Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
A trip to West Bengal involves visits to colonial monuments, hill stations, beaches, wildlife, Trekking, heritage and culture trips, spirituality and more. There are many attractions here that highlight the natural beauty, diverse culture, tradition, architecture and art of this state of India.
You can shop in the local markets for handicrafts, Literature, Dokra metal items, Conch shell bangles, Jute, Jamdani sarees, Kantha embroidered products and terracotta.
Enjoy Bengali cuisine featuring the popular Hilsa, Koi and Tilapia fish, Luchi Alur Dom, Bhetki Macher Paturi, rosogollas, sandesh, puchka, momos and delectable other dishes.
To discover West Bengal, visit these amazing cities…
Kolkata
Table of Contents
Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, was called “City of Joy” by French author Dominique Lapierre for its culture, traditions, food and literature. Old colonial buildings and trams meet the contemporary culture and lifestyle here.
While the religious Durga pooja festival gets every person on his feet celebrating, the city also welcomes modern music festivals with open arms! Some top attractions in this metropolis are:
- Victoria Memorial Hall – 117-year-old colonial architecture
- Eden Gardens – prominent cricket stadium
- New Market –great bargains
- Science City – Theme park
- Mother House – Mother Teresa Memorabilia
- College Street –eateries
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple – pilgrimage centre
- Howrah Bridge – Iconic bridge
- Eco Tourism Park – 7 wonders theme park
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is the perfect place to spend your summer this year. Rolling hills with tea plantations, monasteries, Rhododendrons, a Heritage toy train, grand views of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga and many more sights and activities await you at the foot of the Himalayas!
This hill station welcomes honeymooners as well as families. Adventure junkies can go on trekking expeditions to nearby places. Shopping addicts can buy tea, handmade woolens, Tibetan carpets, jackets, and shawls and curios.
Siliguri
This place is known as the Gateway of the Northeast. Its major attractions are alluring wildlife parks, monasteries, scenic views of the Himalayas and tea gardens. The top attractions here are Bengal Safari Park, Gajoldoba, Kurseong, Sevoke Coronation Bridge and Toribari Monastery,
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is about 60 kilometers from Siliguri. This charming hill is surrounded by snow-clad mountains including the Kanchenjunga. The River Teesta meanders into this place. Lovely spots to visit here are – Crockety – a colonial bungalow, Neora Valley, Deolo Hills and Galingka –a picnic spot.
Sundarbans
It is the world’s largest mangrove area formed by the confluence of the three rivers, Ganga, Meghna and Brahmaputra, reaching the Bay of Bengal. It is a UNESCO heritage site and home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, Rhinos, sloth bear, and various other animals and fauna.
Howrah District
Howrah is the place where the famous Howrah Bridge was constructed on the Hooghly River. Some of the attractions of this place are
- Howrah river and Cantileverbridge
- Bangeshwar Mahadev
- Rail Museum
- Sarad Chandra Kutir
- Belur Math
- Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden
Asansol
This city has the largest coal fields in the country. It is also a land of ancient temples such as Ghagar Buri Chandi Mata temple and Sri Kalyaneswari temple. Check out other attractions such as Galaxy Mall, Sentrum Mall, Susanta Ray Wax Museum, Sentrum and Spandan Recreation Mall to fully explore the city.
Purulia
If you are looking for a break from the concrete jungle, then come to the green jungles of Purulia! The land with verdant hills, waterfalls and forests will take your breath away.
You can also spend time with the tribes Mundas, Santals and Ho, understand their culture and come back with unforgettable memories. Some spots to see in this place are…
- Murguma Village – Handicrafts and unique folk music
- Surulia Eco Park
- Rakab Forest – home to tribal communities, a variety of animals also spotted here
- Tugga and Bamni falls
- Doldanga village – Home of Santal tribe
- Saheb Bandh – boating, fishing, swimming in the river
- Ajodhya forest reserve
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is home to the Visva Bharati University, established by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The unique ideas and educational vision adopted in Shantiniketan have influenced many educational institutes across Asia.
Some attractions here are – Tagore Ashram, Upasna Ghar, Kala Bhavan, Poush Mela, Amar Kutir – Local handicrafts, Rabindra Bhaban Museum, Chattimtal, Deer Park, Kanklitala, China Bhavan, Khoai mela and Uttrayan Complex.
Lava
It is a quaint town at a high altitude and visible from East Sikkim and Bhutan. The high altitude makes it have cold weather throughout the year.
Lava place is a great option for the summers. Lovely woodlands make it a great outdoor option and conducive for activities such as bird and butterfly watching.
The woodlands are home to lots of animals like bears and deer and flora such as orchids. Highway No. 717A passes through this town and crosses forests, rivers, tea gardens and deep valleys making your trip mesmerising.
When to visit
The peak season to visit West Bengal is between December to February if you want to go when the tourist crowd is less, then opt for the period June to September.
How to Reach
By Air
There are two major airports in West Bengal – Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport which is in Kolkata. From the airport, we can visit major cities via a well-connected road transport network.
By Road
Highway no NH2, NH6, NH31 and NH5 connect West Bengal to all the nooks and corners of India.
By Rail
The major railway stations in the state are Howrah Railway Station, Asansol Junction and Saldah Railway Station.
