Ilambazar

Ilambazar or Illambazar (ইলামবাজার Ilāmbājār) is a lesser-known town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, on the way from Durgapur to Santiniketan.

Ilambazar (EE-lahm-BAH-jahr) was a major trade centre on the Ajay River because to its strategic location at the road junction. Both the British and the French established factories at Ilambazar in the late 18th century. However, it was the British who assumed control over the whole Birbhum in 1786.

In the mid-19th century, John Erskine of Ilambazar was one of the leading sugar manufacturers and exporters in the area. Ilambazar was once a significant area for indigo cultivation, traces of which can still be found. The Erskine family also had indigo factories.

• 23.62305687.5891671 Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park. 10AM–4PM (closed Wed). The only fossil park in West Bengal. The fossils are laid out in a manicured lawn surrounded by pathways separated by hedge walls. Bilingual boards narrate the details of not only the fossils, but also about the process of fossilisation. The fossils displayed are trunk portions of angiosperm (flowering plants). ₹10 for students, ₹5 for children.  (updated May 2023)

There are three temples in Ilambazar with beautiful terracotta designs.

• 23.62710887.5386892 Gouranga Mahaprabhu Temple.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 23.62559287.5350563 Lakshmi Janardan Temple.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 23.62518187.5347924 Rameshwar Shiva Temple.  (updated Jul 2026)

• 23.64018687.6183451 Jiraan The Retreat, ☏ +91 93335 10012, +91 93320 83644, +91 97485 17101. ₹700-1,500.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 23.66829187.6156522 Raktokorobi Karugram (রক্তকরবী কারুগ্রাম Roktokorobī Kārugrām), Ruppur, ☏ +91 9903392484. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 10AM. There are 9 AC duplex huts, all designed traditionally so that visitors can feel at one with the natural space around them and to promote local artistry. The duplex huts have been created using mud, and murals have been painted by various tribal artists. Each cottage has a living room, a bedroom, a changing room, a bathroom, and an open terrace. The multicuisine restaurant serves quality Indian and Chinese dishes. Parking and driver's accommodation free. ₹3500.  

• 23.62046687.5380411 Illambazar Police Station.  (updated Jul 2026)

• Dubrajpur
• Rajnagar
• Suri