Bhukailash Temples
ভূকৈলাস মন্দির
Also known as Bhukailash Rajbari.
Twin Shiva temples of 1781 beside a tank, hidden in Kidderpore.
About Bhukailash Temples
Maharaja Joynarayan Ghoshal built his estate in Kidderpore and named it Bhukailash, Kailash on earth. In 1781 he raised two large aatchala temples side by side on the bank of a tank, each holding a tall Shiva linga; they are named Rakta Kamaleshwar and Krishna Chandreshwar. A temple to the family deity stands in the old rajbari courtyard nearby.
Why visit
Eighteenth-century temples older than most of colonial Calcutta, almost unknown outside the neighbourhood.
What to see and do
- The twin aatchala temples and their lingas
- The tank (Shiv Ganga) in front
- The Nandi statues
Plan your visit
- Area
- Kidderpore, South Kolkata
- Nearest landmark
- Karl Marx Sarani, Kidderpore
- Best time
- Morning or evening. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
- Time needed
- About 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Entry
- An active place of worship that admits visitors; its own rules apply. An active temple complex open to visitors; hours are not currently verified.
- Train
- Khidirpur (Circular Railway)
- Getting there
- Buses along Diamond Harbour Road and Karl Marx Sarani stop at Kidderpore.
- Walking
- Little walking
- Photography
- Photography is fine with some care.
Tip
Shivaratri draws big crowds; other days are quiet.
Nearby and related places
- Alipore Zoological Garden: India’s oldest formally established zoo, opened in 1875.
- Sibtainabad Imambara: The tomb of Wajid Ali Shah, the exiled last Nawab of Awadh.
- Alipore Jail Museum: The old central jail, where freedom fighters were held, turned into a museum.
- National Library of India: The country’s largest library, in the grounds of Belvedere House.
- Agri-Horticultural Society Gardens: A walled garden founded by William Carey’s society, known for winter flower shows.
More guides
- Heritage places in Kolkata
- Places of worship to visit
- Hidden gems of Kolkata
- Free places to visit in Kolkata
- All places to visit in Kolkata
Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.