Kharagpur, India
Region: West Bengal
Geographic Coordinates: 22.330200, 87.323700
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 207604
Language: Bengali
Kharagpur is a city located in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is situated on the banks of Kharagpur Lake, Which adds to its serene beauty. The city is famous for being home to one of the largest railway workshops in India and also for hosting the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The history of Kharagpur dates back to ancient times when it was a small village surrounded by dense forests. However, With time, It developed into a bustling town with an industrial and educational hub.
The British established a railway workshop in Kharagpur during their colonial rule which played a significant role in shaping its growth. Kharagpur has emerged as an important center for education and research due to the presence of IIT-KGP. Apart from IIT-KGP, There are several other prestigious institutions located here such as Vidyasagar University, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Indian Institute Of Science Education And Research (IISER), Etc., Making it an educational hub. The city’s economy largely depends on industries such as iron and steel manufacturing, Cement production, Automobile components manufacturing among others.
It also houses many small-scale industries that provide employment opportunities for locals. One cannot miss visiting some popular tourist spots while visiting Kharagpur such as Jhargram Palace which boasts stunning architecture dating back to 1931; Deulghata Temple Complex housing ancient temples; Durga Temple known for its beautiful terracotta work; Belpahari Forest Reserve offering breathtaking views amidst lush greenery; etc. In terms of transportation facilities, Kharagpur is well-connected to other cities by road, Rail and air. The city has its own railway station which is one of the busiest in India and connects it to major cities across the country.
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata which is approximately 134 km away. Kharagpur offers a perfect blend of history, Culture, Education and industrial development making it an interesting place to visit or reside in. Its serene beauty amidst bustling industries and educational institutions makes it unique in its own way.
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur – one of the premier engineering institutes in India.
- Kala Bhavan – a center for art and culture that houses an art museum, library, and various galleries.
- Hijli Detention Camp – a historical site that was used as a detention camp during India’s struggle for independence.
- Khargeswar Temple – a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Nehru Museum of Science and Technology – a museum showcasing various scientific exhibits and models.
- Belda College Museum – a museum showcasing the history and culture of West Bengal.
- Subarnarekha River Barrage – a dam built across the Subarnarekha River for irrigation purposes.
- Ghatsila Waterfall- A beautiful waterfall located near Kharagpur which is surrounded by lush greenery making it perfect for nature lovers to visit this place.
- Tatanagar Junction Railway Station- A railway station with unique architecture that was designed by British architects back in 1928.
- Khargapur Lake- A serene lake located near IIT campus where tourists can enjoy boating or have picnic with family/friends.
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
- Tata Steel
- South Eastern Railway
- Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited (HEC)
- Midnapore Medical College and Hospital
- National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kharagpur
- BSNL Telecom Factory
- Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
- Hindustan Unilever Limited
- L&T Construction
Apart from these, there are also several small-scale industries such as textile mills, paper mills, cement factories, food processing units etc., which contribute to the economy of the city and provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as people from neighboring towns and villages.
- The Kharagpur Railway Workshop was established by the British government in 1900 and became one of the largest railway workshops in Asia.
- India’s first IIT, located in Kharagpur, was established in 1951 and has become a premier engineering institute.
- Satyajit Ray, a renowned filmmaker and writer, spent his childhood in Kharagpur where his father worked at the railway workshop.
- During India’s freedom struggle against British rule, many activists from Kharagpur played important roles including Jatindra Nath Das who died during a hunger strike while imprisoned by the British.
- The Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala court case took place in 1973 challenging constitutional amendments made by Indira Gandhi’s government that threatened fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to Indian citizens.
- Dinesh Gupta Memorial Park is dedicated to Dinesh Gupta who was hanged for his involvement in revolutionary activities against British rule.
- Established in 1905, Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Institute is one of the oldest polytechnic institutes in India and has produced many notable engineers over its history.
