In Bengali, Nabadwip means 'a collection of nine islands'. Just as its name suggests, Nabadwip is a collection of islands, namely Antardwip (Sri Mayapur), Simantadwip, Rudradwip, Madhyadwip, Godrumdwip, Ritudwip, Jahnudwip, Modadrumdwip, and Koladwip. Situated in the Nadia district of West Bengal, the place is considered to be much sanctified, since it is the birth place of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Nabadwip is visited by thousands of pilgrims belonging to Gaudiya Vaishnavism every year, on the occasion of Sri Navadvipa-mandala Parikrama.The earliest available records of Nabadwip tell us that it was the capital city of Lakshmana Sena of the Hindu Sena Dynasty, around 1179 to 1202 AD. It was then invaded and captured by Baktiyar Khilji, in 1202 AD. The city also serves as a prominent seat of education in India for as long as five centuries. This is the reason that the city was also referred to as the 'Oxford of Bengal'. Nabadwip, as a tourist destination is extremely famous for its religious expeditions. It is visited by a large number of tourists every year, on holidays like Gaura Purnima.
Navadwip was earlier located on the eastern bank of Bhagirathi, along with the rest of the Nadia district. However, as Bhagirathi River changed its course, the city shifted to its western bank. Blessed with numerous old and new temples, the city welcomes people of various sects, like Shaktas, Vaishnavs and Shivaites, with open arms. The month of Agharayan i.e. November (according to Gregorian Calendar) is the best time to visit this place, as during this period, the city gets on into extremely festive and celebration mood with the arrival of the Rash Festival.
Excursions from Nabadwip
Nabadwip is a city of nine islands, situated in West Bengal. Sited at the bank of Bhagirathi, it houses the birth place of Sri Chaitanya, the great social reformer and saint of India. It is also the centre of Vaishnav culture in West Bengal and an ancient seat of Sanskrit studies.
How to reach Nabadwip
Nabadwip is a city located in the Nadia district of West Bengal. As its name says, it is a collection of nine different islands, namely Antardwip (Sri Mayapur), Simantadwip, Rudradwip, Madhyadwip, Godrumdwip, Ritudwip, Jahnudwip, Modadrumdwip, and Koladwip, which together constitute the city. This city is a revered pilgrim place for people adhering to Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Tourists from all over the country come to Nabadwip for religious expeditions.
Tourist Attractions
Nabadwip, more than being famous as a tourist destination, is known for its numerous religious expeditions. The entire city is full of temples - small and big, old and new. People following different sects, like Shaktas, Vaishnavs and Shivaites, often come to this city for religious purposes.
