NEWS WAVE INDIA: Pandua, a small town of Hooghly district in West Bengal is familiar for its rich history. After hearing the story of Pandua, anyone can get a thrill and get drawn towards the tall tower (minar) for which the town is famous.
It is said that it was the seat of the kingdom of Pandu king. The name of the place Pandua originated from the name of this Hindu king. Later it was occupied by Hazrat Shah Sufi Sultan. As a victory memorial he made the Pandua Minar (Pandua Tower). The 125-foot monument was built in the 13th century. The place is best known for the historical tower and the ruins of the palace of Pandu king.
The tower was originally 136-ft high but its height decreased to 125 feet following an earthquake that toppled the top portion of the tower. Earlier visitors were allowed to climb up the stairs inside the tower but now it has been prohibited by Archaelogical Survey of India.
Then Who made this historical Minar? Regarding this, there are different opinions and disagreements. Some people think, actually it was a Bishnu temple of the Pandua Nath dynasty. Besides, many people believe that the Minar was made by Samanta kings of Pandua Nath dynasty. It is also said that in a battle after defeating Pandu king, Shah Sufi built the Minar as a victory memorial. And he also made a mosque which is situated in front of the Minar on a large ground. The mosque is familiar as Baish Duari or Bara Masjid. Now the ruins of Baish Duari and the Minar are being preserved by Archaeological Survey of India.
Beside GT Road and just opposite of the tower stands Shah Sufi’s Mazar. One can also visit the old mazar.
Apart from this, a Green Valley, Chandra Dighi Park and some ancient temples are there in Pandua to win the hearts of the visitors.
One can also visit the town during the main festival of Kali puja after Durga Puja in October or November. During this time this small town turns bright with lights and colourful puja pandals. GT Road, which passes through this historical place, remains closed to the traffic during the puja days to avoid accident. Only pedestrians and tourists are permitted to see the idols and pandals on foot.
One can come here by train from Kolkata and get down at Pandua station, situated on Howrah-Burdwan Main Line of Eastern Railway. It is 61 km from Howrah Station and 21 km from Bandel station. Anyone can reach the tower complex by rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from Pandua station. After visiting the tower and Baish Duari complex from outside, one can visit Shah Sufi’s Mazar. From there, the tourists can go to Green Valley or Chandra Dighi Park by bus. In winter, many people come here for picnicking. Restaurants and budget hotels are also available near these tourist spots.
Throughout the year you can visit Pandua, but winter is the best time. Pandua is one of the best tourist spots for those who love historical places and long for weekend tour.