Best Places to Visit in West Bengal

The state of West Bengal, located in the east of India, is a melting pot of history and culture. With an impressive legacy of art, literature, and cinema, West Bengal is also known for its many exciting tourist destinations. From bustling cities to calm hill stations, West Bengal has it all. Here is a list of the top 10 places to visit in West Bengal: 

Kolkata

Kolkata is a unique destination that stands as a perfect blend of history and modernity. Known as the ‘City of Joy', Kolkata is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal. Noted for its gorgeous colonial architecture and lively atmosphere, this former British Indian capital has many notable landmarks for visitors. Also known as the ‘Intellectual capital of India’, Kolkata is regarded as a cultural hub with a long history of art and literature. 

Sites to see in Kolkata

  1. Victoria Memorial Hall 
  1. Howrah Bridge 
  1. Indian Museum 
  1. Eden Gardens 
  1. Dakshineswar Kali Temple 

Shantiniketan

Established in the year 1863 by the renowned Tagore family, Shantiniketan is a must-visit place in West Bengal. Situated in Bolpur town, this neighbourhood is a popular tourist attraction. Besides the academic institutions and cultural centres, Shantiniketan also has acres of lush forests and wildlife. 

Sites to see in Shantiniketan

  1. Rabindra Bhavana 
  1. Visva-Bharati University 
  1. Uttarayan Complex 

Darjeeling

One of the most popular destinations in India, Darjeeling is a hill station also known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. It is famous for its snow-clad mountains and the scenic landscapes around it. Darjeeling has the famed steam-powered Toy Train that runs through the oldest railways in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling has many other attractions, such as tea plantations, wildlife, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. 

Sites to see in Darjeeling

  1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway 
  1. Kangchenjunga 
  1. Batasia Loop 
  1. Tiger Hill 

Murshidabad

Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Murshidabad is a city with immense historical significance. It is home to many palaces and monuments built in the Mughal and regional architectural styles. Murshidabad is well known for its art and culture. The silk weaving and crafts industry is also remarkable in Murshidabad. 

Sites to see in Murshidabad 

  1. Hazarduari Palace Museum 
  1. Nizamat Kila 
  1. Katra Masjid 

Sundarbans

The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest in the world. Located in the southeastern part of Bengal, this national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its flora and fauna. This region consists of mangrove forests, wetlands, islands, and creeks. The wildlife of Sundarbans is also notable, especially the Bengal tigers. 

Sites to see in Sundarbans

  1. Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary  
  1. Hiron Point 
  1. Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower 
  1. Tin Kona Island 

Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar is a vibrant city in West Bengal that is a major tourist attraction. This heritage town is known for its many grand palaces and religious sites. The yearly Rash mela held in Cooch Behar is one event that attracts many visitors to this place. Other than the palaces and landmarks, Cooch Behar is home to some of the most scenic places in West Bengal. 

Sites to see in Cooch Behar

  1. Cooch Behar Palace 
  1. Madan Mohan Temple 
  1. Sagardighi 

Bankura

Bankura is a city known for its terracotta temples that showcase the architectural heritage of West Bengal. Recognized as the ‘Town of Terracotta’, Bankura has numerous temples made with distinct temple art styles. This region is also known for its unique handicrafts, especially the Bankura horse, which is a testament to Bengali craftsmanship. 

Sites to see in Bankura

  1. Rasmancha 
  1. Susunia Hill 
  1. Joypur Forest 
  1. Jor Bangla Temple 

Siliguri

Siliguri is a dynamic city located in the foothills of the Himalayas. This place is referred to as the ‘Gateway to Northeast India’, due to ease of access to the Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan borders. Dotted with several Buddhist monasteries and spiritual centres, Siliguri remains a popular spot among travellers. It also has large areas of dense forests with rare animal and plant species. 

Sites to see in Siliguri

  1. Salugara Monastery 
  1. Bengal Safari 
  1. Coronation Bridge 
  1. Ewam India Buddhist Monastery 

Haldia

Haldia is one of the best-known port cities of India. Situated on the banks of the Haldi River, Haldia is a busy city with major industries and trade centres. Haldia has a variety of visitor attractions such as temples, palaces, and scenic nature. 

Sites to see in Haldia

  1. Mahishadal Rajbari 
  1. Haldia Dock and Port 
  1. Marine Drive 
  1. Tamluk Rajbari 

Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a panoramic hill town located in the northern part of West Bengal. Situated at an altitude of 1,250 meters, it offers a stunning view of Kanchenjunga. Kalimpong also features beautiful valleys and a wide range of wildlife and vegetation. Other major attractions include the many Buddhist monasteries and sacred religious sites. 

Sites to see in Kalimpong

  1. Zang Dhok Palri Monastery 
  1. Neora Valley National Park 
  1. Lepcha Museum

FAQs on Best Places to Visit in West Bengal

  • What is West Bengal known for?

    West Bengal is known for its culture, art, literature, and tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Sundarbans, and Kolkata.  

  • Are there beaches in West Bengal?

    Yes; West Bengal has many beaches, including Digha, Bakkhali, and Tajpur. 

  • What are the major festivals in West Bengal?

    The major festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Durga Puja, Holi, and Poush Mela. 

  • What is Darjeeling known for?

    Darjeeling is known for its toy trains, monasteries, and tea gardens. 

  • What is Bengali cuisine known for?

    Bengali cuisine is known for its delicious dishes made of rice, fish, and desserts. 

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