Among the later Hindu kings of Bengal, the Malla occupy a place of distinction not only or their military prowess but because of their patronage to the development of distinctive styles of arts, architecture, sculpture, and music. During the reign of Veer Hambir and Raja Raghunath Singh and Veer Singh, Vishnupur became one of the principal centers of culture in Bengal.

The distinct style of temple architecture with a single tower resting on a square building with the curved roof of a Bengali hut has been the most characteristic feature of Vishnupur temples. Most of the temples here are in two big concentrations- the Shyam Rai, Jore Bangla, Radha Shyam, Lalji, Krishna Balram, Nikunja Bihari, and Kesari Rai within the fort area and the Kalachand, Radha Madhav, Radha Govinda, Jore Mandir, and Nandalal temples over an area to the South and South West of Lalbundh. The Malleswar, Madan Gopal and Madan Mohan temples are to the North of the fort. Besides, there is the Ras Mancha, the earliest extant religious edifice at Vishnupur built by Veer Hambir, representing an architectural style all its own.

There are a number of ‘bundhs’ or water reservoirs, namely, Lalbundh, Krishnabundh, Shyambundh etc. A number of cannons are there, exposed to weather for centuries and yet free from rust. One of these is ‘Dal Madal’.
Vishnupur developed a distinct style of music, i.e. Vishnupur Gharana of which perhaps the most famous exponent was Jadu Bhatta.

What to Buy

Local handicrafts of Vishnupur includes silk, Tussar, conch shell wares, bell metal wares. Vishnupur is famous for terracotta toys and dolls, especially the stylized horses, better known as ‘Bankura Horses’. Vishnupur now is the center of production for the famous Baluchari saris that originated near Murshidabad.

Fairs and Festivals

The most important festival of Vishnupur is ‘Jhapan’, held on the last day of the Bengali month Sravana (mid- August) with chanting of hymns in the glory of the serpent-goddess Manasa, groups of snakecatchers demonstrate tricks and feats with poisonous snakes.

During the Bengali month of Bhadra (August-September), another festival is held. This is known as ‘Indrapooja’, on the occasion of which the Malla Raja of Vishnupur gives away yellow turbans to the local Santhal chiefs.

25 km from Vishnupur is Bahulara, famous for the Siddheswar Siva temple. The Saileswar temple of Dihar, 8km from Vishnupur, is about nine hundred years old.

43km. from Vishnupur are Jairambati and Kamarukur, birthplaces of Sri Ma Saradamoui and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Near Kamarpukur is the historic ‘Garh Mandaran’. About 82km. from Vishnupur and 56 km. from Bankura is Mukutmanipur, by the side of the river Kangsabati. The main attraction is the dam over the river and the hilly landscape. There are a Tourist lodge and a Youth Hostel and a private hotel for accommodation. Direct buses connect it with Calcutta.

30km. from Vishnupur are Bankura, the district headquarters town. Directly linked with Calcutta by rail and road. Private hotels are there for accommodation besides a Youth Hostel under the State Youth Service Department.

Susunia Hill 

CONNECTIONS:

Connected by road and rail with Calcutta. 201 km by rail and 152km by road from Calcutta to Vishnupur.

By rail: By rail directly from Calcutta (201 km) on the southeastern section.

By Road:There are regular buses from Calcutta run by the Calcutta State Transport and the South Bengal State Transport Corporation.

Lodging:There is a tourist lodge run by the West Bengal Tourist Development Corporation; besides, there are a few private hotels. Also a lodge under the Vishnupur Municipal corporation.