Achipur (Chinese Temple) | Budge Budge | West Bengal |

Achipur (Chinese Temple) | West Bengal |

Achipur, a hamlet on the banks of the Hooghly, is just like any other Bengal village. But 300 years ago, this village, 30 km from Taratala, bustled with activity and was dominated by the Chinese people . This was the first Chinese settlement in the country. On every Chinese New Year’s Day and for the rest of that month, Achipur turns into a mini Chinatown. Thousands gather at the Chinese temple here, especially on Sundays, to celebrate the new year. Recently the members of Kolkata’s Chinese community have pooled in nearly 50 lakh rupees to restore the temple and build boarding and lodging facilities for the community. East India Company documents show that a Chinese trader called Atchew Tong sailed into the village in the second decade of the 18th century and settled down. Others soon followed him. Atchew started a sugar plantation attached with a mill in the village.

Best  Time To Visit

The best time to visit this place is during the 2nd week of February that is during the celebration of Chinese New Year. During this period a fair is held which is visited by a major part of the Chinese community. At that time, you can also get a glimpse of Chinese culture.

How To Reach

Achipur is situated at a distance of 33 kilometers from Kolkata and can be easily reached by bus. The buses of route No. 77 depart from Esplanade and the journey takes around 2 hours. You need to get down at the bus stop called Boro Battala and from there, walk 15 minutes to Chinamantala, which is an ancient temple site. A journey by car takes less than an hour to reach the place through Budge Budge Road.

What To Do

The Chinese temple which was built long ago by the Chinese people is the main attraction of this place. The temple has typical Chinese wooden carvings and Chinese deities, Khuda and Khudi, are worshipped here. The place offers a grand view of the river. A walk along the bank of the river lined with banyan trees to enjoy the river view to the fullest. One can spend some time at the ‘Budge Budge Ferry Ghat’ & watch the ships crossing the Hooghly. The Ferry Ghat of Budge Budge is also historically significant because Swami Vivekananda landed here when he returned from his Chicago trip.

Places Near Achipur

BURUL BIRD SANCTUARY

Burul is a riverside village just 15 km from Bawali Farmhouse. Each year from June to September thousands of storks, cranes, and commorants flock here to nest and raise their children. Burul becomes a bird watcher’s paradise during this season. A nesting site of this dimension is a rare sight so near to Kolkata.

BAROOD GHAR

Ships traveling towards Kolkata from Bay of Bengal carrying gunpowder had to deposit their stock in these storehouses called Barood Ghar located beside River Ganges. During British rule, ships were only allowed to carry 100 lbs of gunpowder with them for emergency calls and signaling. During their return journey, the ships would collect their deposits from this Barood Ghar on the banks of the river.

BAWALI RAJBARI

It was during the early 17th century, Basudeb Ray a prominent official of the Mughal Court of Emperor Akbar was bestowed the land ownership of the area of Bawali. His descendant Harananda Mondal was one of the earliest to found the Zamindari at Bawali with the help of the Bawali tribesmen. Today, this 300-year old palatial Bawali Rajbari spread over three acres of land and graced by ponds and gardens is being meticulously renovated to become a heritage hotel. The Bawali Rajbari is built around a lush courtyard with Corinthian pillars lining the verandah.

BORO KACHARI

At Boro Kachari pilgrims come in thousands to a wish-fulfilling sacred Peepal tree. Believers take a dip in the nearby pond and circumambulate the tree with deep devotion. Newborn babies are brought to the tree with wishes for their health and a long life ahead.

RAIPUR RIVERSIDE

The riverside road from Raipur to Burul is a splendid drive along the banks of River Ganges called Hooghly River. This five-kilometer stretch crosses few villages, piers and stooping Banyan trees along the river. Stop for a time to witness fisherman casting their nets and the passing country boats and mammoth cargo vessels.

GOPINATH JIU TEMPLE

The ruins of this nine-domed (Navratna) temple built in 1794 is one of the finest examples of Bengal’s temple architecture. Now in ruins, this temple is accompanied by a Jhulan Mancha, Rash Mancha and a Nat Mandir. It is said, that Rani Rashmoni’s famous Dakshineshwar Temple was inspired from this temple in Bawali.

Where To Stay

Pujali Municipal Guest House

Budge Budge Municipality 
Contact No : 033-24822267 / 033-24820252 
Website : http://pujalimunicipality.in