Beautiful terracotta temples are main attraction of Bishnupur, which flourished as the capital of the Malla kings from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. The temples are constructed in a eclectic mix of Bengali, Islamic and Oriya styles. Their intricately detailed facades depict scenes of the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The best of these structures are Jor Bangla, Madan Mohan Temple, the multi-arched Ras Mancha and the elaborate Shyam Rai Temple.
Bishnupur is also famous for its Baluchari silk saris and its pottery, particularly the stylised and much loved terracotta horse.
