Asansol located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, Asansol is the industrial and coal mining city and also the second largest city after Kolkata in the state. A recent report by a non-governmental policy research body of UK, International Institute for Environment and Development has placed Asansol in the list of hundred fastest growing cities of India.
The place has derived its name from the Asan tree which is a different species of tree found on the embankment of river Damodar and Sol-Bhumi or Sol-land which means a land that is loaded with minerals.This heavily industrialized city is well developed with educational institutions, reasonably high per capita income, housing complexes, proper transport connections, trade and commerce, huge work force as well as industries. Although, in recent times, many of the industries are facing extreme hardships, this place has evolved as an important center for trading.History of this place proves that, Australoid and Dravidian were the original inhabitants of this place.
Churulia (17 Km) is hugely famous as the homeland of Bengali poet and freedom fighter Kazi Nazrul Islam. The Nazrul Academy in Churulia preserves calligraphy, medallions and other possessions of the poet. A full week festival is held here every year to celebrate the birthday of the renowned national poet of Bangladesh.
The Kalyaneshwari Temple is famous as the “Temple of the Lady of Fulfillment”. It is just 20 Kms from the Asansol City and is 500 years old. The worshipped deity in the temple is Maa Kalyaneshwari, who is present in the form of Shakti or Goddess Kali.
Nehru Park is located on the banks of River Damodar near Asansol in Burnpur town. This wonderful park provides many facilities like boating, musical fountains and restaurants on the bank of the river. There is a very nominal entry fee for the park and have a straight bus service which drops you at the location. In the past it was known as Riverside Park. There is a major Iron idol of the first PM of our country, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in the park.
Ghabar Buri Chandi Temple is located on Kali Pahadi in Asansol. It is believed that Maa Ghagar Buri is one of the other images of Maa Chandi, the mother Goddess. The Ghabar Buri Chandi temple is located on the banks of a small rivulet, named Nunia.
The Kalyaneshwari Temple is popular as the temple of the Lady of Fulfilment. This temple, which is located some 20 km from the Asansol City is presided over by Maa Kalyaneshwari, who is present in the form of Goddess Kali or Shakti.