Places to visit in Murshidabad
The main Murshidabad tourist places are spread around Lalbagh, the district of the Hazarduari Palace. Across the road from the palace stands the Nizamat Imambara. Katra Masjid, Kathgola Palace, Nashipur Rajbari, the tomb gardens of Khoshbagh and the lake at Motijheel add up to a full day or more.
This page goes through each stop in a sensible order. The palace and its museum have their own page, Hazarduari Palace. If you would rather not arrange the day yourself, see Murshidabad tours from Kolkata.
Murshidabad tourist places at a glance
Usual hours for each place. Confirm them at the gate, as they can change.
| Place | What it is | Usual hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hazarduari Palace | Neoclassical palace and museum, built 1829–1837 | 09:00–16:30 or 09:00–17:00, closed Fridays |
| Nizamat Imambara | Shia assembly hall opposite the palace | 08:00 or 10:00 to 17:00, possibly closed Fridays |
| Katra Masjid | Mosque and former caravanserai with the tomb of Murshid Quli Khan | 08:00–18:00 |
| Kathgola Palace | Four-storey palace in Kathgola Gardens | 09:00–17:30 |
| Nashipur Rajbari | Palace museum with a temple in the grounds | 08:00–18:00 |
| Khoshbagh | Tombs of Alivardi Khan, Siraj ud-Daulah and Lutfunnissa Begum | Ask locally |
| Motijheel | Lake, park and the Motijheel Mosque (Kala Masjid) | Ask locally |
For most first-time visitors, the Hazarduari Palace, the Imambara and Katra Masjid make a good core. Add Kathgola Palace and Khoshbagh if you have a second half day.
Murshidabad tours and day trips
Guided programs that combine the palaces, mosques and tombs, with live prices and availability.
Katra Masjid
The mosque of Murshid Quli Khan.
Katra Masjid served as a mosque and a caravanserai, and it holds the tomb of Murshid Quli Khan. It was built between 1723 and 1725. Brick walls, minarets and domes shape its look.
Usual hours are 08:00 to 18:00. Treat it as a religious site, and ask on site before you enter any part that looks closed.
Nizamat Imambara
A Shia assembly hall in Lalbagh.
The Nizamat Imambara is a hall for Shia gatherings. The present building dates from 1847 and was raised by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan, after fires in 1842 and 1846 damaged the older building from the time of Siraj ud-Daulah. It stands across from the Hazarduari Palace.
Hours run from about 08:00 or 10:00 to 17:00, and Friday may be a closing day. The inside may open only around Muharram. Ask locally before you plan around it.
Jahan Kosha and Bachhawali Tope
Two different cannons.
Jahan Kosha lies at Tope Khana, south-east of Katra Masjid. It was cast in 1637 in Dhaka by Janardan Karmokar, in the reign of Shah Jahan. Bachhawali Tope is another cannon, near the Hazarduari Palace. Do not mix the two up on a map or with a driver.
Kathgola Palace
Gardens, a pond and four storeys.
Kathgola Palace sits in Kathgola Gardens and has four floors. Rooms hold paintings, mirrors and furniture. The palace is reflected in the pond in front of it.
Usual hours are 09:00 to 17:30. Ask at the gate about the ticket price on the day.
Nashipur Rajbari
A family palace with a museum.
Nashipur Rajbari is a palace with a museum of family objects and documents, and a temple in the grounds. Usual hours are 08:00 to 18:00.
Khoshbagh, Motijheel and Jafarganj
Tombs, a lake and a Nawab cemetery.
Khoshbagh
The gardens hold the tombs of Alivardi Khan, Siraj ud-Daulah and Lutfunnissa Begum. They lie on the other side of the river, opposite Amaniganj. Ask locally how to cross and when the tombs are open.
Motijheel
The Motijheel Mosque, also called Kala Masjid, stands on the western bank of the lake. It was built in 1750 by Nawaej Muhammad Khan. The park has also offered boats and a light and sound show, so ask what runs on your day.
Jafarganj
The Jafarganj cemetery holds the graves of Mir Jafar and later Nawabs of the Najafi family. Siraj ud-Daulah is buried at Khoshbagh, not here.
Cossimbazar and Wasif Manzil
Palaces to check before you plan.
The palaces of the Maharajas at Cossimbazar and Saidabad belong to the history of Berhampore. Palace, Rajbari and guest accommodation are not the same thing, and not every part is open to day visitors, so ask before you go.
Wasif Manzil, also called the New Palace, stands near the Hazarduari Palace. Wasif Ali Mirza had it built around 1903. It reopened to visitors in December 2023 after 16 years. Check the current opening on your travel day.
Plan the rest of your trip
Related pages.
Murshidabad tourist places: frequently asked questions
What are the top places to visit in Murshidabad?
The Hazarduari Palace, the Nizamat Imambara, Katra Masjid, Kathgola Palace and the tomb gardens of Khoshbagh are the main stops. Nashipur Rajbari and Motijheel add variety.
How much time do I need?
The stops around Lalbagh fill a full day. With Khoshbagh, Cossimbazar and Plassey, a program of 3 days and 2 nights is one way to spread the sights.
Can I go inside the Nizamat Imambara?
That depends on the day. Friday may be a closing day, and the inside may open only around Muharram. Ask locally.
Is there one ticket for all the sights?
Plan for separate entry rules at each place, and ask at each gate about price and opening.
Is berhampore.org an official site?
No. It is an independent travel guide and is not run by any museum, authority or tourism board.