Titled the, ‘Sweetest part of India,’ West Bengal comprises stunning landscapes, majestic forests, coastal beauty, rich history and the unspoiled Sunderbans. The region has had a great history with the first mention of the place found in the relic Mahabharata. Due to its location by the sea and naturally blessed terrain, it has seen the reign of different dynasties from the Palas to the Guptas and then finally the British. A prominent city under the British, you can see glimpses of their rule throughout the state be it the architecture or development. Anyone who enjoys art, culture, history and nature should know this sweetest part of India. From snow-capped mountains, pouring sea, endless tea plantations, inspiring culture, abundant wildlife, ancient temples and spectacular architecture, West Bengal ensures the traveller in you stays curious and engaged.
Titled the, ‘Sweetest part of India,’ West Bengal comprises stunning landscapes, majestic forests, coastal beauty, rich history and the unspoiled Sunderbans. The region has had a great history with the first mention of the place found in the relic Mahabharata. Due to its location by the sea and naturally blessed terrain, it has seen the reign of different dynasties from the Palas to the Guptas and then finally the British. A prominent city under the British, you can see glimpses of their rule throughout the state be it the architecture or development. Anyone who enjoys art, culture, history and nature should know this sweetest part of India. From snow-capped mountains, pouring sea, endless tea plantations, inspiring culture, abundant wildlife, ancient temples and spectacular architecture, West Bengal ensures the traveller in you stays curious and engaged. Featuring destinations like the Sunderbans, Howrah Bridge, Tea Gardens, and Tiger Hill, the state is always a photographer’s paradise. Plus there are numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year that provide a perfect glimpse of the local culture and history. Situated between the mighty Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, it is a diverse state home to many ethnicities and cultures. Hill station Darjeeling, the enticing city of Kolkata, the beauty of Siliguri, the sunsets at Digha, the beauty of Kalimpong, the quaint town of Shanti Niketan, the history of Bankura, the terracotta temples at Bishnupur, the list is endless. Like every Indian state, there is a vibrant culture and surprising scenery as you explore the beautiful state of West Bengal. Here is a look at the major attractions in West Bengal and a few tips on what to look out for as you travel within the state.
Eye-Catching Places to Visit in West Bengal
Kolkata
Yellow taxis, Victoria Memorial, and Street side Puchkas are synonymous with the city of Kolkata. During the British era, Kolkata served as the capital for the longest time before it was shifted to New Delhi in 1911. Therefore it is a perfect place to imbibe the true spirit of Indian history and taste the intellect rebel that led to its independence. Now the 350-year-old metropolis is the capital of the state fondly known to be the ‘City of Joy.’ The city has produced a stunning juxtaposition of ancient colonial-era elegance with the fledgling impending hipster culture that thrives among the city's millennial citizens, driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class. As you discover the layers of heritage and culture, the chaotic streets will transform into a compilation of stories
Yellow taxis, Victoria Memorial, and Street side Puchkas are synonymous with the city of Kolkata. During the British era, Kolkata served as the capital for the longest time before it was shifted to New Delhi in 1911. Therefore it is a perfect place to imbibe the true spirit of Indian history and taste the intellect rebel that led to its independence. Now the 350-year-old metropolis is the capital of the state fondly known to be the ‘City of Joy.’ The city has produced a stunning juxtaposition of ancient colonial-era elegance with the fledgling impending hipster culture that thrives among the city's millennial citizens, driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class. As you discover the layers of heritage and culture, the chaotic streets will transform into a compilation of stories. The iconic Howrah Bridge and Victoria memorial highlight the distinct architecture of the city that has thrived through the changing times and still attracts many travellers. A simple walk around North Kolkata’s streets showcases the city’s regal heritage with the oldest mansions. The ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, which has been converted into a museum and displays a spectacular collection of family portraits and artworks, is located in Kolkata. Enjoying a peaceful sunset at Hooghly river, or rewarding your taste buds on the streets is a must-have experience when in Kolkata. You can visit the local museums to give about the city’s history. One of the local’s favourite things to do is enjoy the sunset at Prinsep Ghat with the scenic views of the Vidyasagar Setu. Millennium Area, a beautifully landscaped waterfront park where you may take boat rides and excursions, is close by. The city is dotted with cafes and restaurants, especially the entire Park Street known for it.
