Barrackpore (ব্যারাকপুর Byārākpur) is a cantonment town in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 brought significant enrichment to the town. The rebellion began in this town under the leadership of Mangal Pandey. The tree from which Mangal Pandey and Ishwari Pandey were hanged is still there. However, Barrackpore is more than just the origin of the historic rebellion, and the scenic beauty of the Hooghly River is something you should not miss.
Get in
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Map of Barrackpore
By train
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- 1 Barrackpore Sealdah .
By car
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You can reach Barrackpore from Kolkata through Barrackpore Trunk Road (BT Road). Kalyani Expressway bypasses the Barrackpore outskirts.
By ferry
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- 2 Babaji Ghat. Ferry services to Dui Paisar Ghat and Sheoraphuli.
- 3 Dhobi Ghat. Ferry services to Jugol Acharya Ghat at Serampore.
- 4 Du Paisar Ghat. Ferry services to Sheoraphuli.
Get around
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- 1 Gandhi Ghat.
- 2 Gandhi Memorial Museum (Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya), 14, Riverside Rd, ☏ +91 33 2592 0170, [email protected]. 11AM-5PM (closed W). One of the many museums in India that preserve and display materials associated with Mahatma Gandhi. This one particularly focuses on Bengal and Odisha. Free.
- 3 Government House. The former riverside suburban residence of the Governor-General of India and later the Viceroy of India. It was built in 1823 by then-Governor-General Lord Hastings. Its front lawn contains a marble fountain, which was brought from the Taj Mahal by Lord Hastings.
- 4 Lady Canning's Grave, Latbagan. Wife of viceroy Lord Canning, Charlotte Canning was a painter and a naturalist. She spent her time in Barrackpore indulging in her passions. She remains fresh in the Bengali mind with a popular sweetmeat leḍikeni named after her. After she died in 1861, Lady Canning was buried at her favourite spot. There is a statue of Lord Canning nearby. The former Danish colony of Serampore is visible from the opposite side.
- 5 Mangal Pandey's hanging spot.
- 6 Netaji Open University. Originally a residence of Rastraguru Surendranath Banerjee, who used to live here for a considerable period of time.
Religious attractions
[edit]- 7 Annapurna Temple. A Hindu navaratna (nine-pinnacled) heritage temple with a striking resemblance to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. It was built in 1875 by Jagadamba Devi, the youngest daughter of Rani Rashmoni. Inside the temple complex is a Natmandir, six Shiva temples and two Nahabatkhanas.
- 8 St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. Built in 1831. One of the best in terms of architecture amongst the churches built during the British period.
Do
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[edit]Eat and drink
[edit]The place surrounding Barrackpore Railway Station to Chiriamore is the hub of eateries.
- 1 Dada Boudi Biriyani, 1, Ghoshpara Rd (opp Barrackpore Rly Station), ☏ +91 98313 18010. A much hyped Biriyani joint costing ₹160-₹200 a plate (Chicken/Mutton), located just outside Sukanta Sadan. Try a special dish called "Liver Fry" from Dada-Boudi. Be prepared to wait in the queue.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Ubique, 89, SN Banerjee Road, Barrackpore (At the entrance to the Cantonment), ☏ +91 33 2592 1386.
- 2 Mangaldhara Tourism Property (Malancha Tourist Lodge), ☏ +91 9874026921, [email protected]. Run by West Bengal Tourism. It features a 24-hour generator facility, air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, car parking, colour television, hot water, laundry, restaurant, room and Wi-Fi services.
- 3 Orchid Hotel and Restaurant, 123/1 Ghoshpara Road (Barrackpore Airport area), ☏ +91 33 3201 5515.
- 4 Susama Lodge, 54/36/C/1 N.N.Bagchi Road, ☏ +91 33 25930948.