Birbhum is the northernmost District of the Burdwan Division. It lies between 23° 32′ 30″ and 24° 35′ 0″ north latitude and 88° 1′ 40″ and 87° 5′ 25″ east longitude. Its area (1,757 sq mi [4,550 sq km]) includes two separate regions. To the west lies a heaving, normally barren moorland, part of the eastern edging of the Chota Nagpur plateau, rising to 3,000 ft (900 m); to the east is a thickly inhabited, alluvial plain of the Gangetic Delta. Birbhum is surrounded on the north and west by Santhal Paraganas, on the east by the districts of Murshidabad and Burdwan and on the south by Burdwan, from which it is estranged by the Ajay River. The Ajay, Mayurakshi, Bakreswar, and Dwarka are the foremost rivers here. Agriculture is the major activity and the output has been at high level with the guaranteed irrigation in some part of the district. Rice, legumes, wheat, corn (maize), and mangoes are the principal crops in the east; coal, china clay, and iron-ore deposits are worked in the west. The district’s major industries comprise cotton and silk weaving, rice and oilseed milling, and metal ware and pottery manufacture.
The district is proud to have Viswa Bharati at Santiniketan, the organization established by the Great Nobel Laureate, Kabiguru Rabndranath Tagore, in its province.
Kankali Pith
It is situated in the village, Bengutia, in the station Prantik. The unique temple is surrounded by the hot spring. Devi Kali in the appearance of Devi Kankali is admired in this temple. This temple is believed to be an extremely holy place by the Hindus. A festivity is also held yearly throughout the April. Adjacent to the temple is the there runs the Kopai River. Close to, the temples of Lord Kanchiswar Shiva and Devi Ruru Bhairav be worthy of a visit.
Masanjore
Masanjore is a desired place for a short time tour. The Tilpara Barrage on Mayurakshi is constructed here. The barrage at Masanjore is also identified as Canada Dam. The barrage is 113 ft high 2000 ft long with 21 lock gates which manage the water of Mayurakshi. The dam is enclosed by mount and wood, and perfect spot for outing.The Massanjore Dam was built up in 1955 in Canadian support. It is 34.4 m. elevated and 609.6 m. extended. The Mayurakshi River water is regulated with a series of 21 lock gates. Low green hills around the Massanjore Dam join with the Birbhum’s santhal, or tribal, belt.
Bakreshwar
59 km from Shantniketan and 19 km from Suri by road, Bakreshwar is approachable from both the places.
On the way, you may give a step over to the renowned Mama-Bhagne hill at Dubrajpur. It appears that nature has taken ache to place the gravel here and redecorate the set. This position is dwelling of the Oraon tribes. You may locate numerous hilly caves; one of them somewhat renowned is Baghsuni.
Somewhat close to, there are the temples of Pahareshwar Shiva and Shasan Kali, according to the legend; it is worshipped by the eminent dacoit Raghu. The Mughal Kuthi at Mahanto Para is also a significant place to pay a visit. And the terracotta Shiva temple and Trayodash Ratna temples are worth to visit.
Temple of Nandikeswari
This temple was constructed in 1903. It is 179 km from Howrah. A piece of marble, positioned in between a pipul and banyan tree, is worshipped by the followers. There are also deities of other gods and goddesses. A fair is arranged once a year at some time in autumn. It is thought that the bone of the neckline of Sati cut down at Sainthia which is previously known as Nandipur.
Fullara
Fullara is just 50 km from Bolpur linked with Nanur/ Kirnahar. The myth is that, the lip of Sati cut down at Fullara. There is an old temple with no deity in it. As a substitute there is a piece of tortoise-shaped rock admired by the disciples. A fair is organized yearly in the month of Magh. Labhpur is famous as it is the birth place of Tarasankar Bandopadhyay, renowned novelist of Bengal. For residing here one can make contact with the Labhpur Guest House.
There is a temple of Dharma in close by the village, Bele. Those who are suffering from arthritis come to this village to have a bath in the pool, adjoining to the temple which is believed to have a celestial healing power.
Dubrajpur
Dubrajpur is a little settlement and have a Shiva temple. There are numerous huge rocks in the locality. Two significant rocks are recognized as Mama& Bhagne (Uncle & Nephew).
Hetampur
It is positioned near Dubrajpur, is well-known for the past heritage Rajbari. Here are numerous reservoirs enclosed by lofty palm trees.
8 km from Dubrajpur, the Ranjan Palace, made in the style of Hazarduari of Murshidabad is one of the chief tourist spots here, is a beautiful specimen of art and architecture. Besides the terracotta temple of Dewanji Shiva also draws the attention of the pilgrims.
