Celebrate Durga Puja In Murshidabad With Heritage Stays Rooted In Bengal’s Royal Past

Durga Puja in Kolkata is hard to miss. The city comes alive with elaborate pandals, dazzling lights and crowds that spill onto the streets well into the night. A little further north, in Murshidabad, the festival takes on a different character, unfolding in ancestral homes, old palace courtyards and neighbourhoods that carry traces of Bengal’s zamindari and Nawabi past.

For travellers looking to combine the festivities with a heritage holiday, Murshidabad offers restored palaces, old merchant mansions and contemporary properties that make comfortable bases for exploring the region. Here are some places to consider for a Durga Puja getaway.

Stay In A Restored Palace At Bari Kothi

Set on the banks of the Bhagirathi in Jiaganj-Azimganj, Bari Kothi is an 18th-century palace dating to 1774. Carefully restored, the property retains much of its historic character, with ornate columns, chandeliers, chequered floors and spacious courtyards. Its 15 individually decorated suites and Durbar Hall make it an appealing choice for travellers looking for a palace experience.

The property also offers curated river excursions, heritage walks and Sheherwali cuisine, a vegetarian culinary tradition shaped by the Jain merchant community. During Durga Puja, guests can enquire about opportunities to experience traditional rituals, community bhog and cultural performances, depending on the year's programme.

The Information

Address: Bari Kothi, Jain Patty, PO : Azimganj, Murshidabad, Pin Code : 742122

Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 27,200 to INR 35,000 per night; rates are indicative and may vary depending on the room category, season, availability and applicable taxes.

Contact: +91 9051200800; info@barikothi.com

Website: barikothi.com

Experience Family Traditions At Cossimbazar Palace

Cossimbazar Palace of the Roys is an 18th-century family residence that offers a glimpse into Bengal's aristocratic past. The property combines heritage guest rooms with landscaped gardens, a vintage tennis court and a private museum curated by the family. Its period architecture and interiors tell the story of a family that was once part of the region's influential social and commercial circles.

Durga Puja offers a particularly interesting reason to visit. The family celebrates the festival with traditional rituals at the Chandi Mandap, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhaak. Visitors can enquire about access to the celebrations and any cultural programmes planned during their stay.

The Information

Address: 12, Cossimbazar Rd, Raninagar, Rajbari Para, Kasim Bazar, Berhampore, West Bengal 742102

Tariff: Starting around INR 7,500 to INR 17,000+ per night (Includes complimentary breakfast); rates are indicative and may vary depending on the room category, season, availability and applicable taxes.

Contact: +91 9831031108, +91 8584035663; info@cossimbazarpalaceroys.com

Website: cossimbazarpalaceroys.com

Discover Sheherwali Culture At House Of Sheherwali

Located in the Jainpatty neighbourhood of Jiaganj-Azimganj, House of Sheherwali is a restored heritage mansion that reflects the architecture and cultural traditions of the Sheherwali Jain community. Its intimate setting makes it a good choice for travellers looking for a smaller heritage property with a strong sense of place.

The property is also a convenient base for exploring the historic settlements along the Bhagirathi, known for their old merchant mansions, temples and rich cultural heritage. A rooftop overlooking the river and access to a private jetty add to the experience. During Durga Puja, guests can explore celebrations in the surrounding neighbourhoods and enquire about boat excursions and other local experiences.

The Information

Address: Singhi Sadan, 17/A Jainpatty, Ward No. 12, Azimganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal – 742122

Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 3,484 to INR 8,500+ per night. Rates are indicative and may vary depending on room category, season, availability and applicable taxes. Contact the property for current rates and festive packages.

Contact: +91 9382126631; support@houseofsheherwali.com

Website: houseofsheherwali.com

Durga Puja Experiences Near The Properties

Near Bari Kothi And House Of Sheherwali, Jiaganj-Azimganj

A stay in Jiaganj-Azimganj offers an opportunity to explore the area’s old merchant neighbourhoods and their ancestral pujas. Join a guided heritage walk through narrow lanes lined with historic mansions, some of which host family celebrations during Durga Puja. On Bijoya Dashami, enquire about boat excursions along the Bhagirathi to watch the immersion processions from the river, subject to local arrangements and availability.

Near Cossimbazar Palace Of The Roys, Cossimbazar

Cossimbazar Palace offers a closer look at the traditions of Bonedi Barir Pujo, or ancestral household Durga Puja. The family’s Chandi Mandap is the centre of its celebrations, with rituals that reflect generations of tradition. Guests can enquire about attending the ceremonies and witnessing customs such as the ritual associated with drawing sacred water from the Kati Ganga. In the evenings, head into nearby Berhampore to explore its public pandals and festive illuminations.

Plan Your Durga Puja Trip

Murshidabad rewards travellers who give themselves time to explore. Plan for at least two or three nights if you want to divide your time between Lalbagh, Berhampore and Jiaganj-Azimganj. The distances between attractions make it worth arranging local transport in advance.

Heritage properties have limited room inventories, so book early for the festive period. Before confirming your reservation, check whether puja meals, cultural performances, guided walks and river excursions are included. Rituals and visitor access can vary from year to year, so confirm the programme directly with the property.

A Durga Puja holiday in Murshidabad is an opportunity to experience another side of the festival, shaped by family traditions, river journeys, palace courtyards and the histories that continue to live within them.

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