(27) Chandraketugarh:

Chandraketugarh is north - east of Kolkata. The history of Chandraketugarh dates back to almost the 3rd Century B.C., during the pre-Mauryan era. Proof of civilization is Chandraketugarh is located in the district of North 24 Parganas, only 38 Km Maurya and Palas are found here. Historians identify this site with the ancient Gangaridai mentioned by the Greek traveller, Megasthenes, in his work 'Indika'.

Many relics and artifacts of the past including Kharoshi script, prayer hall, idols of gods and goddesses, terracotta panel, utensils and other articles of daily use have been excavated from this place. People interested in ancient time history. Many ruined old temples, fort, mosques are still visible here. Chandraketugarh is an archaeological site located on the banks of Bidyadhari River. Baraha Mihirer Dhipi The place is about 50 km from Kolkata. Baraha-Mihirer Dhipi or Khana-Mihirer Dhipi is an archeological site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The place was once an important center of the Gupta Empire. Ruins of temples built during the Gupta period have been excavated here.

 

Another attraction of Chandraketugarh is an incomplete mosque which is located at Haroa. Haroa was the home of the legendary Pir Gorachand.  According to local myth, Sun God ordered Pir Gorachand to construct a mosque but the condition was that it should be constructed in one day, from one sun rise to another rise. Followers of Pir Gorachand tried very hard but the mosque was not completed. Till today, the mosque is incomplete.
There is another famous mosque at Haroa, Lal Masjid Darga of Pir Gorachand is located near the Haroa bus stop.

How to Reach:

Situated at a distance of 50 km from Kolkata, Chandraketugarh is good picnic spot Chandraketugarh is located in the Kolkata-Basirhat-Barasat route. From Barachampa, local modes of transport are available. Buses are plying between Esplanade, Ultadanga and Barachampa in regular intervals. Or Buses are plying from Kolkata to Basirhat. Chandraketugarh is a little distance towards Haroa from Berachampa.