Berachampa

Berachampa (বেড়াচাঁপা Beṛācāⁿpā) is a town in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, best known for Chandraketugarh (চন্দ্রকেতুগড় Candraketugaṛ), a 2,500-year old archaeological site.

The history of Berachampa dates back to almost the 3rd century BC, during the pre-Mauryan era. Chandraketugarh was once an important hub of international maritime trade. It is thought to be a part of the powerful Gangaridai nation mentioned in the ancient Greco-Roman accounts. According to the accounts, Gangaridai was a powerful kingdom whose war elephant forces led to the withdrawal of Alexander the Great from India. The site was later continuously inhabited and flourished through the dynasties of the Shungas, Kushanas, Guptas, Palas and Senas.

There are city buses from Esplanade (Kolkata) to Baduria or Basirhat running via Berachampa. A few of them are listed below:

• 253 from Esplanade via Sealdah Station, Beleghata, Phoolbagan, Kankurgachi, Ultadanga, Sreebhumi, Lake Town, Dum Dum Park, Kestopur, Baguiati, Teghoria, Kaikhali, Airport, Birati More, Michael Nagar, Madhyamgram, Barasat Chapadali More, Kazipara Depot and Deganga.

• 22.66193388.690571 Harua Road railway station (4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Berachampa).  (updated Sep 2022)

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU ^IATA) at Kolkata, about 33 km (21 mi) from Berachampa.

Map of Berachampa

Berachampa is a small town and you may take rickshaws for long distances, otherwise walking is preferable.

• 22.69749788.6884581 Baraha Mihirer Dhipi (Mound of Varahamihira, also known as Khana-Mihirer Dhipi). A mound associated with Varahamihira and Khana. Varahamihira was a famous astronomer and mathematician, and a jewel among Vikramaditya's Navaratna Sabha. It is widely believed that Khana was Varahamihira's daughter-in-law and an accomplished astrologer. However, at some point, either her husband, her father-in-law, a hired hand or possibly Khana herself, cut off her tongue to silence her prodigious talent.  (updated Sep 2022)

Plenty of restaurants and hotels are there in Berachampa including Kreamz, Amio Amore, Taste & Bites etc. All sort of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options are available including Halal foods.

A few hotels and guest houses are there in Berachampa but prior booking might be needed because of limited availability.

• 22.7549988.693421 Kachua. Birthplace of Hindu saint Lokenath Brahmachari (1730–1890) and a famous religious site.  (updated Dec 2022)

• Bangaon

Kolkata ← Barasat ←

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