Āsansol, India

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Āsansol, India

Region: West Bengal


Geographic Coordinates: 23.680000, 86.990000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Varied.
Population: 563917
Language: Bengali

Asansol is a city in West Bengal, India, Known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The Kalyaneshwari Temple and Nehru Park are popular attractions. Asansol has a history of coal mining but has shifted towards steel manufacturing and textiles. The city also boasts several educational institutions offering quality education to students from all over India. Asansol’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage with influences from Bengali and North Indian cuisine. Popular dishes include macher jhol, Chholar dal, Luchi with alur dom. Asansol has good connectivity with major cities like Kolkata through railroads and highways via the Asansol Railway Station.

Overall, Asansol offers tourists an opportunity to experience traditional Indian culture while also providing modern amenities for those looking for comfort during their stay.



Important Landmarks

  1. Kalyaneshwari Temple
  2. Nehru Park
  3. Maithon Dam
  4. Burnpur Riverside Promenade
  5. Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple
  6. Satabdi Park
  7. Piyala Kalibari Temple
  8. Joychandi Pahar
  9. Kazi Nazrul Islam Park
  10. Garh Panchkot Fort and Temples

Primary Industries

  1. Coal mining: Asansol is renowned for its coal mining industry, which is the primary source of employment in the region.
  2. Steel industry: The city boasts several steel plants like SAIL’s IISCO Steel Plant and ECL’s Burnpur plant.
  3. Railways: Asansol serves as an essential railway junction that connects Kolkata to other parts of the country.
  4. Power generation: The city houses multiple power plants such as Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL).
  5. Cement manufacturing: A few cement manufacturing companies operate in Asansol, including ACC Ltd and Burnpur Cement Limited.
  6. Textile industry: There are some textile mills located in the city that produce fabrics and garments.
  7. Automobile industry: Several automobile dealerships sell cars, bikes, and other vehicles in Asansol.
  8. Education sector: The city has numerous schools, colleges, and universities catering to students from across India.
  9. Retail sector: Many retail stores sell various products ranging from food items to electronics goods within Asansol.
  10. Healthcare sector: Several hospitals provide medical services to people residing in the area as well as nearby regions.

Noteable History

  1. The Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, established in 1950, is one of India’s largest locomotive manufacturing units and a major contributor to Asansol’s economy.
  2. The Bengal Iron Works, founded by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, played a significant role in transforming Asansol into an industrial hub during the 19th century.
  3. Kazi Nazrul Islam spent a significant part of his life in Asansol and is considered one of its most notable residents due to his accomplishments as a poet, writer, and musician.
  4. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Asansol during his struggle for Indian independence and addressed public gatherings here.
  5. Mahatma Gandhi also visited Asansol during his nationwide tour to mobilize support for Indian independence.
  6. Jitendra Nath Roy was born in Asansol and played an active role as a prominent freedom fighter from Bengal during India’s struggle for independence.
  7. Sushil Kumar Dhara was a renowned Bengali author who hailed from Asansol and wrote extensively on social issues affecting rural India.
  8. Swami Vivekananda delivered lectures on spirituality and social reform during several visits to Asansol.
  9. Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s Brahmo Samaj movement had significant impact on religious reforms across Bengal including areas around present-day Asansol.
  10. Maharishi Debendranath Tagore (1817-1905) founded Shantiniketan which later became Visva-Bharati University; he was a great social and religious reformer who played an important role in the cultural and educational development of Bengal.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Nehru Park
  2. Kalyaneshwari Temple
  3. Maithon Dam
  4. Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple
  5. Burnpur Riverside Park
  6. Satabdi Park
  7. Dishergarh Power Supply Company Museum
  8. Joychandi Pahar Wildlife Sanctuary
  9. Sarbamangala Temple
  10. Asansol Science Centre and Planetarium



