Asansol

Located between the Damodar and Ajay rivers in the Paschim Bardhaman District, Asansol is West Bengal’s second-largest city. It is an important industrial centre primarily due to its coal mines and coal industries due to its mineral-rich soil.

One of the best offbeat destinations to take a quick break from the city, Asansol is known for its rich and varied landscape comprising beautiful gardens, temples, museums, and vast lush pastures. One of the most major heritage attractions here is the 500-year-old Kalyaneshwari Temple that’s known to fulfil the wishes of whoever visits it.

Another great heritage site is the Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple located on the Nunia riverside. The mid-18th-century Sacred Heart Church here is quite a majestic sight due to its massive red brick structure, stained glass paintings, and a stunning ‘Our Lady of Lourdes' grotto.

Spend serene and quiet time at the beautifully lush gardens like Satabdi Park and Nehru Park and enjoy boating, musical fountains, or simply just taking long walks in the beautiful environs. Soak yourself in the rich literary atmosphere of Churulia as you celebrate the life of the legendary poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Escape into the stunning beauty of the Maithon Dam and enjoy nature trails and sunrise & sunset views over the vast waters. This is a great place to spot huge herds of deer that use this dam as a watering hole. No trip here is complete without trying authentic Bengali fare consisting of luchis, bhajas, macher jhol, chingri malaikari, and of course rosogulla.

Asansol experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The monsoons season sees heavy torrential rains that bring relief from the heat but also cause extreme humidity making it difficult to be outdoors. The best season to visit here is the winters when the temperatures drop to around 15°C accompanied by a cool breeze and balmy sunshine, perfect to enjoy all the outdoor attractions.