Mayapur, one of the nine islands that make up Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s dham Nabadwip, is located between the Hoogly and Jalangi rivers and is a popular spot for spiritual tourists. Connected by numerous roads and trains, it is only 130 kilometers from Kolkata.
Tourists flock to India to see the ISKCON Mayapur Chandrodaya Temple, considered the holiest site in the country. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the “Hare Krishna movement” or simply “Hare Krishnas,” is a group dedicated to the Gaudiya Vaishnava faith. In 1966, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded ISKCON in New York City. Both the Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, where Srila Prabhupada was cremated, and the Temple of Vedic Planetarium, which will soon be the largest in the world, are located in Mayapur and provide tourists with a visual and spiritual feast.
Ballal Dhipi is close to Bamanpukur Bazaar and even closer to Mayapur. In the early 1980s, the Archaeological Survey of India began digging here and unearthed a unique 13,000-square-meter building complex centered on a 9-meter-tall mound known as a “Dhipi.” The establishment asserts its affiliation with the Vikramsila Vihar. Experts believe that this Vihar (side) of the stupa, built in the eighth or ninth century, was used as a center for study and pilgrimage until the eleventh century.
In honor of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who was born there, Hindus consider Nabadwip to be a holy city. Nabadwip’s historic core has a variety of sights and sounds to take in. Known for its spirituality, it is home to various sacred temples. The city is a must-visit for individuals looking for a meaningful spiritual experience. Well-known temples in and around Nabadwip include the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, the Sonar Gouranga Temple, and the Dwadash Shiva Temple. The city boasts a flair for celebration in addition to its dedication. The yearly Rash Utsav in November and the Dol Purnima in the month of March are wonderful times to visit Nabadwip and experience the local culture firsthand.
This wildlife preserve is on NH-34 in the Nadia District. The distance to Krishnanagar, the next town, is a mere 25 kilometers. Visitors to the refuge can go on guided hikes through the forest, where they may see wild animals, birds, and insects. Tourists who spend their time chasing butterflies and watching birds will love their time at Bethuadahari.
Ghurni, on the banks of the river Jalangi, is the center for the manufacturing of wonderful clay dolls, also known as Krishnanagar clay dolls. The works of these craftspeople can be found in virtually every museum dedicated to folk art around the globe. The area is home to many shops that create, display, and sell well-known clay dolls and statues from all over the world.
Natungram, 57 kms from Mayapur, is where you may still find the charm of handicrafts. In order to preserve their tradition, the local craftspeople here steadfastly cling to time-honored practices. First, the dolls are carved from a piece of dried wood that has been cut to size. The next step was to get their faces and clothes painted. The dolls may be lacking in polish when compared to modern toys, but they have a certain charm that is typical of their ethnic heritage. There are often between three and four distinct doll types available. You wouldn’t know the dolls were missing arms if you didn’t look closely at the bride’s sari, which was painted to perfection.