KISHANGANJ DISTRICT
In its earliest phase the place was ruled by the Khagda Nawab. Legend has it that during the period of Khagda Nawab, Mohammed Fakhruddin, a Hindu saint arrived here. The said saint was very tired and wished to rest, but when he came to know that the name of the place is Alamganj, he refused to enter. Hence, Nawab Fakhruddin changed the name of some portion of the place as Krishnakunj that later became Kishanganj. In the post-Independence era Kishanganj was the important sub-division of Purnea district till the year 1990, when it was formed.
During the Mughal Period the area was part of Nepal and was called Nepal Garh. When on the instructions of the Mughal emperor, Mohammad Reza captured the fort at Nepalgarh, the name was changed to Alamganj. It later became Kishanganj.
How To Reach
By Air(Airport):-
The Bagdogra airport is about 150 km from Kishanganj .
By Rail :–
Kishanganj is strategically located in the line of the Northeast Frontier Railway with Railway Station as Kishanganj. The railhead is connected to major cities of India including New Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum etc. All the major trains including Rajdhani stop here.
By Road :-
Well connected to other city through State Highway-63 Other road -K.T.T.G. Road, Bahadurganj to Nepal Border,Pothia Link Road,Palasi Terhagachh Road,K.D.Road
Popular tourist destinations
KISHANGANJ BLOCK
Masjid :- A beautiful mosques
Mazar Kadam Rasul :- Dargah or Mazaar of Kadam Rasul is famous shrine in this district. The area nearby a revered Muslim Saint’s grave is named after it as Kadam Rasul market. The gatherings become too much during the annual Urs held here.
Ruidhasa Khanquah:- Located in Khanquah-Baghicha Road in headquarters of Kishanganj Districtin the Kishanganj city. This Khanqauh is an ancient religious center. A Muslim saint used to stay at this place centuries ago whose grave is still there. Devotees flock here to worship.
Shri Digamber Jain Mandir(Thakurwadi road,Kisanganj):-
Shri Digamber Jain Mandir(Kundpur, Kisanganj):-
Gurudwara Shree Guru Singh Sebha :-
Catholic Church :-
Kisanganj Fort :- Ruins of Kishanganj Fort built by the erstwhile Nawab of Khagada, Mohammed Fakiruddin still exists in the outskirts of Kishanganj city . Visitors of this fort come to know of thegolden past of this region like how Kishanganj, the then Nepalgarh, was captured from Nepal during Mughal period. Leaflets of history explain how this region became part of India during Mughal Emperor Shah Alam’s rule who had appointed Mohammed Raza at this region called Surajapur during which period to administer the region.
Nehru Shanti Park:– It is situated 1 km away from Kishanganj railway station. Park consists a big statue of Lord Buddha which is the great attraction of this park.It is having all the entertainment for the children’s. Different varieties of plants and flowers are there in the Park.
Kargil Park:- Built in the memory of martyrs of Kargil War, Kargil Park is a new park in Kishanganj. The park is located close to historic Ruidhasa market and looking very beautiful inside. Visit the park in the evening, it will certainly refresh your mind and body. Like Nehru Park, this park has also flowering plants, herbs and shrubs. Kargil Park is more serene than Nehru Park, because of its strategic location, far from hustle and bustle of city.
Ruidhasa Maidan:- Ruidhasa Maidan, a historic ground is the landmark of Kishanganj district. It is about half km away from the railway station. The massive ground is the venue of political affairs in Kishanganj.
Khagra Mela :- This Historical “Khagr Mela” started by Syed Ata Hussain in the year 1950 as a “Krishi Pradarshini”. This custom is still going on. Khagra Mela is held every year on January 26 and the fair goes for one month till February end. It was the second largest Mela, in India at that time. The businessman’s from different parts of the country came here to participate at the Mela. Considered as a cattle fair, Khagra Mela offers excellent options for businessmen, cattle owner and the common people alike. Camels and cows are the cattle brought by the traders from various parts of the country for sell here.Cattles are major attraction of the fair, besides, the shops dealing in clothes, toys, bangles, eatables add more charm. Most of the shops sell the items in fixed prices fondly called, ‘Har Ek Maal’.
Mahananda River:- One of the biggest rivers of India, Mahananda River divides the district into two parts. Mahananda River is also referred as the ‘sorrow of Kishanganj’, because the river washes away crop and many villages during monsoon. However, the river has several good spots, where you can go for picnics and enjoy some good time
Maa Kali Mandir (Udra Ghat ):-Located 15 km from Kishanganj at Belwa has a Maa Kali Mandir. Udraghat is a famous picnic spot on Kishanganj – Thakurganj road. On New Year people throng the ghat to enjoy picnics and prepare meal from the water of the river.
Ramjanki Mandir (Udra Ghat):-
Tea Gardens:-Tea Gardens in Kishanganj certainly sound amazing, but is a reality. Now the district is also producing tea gardens. Hardly 10 kms from Kishanganj city in Belwa, there are acres and acres of lush gardens. Take a drive on Kishanganj – Thakurganj Road, as the road hit Belwa, you will come across exciting vistas offered by the tea gardens.
Bagalbari Ghat :- Bagalbari Ghat is another popular picnic spot, about 8 km away from the district headquarters on Kishanganj – Bahadurganj road.
