West Bengal has a potpourri of wonders to offer all at one place. It will be hard for you to pick the best things with the immense palate this place has to offer. Its distinguished treasures, lip-smacking delicacies, and scenic wildlife will leave you spellbound on every visit.
Also called Bangla, it is named after the historic kingdom called Vanga or Banga. Its origin is predicted to be as old as the 3rd century ago, however, a collection of stone-age tools dating back to 20,000 years were found here. The Bengal civilization is believed to be 4,000 years old and the remains of its earliest cities are of the Vedic Period. It is also mentioned in the longest ever poem written, the Mahabharata. It was the entrepot of the famous Silk Route as it is the easiest route from the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas.
It is considered as the ‘Accident of Geography’ for it is the only place where the vast Himalayas, the Duar forests, the Bay of Bengal are found. It shares its boundary with Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan. The Durga Puja is the most celebrated festival of West Bengal for five days.
The spectacular state of West Bengal is jeweled with stunning landscapes, mighty mountains, gushing waters, massive deltas, majestic wildlife, lush greenery and so much more. The most popular attractions are the Howrah Bridge, Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Sunderbans, Victoria Memorial, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple to name a few. On a joyous note, the state celebrates the Durga Puja festival with the greatest zeal and enthusiasm like no other in the country.
The attractions of West Bengal are popular getaways for global tourists and thus are a hot favorite in our Heritage and Culture Tours India. If you are planning a trip here, we have listed down the most popular attractions below that you should add to your itinerary.
How to Reach
West Bengal is easily accessible via air, train, or road. It has an international airport, the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport located approx. 15 km from the city center. The Bagdogra Airport is a domestic airport is situated approx. 16 km from the main city. Once you arrive, there are many public transport options available to drive you to the city. The state also shares a good railway network with major cities of the country. The major railway heads are the Howrah railway station, Sealdah railway station, and the New Jalpaiguri railway station. On arrival, you can book a cab to drive to the city.
Major Places to Visit in West Bengal
Kolkata - Kolkata, mostly called Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal. It reflects a perfect mixture of the modern and old world. Its quintessential charm and irresistible food delicacies make it an iconic destination to visit once in a lifetime. The first thing that comes to our mind is the Howrah Bridge, a balanced cantilever bridge located on the Hooghly River. This architectural marvel is the longest cantilever bridge in the country. Other popular attractions are the Victoria Memorial, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Eco-Tourism Park, Kalighat temple, Fort William, Belur Math, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Mandir, Mother House, Alipore Zoo, and many more. It also treasures the oldest polo club in the world, the greatest 250-year old Banyan Tree in the world, and the largest second-hand book market in the world. While you explore the city, try out the famous and best-served delicacies here like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Mishti Doi.
Sunderbans National Park is a globally recognized national park that is home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Irawadi Dolphins, and endemic river terrapin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has the richest mangrove ecosystem that makes it the only mangrove habit in the world for tigers. A boat safari through the dense forests of this wildlife park is money’s worth and if you get lucky, you might spot tigers stalking the waterways. Our Special India tour package, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve from Kolkata is the best pick to explore the wilderness of West Bengal.
Mirik is a quaint town located at an altitude of 4,905 ft. in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It falls halfway between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Its name is inspired by Mir-Yok which means ‘place burnt by fire’. It has an umpteen number of attractions that include Sumendu Lake, Indreni Pull (Rainbow bridge), Boker Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery, Simana View Point, and many more. You can enjoy a boat ride at the Sumendu Lakes to capture the stunning vistas of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It observes a pleasant climate throughout the year so you can plan a trip here in any month.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a quaint hill station located at an average altitude of 6,710 ft. This place offers majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (3rd highest mountain in the world) from Tiger Hill Point (8,842 ft.). The excitement should not stop here. A toy train in Darjeeling running from Darjeeling to Ghum is a coveted experience for every tourist. It is a relaxing and charming 2-hour train ride that offers amazing views of the Himalayan peaks and chugs through the steep tea plantations and Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, and Batasia Loop. It’s worth it for Group tours India on a visit to Darjeeling.
Kalimpong
Overlooking the River Teesta, Kalimpong is a gorgeous hill town located approx. 67 km from Siliguri and at an elevation of approx. 4,100 ft. It’s known for its Tibetan handicrafts, panoramic views, and ancient heritage. The magical allure of Kalimpong invites tourists who are interested in colonial charm and nature treasures. Its most popular attractions are Neora Valley National Park (approx. 10,490 ft.), Crockety, Deola Hills, and Galingka.
Best time to visit West Bengal
Pleasant weather is vital for an enjoyable vacation. We thus recommend you book a special India tour package to West Bengal between October to April. The summers observe scorching heat so it’s best to avoid any trip during this time. The months between October and March are ideal for enjoying a vacation at the coastal attractions and hill stations. However, there can be a huge variation in the geographic locations located near the coastal areas and the Himalayas.
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