Durgapur

Durgapur Club: Typically colonial in its construction, this Club is extremely popular with families and big wigs of Durgapur Steel Plant.

KumaraMangalam Park: Not too well-maintained, but still worth a look. There is a lake in the centre, which used to be once the hub of all evening activities and picnics.

Durgapur Barrage: This is one of the most popular architectural marvels, especially beautiful during the monsoons. Watch the water being let out by the lock-gates. A short distance away from the main barrage is the canal feeding the Hooghly. You can try crossing it by the foot-bridge. And once you cross, disembark at the Durgapur beach, which is generally busy with fishermen bringing in their catch. If you wish, you can even ask them for a boat ride and quick fishing!

Steel Plant: You will need a permit to visit the plant and it's definitely worth the visit. Ask for a tour of the place to view the workings of the steel plant.

Troika Park: Especially popular with kids, it houses within it a toy-train, a few rides and some other attractions. Adjacent to it is the Deer Park, which lets you get close to these beautiful animals. The lake up ahead provides boating facilities.

Bhabani Pathak's Tilla: An unbelievable network of tunnels till you see it, it starts near the City Center region and reaches right up to the Damodar River. It is believed that you have to know the map of the tunnel system to navigate your way through. It is today a protected monument, although visitors are allowed.

Garh Jungle: One of the oldest areas here, it is known as the site which was discovered by Jogiraj Brahmananda Giri of the Dasnami cult and who started Durga Puja at the same temple founded by Raja Surath. Thousands of devotees from all across visit this place during the festival. It is also believed that Durgapur derives its name from this legend.

Tarapith: Located 128 kms away from Durgapur, it is known as the site where Sati's eyeball fell. Visit the marvelous temple of Tara Devi which was built by Jagannath Roy in the year 1225.

Shantiniketan: 54 kms from Durgapur Shantineketan is home to the Ashram established by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore later converted the Ashram into an open-air school known as Viswa Varati, an International University. Santiniketan is famous all over the world and is renowned as a seat of learning art and sculpture based on Indian tradition and philosophy. You could also pick up a few handicraft items on your way back, which are made locally.

Vishnupur: This ancient city is home to numerous temples and is especially noted for its silk and baluchari saris, conch ornaments and terracotta sculptures.