Sunderbans
Located about 110 kilometres south of Kolkata lies the dense mangrove forests home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. This area along with a biosphere reserve home to rivers and gorgeous estuaries is called Sunderbans. The Sunderbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is shared by Bangladesh and India collectively. The entire delta houses some of the most vibrant and awe-inspiring plants that are only specific to this origin. A boat tour into the dense mangrove forest is an ideal way to see the region’s natural abundance. The place is known for its simplicity of sync between nature and humans. These trees are the surviving remnants of the once-vast rainforests that once engulfed the Gangetic plains
Located about 110 kilometres south of Kolkata lies the dense mangrove forests home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. This area along with a biosphere reserve home to rivers and gorgeous estuaries is called Sunderbans. The Sunderbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is shared by Bangladesh and India collectively. The entire delta houses some of the most vibrant and awe-inspiring plants that are only specific to this origin. A boat tour into the dense mangrove forest is an ideal way to see the region’s natural abundance. The place is known for its simplicity of sync between nature and humans. These trees are the surviving remnants of the once-vast rainforests that once engulfed the Gangetic plains. The Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary since 1966, and it is estimated that approximately 400 Royal Bengal Tigers live there. Batagur Baska, King Crabs, Olive Ridley Turtles, and other endangered species can be found in the Bioreserve. These woodlands are also home to jungle fowls, huge lizards, spotted deer, wild boar, and crocodiles. Another popular attraction is the Siberian ducks. There are also around 64 different types of mangroves, including Goran, Genwa, Dhundal, Gurjan, Kankra, Sundari, and Passur. Make a point of stopping by the Nilkamalor Hiron Point and Katka overlooks, which provide spectacular views of wildlife in the wild. Also, visit the Chargheri Char mudflats, where you may go coastal trekking. There are also several river cruises and watchtowers ensuring you get a true experience of the natural beauty of the place.
Shanti Niketan
This small town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district is home to India’s favourite poet Rabindranath Tagore. The quaint town is known for the Visa Bharati University, founded by the beloved poet’s father. Many tourists visit to simply witness this one of a kind tourist destination for its aesthetic brilliance and historically significant culture. Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others have sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings on the Santiniketan campus. Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the legendary mystic Baul Singers are all famous festivals celebrated joyously in the Birbhum District, where the Santiniketan is located.
This small town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district is home to India’s favourite poet Rabindranath Tagore. The quaint town is known for the Visa Bharati University, founded by the beloved poet’s father. Many tourists visit to simply witness this one of a kind tourist destination for its aesthetic brilliance and historically significant culture. Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others have sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings on the Santiniketan campus. Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the legendary mystic Baul Singers are all famous festivals celebrated joyously in the Birbhum District, where the Santiniketan is located. In the Bengali month of Boisakh, the Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav, the birthday ceremonial of Kobiguru Rabindra Nath, are celebrated with considerable cultural passion. Shanti Niketan is fondly called the eternal abode of Rabindranath Tagore. Another way to experience the local culture is to attend the annual market known as Poush Mela The fair begins on the 7th day of the month of Poush and runs for three days, though vendors are welcome to stay until the end of the month. Live performances of Bengali traditional music, particularly balls, are a highlight of the festival. Shanti Niketan is an ideal place to witness the true culture and artistic inclination of this state.
Darjeeling
The state enjoys a good share of the Himalayan range and therefore is blessed with some beautiful hill stations, each enticing the intrepid traveller through its glory. One such destination is Darjeeling known to be the Queen of the Himalayas. This former British summer capital is now a picturesque hill station surrounded by tea farms. Immensely popular for its Toy Train, established by the Britishers in the year 1881, it is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you witness the mountains, 2000 metres above sea level on a historic train, the joy of your Incredible India journey simply multi-folds. The region is home to over 86 tea farms making Darjeeling Tea popular throughout the globe
The state enjoys a good share of the Himalayan range and therefore is blessed with some beautiful hill stations, each enticing the intrepid traveller through its glory. One such destination is Darjeeling known to be the Queen of the Himalayas. This former British summer capital is now a picturesque hill station surrounded by tea farms. Immensely popular for its Toy Train, established by the Britishers in the year 1881, it is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you witness the mountains, 2000 metres above sea level on a historic train, the joy of your Incredible India journey simply multi-folds. The region is home to over 86 tea farms making Darjeeling Tea popular throughout the globe. You can also enjoy a tea plantation tour, harvest some yourself and then have homegrown tea to truly immerse in a local experience. You can also see the world’s third-highest and India’s highest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga from here. Monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car, which is the longest in Asia, are among Darjeeling's most popular attractions. Tiger Hill is a great place to watch the sunrise over the mountains in all of its fiery splendour
Kalimpong
Another beautiful hill station in West Bengal, Kalimpong is known for its majestic valley views, vibrant Buddhist monasteries and historic churches and the local Tibetan handicrafts. Situated on the slopes of the Shivalik ranges, the legends share that the region was once ruled by the Bhutanese monarchs and served as a forward station for the Bhutanese Army until the nineteenth century. Therefore all the old monasteries and temples showcase the Bhutanese history with the influence of the British era. Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery) and Jang Dong Palriffo Brang (Monastery) are two well-known destinations to visit. The local markets are also known for their orchids and flowers.
