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Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad

·  Summer: March-June (30°C - 40°C)
·  Winter: October-January (12°C - 23°C)
·  Monsoon: July-September

Best time to visit:  October-February

Opening Time: 09:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Friday

Entry Fees for Indians Adults:  INR 10
Children:  N/A
Cameras:  N/A
Video Camera:  N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals Adults:  INR 100
Children:  N/A
Cameras:  N/A
Video Camera:  N/A
Hazarduari Palace (also called Bara Kothi) is a 19th century architectural wonder; both for its grand stature boasting of magnificent Indo-European architecture as well as for the tricks it can play with the visitors. Literally, the palace’s name translates to ‘the palace with 1,000 doors’. In reality, there are only 100 real doors, while 900 are false doors that the architect must have planned to deceive the enemy. Accessible by 37 stone stairs (designated as India’s largest with the lowermost measuring about 33 m.), the palace is a part of the Nizamat Fort complex situated stunningly on the bank of River Bhagirathi.

One of the most popular attractions of the palace is the huge cannon, notoriously called the Bacchawali Tope. The cannon when fired would make such unbearable noise that the pregnant women would give deliver premature babies (bacche). The palace nowadays is a renowned museum, with 20 galleries showcasing more than 1,000 exhibits. Some of the most amazing items on display include valuable paintings, armoury, bronze statues, brassware, furniture and thrones, vases, lamps, manuscripts and memorabilia belonging to the royals and the British.

Stuffed crocodile, camel carriages, Victorian carriages and vintage cars are other worth exploring collections on display. The world’s second largest crystal chandelier is also exhibited here. For a truly splendid view of the palace, watch it when illuminated at evening. Other attractions in the fort complex include mosques, Clock Tower, Bada Imambara and lush green gardens.  
Connectivites

Road: The palace is a part of the Nizamat Fort complex which is easily accessible from many well-maintained roads. Taxis, rented cars, auto-rickshaws as well as state transport buses from all major destinations of West Bengal connect with the complex.

Railway: Murshidabad Railway Station is less than 2 km. from the fort complex. Another good option is Berhampore Court Railway Station, about 15 km. away. Yet another option, which is also about 15 km. away, is Khagraghat Road Railway Station. The palace is accessible in cycle-rickshaws and cabs from each of these stations.

Airway: About 200 km. from the palace is the international airport of Kolkata. State transport buses connect the airport with the palace, but it is good to prefer covering the long distance in a taxi or rented car.