Happy TravellerWelcome to Suri, a city located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. This charming city is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations, but it boasts a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique local specialties that make it a hidden gem worth exploring.
Suri is located at an average elevation of 71 meters and is situated on the extended part of Chota Nagpur Plateau. The city is well-connected to major towns and cities like Kolkata, Durgapur, and Bolpur through roadway and rail transport. The Siuri Railway Station is a model railway station and connects Suri directly with places like Howrah, Kolkata, Bardhaman, Durgapur, and many more.
History buffs will appreciate Suri’s rich past. Prior to the British colonization, Suri was a small village. However, the British colonists chose Suri as the district headquarters of Birbhum, probably owing to convenience of transport and communication. During the early years of the British rule, Bishnupur and Birbhum were administered from Murshidabad. Then, a new district was formed joining Birbhum and Bishnupur, and Suri was made the headquarters.
Suri’s economy is primarily driven by rice milling, cotton and silk weaving, and furniture manufacturing. In addition, a private Kolkata-based firm, Ramsarup Group, unveiled a proposal for large-scale investment in a greenfield power plant and cement manufacturing plant worth Rs 2200 crores (US$550 million) was submitted to the Government of West Bengal. Bakreshwar Thermal Power Plant is around 12 kilometers away from Suri town.
As of the 2011 Indian Census, Suri had a total population of 1,06,789. The town is well-known for its religious harmony and is home to many famous temples, mosques, and churches. The Radha Damodar temple, a majestic aatchala dedicated to Damodar, the other name of Shiva, is the oldest and the finest temple in Suri town. The town is also famous for a special sweetmeat called Murabba & Achar (fruits/vegetables preserved in sugar syrup) which comes in a wide number of varieties, including Murabba of Satamooli.
Suri is a great destination for education as well. Colleges in Suri include Birbhum Mahavidyalaya and Suri Vidyasagar College, both affiliated to the University of Burdwan. Birbhum Institute of Engineering & Technology and Sri Ramakrishna Shilpa Vidyapith, also known as L. C. College provide technical education.
Overall, Suri is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich past, trying out local specialties, or simply enjoying the scenic landscapes, Suri has something for everyone. So why not add Suri to your travel bucket list and discover this charming city for yourself?
