Balurghat is the headquarters of the Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal in India. Hili (Bangladesh border) lies few kilometers from the heart of the city.
HOW TO REACH
By Road:-
The town of Balurghat is connected by road to places such as Kolkata and Siliguri and one reach the place easily using buses and taxis.
By Rail:-
The New Jalpaiguri station is the nearest major railhead and this is the best bet for travelers who are planning to reach the place by rail. Trains are economical and this is the most comfortable way to travel. The station is well connected to several Indian cities. Trains from places such as, New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati pass through the station. Second Class tickets from New Delhi to Jalpaiguri cost around Rs 440. Taxis are available from the station to the town of Balurghat.
By Air:-
The nearest major airport is situated at a distance of around 290 kilometers near the town of Siliguri. The Bagdogra Airport is situated outside the town of Siliguri and serves the region. The place is well connected to many Indian cities and this includes places such as Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai. There are a few international flights from places such as Bangkok and Paro as well. Taxis are available at the airport and these can be used to reach the place easily. They charge a base rate of around Rs 7 per kilometer.
WHAT TO SEE
Balurghat College Museum:-
Balurghat College Museum is a small public museum located within the premises of Balurghat College, the district headquarters of South Dinajpur District. The museum has  a few stone inscription that belongsto the early medieval period and the 11th century inscription of Nayapala from Gangarampur. The museum also includes antique collections like ornamental stones, terracotta artefacts, coins and sculptures of the Pala-Sena period. Two of the inscriptions that have been deciphered, reveals the religious beliefs of the Pala period.
Bollakali Temple:-
The Bollakali Temple is located in the Bolla village that lies on the Balurghat-Malda Highway, which is 20 km from Balurghat. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and Kali Puja is conducted in this shrineevery Fridayafter ‘Rash Purnima.’ A fair also takes place on this occasion, for three days. During this time, the temple is visited by thousands of devotees from different parts of the district.
Sarongbari:-
The small forest of Sarongbari is popular as a picnic spot. It is almost 20 km from Balurghat. Though there is no provision for accommodation, the forest provides drinking water supply and small huts to the tourists.
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Hili:-
Hili is mainly known for its beautiful landscapes. It is situated near the India-Bangladesh border at a distance of 25 km from Balurghat.
Patiram Thakur Estate:-
The Patiram Thakur Estate is situated on the Balurghat-Malda State Highway, along the banks of River Atreyee. It is one of the popular places of Balurghat and houses old buildings that bear the memories of the Tagore family.
Tapan Dighi:-
Tapan Dighi is a huge lake that is located at Tapan around 35 km north-west of Balurghat. The lake has a breadth of about a kilometre and a length of about 2 km. On the northern bank, a dilapidated mound is situated which dates back to the time of Lord Buddha. According to legends, the lake was dug by King Laxman Sen in order to offer ‘Tarpana’ for his ancestors.
Bangarh:-
Bangarh is located at a distance of about 45 km from Balurghat. The place has historical significance, as numerous excavations have unearthed several archaeological ruins and icons, especially from the Mauryan period to the Muslim period. In fact, during the Gupta period, Bangarh was the capital of the district of Koti Barsha in erstwhile ‘Pundra Vardhana Bhukti Pradesh’ or North Bengal. The list of ancient remnants discovered here includes manuscript of King Naipala of 11th century, statue of century, pillars of an old Vishnu temple, walls of buildings, statues and other small objects.
Khanpur:-
Khanpur lies on the Patiram-Trimohini Road, at a distance of 18 km from Balurghat. The place is mainly known for the historical Tebhaga Movement. The Tebhaga Movement took place in 1946 and the movement was raised by the sharecroppers for establishing their crops’ share at 75-percentage.
FOOD:-
Fish and Rice are traditional staple Bengali diet, there is a famous saying, ‘Machhe y bhate bangali’, which means Fish and rice make a bengali. Vegetables and lentils served with rice with an emphasis on fish. Known for its subtle flavours, which can be fiery at sometimes and also for its huge spread of sweets and desserts, Bengalis are big foodies. Bengali cuisine traditionally has a multi-course style of serving which is very similar to French cuisine, where food is served one by one in courses rather than all at once.