Tarapith, in West Bengal, attracts pilgrims and spiritual seekers all year round. This guide will help you find the nearest railway stations to Tarapith, making your pilgrimage easy and stress-free.
Where is Tarapith?
Tarapith is a small temple town located near Rampurhat town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. It is situated on the banks of the Dwarka River. In fact, Tarapith is only about 6 kilometers away from Rampurhat itself. This means that if you’re traveling to Tarapith, you can use Rampurhat or ‘Tarapith Road’ as your nearest railway stations.
Nearest Railway Stations to Tarapith
To reach Tarapith, you have two main choices for the nearest railway stations to Tarapith. There are two railway stations close to Tarapith: Tarapith Road Railway Station and Rampurhat Junction. Here are the details of each of the stations:
Tarapith Road Railway Station (TPF)
Tarapith Road Railway Station (TPF) is a major railway hub located in Palsa, West Bengal, India. It serves as a gateway to the city’s attractions, including the famous Tarapith Maa Tara Temple, which is around 6 kilometers away. The station is situated on National Highway 60 and falls under the Eastern Railway zone.
- Proximity: Tarapith Road (TPF) Railway Station is the closest rail access point to Tarapith, situated just about 6 kilometers away.
- Connectivity: While not as large as Rampurhat Junction, it offers connectivity to various destinations, making it a convenient choice if proximity is your top priority.
- Train Time Table: You can find the timetable for trains from Howrah to Tarapith Road Railway Station here.
Rampurhat Junction (RPH)
Rampurhat Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in the Eastern Railway zone of India. It is also the largest and busiest railway station in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The station is well-connected to major cities in India, including Kolkata, New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kochi, Surat, Ranchi .
- Wider Range of Trains: As a major railway hub, Rampurhat Junction offers a wider range of trains and express services.
- Distance: Located around 9 kilometers from Tarapith, it’s a bit farther than Tarapith Road Station but may be a better fit if you require more travel options or are coming from a distant location.
- Train Time Table: You can find the timetable for trains from Howrah to Rampurhat Junction here.
Choosing the Right Station
The best station for you depends on your priorities. If proximity is king, Tarapith Road wins hands down. But, if you require a wider variety of trains or are coming from further away, Rampurhat Junction might be a better fit.
How to Reach Tarapith from the Railway Stations
Once you alight at your chosen station, reaching Tarapith is a breeze. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, or shared rickshaws are readily available to cover the remaining distance comfortably.
From Tarapith Road Railway Station (around 6 kilometers)
- Rickshaw: Negotiate fare with an auto-rickshaw or shared rickshaw driver outside the station. It’s budget-friendly and efficient.
- Taxi: Though slightly more costly, taxis offer more comfort, especially with luggage. Prepaid taxis are available at the station or you can hail one.
- Walking: If you’re adventurous and have limited luggage, consider walking. It might take around 45 minutes depending on your pace.
From Rampurhat Junction (around 9 kilometers)
- Shared Rickshaw/Auto-rickshaw: Common and affordable. Look for shared rickshaws heading to Tarapith and negotiate a fare.
- Taxi: Provides a comfortable journey, especially with luggage. Prepaid taxis are at the station or you can find one outside.
- Bus: Inquire at the station for local buses between Rampurhat and Tarapith. This could be budget-friendly.
Booking your train tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons, is recommended to ensure a smooth journey and avoid last-minute hassles.
What to See in Tarapith?
In Tarapith, there are several attractions you can explore:
- Tara Ma Temple: The main attraction, dedicated to the goddess Tara, is visited by devotees from all over India.
- Bamakhepa Temple: This temple is dedicated to the saint Bamakhepa, also known as the “mad saint,” who was a devoted worshiper of Tara Ma.
- Nalhateswari Temple: Situated nearby, this temple is another significant religious site.
- Deul Park: A serene park where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Kankalitala Temple: A temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, known for its historical and religious significance.
- Tarapith Market: Explore the local market for souvenirs, religious items, and local crafts.
These are some of the highlights you can explore during your visit to Tarapith.
Now that you know the nearest railway stations to Tarapith with this handy guide, you’re all set to embark on your spiritual adventure to Tarapith. So, pack your bags, book your train tickets, and get ready for a memorable experience!