Bhotnatheswar Mahadev Mandir:-
THAKURGANJ BLOCK
Thakurganj :- It is located 46 KM towards North from District head quarters Kishanganj. It is said to be named after Bhim – the great hero of Mahabharata who served as a Thakur (Cook) in the house of Raja Birat. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata that Raja Birat gave shelter to five Pandava brothers during their one year incognito exile . Biratnagar of the Mahabharata is said to be located here and not in Nepal . Some stones with inscription were dug up. Local tradition still speaks of the struggle and the conquest of the Kiratas and a Kirata Woman from the Morang or Tarai is said to have been the wife of Raja Birat, who, it is said in Mahabharata that gave shelter to Yudhisthira and his four Pandava brothers during their 12 years of exile. The site of this part is still pointed out at the Thakurganj in the north of this district. A big pond which is called Bhatdola to the west of Thakurganj is just adjacent to the railways lines still existing. People say that it was formerly used by Draupadi, the wife of Panch Pandavas for cooking rice for the Pandavas. It is said to have been the site of the residence of the Raja Birat. Some stones with inscription were dug up at Thakurganj, which the villagers declare were the remains of the Birat’s palace. Kichaka Vadh an ancient place which is about 5kms from the Thakurganj lies in Morang. The brother-in-law of Birat Raja Kichaka was said to have resided at the palace of Birat Raja. It is said Bhima killed Kichaka here. A Mela during Baruni-Snan is at this place every year for one day and offer homage to the fountain where Kichaka was killedN.
Jiran Gach:- It is situated about 15 km west- south of Thakurganj railway station and Ganga-Darjeeling road. According to tradition , the Pandava are believed to have spent a part of the period of their exil in this village.To celebrate this an annual fair is held in the month of chaitra Shri Digamber Jain Mandir(Thakurganj):-
Bandar Jhula:- It is situated at about 39 kms northwest of Kishanganj near the Nepal border. During excavations beautiful statues of Lord Vishnu and Sun God were found. This clearly marks the historical relevance of this place . Image of God Vishnu made of black marble is kept here . A small fair is held every year near this image. People call this as the Image of Kanhaiya . This site is protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India.
Ruins of Churli Estate:- Located on the outskirts of border block of Kishanganj called Thakurganj, ruins of erstwhile Churli Estate is an attraction of sorts. Currently in dilapidated condition, this erstwhile Haveli is a famous landmark and major tourist attraction in this region.
During the British period, this estate was owned by Kudan Lal Singh and extended up to Sonapur in West Bengal, Kharudah in Kishanganj and 100 km up to the Nepal border. Churli Estate had taken zamindari rights (landlordship rights) from Tagore estate for two mauzas, Besarpatti and Nijagacch. After independence Tagore estate and Churli estate together fought the court case against the abolition of zamindari but lost everything in the land ceiling Act. Today, the descendants of Kudan Lal Singh live in abject poverty in the vicinity of the Haveli.
Har Gauri Temple:- Located in Thakurganj border block, ancient Har Gauri Temple is an important religious landmark in Kishanganj District. This temple exists since more than a century now. This temple was built by the Zamindar of Tagore Estate. Folklore says that the Zamindar found the statues of Mahadev and Parvati co- joined together in one stone. He took the statue to Benaras, but one night he dreamt that Lord Mahadeva instructed him to return the statue to the original place and build a temple there. The Zamindar got so scared that he returned back next day and also subsequently got the temple constructed. Every year on the occasion of Shiv Ratri people come from far off places to worship and to offer holy water to the Shivling here.
Kachuudah Lake(26o 22.624’N and 88o 06.768’E):- Kachuudah Lake is located at a distance of 40 kilometers form the district headquarters. Kachhudah lake a horse shoe shaped wetland spread in an area of about 150 ha is mainly a rainfed wetland that also receives water from Mahananda river during flood. About 12 ha area of this lake belongs to the state government and rest is the private property. The lake is heavily infested with Eichhornia since long which is locally known as Jal Kachhoo or Dal Kachoo and thus the village and the lake is named like this where Eichhornia floats.
It is worth visiting as it welcomes good number of migratory birds and so is it temporary home of many birds. Bird lovers can explore this lake to the best extent. Recently the Tourism Department, Government of Bihar, beautify and develop the area around the lake for promoting local tourism.
DIGHALBANK BLOCK
Dighalbank :- It is located 39 KM towards North from District head quarters Kishanganj on the northen border of the area with Nepal on Bhadurganj to Nepal Border road and 337 KM from State capital Patna towards west. .It has a semal tree in the compound of the police station , believed by tradition to be the tree on which the Pandava Prince , Arjuna had kept his Gandiva.
Tulshia :- It is situated about 32 km north- west of Kisanganj and about 6 km south of Dighalbank. It consists a temple of lord Shiva.
POTHIA BLOCK
Panighat:-
KOCHADHAMIN BLOCK
Barijaan Surya Mandir:- The approach to the site is from Bahadurganj along the road to Kishanganj and this lies on the bank of the now more or less dead flow of the Borijan river.
Asurgarh :- A ruined fort about 18kms south of Kisangunj on the eastern bank of the Mahananda river. The story goes that there were five brother who lived in the Vikramaditya period and whose names were Asura, Benu, Barijan, Nanha and Kanha. Each of these brother built a Garh or Forrtified residence and named it after himself. But the Garhs of the last two brother are not to be found.
BAHADURGANJ BLOCK
Barijangarh :- It is a ruined fort in the Kishanganj Subdivision, situated 8 km to the south of Bahadurganj Police Station in the Kishanganj Subdivision. There is a ruined of fort. Regarding its name, there is a legend that it was built by Barijan, a brother of Benu, Raja of Benugarh. Inside the enclosure may be traced a tank called Pokhar.
TERHAHACHH BLOCK
Benugarh :- A ruined fort consists of ramparts, enclosing an area of nearly an acre, and ascribed to Benu Raja, the brother of Asura.