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Dhanyakuria: Bengal’s Forgotten Fairyland
Durga puja Celebration And Traditions
Where To Stay
In Dhanyakuria, Durga Puja isn’t just a festival — it’s a living tradition, rooted deeply in the grand courtyards of the century-old mansions. Each sprawling zamindar bari (landlord’s house) boasts its own Thakur Dalan — a pillared pavilion where the goddess Durga is worshipped with timeless devotion.
Unlike the bustling, modern pujas of Kolkata, the celebrations here are steeped in an old-world charm. The sound of the dhaak (traditional drums), the fragrance of incense, and the echo of ancient Sanskrit chants breathe life into the sleepy village lanes. Family rituals, once started by the original zamindars, are carefully preserved by their descendants — from the ceremonial bodhan (invoking the goddess) to the grand bijoya dashami immersion processions. The idol of Durga is crafted in a style unique to these families, often reflecting the aristocratic tastes of a bygone era — elegant, dignified, and deeply traditional.
During the puja days, the mansions come alive with guests, cultural performances, and elaborate feasts, rekindling the golden days when Dhanyakuria thrived as Bengal’s hidden fairyland. To witness Durga Puja in Dhanyakuria is to step back in time — where devotion meets grandeur, and every prayer carries the echo of history.
Once upon a time, a handful of wealthy zamindars dreamed of bringing a piece of Europe to the heart of Bengal. Armed with riches and a flair for grandeur, they chose Dhanyakuria — then still part of the wild Sundarbans delta — as the canvas for their fantasy.
In the mid-1800s, while the British were busy dressing up Calcutta with stately buildings, these ambitious businessmen quietly built their own fairytale town.
Here, English castle-like mansions rose from the lush wetlands, their European façades blending seamlessly with traditional Indian elements. Dhanyakuria soon became a curious mix of two worlds — cobbled pathways, ornate balconies, and sprawling courtyards coexisting with temples and sacred ponds.
It all started with one business family, but their vision was contagious. Others followed, each adding their own masterpiece to the landscape, while also building schools, clinics, libraries — breathing life into a thriving, self-sustained community. True to Bengali spirit, every mansion had its own Thakur Dalan, where grand Durga Puja festivities would light up the estate with devotion and celebration.
Today, Dhanyakuria stands as a sleepy yet magical village — a time capsule of forgotten dreams and faded grandeur — waiting for curious travelers to wander through its streets and imagine the world it once was.
Gaine Bari (Gaine Family Mansion) - A stunning European-style castle built by the Gaine zamindar family, featuring ornate architecture and beautiful gardens.
Sawoo Mansion/Sau Rajbari - Another family that settled in Dhanyakuria was that of the Sawoo’s. They were also a businessman and along with the Gayen family and the Ballav Family made fortune with jute, jaggery, rice, and other commodities
Shyam-Sundar Temple - An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, reflecting traditional Bengali temple architecture amidst the European-styled town.
Poddar Bari (Poddar Family Mansion) - Another magnificent mansion showcasing a blend of European and Bengali design, with sprawling courtyards and grand entrances.
Gayen Bari (Gayen Family Mansion)- A heritage home known for its fairytale-like turrets, balconies, and colorful motifs, making it one of the most photogenic spots.
Local Libraries and Old Schools - Several old educational institutions founded by the zamindar families, which add to the intellectual history of the town.
Village Ambience- Simply walking through the mossy lanes, beside ancient ponds and banyan trees, gives a real feel of Dhanyakuria’s timeless beauty.
Other Noteable Places
Ballav Jamidar Bari
Satyajit Roy Binodon Park
Sahoo Sri Sri Radhanath Jeu Temple
Sri Jagannath Temple
Frequently Asked Question
How to Reach Dhanyakuria from Kolkata | Bus Train Car
Accommodation in Dhyankuria is only available at Sawoo Mansion or Rajbari.
Contact Person Sourav Kundu
Booking No- 9674171860
Room Rent - 1000-1500.
Food options are limited with bengali thali options, both vegetarian and non vegetarian which is seperately separately Payable. There are no restaurants or eateries available nearby.
Send Us Your Query
Q: What is the best time to visit Dhanyakuria?
The best time to visit Dhanyakuria is from October to March, during the winter and early spring months.The weather stays cool, pleasant, and dry, making it perfect for exploring the open mansions, walking through village paths, and enjoying the calm countryside atmosphere. If you want to see Dhanyakuria at its most festive, visit during Durga Puja (usually in September–October), when the old mansions come alive with celebrations and decorations.
Q: Is Dhanyakuria worth Visiting?
Yes, Dhanyakuria is definitely worth visiting — especially if you love history, heritage architecture, photography, or offbeat rural experiences. It’s like stepping into a forgotten fairyland where European-style mansions stand tall amidst a quiet Bengali village. Unlike tourist-heavy spots, Dhanyakuria is peaceful, uncrowded, and authentic, letting you explore grand old zamindar houses, traditional temples, and scenic village lanes at your own relaxed pace.
Q: How Many days Required to Visit?
Perfect for a day trip or a weekend escape from Kolkata if you’re looking for something unique, historical, and soulful.
Q: Can one consume Alcohol at our stay?
Q: Are Guided tour Available?
Dhanyakuria Tour | Rajbari History Location Sightseeing
Nearby Attractions Within 50 km of Dhanyakuria
Chandraketugarh (Approx. 20 km)- Ancient archaeological site dating back to 4th century BC, filled with relics from early civilizations of Bengal.
Barachampa Nilkuthi (Approx. 10 km) - Remnants of an old British-era indigo plantation house, perfect for history lovers.
Taki (Approx. 35 km) - A serene town by the Ichamati River, where you can take boat rides and even see Bangladesh across the river.
Basirhat Town (Approx. 30 km) - A bustling old town with temples, heritage houses, and vibrant local markets.
Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary (Parmadan Forest) (Approx. 45 km) - A peaceful forest area on the Ichamati River, great for short treks, bird-watching, and nature picnics.
Deganga Kali Temple (Approx. 25 km) - A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, attracting devotees from nearby regions.
Bamangachi Rajbari (Approx. 40 km) - A lesser-known but beautiful zamindar mansion with intricate traditional architecture.
Duttapukur and Berachampa Local Markets (Approx. 15–20 km) - Ideal for exploring rural Bengali life, handicrafts, and local street food.
Kolkata Registered Office
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+91-9038055530
+91- 9830366923
email: tabkolkata@gmail.com
Important Places to Visit in Dhanyakuria
By Car - Drive via the Barasat–Basirhat Road (NH12). It’s about 60 km and takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Best route: Kolkata → Barasat → Duttapukur → Berachampa → Dhanyakuria.
By Train + Auto/Rickshaw: Take a local train from Sealdah station (Kolkata) to Barasat or Duttapukur. From there, hire a shared auto or a private rickshaw towards Berachampa and Dhanyakuria.
By Bus - Buses towards Basirhat from Esplanade or Ultadanga often pass near Berachampa. From Berachampa, you can hire an auto-rickshaw to Dhanyakuria.