Weekend trip on the roads of ancient capital - Gour, Malda West Bengal

A weekend trip at Bengal's ancient capital Gour

Our destination is Gour-Malda. One Saturday evening we started for Bengal's ancient capital Gour by Gour Express. Next day morning we reached Malda Junction. From there we took rickshaw to Rathbari More. There are many hotels in this area (NH 34). We had booking from Kolkata.

History of Gour Malda, West Bengal

After taking rest and having breakfast we started for Gour at around 8a.m. Going through NH34 before reaching Sujapur moving left near Katagar area are Guamalati Neelkuthi and Patalchandi Gar. Though there is nothing special to see but the place has historical significance. Henry Creyton who worked at Neelkuthi and lived here from 1786 to 1807 drew some pictures and described the place. After his death a book was published based on his writings. From Neelkuthi we went to Patalchandi Gar.

The Patalchandi Gar was created during the reign of Sen dynasty specially at the time of Lakhsman Sen to save the Bengal Capital Lakshmanavati. It is nearly 2km long and more than 35ft in height. Nearby is Patalchandi Temple. Then we started towards Gour.

<2>What to see and attractions of Gour Malda, West Bengal
We started Gour visit through a small village Ramkeli. This village contains the footprints of Sri Chaitanya on stone.
Next we went to Bara Sona Masjid or Baro Duari Masjid. It was started by

Allaudin Shah and completed by his son Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah in 1526. The Indo Arabic style of architecture and the ornamental stone carvings make Barduari a special attraction for tourists.

Next is Dakhil Darwaza or Salami Darwaza built by Sultan Barbak Shah in 1425. It is more than 21m high and 34.5m wide Then we saw Feroze Minar built by Sultan Saifuddin Feroze Shah during 1485-89. It is 26m high and 19m in circumference.

Half a km from Feroze Minar is Kadam Rasul Mosque. This was built by Sultan Nusrat Shah in 1530. It contains the footprints of Hazrat Muhammad on stone.
Opposite the Kadam Rasul Mosque is the tomb of Fateh Khan. Located to the south-east of Kadam Rasul Mosque is Lukochuri Darwaza. This is a place where the sultans played hide and seek with the begums. The innovative architectural style makes it an interesting place to visit.

Next is Chika Masjid built by Sultan Yusuf Shah in 1475.
Next day morning we started for Pandua. Pandua is a very old town situated 15 km north of Malda. First we visited Eklakhi Mausoleum. It is the most elegant monument in Pandua, with a carved Ganesh on the doorway. It is a tomb of the son of a Hindu Raja who converted to Islam.

A little away from Eklakhi Mausoleum is Qutub Shahi Masjid built by Saint Nur Qutb-ul-Alam in 1582.
Next is Adina Masjid. Built in 1369 by Sultan Sikander Shah it was one of the largest mosques in India. Carve basalt masonry from earlier Hindu temples is said to have also been used.
Now is the time to return back. For the last two days we visited and enjoyed Bengal's 900 year old history.

How to go Gour Malda, West Bengal ancient capital

There are many trains from Sealdah/Howrah. Buses are available from Dharamtala. If you go by train you have to get down at Malda Town station and if you go by bus you have to get down at Rathbari (NH34).