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A true travel junkie understands that the art of exploration involves delving deep into the nooks and crannies of every state, city or town that they wander. West Bengal is one of the most beautiful states of the country and has so much to offer other than the plain old touristy go-to’s. Touring West Bengal comes with the entire package of enjoying its culture, cuisine, and sightseeing as a whole. If you’re an adventurer whose heart races at the word ‘travel’, get ready to delve deep and explore the heart of this state. Durgapur is a small quintessential town in West Bengal where modern times meet old school vibes. There are several places to visit in Durgapur that you will appreciate because each of them has something different to offer to you. Known as the “Steel Capital of East India”, Durgapur gracefully blends its small-town life into metro-worthy energy.
Apart from the famous steel plants, Durgapur is dotted with beautiful temples and a few other tourist spots. The local cuisine will surely make your mouth water from the heady aroma wafting in the air. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway that shows you how simple life can be, Durgapur is the place for you. Below you will find everything you need to know for your Durgapur travel expedition.
This maze of tunnels was made famous by the famous Bengali novelist, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, in his creations, ‘Durgesh Nandani’ and ‘Devi Chaudhurani’. Since then, this location is Durgapur’s pride and major attraction. Pathak’s Tilla is now a protected monument of heritage. It covers the entire city center and reaches up to the River Damodar. This beauty should be the first place you should visit while you are in Durgapur. However, be careful where you venture here as you may get lost; stick to familiar and frequented trails.
This famous barrage connects Durgapur with Bankura and was constructed to handle the flow Damodar River every monsoon. Known as the “Sorrow of Bengal”, the River Damodar is known to cause humongous damage due to overflowing. This structural beauty makes sure that the water level of the river is kept in check. The barrage, along with the adjoining bridge is a sight to behold in the evenings. You can also hire a boat and drift in the cool water for a while to enjoy the sunset. Apart from Bhabhani Pathak’s Tilla, Durgapur Barrage is also one of the prime mentions in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novels.
Set up in 1955 with the aid of the United Kingdom, the Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) is an engineering fan’s delight to visit. With the advent of modernization in the country, this steel plant has been serving the country soon after it was declared independent. To understand and witness the depth of steel production in this massive complex is an experience one will always remember. To be able to visit the site inside, you will have to be in contact with a staff member of DSP. The steel plant has made a massive contribution to the country’s steel production as well as its GDP growth. Their focus on productivity, quality, environmental friendliness and efficiency in terms of cost of production are the hallmarks of progress.
If you are looking for a quiet little place to relax with no worries about accommodation and food, Deul Park is the perfect spot for you. Located at the banks of the River Ajay, Deul Park is a small village in a wooded forest refurbished to make a resort. The eco-resort caters to all your vacationing needs by providing you with a cozy place to live in peace. Since Ajay is a tributary of the River Ganges, it holds the beauty of its mother stream.
Apart from being a wonderful place of recreation for tourists, Deul Park has historical significance as well, given its natural beauty. You can take a stroll and soak in the calmness of the river bank. There are several local folklores that you can request the natives to narrate to you too!
Troika Park is another lovely place of amusement that you can visit during your visit to Durgapur. It was recently renamed as the Anand Amusement Park, a fully functional amusement park available for kids and adults to enjoy a fun day out. The park consists of both dry rides and water rides which will be well worth your money and time.
Located in Tilok Road, Durgapur, this park is one of the most frequented amusement parks in the area. It has a very fascinating set of musical fountains. You can enjoy your day out and hire a boat to lounge in the water. A large bronze statue of the Lord Ganesha along with sculptures depicting traditional Indian dance forms graces the park. The kids can enjoy a ride on the toy train while adults can recharge their energy after a day of touring.
A place of utter serenity, the Garh jungle is a must-visit place regardless of whether you are a nature lover or not. Known as the Dharma Garh of Raja Surath, this jungle was the place where he performed Durga Pujo with the guidance of Mahamuni Medhas. Durga Pujas are performed in the jungle every evening as it is believed to be one of the oldest places of worship of the Goddess Durga in the country. Attend one of these spiritual pujas to witness the faith and overwhelming devotion permeating the air.
Benachity is an old business center of Durgapur and now a market. Lined up on both sides of the street, you will find little shops and establishments selling handicrafts and handloom merchandise made by the locals. Wholesale buyers also benefit a lot from this market because of its flexible pricing policy. Be mindful of avoiding cabs since the place can get crowded; instead, use public transport such as a bus. Make sure you take advantage of the beautiful items for sale and buy mementos for your family and friends from your Durgapur trip.
Ram Mandir is located in the Bidhan Nagar area and is the most famous temple in Durgapur dedicated to Lord Ram. You can make a quick stop at this place of worship to appreciate the carved walls of the temple located amidst a large garden.
Other than lovely places to visit in Durgapur, there is a lot of variety offered when it comes to traditional Bengali cuisine. There are a lot of dishes available for everyone to try, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes. Here is a list of the foods you can try for a mouth-watering experience in Durgapur.
Eggroll: Bengal’s famous eggroll is one of the most delicious treats you could get your hands on. A layer of crispy paratha layered with egg, lots of veggies and aromatic sauces, all rolled up to give you bite-sized delights. You can grab a plate for yourself at any restaurant and be prepared to be amazed.
Chicken Kasha: Chicken kasha is one of the most famous dishes of Bengal. Tender chicken flavored with aromatic spices delivers a power-packed punch that you won’t ever forget. Best enjoyed with freshly steamed rice, chicken kasha is a dish meant to be had in leisure.
Mishti Doi: Forget about your diet plans for a while. Bengal is the hub of all things sweet, so taste everything when you have the opportunity. Mishti Doi is a lightly flavored sweet curd, made in earthen pots that give it a wonderful flavor. Ice-cream is no match for this dessert; it will keep you wanting more and one simply can’t stop at one!
By Air: The airport located nearest to the city of Durgapur is the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport. Since it is only 15 km away from the city center, you can easily find a way to commute once you reach there.
By Train: Durgapur is well-connected by scheduled, regular trains from every major city of the country. If the railway is your choice of travel, you can book yourself a seat on a train that originates from your city, or the closest big city.
By Road: In case you plan to travel to Durgapur by road, you’ll be happy to know the highways are very well connected to this place. Since it is an industrial town, plenty of daily buses and taxis ply to and from it.
The months from October to February are the best to visit Durgapur. Winters are pleasant to explore this Bengali city as the sun isn’t too harsh. You will also be able to experience the magic of Durga Puja in all its glory.
Monsoons occur between July to September making them the least favorable months to tour Durgapur since the river Damodar always poses a risk of overflowing.
Summers are hot and humid which aren’t the best climate conditions to visit a new town, but if you choose to, pack sunscreen and stay hydrated!
When you visit, West Bengal, India’s industrial hub is worth a visit. Engineering aficionados will find it an enriching experience to witness such a monumental complex. The steel factories that are the result of the cumulative effort of the brightest Indian and British minds, not only paved the way to modernization in the country but also brought forth a wave of new employment opportunities, rising standards of living and a better lifestyle for all the citizens. The natural beauty of this growing city is also worth appreciating since it has managed to maintain its balance between growth and tradition. Whether you’re looking for a laidback break or a new place to visit in West Bengal, the places to visit in Durgapur are good choices among offbeat locations to explore. When touring crowded and mainstream places becomes exhausting, Durgapur offers your some welcome respite with open arms.
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April 15, 2024 