Cultural Events

  1. Durga Puja is the most celebrated festival in Āsansol, held in October. The city comes alive with pandals, lights, music and dance.
  2. Kali Puja is an important religious festival celebrated during Diwali to worship Goddess Kali.
  3. Bhai Phonta is a unique festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters where sisters apply tilak on their brother’s forehead as a symbol of love and respect.
  4. Chhath Puja is a popular Hindu festival observed by some communities in Āsansol which involves offering prayers to the Sun God for good health, wealth and prosperity.
  5. Basant Panchami marks the beginning of spring season when people worship Goddess Saraswati to seek her blessings for success & wisdom.
  6. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims at end of Ramadan fasting month with prayers at mosques followed by feasting on delicacies such as biryani & kebabs with family & friends.
  7. Holi brings together people from all religions to celebrate this vibrant occasion which signifies victory over evil forces through colors, sweets, music & dance.
  8. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is an auspicious day where siblings exchange gifts, sweets along with tying sacred thread called ‘Rakhi’ on brother’s wrist which symbolizes love & protection among siblings.

Cuisine

  • Chhappan Bhog: A well-known vegetarian restaurant serving North Indian and South Indian dishes.
  • Biryani House: A must-visit place for biryani lovers, offering delicious biryanis with various meat options.
  • Saffron: A multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Chinese, Continental, and North Indian delicacies.
  • The Yellow Chilli: A fine-dining restaurant that serves contemporary Indian cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Hotel Anandamayee: Famous for its Bengali sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi.
  • Dhaba Express: Known for its Punjabi-style food such as butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori roti.
  • Royal Darbar Restaurant & Banquet Hall: Offers a blend of Mughlai and Bengali cuisine in a luxurious ambiance.
  • Café Coffee Day: One of the most popular coffee chains in India with several outlets in Āsansol serving coffee-based beverages along with snacks and sandwiches.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Nehru Park
    2. Kulti Park
    3. Burnpur Riverside Park
    4. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works Sports Complex
    5. Satabdi Park
    6. Children’s park in Mohishila Colony
    7. Narsingh Bandh Wildlife Sanctuary
    8. Maithon Dam and Lake for boating and fishing activities
    9. Joychandi Pahar for trekking and adventure sports
    10. Gopalpur Zoo for wildlife viewing and bird watching

    Suitcase

    Experience The Extraordinary.


Explore more:

Zhuangyuan, China

Reading Time: 4 minutes Zhuangyuan, China Region: Guangxi Geographic Coordinates: 37.305600, 120.827000 Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F) Population: 626683 Language: Zhuang Zhuangyuan is a small town in the southwestern part of China, Located in Yunnan province. It sits at an elevation

Read More »

Baoding, China

Reading Time: 6 minutes Baoding, China Region: Hebei Geographic Coordinates: 38.867100, 115.484000 Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F) Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Baoding, China vary throughout the year. Population: 11860000 Language: Mandarin Baoding is a city located in the Hebei

Read More »

Tangalla, Sri Lanka

Reading Time: 9 minutes Tangalla, Sri Lanka Region: Southern Geographic Coordinates: 6.016700, 80.783300 Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Tangalla, Sri Lanka vary throughout the year. Population: 72500 Language: Sinhala Tangalla, Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Is a hidden gem that

Read More »

Jacmel, Haiti

Reading Time: 4 minutes Jacmel, Haiti Region: Sud-Est Department Geographic Coordinates: 18.235300, -72.536700 Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F) Climate: Seasonal variations in Jacmel, Haiti’s climate and weather patterns. Population: 137966 Language: Haitian Creole Jacmel is a picturesque coastal town situated in

Read More »

Conselheiro Lafaiete, Brazil

Reading Time: 6 minutes Conselheiro Lafaiete, Brazil Region: Minas Gerais Geographic Coordinates: -20.660000, -43.785800 Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F) Population: 116512 Language: Portuguese Conselheiro Lafaiete is a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Located about 100 kilometers from the state capital of

Read More »

León, Nicaragua

Reading Time: 7 minutes León, Nicaragua Region: León is located in the department of León Geographic Coordinates: 12.434400, -86.877500 Temperature Range: 22.0°C to 35.0°C (72°F to 95°F) Climate: Seasonal. Population: 174051 Language: Spanish León, Located in the northwest region of Nicaragua, Is a vibrant

Read More »