Travelers from all around the world are welcome to West Bengal, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and historic landmarks. Explore the vibrant city of Kolkata, the serene Sundarbans, and the picturesque hill stations for an unforgettable journey.
Travelers from all around the world are welcome to West Bengal
How much might a state bordering the powerful Ganges possibly give a wanderlusting soul? We refer to a region as West Bengal if all estimates fail but the variety of land does not. In addition to providing travelers with a full three-course dinner of adventure and sweets of delight, West Bengal tourism offers everything from mountain ranges to sea waves.
Travelers from all around the world are welcome to West Bengal, tangled with the Ganges and situated between the massive Himalayan ranges and the Bay of Bengal’s oceans, offers a territory rich in diverse cultures, faiths, architectural styles, ethnic groups, and landscapes, not to mention its rich history and legacy. With its wide range of colors and year-round desire for more, West Bengal tourism draws a sizable number of visitors each year.
Best Time to Visit West Bengal
Travelers from all around the world are welcome to West Bengal are October through March due to the state’s tropical-humid subtropical climate. The winter season is in full swing during this time, with cold, pleasant weather that is ideal for seaside resorts and hill stations alike.
Things to eat
Restaurants in West Bengal typically serve a variety of cuisines, encompassing not only local fare but also cuisines from around the nation and the globe. While fish is still the region’s staple, Bengal is also well-known for its Chinese cuisine, many North Indian adaptations, and its version of biryani. To acquire the best food on your plate in a place where the streets are renowned for their cuisine, you have to discover its diversity. Originating in Golbari, Shyambazar, Kolkata, Golbari Mutton is a must-have dish for those who are not vegetarians.
Places to visit in West Bengal and Things to do in West Bengal
Travelers from all around the world are welcome to West Bengal offers a range of scenery. While Kolkata, the state capital, and hill towns like Darjeeling and seaside towns like Digha and Tajpur are still the most visited locations in West Bengal, the region also boasts Birbhum, the country of red soils, and a number of other mysterious and unusual locations that are truly breathtaking. For those who are interested, here is a brief guide to West Bengal tourism:
1. Murshidabad
Murshidabad is a crucial region that falls under the purview of West Bengal tourism. This region, which is home to several imambaras, mosques, palaces, and jeels, is well-known for the Nawabs and the British. The neighborhood, which is on the Hooghly River’s eastern bank, is ideal for history buffs and photographers both.
How to reach – Trains to Murshidabad leave virtually daily from Kolkata and Sealdah, taking about 5 to 6 hours to arrive. You can reach it by National Highway 12 as well.
Things to do here: The majestic Hazarduari Palace, also known as the Palace with 1000 Doors, is a tourist attraction. It is situated on a vast 41 acres of land on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. This displays magnificence in the Nawabi style. Constructed on the northern flank of this palace, the massive Nizmat Imambara and Bengal’s largest mosque—after the renowned Siraj-Ud-Daula—are located here. The Footi Mosque is situated on the east side of the palace. Some notable locations that showcase the fusion of Indian, Nawabi, and British lifestyles are Moti Jheel, Wasif Manzil, and numerous more.
2. Dooars
The location serves as an entrance to Bhutan, as suggested by the name, which means “doors” in Bengali. This country, which is connected throughout by Bengal and Assam, is a goldmine for those who enjoy nature and peace of mind. Visitors can explore the customs and rich diversity that West Bengal tourism offers by visiting this home of the indigenous people.
How to reach: Even though there aren’t many trains that connect Dooars to Kolkata (Sealdah Station), one can still make up for it by taking a connecting road or train trip. New Jalpaiguri Junction is the other station, and New Mal Junction is the closest.
Things to do here: When on a jungle safari in the Gorumara National Park, one can see wild rhinos along the way. Chukchuki Bird-Watching Point is a bird watcher’s paradise that caters to everyone’s needs. The Rocky Islands, which provide hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and other activities, are a haven for thrill-seekers. There are many tea estates, woodlands, and rivers along the peaceful roads that lead to the charming villages of Bindu, which are located on the other side of the Indo-Bhutan border.
3. Sundarbans
Not only is the mangrove tree region a popular weekend escape for locals, but it also draws tourists from all over the world because of its boat tours and glimpses of the eerie Royal Bengal Tigers. Surrounded by rivers, this location serves as the meeting point for all wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, offering a tranquil getaway amidst rivers and forests. Part of the world’s largest delta, the Sundarbans has also received designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to reach: The closest train station is Canning. From Kolkata, use the suburban trains to Canning, and then use the road system to get to Namkhana, Sonadighi, and other places where there are boat services to port across the Sundarbans.
