The city of Bankura is the municipality in the district by the same name in West Bengal. Located in the Bardhman division, it shares its boundaries with Purulia, Paschim Mednipore, while the two rivers Hoogly and Damodar are on the other two sides. The mantle of the rich historical legacy that Bankura inherited originated with being the capital of Mallabhum kingdom, an important dynasty of the Hindu regime in Bengal. It came into prominence with the famous terracotta temple built from the red soil and is known as the Temple city of West Bengal. The famous Bankura terracotta horse, which stands for the symbol of Indian handicrafts, is originally from this district. Bankura has been mentioned in the Mahabharata as Suhmobhumi, while according to Nilkantha, the famous commentator of Mahabharata the words, Suhmo and Rarh mean habitation. Bankura has gained much popularity among the tourists hailing from different places in India. The place has a rich cultural and traditional heritage. It is famous for its paintings, music and other forms of 
arts. It has gained lot of popularity among the tourists from all over India due to the beautiful locations and some historical destinations. The place has contributed great deal towards modern Bengal art and architecture. You can see the beautiful terracotta art and architecture in Bankura.
The other places to watch are Susunia hills and Beharinath hill. Jairambati and Bishnupur temples can also be visited from Bankura. Durgapur barrage, Koropahar are also near Bankura which offer excellent tourists sites. To the south of Bankura there are places like Mukutmanipur, Sutan, Jhilimili, ECO Park at Taldanga, Panchmura. Susunia hill is a famous trekking spot which the trekkers from all over India visit.
This is a place with a wonderful past and glorious historical heritage. It is also a fantastic center for local Bengali crafts and arts. Located on the banks of Dwarakeshwar, it offers you umpteen opportunities to visit several destinations that are unique from cultural and historical perspective. A trip to Bankura would be fantastic for those who are interested in archaeology, history, culture and crafts.
Spread over an area of 6881 sq km, the district has several places worth visiting. It houses the second biggest earthen dam of India, at the confluence of Kangsabati and Kumari River, in Mukutmonipur. The place, with its lush green beauty and deep blue water, is certainly the most captivating section of entire Bankura district. Other than this, the Susunia hill is famous for trekking expeditions as well as its natural streams. Biharinath Hill and Jhilimili are other places in Bankura where you can head for a trip. Bankura is also a wonderful place for arts and handicrafts.
The famous Bankura horses are the logo of all Indian handicrafts for export. Other than the terracotta crafts, handicrafts like dokra, stone-carvings and wood-carvings are also a specialty of Bankura district. Works of silk and tasar handlooms have also bloomed up very well in the last few years. Other notable crafts of the place are pottery, conch shells, leather works and baluchari sarees. A trip to Bankura is incomplete without a candid rendezvous with all these items.
Sightseeing Highlights
Siddheswar Temple is known to have been built 1000 years ago. The exquisite towers are embellished with stucco.
Susunia Hill is the second highest hill and is perfect for hiking, rock climbing and trekking. An ancient stone inscription belonging to the rule of Raja Chandravarman is here.
Just 19km from Bankura, the 400 ft. Koro hill has the beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri.
The scenic water reservoir at Gangdoha close to river Sali makes a perfect picnic spot.
Nearly 57 km. from Bankura is Biharinath Hill, an ancient Jainism center and is known for the exotic flora and fauna
The city of Bankura is the municipality in the district by the same name in West Bengal. Located in the Bardhman division, it shares its boundaries with Purulia, Paschim Medinipore, while the two rivers Hoogly and Damodar are on the other two sides. The mantle of the rich historical legacy that Bankura inherited originated with being the capital of Mallabhum kingdom, an important dynasty of the Hindu regime in Bengal. It came into prominence with the famous terracotta temple built from the red soil and is known as the Temple city of West Bengal. The famous Bankura terracotta horse, which stands for the symbol of Indian handicrafts, is originally from this district. Bankura has been mentioned in the Mahabharata as Suhmobhumi, while according to Nilkantha, the famous commentator of Mahabharata the words, Suhmo and Rarh mean habitation. While Banku means beautiful which makes sense, as this extremely scenic location is worth a visit? The fast flowing rivers have been harnessed for thermal power and water activities popular with adventure tourists. From parasailing to rafting, trekking in the verdant forest that fringe on the outskirts, Bankura has a lot to offer. It has always been a pilgrimage destination and is now diversifying into a tourist destination. Innumerable temples, sacred hills and exquisite handicrafts mark Bankura on the tourist map. Better connected by railroad and railways and good accommodation such as hotels, guesthouses, inns give a chance to enjoy the hospitality of Bankura.