- Khudiram Bose Memorial Museum commemorates Khudiram Bose’s life and legacy as a revolutionary freedom fighter executed at age 18 for attempting to assassinate a British judge named Kingsford while still a teenager.
- Built during colonial times by the British, BNR Hotel & Guest House Complex was one of the most luxurious hotels in India and has hosted many notable guests including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore.
- Nehru Museum of Science and Technology
- Hijli Detention Camp Memorial
- Kala Bhavana Art Center
- Shahid Khudiram Bose Museum
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Campus
- Jhargram Raj Palace
- Ram Mandir Temple
- Sitanath Mandir
- Keshiari Raj Palace
- Kangsabati Dam
- Cricket
- Football (soccer)
- Hockey
- Kabaddi
The town has a number of local clubs that organize regular tournaments and matches for these sports. Some of the clubs include:
- Kharagpur Sports Association
- Kharagpur Youngsters Club
- Kharagpur Athletic Club
Additionally, there is an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) located in Kharagpur which has its own sports facilities and teams that compete at inter-collegiate events across India.
- Kharagpur Winter Festival is a yearly celebration held in December, featuring cultural events, food stalls, and entertainment activities.
- Durga Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Kharagpur with great devotion and enthusiasm during September or October.
- Diwali is another important Hindu festival that is celebrated with much fanfare and excitement in Kharagpur.
- Saraswati Puja takes place every year in January or February to worship the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom – it’s a significant cultural event for the people of Kharagpur.
- Holi is an Indian festival that celebrates spring’s arrival with colors, water balloons, sweets, and dance performances – it’s a vibrant event enjoyed by many in Kharagpur.
- Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan month for Muslims; it’s observed with feasting, prayers and exchanging gifts among friends and family members – an important celebration for Muslim residents of Kharagpur.
- Christmas celebrations are also observed by Christians living in Kharagpur; churches are beautifully decorated with lights while hymns are sung all night long on 24th December to welcome Jesus Christ’s birth anniversary on 25th December each year.
- Kharagpur is known for its Special Biryani, which can be found in various local restaurants.
- Annapurna Dosa Centre is a famous spot for dosas in Kharagpur, but there are many other places to try this popular dish.
- Chhena Poda is a sweet dessert made from cottage cheese and is a must-try when visiting Kharagpur.
- Tandoori chicken is a delicious dish served in many local restaurants throughout the city.
- Samosas are available at numerous street vendors and small shops around Kharagpur as a popular snack option.
- Chatpata Chaat, another street food favorite, can be found at various stalls throughout the city.
- Punjabi Thali with dishes like dal makhani and paneer butter masala can be enjoyed at several Punjabi restaurants in Kharagpur.
- Chinese cuisine has also become increasingly popular in India, with many restaurants offering dishes like fried rice, noodles, and manchurian in Kharagpur as well. Some of the most popular dining spots serving these dishes include The Yellow Chilli, Hotel Suman, New Delhi Restaurant, The Veggie Kitchen and Ananda Bhavan Sweets & Snacks.
- Nehru Park is a popular park in Kharagpur that features a children’s playground, walking tracks, and a small lake.
- The campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is open to the public and offers various facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and a gymnasium.
- The Mini Zoo located near Nehru Park houses several species of animals including deer, rabbits, and birds.
- Balarampur Lake is a beautiful lake situated about 10 km from Kharagpur that offers boating facilities.
- Belda Garh Jungle Safari located approximately 20 km from Kharagpur offers jeep rides through the forest to spot wildlife such as tigers and leopards.
- Jhargram Palace located around 50 km from Kharagpur in Jhargram town is surrounded by lush green forests offering activities such as elephant rides and bird watching.
- Hijli Eco-Park is a nature park situated near IIT Kharagpur that features walking trails through forested areas along with bird watching opportunities.
- Khargeswar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the outskirts of Kharagpur in serene surroundings surrounded by lush greenery providing peace to visitors who come here for worship or meditation purposes.
