West Bengal , India

Charida

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About this experience

Charida is a village of 308 skilled mask makers of the celebrated dance form of the region, Chau dance. It is an acrobatic martial art based dance form inscribed in UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This quaint village in the land of red soil is located at the scenic foothills of the Ayodhya Hills, about 5 km from Baghmundi.
The tradition of Chau mask making started in Charida about 150 years back during the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi. The Chau Mask has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag . The vibrant, colourful and elaborate masks convey the vigorous intent of the art form that portrays animals or characters from the epics. One can experience the tedious task of making the elaborate masks from scratch directly from the artists.
A Rural Craft Hub has been developed at Charida by Government of West Bengal's Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises & Textiles, in association with UNESCO.

Available options

Charida

What's included

Mask making materials

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About West Bengal

West Bengal, located in eastern India, is a vibrant state known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical significance. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the serene beauty of the Sundarbans, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural wonders.

Top Attractions

Victoria Memorial

A magnificent marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, now a museum showcasing the history of Kolkata.

Historical 2-3 hours 50 INR (Indian citizens), 500 INR (foreigners)

Sundarbans National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest.

Nature 2-3 days Varies by tour operator

Howrah Bridge

An iconic cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata to Howrah.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this narrow-gauge railway offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Adventure Full day Varies by class and distance

Belur Math

A significant religious site and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, showcasing a blend of Hindu, Christian, and Islamic architectural styles.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rasgulla

Soft, spongy cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup, a popular Bengali sweet.

Dessert Vegetarian

Machh Bhaat

Fish curry served with steamed rice, a staple dish in Bengali cuisine.

Lunch Contains fish

Sandesh

A sweet made from chhena (fresh cheese) and flavored with cardamom or khejur (date palm jaggery).

Dessert Vegetarian

Luchi Aloo Dum

Deep-fried puffed bread served with spicy potato curry.

Lunch Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Tiger safaris in Sundarbans Trekking in Darjeeling Beach visits in Digha Tea tasting in Darjeeling Visiting museums and galleries in Kolkata Attending cultural festivals Boat rides in Sundarbans Swimming in Digha

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit West Bengal as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The winter months are particularly enjoyable with cool temperatures.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bengali
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

West Bengal is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of common scams and petty crimes, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use reputable tour operators and guides

Getting there

By air

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport • 17 km from Kolkata city center
Bagdogra Airport • 12 km from Siliguri city center

By train

Howrah Station, Sealdah Station

By bus

Esplanade Bus Terminal, Howrah Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and affordable, but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kolkata (Downtown) New Town Salt Lake

Day trips

Digha

180 km from Kolkata • Full day

A popular beach destination known for its golden sands and relaxed atmosphere.

Murshidabad

220 km from Kolkata • Full day

A historic city known for its palaces, mosques, and the famous Hazarduari Palace.

Shantiniketan

160 km from Kolkata • Full day

A university town known for its artistic and cultural heritage, founded by Rabindranath Tagore.

Festivals

Durga Puja • October Kolkata Film Festival • November-December

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Bengali to enhance your interaction with locals.
Carry small denominations of currency for local purchases and tips.
Use apps like Uber and Ola for convenient and reliable taxi services.
Plan your visits to major attractions during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience, but choose busy stalls for better hygiene.