Things to do here: In addition to spotting the Royal Bengal Tigers from boats and watchtowers, visitors can witness the fascinating sight of river dolphins swimming through the daylight and
the occasional sighting of the formidable crocodiles peacefully dozing on the banks. The Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary in the Sundarbans, a hub for wildlife enthusiasts, provides opportunities for bird watching. To see the well-known, mysterious, and uncommon phytoplanktons, one can arrange a Night Safari and take a visit of the culturally varied nearby communities.
4. Digha
Situated on the Bay of Bengal’s coast, Digha serves as a popular weekend destination for both locals and visitors from across the country. With a plethora of luxurious resorts, spas, and respectable hotels, the low-cost getaway provides travelers pleasant, tranquil, and relaxing vacations. Traveling is magical in Digha, with its museums, captivating beaches, temples, restaurants, and unique seafood cuisines. Visits can be made by couples, families, friends, or simply by yourself.
How to reach: Digha is a popular destination for the locals despite being 4 hours away from Kolkata. Both roads and trains may get you there. For example, the Duronto Express travels from Kolkata’s Howrah Station to Digha in about two hours and thirty minutes every day.
Things to do here: The several sea beaches, such as Shankarpur Beach, New Digha Beach, Mandarmani, Talasari Beach, Tajpur Beach, and several others, offer a completely different perspective on beach life, and one can stroll around and enjoy them. About 4 miles from Digha, the Udaipur beach offers the area’s most unspoiled natural beauty. For people of all ages, the Jurassic Age Park at the Digha Science Center is a top attraction.
5. Bolpur
Bolpur, the city of music, literature, and art, lies in the Birbhum district, also known as the “land of red soils.” Once a small village, Bolpur was expanded and shaped by the efforts of Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and Rabindranath Tagore, who founded the renowned Shantiniketan and Visva Bharati University. Bangladesh is strangely related to
the homeland of thousands of folklore, folk music, and artists who embody the cultures of Bengal. These are the places where one can find the proper Bengali spirits and aesthetics. The use of terracotta in pottery is one of Bengal’s specializations in the realm of art and crafts. Find the best of them in the Birbhum district and a few other locations. In general, this place draws both domestic and foreign visitors all year long for leisure or educational reasons; however, avoid visiting during the summer months.
How to reach – Bolpur, Shantiniketan, is only a maximum of three hours’ drive from Kolkata, thanks to the many trains that depart daily from Howrah and Sealdah. It takes nearly the same amount of time to get there by car as well.
Things to do here: Bolpur provides an opportunity to experience the traditional side of Bengal. One example of this is the weekly Saturday Khoai Mela, where one may purchase inexpensive locally manufactured crafts. The Kankalitala Temple is a unique site believed to possess great spiritual significance for devotees.
Shayor Bithi Park is a peaceful, tranquil place with lakes, kid-friendly playgrounds, and places to spend afternoons and evenings. It is particularly well-known for the wildly popular Basanta Utsav, which happens there every year around Holi.
6. Kolkata
The pride and heart of the state, formerly called Calcutta, served as the nation’s capital during the British Raj. Thus, virtually every large building in central Calcutta contains remnants of the lineage. With operations dating back to 1902, Kolkata’s tram service is the oldest in Asia and the only one still in existence in India. Bengal is also rich in literature
and other types of art because it is the birthplace of many brilliant people like Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and daring revolutionaries like Subhas Chandra Bose, Aurobindo Ghosh, and many more.
Things to do here: Numerous international viewers attend the state’s film festivals and various other creative events held throughout the year. Explore North Kolkata by hand-pulled rickshaws, reach the central shopping district with its range of inexpensive goods to incredibly expensive antiques by tram, and travel through the southern region using the country’s first metro system. The region is also well-known for its street food and its winding roads lined with colorful old buildings.
7. Darjeeling
Darjeeling, often known as the Queen of Hills, is a beautiful place with Tibetan influences and breathtaking scenery. DL, which touches the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, provides a fantastic view of the Kanchenjunga and other rivers that meander alongside the winding black roads, such the Teesta and Torsha.
How to reach: Due to the Baghdogra airport and the nightly trains that run from Kolkata’s Sealdah Station to New Jalpaiguri station, DL is now easily accessible from all points of the nation, not just Kolkata.
Things to do here: The tallest mountain in DL, Tiger Hill, provides a breathtaking dawn vista in addition to other overlooks including Batasia Loop, which provides a comprehensive perspective of the town. There are several adventure activities accessible, such as river rafting on the Teesta River, short hikes to Sandakphu,
and the opportunity to see the animals in the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Dl which is well-known for its tea farms, is teeming with cafés and restaurants that cater to foodies’ cravings for a wide variety of unique cuisines and savory dishes. Finally, don’t forget to board the Toy Train, which travels on a narrow gauge through breathtaking scenery, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After deciding which locations to visit, hotels and resorts are the most important factors to take into account. With time and evolution, even the most remote locations with very little tourism now offer everything needed for a luxury, safe, and comfortable stay, depending on one’s needs.
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