WEST BENGAL

West Bengal, located in eastern India, is a culturally vibrant state known for its art, literature, historical landmarks, tea gardens, hill stations, mangrove forests, and spiritual heritage. It offers a unique mix of colonial architecture, natural beauty, and cultural richness.

Overview

• Capital: Kolkata

• Language: Bengali (primary), Hindi, English

• Best Time to Visit: October – March

• Known For: Durga Puja festival, sweets (Rasgulla, Sandesh), Sundarbans, Darjeeling tea, historical sites

Top Tourist Destinations

1. Kolkata

• The cultural capital of India with colonial-era charm

• Highlights: Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Science City

• Must-Do: Tram rides, boat cruise on Hooghly River, Durga Puja celebrations

2. Darjeeling

• Scenic hill station famous for tea plantations and Himalayan views

• Highlights: Tiger Hill (sunrise), Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), Batasia Loop, Tea estates

• Must-Do: Tea tasting, trekking, monastery visits

3. Sundarbans

• World’s largest mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Highlights: Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, boat safaris, dense forests

• Must-Do: Jungle cruise, bird watching, eco-tourism stays

4. Kalimpong

• A peaceful Himalayan hill town

• Highlights: Deolo Hill, Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, flower nurseries

• Must-Do: Paragliding, trekking

5. Siliguri

• Gateway to Northeast India

• Highlights: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Mandir

• Must-Do: Wildlife spotting, shopping for Darjeeling tea

6. Murshidabad

• Known for Mughal-era architecture and Bengal Nawabi history

• Highlights: Hazarduari Palace, Nizamat Imambara, Katra Mosque

• Must-Do: Heritage walks, exploring historical sites

7. Bishnupur

• Famous for terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees

• Highlights: Rasmancha, Jor Bangla Temple, Madanmohan Temple

• Must-Do: Handicraft shopping, music festivals

8. Digha

• Popular beach destination

• Highlights: Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium

• Must-Do: Seafood, water activities

9. Shantiniketan

• Founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore

• Highlights: Visva-Bharati University, art and handicrafts

• Must-Do: Attend cultural festivals like Poush Mela

10. Cooch Behar

• Known for royal palaces and temples

• Highlights: Cooch Behar Palace, Madan Mohan Temple

• Must-Do: Heritage tours

Culture & Festivals

• Durga Puja: Biggest festival with grand pandals and processions

• Art & Literature: Birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray

• Music & Dance: Baul folk music, Rabindra Sangeet

• Handicrafts: Terracotta art, Bengal silk, Kantha embroidery

Cuisine

• Popular Dishes: Bengali fish curry (Macher Jhol), Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa fish), Chingri Malai Curry (prawns), Luchi with Aloo Dum

• Sweets: Rasgulla, Sandesh, Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt)

Nature & Wildlife

• Wildlife sanctuaries: Jaldapara, Gorumara

• Hills: Darjeeling, Kalimpong

• Mangroves: Sundarbans (Royal Bengal Tigers)

West Bengal