Malda

Forts, architectural marvels, and tales of valour, all in their unique way, bear testimony to the glory that Malda is and was just after it was conceived by the Mauryan Dynasty in 5th Century AD. Located 365 kilometres north of Kolkata, this place was formerly known as English Bazaar in 1771. Once the capital of Gour-Banga the gateway of North Bengal, it is spread over 3456 sq kilometres of land classified into Tal, Diara and Barind popular for attracting explorers and archaeologists round the year. The entire region including the capital cities Gaur and Pandua were part of Pundravardhana empire in the medieval period, which later aggregated with the English Bazaar Town to form present-day Malda. Panini accounted Gourapura town and relics of the Gour kings in the region which dates back its history to the time of Gour Kings in Bengal. This place holds a symbolic record of its history as it had been the witness of several kingdoms that ruled and flourished by successor kingdoms. Puranic texts indicate that the boundary of Gaur was affected since the beginning of its rule by Mauryas after which it was marked by the rulings several kingdoms and empires. Guptas in 7th century AD, the Pala Dynasty in the 8th century, the Sen Kings in 1204 AD and then the Britishers who regained power over the region in after they won Battle of Plassey in 1757.The result of partition in 1947 brought this region to West Bengal for which they celebrate their independence on 17th of August every year.

Gombhira is a socio-religious festival that originated in Malda that celebrates the holy faith of Shiva as it is believed that it brings contentment in this world and salvation in the next. The ceremony is supposedly a pathway to attain particular blessings for his devotees that will purify their soul and guide them on the golden path. The celebrations begin at the end of Choitro (March-April) month marking the end of the agricultural harvest for that year. People wear marks, perform spiritual dance and music, organize feasts to please the deity. It is known by different names in other regions such as Neel-er Jagon in Bangladesh, Gomeera in Jalpaiguri and Shiva Gajon in several southern and western districts of Bengal. But with increasing urbanization in these parts, this art form is dying and now is only observed in very few regions. With changing popular tastes, it is now an almost forgotten tradition in the country.

In addition to a variety of Bengali delicacies, Malda is especially known for its varieties of Mangoes, including Himsagar and Gopalbhog. Summer time travellers can especially benefit as the season offers plentiful fresh fruits. Malda also has excellent Bengali desserts to offer, the most popular ones being- Kansat Chamcham and Rosokadamba. Another delicacy to splurge on is the Aamsatwa (sort of mango pulp cake, dried in the sun) made from mangoes, especially the Gopalbhog mango. Fazli is a rich variety of mango know for its thin peel and substantial size with high pulp content is a signature product of Malda District. Originated in the Eastern region of South Asia it is popularly used in tart varieties, flavours up simple dals and winds up afternoon meals in delicious chutneys. 
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Day 1 - Start off your tour early morning with a rejuvenating stroll in the mango orchards. Explore the ruined city of Pandua later in the day. Visit the Jami Mosque and Qutub Shahi Mosque.
Day 2 - Learn the history of the town in the Malda museum. Proceed to Gaur in the afternoon. Visit the Firoz Darwaza.
Day 3 - Visit the excavated monasteries in Jagjivanpur.

The top places near to Malda are Gangtok which is 263 km from Malda, Darjeeling which is located 225 km from Malda, Santiniketan which is located 154 km from Malda, Kolkata which is located 272 km from Malda, Murshidabad which is located 93 km from Malda

The top things to do in Malda are Dakhil Darwaza, Gour, Firoz Minar, Chamkati Masjid Chika Mosque, Temple of Jauhra Kali, Adina Dear Park. You can see all the places to visit in Malda here

Trains offer the most convenient option to reach Malda from other cities in the country. There are no direct flights to Malda but buses are available from nearby cities.
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In addition to a variety of Bengali delicacies, Malda is especially known for its varieties of Mangoes, including Himsagar and Gopalbhog. Summer time travellers can especially benefit as the season offers plentiful fresh fruits. Malda also has excellent Bengali desserts to offer, the most popular ones being- Kansat Chamcham and Rosokadamba. Another delicacy to splurge on is the Aamsatwa (sort of mango pulp cake, dried in the sun) made from mangoes, especially the Gopalbhog mango. Fazli is a rich variety of mango know for its thin peel and substantial size with high pulp content is a signature product of Malda District. Originated in the Eastern region of South Asia it is popularly used in tart varieties, flavours up simple dals and winds up afternoon meals in delicious chutneys. 
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October, November and March are the best months to visit Malda. Malda experiences a very hot summer and overflowing monsoons. Though summertime doesn't have any issues, the heat may get overwhelming. Monsoon showers are very frequent and often disruptive. Hence, the early winter and early spring season are the ideal time, owing to the comfortable climate and picturesque backdrop. Winters might also serve as a good time to visit, but only if you're a winter climate lover
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Extremely hot in summers. Not very developed. Bad roads in some areas.

Less traffic. Less pollution.