Malda Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Malda with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the top destinations, things to do, culture, safety tips, transportation, and more.


Malda is a beautiful city in the Northern Plains of West Bengal, East India. Situated on the banks of the Mahananda River, Malda is dotted with several historical and cultural places that attract tourists from all over the world. The city is also renowned for its ancient temples, natural beauty, and mouth-watering cuisine.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we have listed everything you need to know while planning your trip to Malda. From must-visit attractions to local culture and customs, we have covered it all. Let’s start exploring Malda!

Introduction to Malda

Malda, also known as English Bazaar, was once a prosperous trading hub between India and Central Asia. Today, the city is home to several historic places, colorful bazaars, and beautiful temples. Malda is best known for its fine muslin, mangoes and silk productions. It is considered to be one of the largest grain producing regions of West Bengal.

List of Places to Visit in Malda

Malda has several attractions that are worth a visit. Here are some of the top attractions to explore during your trip to Malda.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Malda has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several museums and historical places to explore in the city. Here are some of the must-visit places:

  • Adina Mosque: Built in 1369 by Sultan Sikandar Shah, the Adina Mosque is an impressive example of the fusion of the Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
  • Gour: Gour was once the capital of Bengal and was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, there are several historic monuments and ruins, including the Gour Kadam Rasul Mosque, the Dakhil Darwaza, and the Firoz Minar.
  • Malda Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Malda and Bengal, including coins, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts.

Natural Attractions of Malda: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Malda is blessed with pristine natural beauty and several outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top natural attractions to explore in Malda:

  • Jalangi River: Take a boat ride on the Jalangi River and enjoy the serene views of the surrounding countryside, dotted with mango orchards and rice paddies.
  • Adina Deer Park: This beautiful park is home to several species of deer, and you can also spot several migratory birds here.
  • Jibanpur Tea Garden: Take a tour of this beautiful tea garden and taste some of the finest teas in the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Malda

Malda has several scenic hiking and biking routes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Some of the top routes to explore include:

  • Chamkatti Hills Trek: This trek takes you through the beautiful Chamkatti Hills, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Jalangi River Trail: This biking trail takes you along the banks of the Jalangi River, and you can enjoy the serene views of the countryside and mangrove forests.

Best Things to Do in Malda: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting the top attractions, there are several activities and tours that you can enjoy in Malda. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Try the Local Cuisine: Malda is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine, especially its mangoes and spicy curries. Don’t forget to try the popular Malda Mangoes.
  • Go Shopping: Malda is a shopper’s paradise, and you can find several colorful bazaars and markets selling handicrafts, silk saris, and jewelry.
  • Visit the Local Fairs and Festivals: Malda is known for its colorful fairs and festivals.
    • Rash Mela: It is a famous festival celebrated in the month of November in which the life of Krishna and Radha is portrayed through music, dance and drama.
    • Jalangi Mela: Jalangi Mela is one of the largest fairs in the region and is held every year in the month of March at Kadam Rasul Dargah.

Week-Long Itinerary for Malda

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Malda:

Day Activities
1 Visit Gour
2 Explore Adina Mosque and Malda Museum
3 Take a boat ride on Jalangi River
4 Go on a hiking or biking tour
5 Visit Jibanpur Tea Garden and Adina Deer Park
6 Try the local cuisine and go shopping
7 Attend a local festival or fair

Food and Drink Scene of Malda

Malda is known for its rich, spicy cuisine and sweet mangoes. Here are the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mango Pickle: Malda’s mango pickle is famous for its tangy and spicy flavor.
  • Mutton Biryani: This popular dish is made with fragrant rice, tender mutton pieces, and aromatic spices.
  • Chingri Malaikari: This spicy prawn curry is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Local Beverages

  • Aam Panna: Aam Panna is a refreshing drink made with raw mangoes, mint, and spices.
  • Lassi: This sweet and creamy yogurt drink is perfect to beat the heat.

Where to Stay in Malda: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Malda has several accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some of the top options:

  • Malda Tourist Lodge: This government-run hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
  • The Silk Route Guesthouse: This charming guesthouse is located in the scenic countryside and offers an immersive experience of the local culture and customs.
  • Hotel Gitanjali: This modern hotel is located in the city center and offers all amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

What to Buy in Malda: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Malda is known for its silk saris, handicrafts, and jewelry. Here are some of the top souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Silk Saris: Malda is famous for its fine silk saris, which are handwoven and come in vibrant colors and designs.
  • Handicrafts: Check out the colorful bazaars and markets to find unique handicrafts made by local artisans, such as pottery, bamboo crafts, and wooden toys.
  • Mangoes: Don’t forget to bring back some sweet and juicy Malda mangoes.

Local Culture and Customs of Malda

Malda has a rich and vibrant culture, and there are several customs and traditions that are unique to the region. Here are some of the things to keep in mind:

  • Dress Modestly: Malda is a conservative region, and it is advisable to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes.
  • Respect Local Customs: Always respect the local customs and traditions, especially while visiting religious places.
  • Chewing tobacco or smoking in public places is a serious offence and can get you charged by law enforcement agencies

Best Time to Visit Malda

The best time to visit Malda is during the winter months, between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and mild.

Do’s and Don’ts of Malda

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Malda is known for its mouth-watering cuisine, and you should definitely try the local delicacies.
  • Respect the local culture: Always respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Pack accordingly: Make sure to pack clothes suitable for the weather and local customs.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the hot and humid weather.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes: It is advisable to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes.
  • Disrespect local customs: Always be mindful of the local customs and traditions while visiting religious places
  • Chewing tobacco or smoking in public places is a serious offence and can get you charged by law enforcement agencies

Safety and Health

Safety in Malda

Malda is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take basic precautions such as keeping your valuables safe and avoiding isolated areas at night.

Health in Malda

Malda has several good hospitals and medical facilities, but it is advisable to carry a basic first aid kit and medicines for common ailments.

Getting to Malda: Transportation Options and Logistics

Malda is well-connected by road, rail, and air.

Airports Near Malda

The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, which is about 205 km away from Malda.

Bus Stations Near Malda

Malda is well-connected by bus, with regular services to Kolkata, Siliguri, and other major cities in West Bengal.

Other Options

You can also hire a taxi or a private car to reach Malda from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Malda

Malda has several transportation options, including buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. You can also hire a bike or a car for exploring the city.

Where to Go Next from Malda: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions that you can explore after visiting Malda:

  • Siliguri: Explore the scenic town of Siliguri, famous for its tea gardens and scenic views of the Himalayas.
  • Darjeeling: Visit the picturesque hill town of Darjeeling, famous for its tea gardens and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga peak.
  • Kolkata: Explore the cultural hub of Kolkata, famous for its colonial architecture, vibrant festivals, and delicious street food.

Conclusion

Malda is a beautiful city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From historic monuments to scenic hiking routes, mouth-watering cuisine to colorful bazaars, Malda has something for everyone. Plan your trip to Malda, and discover the charm of Northern Plains!

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