Bardhaman, also known as Burdwan, lies on the banks of Banka River and is 95 km northwest of
Kolkata. It is the district headquarters of
Bardhaman District in
West Bengal. The town is said to have derived its name from the Jain
Teerthankar, Mahavir Vardhamaan.
Bardhaman is famous for educational institutions and houses the University of Burdwan, a medical college and several other affiliated colleges. Rice cultivation, oilseed milling, hosiery, cutlery and tool manufacturing are the major activities of the town.
There are many historical sites at Bardhaman. The prime attractions here are Rajbari (the maharaja's palace and gardens), tombs, 108
Shivlingas and the 18th century temples. Other important places around the city are Asansol, Durgapur and Ranigunj.
The nearest airport is at Kolkata. Barddhaman Railway Station is on the Durgapur-Bandel line. Bardhaman is only a few kilometers away from the National Highway 2.
