Balurghat

Balurghat is the headquarters of the Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal in India. Hili lies a few kilometres from the city of Balurghat. Balurghat has for long been known for its distinguished taste in culture, especially theatre. It is the birth place of Natyacharya Manmatha Ray.GeographyBalurghat is located at. It has an average elevation of 25 metres (82 feet). River Atreyee runs across the city, dividing the city into two disproportionate halves. The heart of the city with all important administrative, cultural and entertainment hubs are situated on the eastern bank of the river. Balurghat city is 105 km away from Malda town.DemographicsIn the 2011 census, Balurghat Urban Agglomeration had a population of 164,593, out of which 82,466 were males and 82,127 were females. The 0–6 years population was 10,349. Effective literacy rate for the 7+ population was 91.66 per cent.India census, Balurghat had a population of 135,516. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Balurghat has an average literacy rate of 88.8%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 92.5% of the males and 85.7% of females literate. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.EconomicsBalurghat is a distribution centre in northern West Bengal. The main goods traded here include rice, jute, sugar cane, and oilseeds.TransportationBalurghat is connected by road to Malda, Siliguri, Kolkata and Raiganj. Balurghat railway station is located on the western bank of River Atrayee. Trains connecting Balurghat to Kolkata directly include Gour Express, Tebhaga Express and Balurghat Howrah bi-weekly Express. Train services also connect Balurghat to Siliguri in the north.