Amazing Places to Feel the Real Beauty of Asansol
Asansol is an industrial city famous for the country’s vast coal mines. It is the second biggest city in West Bengal and the headquarters of the district of Paschim Bardhaman. It is situated approximately 200 km from Kolkata.
The Bardhaman district draws a huge number of people for not just flourishing industrial sectors but also the beautiful tourist attractions in Asansol. The city of Asansol is a wonder that is waiting to be discovered. It has been ranked 11th amongst India’s fastest-growing cities.
The word ‘Asan‘ refers to a plant species that typically grows on the banks of the Damodar River. The word ‘Sol’ means land. A mixture of these two words has been coined together to name this beautiful city of Asansol.
The city is situated in the midst of two prominent rivers – the Ajay River and the Damodar River. There are sunny, dry summers and cold, chilly winters in this cosmopolitan city. Its economy relies on its trade, commerce, railways, coal, and steel industries. Asansol is home to one of the busiest railways in the country.
Now, if you are planning to visit this city of brotherhood, below is the list of the top 7 places you can visit to feel the beauty of the city.
1. Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple
One of the most popular tourist places in Asansol is the Kalyaneshwari Temple. It is almost 20 km away from the city. The temple is located on the dividing line between West Bengal and Jharkhand and is easily reachable since it is located close to the national highways.
The historic temple is dedicated to Maa Kalyaneshwari and is thought to be over 500 years old. In the 3rd Century AD, Harigupta constructed the original building. Harigupta built the temple at a place nearest to the capital of the empire, Salanpur.
Maa Kalyaneshwari is a Hindu Goddess Shakti or Kali. She is worshiped with a lot of devotion in the Kalyaneshwari Temple. Maa Kalyaneshwari is sometimes referred to as the ‘Goddess of Fulfilment’.
Many women who have difficulties bearing a child, find solitude in their blessings. Usually, young women visit the temple frequently to seek their blessings. The temple is located quite near to Maithan, which is another popular place in Asansol that you must visit.
2. Maithon
If you are looking for a weekend getaway, Maithon Dam is a beautiful place surrounded by mountains, water, and trees. It is a popular choice for a relaxing trip. The Dam is constructed over the Barakar River, on the boundary between both the Jharkhand and West Bengal states.
This place is lush green and gives you a feeling of serenity and calmness. Take a comfortable stroll along the Dam and admire the huge reservoir’s breathtaking views. A steady stream of buses and cars passing by buzzes the path over the Dam.
While walking along the dam, try to keep a watch for the Deer Park on your left. If you are fortunate enough, a large herd of deer can be seen grazing or wandering in the green grass. Maithon Dam is a perfect destination to visit whether you are with family or friends.
3. Churulia
When you are in West Bengal, do what the Bengalis do. Yes, soak yourself in art, culture, literature, and diversity. Prose and poetry aren’t exclusively reserved for the scholars in Kolkata. Literature makes its way into every edge of West Bengal. Churulia, a small village located 17 km away from Asansol, is a great example.
Churulia is the birthplace of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the iconic national poet. The Nazrul Academy in the town is a marvelous repository of conserved manuscripts, medallions, and other personal possessions of the poet.
So, if you are a literature or poetry enthusiast, make sure you make a visit to this place. We recommend you go there during the festival that honors the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the poet, and war hero. The festival lasts for a week and takes place every year.
4. The Sacred Heart Cathedral Church
If you want to spend a few moments of peace, divinity, and comfort, you must visit the lovely Sacred Heart Church in Asansol. The church was constructed by the British Railway Company in 1875. Back then, the company was in charge of the central Howrah and Delhi railroad lines.
Post-Independence, the ownership of the church was turned over to the Archdiocese of Kolkata. The Sacred Heart Church is an impressive building specifically designed with bricks particularly imported from Britain.
The church exudes a lovely old-world charm and beauty with its facade composed largely of red bricks. For the Catholics in Asansol, this colonial-style church is a significant center of worship. It is also one of the best places in Asansol to visit.
A Sunday or special holidays such as Christmas and Easter would be the perfect time to attend the church. Within the church grounds, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a lovely attraction.
5. Nehru Park
Nehru Park is built on the banks of the River Damodar and is located in Burnpur. This beautiful park is renowned for attractions including boating, musical fountains, and many multi-cuisine restaurants. So, no matter what you wish to eat, you will get it here.
A nominal fee may be charged for admission to the park. There is a massive cast-iron statue of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Encountering this massive statue just upon entering the park will surely make you stare at it for a while.
It has a lot of greenery and a picturesque lake. It is well connected to the road and has a historical significance. It is sprawled alongside the majestic Damodar river. Nehru Park is the perfect destination for a refreshing day out with loved ones.
6. Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple
On the banks of a small stream called Nunia, is the massive Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple. The temple is built at the peak of Kali Pahadi in Asansol. It is one of the most popular places to visit in the city for devotees and tourists.
In the mornings, many pilgrims visit the temple to offer puja. It is a must-visit for all those who are worshipers of the Goddess. From sunrise to sundown, the temple door is wide open. So, you can visit it anytime during the day. It has a very majestic atmosphere.
The best season for visiting the Ghagar Buri Temple is winter. Numerous taxis travel from Asansol railway station and bus stand to the temple. All you need to do is freshen up and step into the divinity of the goddess’s realm.
7. Satabdi Park
Another popular tourist place in the city is Satabdi Park. You can visit it with your family and friends. It is a beautiful park that is sustained and created by the Indian Railways.
The park is great to spend a fun day walking and playing. Because of its walking trails and spacious play areas for children, Satabdi Park is one of the best places to visit in Asansol. If you have a little one in the family, we assure you that he/she will love this place.
The numerous food stalls and canteens around the park provide fuel for snacks. The park is open in the mornings and evenings. Within the park, Columbus and Caterpillar are immensely popular rides. We would recommend a visit in the evenings as it feels most beautiful during that time.
So, guys, Asansol is full of spectacular picnic spots, holy temples, historical buildings, beautiful parks, arts, and literature. What are you waiting for? Visit these places to feel the real beauty of the city.
