |
| Motijheel Park | 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM | ₹20 | None |
Religious & Commemorative Sites
Nizamat Imambara: Generally open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note that the main hall is usually only accessible to the general public during the 10 days of Muharram. Visitors can view the stunning architecture from the Hazarduari campus year-round.
Madina Mosque: Located between the Palace and Imambara; it is generally open during prayer times. Entry to the inner sanctum is often restricted to maintain its sanctity, but it is visible from the grounds.
Khosh Bagh: Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Entry is Free. Note: This site is typically closed on Thursdays.
Jafarganj Cemetery: Open during daylight hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Entry is Free.
Fauti Masjid: This is an abandoned/ruined site. It is open 24 hours (best visited during daylight). Entry is Free.
Landmarks & Military Sites
Bachchawali Tope: Located on the Nizamat Fort Campus near the Imambara. Accessible during Palace hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). No entry fee.
Namak Haram Deori: This is a ruined gateway located opposite the Jafarganj Cemetery. It is a roadside landmark and can be viewed at any time for Free.
Essential Travel Tips
Hazarduari Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Hazarduari Museum. You may take photos of the palace exterior and the gardens.
Friday Closure: Almost all major ASI sites, including Hazarduari, are closed on Fridays. Plan your itinerary to visit private sites like Kathgola or Motijheel Park on this day.
Foreign Nationals: Entry fees for foreign tourists at Hazarduari and other major palaces typically range from ₹300 to ₹500.
Tourist Spots Near Murshidabad
Baranagar: A short ferry ride or drive, located about 18 km away, Baranagar is the site of incredible terracotta temples built by Rani Bhabani of Natore. The Char Bangla Temples are the highlights here, featuring four huts arranged around a courtyard, each covered in intricate terracotta carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is widely considered the “Varanasi of Bengal” and provides a unique spiritual and artistic contrast to the Islamic and European architecture seen elsewhere in your Murshidabad Tour Plan.
Plassey (Palashi): Approximately 40 km from Murshidabad, this is the historic battlefield where the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah met Robert Clive, marking a pivotal moment in Indian history.
Connectivity and Accommodation for Your Murshidabad Tour Plan
How to Reach Murshidabad
The city is highly accessible, making the execution of your Murshidabad Tour Plan smooth, especially from Kolkata. Seamless travel is a crucial part of any successful Tour Plan.
By Train
Murshidabad district is well connected through:
Berhampore Court Station (BPC)
Murshidabad Station (MBB)
Khagraghat Road
Regular trains from Howrah & Sealdah make it highly accessible.
By Road
Murshidabad is approximately 220 km north of Kolkata. The journey by bus or private car takes 5-7 hours.
Route: Kolkata → Krishnanagar → Behrampore → Murshidabad
Road condition: Mostly smooth highway (NH 12)
By Air
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (210 km). From the airport, hire a private cab or take trains from Sealdah/Howrah.
Stay Options
For a comfortable experience during your Murshidabad Tour Plan, most visitors choose to stay in Berhampore (Baharampur), the district headquarters (about 10-12 km away), as it offers a wider range of hotels.
Heritage Stay: For a special experience, check out the renovated Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel in Azimganj.
Mid-Range: Berhampore has several modern, reliable hotels. The Motijheel Tourism Property (WBTDCL) is also a good, government-run option closer to the main sites.
Budget: Simple guesthouses and hotels are available near both the stations and the Lalbagh area.
Every step of this detailed Murshidabad Tour Plan is a walk through a history lesson—a journey that allows you to see the architectural genius of the Nawabs and reflect on the tragic costs of political intrigue. From the splendor of Hazarduari Palace to the quiet sorrow of Khosh Bagh, Murshidabad offers a powerful narrative you won’t soon forget. This Murshidabad Tour Plan is your key to unlocking the secrets of the ‘Jewel of Bengal.’
I hope this comprehensive Murshidabad Tour Plan helps you create an unforgettable experience!