Kantajew Temple

This significant Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur was started in the mid-18th century by Maharaja Pran Nath and eventually completed with great devotion by his son. It is widely considered one of the most impressive and important religious structures in the entire country, dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna and his beloved consort Rukmini. The true special feature of the temple lies in the tens of thousands of meticulously detailed terracotta panels that completely cover and decorate its outer walls. These unparalleled artworks tell fascinating stories from the famous Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and also vividly depict scenes from the daily rural life of that era. Originally, nine pointed, richly ornamented spires (Navaratna) crowned the majestic structure, but unfortunately, these were completely destroyed in a devastating earthquake in 1897. Visitors can most easily reach this unique monument via a short trip from the city of Dinajpur, which is located about 20 kilometers away. The rain-free dry season in winter is absolutely well-suited for studying and photographing the filigree decorations in clear light.

Nearby cities

Rangpur

One of the major cities in northern Bangladesh, known for its agricultural importance and historical sites like Tajhat Palace.

Dinajpur

A northern city famous for its fine rice and the stunning Kantajew Temple, an outstanding example of terracotta architecture.

Saidpur

An important railway city in northern Bangladesh, home to one of the largest railway workshops in the country.

Gangtok

The modern and clean capital of Sikkim, a hub of Tibetan Buddhism and a gateway to Himalayan adventures.

Rajshahi

Located on the banks of the Padma River, this city is famous for its silk production and educational institutions.

Kalimpong

A serene hill station known for its flower nurseries, Buddhist monasteries, and views of the Teesta Valley.

Naogaon

An administrative center in northern Bangladesh, serving as a hub for the region's agricultural and archaeological sites.

Kolkata

The cultural soul of India, known for its colonial architecture, intellectual traditions, and colorful festivals.

Pelling

A peaceful town in West Sikkim famous for its close-up views of Mount Kanchenjunga and ancient monasteries.

Kushtia

The cultural capital of Bangladesh, famous for being the home of the philosopher-saint Lalon Shah and the poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Jhenaidah

A district in western Bangladesh known for its agricultural diversity and several historical mosques and temples.

Jessore

A historic city in southwestern Bangladesh, known for its date palm juice and as the first district liberated in 1971.

Bhadrapur

Bhadrapur is a tea-trading town in Jhapa District in southeastern Nepal.

Pabna

An important city in western Bangladesh, known for its hosiery industry and mental health hospital.

History & landmarks

Hardinge Bridge

A historic railway bridge over the Padma River, built during the British colonial period.

Lalon Shah's Shrine

A spiritual center in Kushtia dedicated to the famous Bengali Baul singer and philosopher Lalon Shah.

Chele La Pass

The highest motorable pass in Bhutan.

Nature

Teesta River

A major tributary of the Brahmaputra, flowing through northern Bangladesh.

More places

Kantajew Temple

An important 18th-century Hindu terracotta temple in Dinajpur.

Tajhat Palace

A historic palace in Rangpur, built in the early 20th century by a wealthy jeweler.

Ramsagar National Park

This park surrounds a historic man-made lake in the northern part of the country.

Mujibnagar Monument

The monument commemorates the first provisional government of Bangladesh, which was sworn in here in 1971.

Barind Tract

The largest Pleistocene terrace area in northwestern Bangladesh, characterized by drier conditions and red earth.

Puthia Temple Complex

A remarkable cluster of Hindu temples in the Rajshahi Division.

Sundarbans National Park

A vast coastal mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Science City, Kolkata

A large science centre and a major tourist attraction in Kolkata.