Another beautiful hill station in West Bengal, Kalimpong is known for its majestic valley views, vibrant Buddhist monasteries and historic churches and the local Tibetan handicrafts. Situated on the slopes of the Shivalik ranges, the legends share that the region was once ruled by the Bhutanese monarchs and served as a forward station for the Bhutanese Army until the nineteenth century. Therefore all the old monasteries and temples showcase the Bhutanese history with the influence of the British era. Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery) and Jang Dong Palriffo Brang (Monastery) are two well-known destinations to visit. The local markets are also known for their orchids and flowers. The lovely town is a beautiful mix of India’s natural scenery and historic rule. This tranquil little town is 50 kilometres east of Darjeeling, at an elevation of 1,200 metres. It was once the crossroads of trans-Himalayan trade between India and Tibet, with merchants ferrying goods across the Jelepla pass on the Sikkim-Tibet border by a mule caravan. Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center, a handicraft centre; Tharpa Choling Monastery, a repository of old scriptures and papers; the area's oldest; Dharmodaya Vihar, a Nepalese Buddhist Temple; Parnami Mandir and Mangal Dham; Durpin Danda, where the Sikkim mountain ranges, including Jelepla, Tiger Hill, and the confluence of the Relli, Riang, and Tsang rivers, may be seen; Views include Tiger Hill and the junction of the Relli, Riang, and Tista rivers; Durpin Danda's Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery; deolo view Point for spectacular views; and Kalimpong's famous flower nurseries. All these are the best places to explore the region of Kalimpong in all its glory.
Bishnupur
Bishnupur is known to be the land of terracotta temples. However, it has grown popular as a tourist destination for its rich culture including art, music and crafts. The same can be witnessed through the plethora of tourist attractions where one can also buy the local paintings and especially the handcrafted Baluchari Saree. You can also visit the Jorbangla temple, Rasmancha temple, Shyamrai Temple and many others in the vicinity. The temples are truly a fine example of the region’s history and architectural marvels.
The state enjoys a good share of the Himalayan range and therefore is blessed with some beautiful hill stations, each enticing the intrepid traveller through its glory. One such destination is Darjeeling known to be the Queen of the Himalayas. This former British summer capital is now a picturesque hill station surrounded by tea farms. Immensely popular for its Toy Train, established by the Britishers in the year 1881, it is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you witness the mountains, 2000 metres above sea level on a historic train, the joy of your Incredible India journey simply multi-folds. The region is home to over 86 tea farms making Darjeeling Tea popular throughout the globe. You can also enjoy a tea plantation tour, harvest some yourself and then have homegrown tea to truly immerse in a local experience. You can also see the world’s third-highest and India’s highest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga from here. Monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car, which is the longest in Asia, are among Darjeeling's most popular attractions. Tiger Hill is a great place to watch the sunrise over the mountains in all of its fiery splendour
Bankura
Bankura is a combination of hills, temples and adventurous sports. The historical town has now gained immense popularity among the young trekkers and hikers due to its majestic slopes. Also known for its terracotta temples, you can see the fine example of architecture in Siddheswara temple, Biharinath Hill, Koko Hill, Susunia Hill, and many others.
