WBTDC Bishnupur Tourist Lodge, Bankura (132 kms from Kolkata), now the headquarters of the subdivision of the same name in Bankura district, is a seat of terracotta architecture, crafts and culture. For almost a thousand years it was the capital of the Malla kings of Mallabhum, of which Bankura was a part, till their power waned during the times when Mughal rule weakened under the last monarchs of that dynasty.

The patronage of Malla king Veer Hambir and his successors Raja Raghunath Singha and Veer Singha made Bishnupur one of the principal centers of culture in Bengal. Most of the exquisite terracotta temples, for which the town is justly famous, were built during this period. Apart from the unique architecture of the period, Vishnupur is also famous for its terracotta craft and its own Baluchari saris made of tussar silk. Royal patronage also gave rise to Vishnupuri gharana (school) of Hindustani classical music and the Vishnupur school of painting.