Travel with Abhra

A Day of Discovery: Dhanyakuria and Chandraketugarh

A long-cherished dream quietly came true on a day that began without plans. The decision to visit Dhanyakuria and Chandraketugarh was spontaneous, yet the experience felt destined. Both sites, nestled within reach of each other, unfolded like pages from Bengal’s forgotten chapters.

Dhanyakuria greeted me with its quiet opulence. The European-styled mansions—once homes to affluent Bengali families—stood like sentinels of a bygone era. Ornate facades, Corinthian pillars, and sprawling courtyards whispered tales of colonial entanglements and local grandeur. The air was still, yet heavy with memory.

Chandraketugarh, in contrast, pulsed with the echoes of antiquity. Possibly once a thriving port and trading hub, its archaeological remnants hinted at a civilization rich in cultural exchange. Terracotta artifacts, ancient fortifications, and the surrounding landscape spoke of a place that had seen centuries pass, empires rise and fall, and stories etched into clay and stone.

Together, these two destinations offered a rare juxtaposition—Dhanyakuria’s aristocratic elegance and Chandraketugarh’s archaeological depth. A single day bridged centuries, and I returned with the quiet satisfaction of having touched history where it still breathes.

The journey from Kolkata to Chandraketugarh and Dhanyakuria spans roughly 56 kilometers—a distance that comfortably allows both destinations to be explored in a single day.

En route, a modest museum offers a worthwhile pause, setting the tone for the historical depth that follows. Chandraketugarh arrives next, though not without challenge—traffic congestion in the approach can be considerable. Still, a 30–40 minute stay suffices to absorb the essence of the site. Believed to have been a significant trading hub in ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh holds immense archaeological and cultural value. Its terracotta relics and ruins whisper of maritime exchanges and civilizational continuity.

From there, the road leads to Dhanyakuria—a village famed for its European-style mansions built by wealthy Bengali families during the colonial era. These stately homes, with their ornate gates and eclectic architecture, are usually closed to the public. Yet, glimpses from the roadside offer a tantalizing view into a world of bygone affluence. During Durga Puja, some mansions allow restricted entry, adding a festive layer to their otherwise quiet grandeur.

Travelers should note: roadside eateries are sparse. Carrying one’s own food and sufficient water is advisable. The journey, though short in distance, traverses centuries in spirit—an encounter with Bengal’s layered past, both archaeological and aristocratic.

Images from Chandraketugarh –

Images from Dhanyakuria Mansions –