Another beautiful hill station in West Bengal, Kalimpong is known for its majestic valley views, vibrant Buddhist monasteries and historic churches and the local Tibetan handicrafts. Situated on the slopes of the Shivalik ranges, the legends share that the region was once ruled by the Bhutanese monarchs and served as a forward station for the Bhutanese Army until the nineteenth century. Therefore all the old monasteries and temples showcase the Bhutanese history with the influence of the British era. Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery) and Jang Dong Palriffo Brang (Monastery) are two well-known destinations to visit. The local markets are also known for their orchids and flowers. The lovely town is a beautiful mix of India’s natural scenery and historic rule. This tranquil little town is 50 kilometres east of Darjeeling, at an elevation of 1,200 metres. It was once the crossroads of trans-Himalayan trade between India and Tibet, with merchants ferrying goods across the Jelepla pass on the Sikkim-Tibet border by a mule caravan. Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center, a handicraft centre; Tharpa Choling Monastery, a repository of old scriptures and papers; the area's oldest; Dharmodaya Vihar, a Nepalese Buddhist Temple; Parnami Mandir and Mangal Dham; Durpin Danda, where the Sikkim mountain ranges, including Jelepla, Tiger Hill, and the confluence of the Relli, Riang, and Tsang rivers, may be seen; Views include Tiger Hill and the junction of the Relli, Riang, and Tista rivers; Durpin Danda's Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery; deolo view Point for spectacular views; and Kalimpong's famous flower nurseries. All these are the best places to explore the region of Kalimpong in all its glory.
Delicacies of the state
This state of vibrant literature and history is no less when it comes to food. The taste of the regional cuisine truly reflects the diversity in terms of flavour, colour, culture and tradition. The locals are equally enthusiastic about their art as they are about their food. Fish, lentils, and rice are the primary and most important ingredients in this cuisine. The five main spices that give the meal its flavour are cumin, nigella, fenugreek, aniseed, and mustard seed, and most of the dishes are made in mustard oil. Sukto, Amble, Pitha, Chingri Macher Malai stew, Macher Jhol, and Begun bhaja (fried eggplant) are only a handful of Bengal's delights.
This state of vibrant literature and history is no less when it comes to food. The taste of the regional cuisine truly reflects the diversity in terms of flavour, colour, culture and tradition. The locals are equally enthusiastic about their art as they are about their food. Fish, lentils, and rice are the primary and most important ingredients in this cuisine. The five main spices that give the meal its flavour are cumin, nigella, fenugreek, aniseed, and mustard seed, and most of the dishes are made in mustard oil. Sukto, Amble, Pitha, Chingri Macher Malai stew, Macher Jhol, and Begun bhaja (fried eggplant) are only a handful of Bengal's delights. Sweets are an important part of the cuisine and are had with every meal. Bengali Sweets are typically made with sweetened cottage cheese (chhena) creating delicacies like Roshogolla, Shondesh, Laddu, Rasmalai, Pantera, and Chomchom. The local fish is their speciality and especially the one called, ‘hilsa’.
Shopping in the state
Bengali folk art is difficult to categorise. The designs are frequently regionally specific; nonetheless, some pieces bear the mark of ancient and modern influences. An entire community may specialise in a single craft heritage, with artistic styles and techniques passed down through the generations. Therefore whenever you are travelling through the state don’t forget to visit the local shops and buy the local handicrafts ranging from Jamdani sarees, ceramics, dokra metal craft, stone carving, and artistic leather products among many others.
The state of Bihar is enriched with traditional art and culture which is beautifully showcased through its local handicrafts. Sujani or Sujini embroidery is a traditional Bihar art and craft that has helped to popularise the state on a national and international level. This traditional embroidered art form of Bihar state was previously popular among the people, and it included everything from traditional quilts to sarees, garments, and numerous accessories. Many places in the Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, and Mithila regions are known for their embroidery. Bihar is often distinguished from the other states in the country by its Mithila and Madhubani paintings. Mithila and Madhubani Paintings are known for their uniqueness, which keeps them in the spotlight around the world. They are popular in the Mithila region of the state, which is close to Darbhanga and Madhubani, where colours are made from powdered coloured rice. Traditional beading is a great accessory that can be purchased in Bihar. They are created by professional craftsmen or craftswomen to provide a diverse range of options for the general public. The cultural and traditional richness of Bihar state can be best found in the terracotta works of this state which can be purchased from any local handicraft store. There are also numerous state government emporiums where you can source these locally made products that too of good quality
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