West Bengal famously known as “Beautiful Bengal” is located in eastern India is a land with rich diversity. It is a landmark of different civilizations, ethnicities, cultures, religions, people, and languages. It has a great history and is also depicted in the epic Mahabharata. Its geographical location stretches from the great Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the state has magnificent landscapes to enthral your souls.
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It has picturesque lush green forests, coastal beauty as well as heritage. It attracts a large number of tourists every year as the state is jewelled with snow-clad mountains, gushing sea, blossoming tea gardens, enormous deltas, plentiful wildlife, ancient temples, and spectacular British monuments. There are many popular places to visit in West Bengal that will help to explore its history, culture, art, and lifestyle.
10 Places to Visit in West Bengal
Kolkata
Kolkata is popularly known as the City of Joy is located at the Eastern banks of the Hoogly. It is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is considered a pioneer in the area of drama, arts, theatre, and literature with many Nobel laureates contributing to its culture. It has a very amazing nightlife and has several bars and pubs to enjoy your life. It has lush greenery, scenic view, park, wildlife, lovely street, that offer an excellent combination of nature and wildlife, where you can explore the greenery and view the splendid scenery around you.
The most popular tourist spots in this city are Howrah Bridge, Jorasanko Thakurbari, Park Street, Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, Kalighat Kali Temple, Science City Kolkata, and Mother House. Famous foods of Kolkata are Macher Jhol (Fish curry), Kosha Mangsho (Mutton Curry), Mishti Doi, Rosogullas, Chomchom. It is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is popularly known as the summer capital of India is located in West Bengal. Its scenic hill station is the best destination for a romantic honeymoon. It is located amidst acres of tea plantations, at the elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting a cool climate throughout the year. It offers amazing views of the mountains. It is famous for trekking in the Indian Himalayan region. It is nestled with various tea gardens and lush green forests to give you a refreshing environment.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Singalila National Park, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill, Observatory Hills, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Neora Valley National Park, Mirik, and Rock Garden. Its tea industry, amazing scenic views of the world’s third-highest mountain Kangchenjunga, Toy Train, a narrow-gauge mountain make it a popular tourist place in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Siliguri
Siliguri is famously known as the Gateway to North-East India is situated is 560 km away from Kolkata. Siliguri is a pristine hill station situated near Darjeeling. There are several national parks located on the bank of the Torsa river which is a main attraction of Siliguri. It is surrounded by lush green forests as well as grasslands, a majestic view of the hills bordering the lake on all sides.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Kali Mandir, Chilapata Forests, Salugara Monastery, Coronation Bridge, and Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the safest cities in West Bengal with a low crime rate and a high safety rate. It is indeed one of the famous places to visit in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Digha
Digha is a beach town located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular tourist spot known for its amazing beaches and scenic views. It is a one-stop perfect destination for families to spend a weekend. One of the interesting features of this hamlet is its varied and attractive tourist spots. It has splendid beaches, religious temples and high-tech research centres, and museums.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Marine Station, New Digha Beach, Udaipur Beach, Shankarpur Beach, Talsari Beach, and Amaravati Park. It is the most famous sea resort in West Bengal has a lot to serve for people of all age groups. Its sceneries offer the delightful experience of exploring areas that have a less human impact and are relatively magnificent. It is indeed one of the famous tourist places in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: July to March
Murshidabad
Murshidabad is famously known as Historian’s Paradise. It is home to various races and religions. It is situated on River Bhagirathi banks. The history of the city takes us back to prehistoric times. From the Nawabs to the Lords from England, it has witnessed the history from its core. It serves as a place that blends the beauty of the past with the faiths of the present.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Hazarduari Palace Museum, Imambara, Wasef Manzil, Jalangi River, Nasipur Palace, Katra Mosque, Jahankosha Canon, and Kathgola. This place reminds you of beautiful, ancient times and gives you a great sense of peace and tranquillity. It is indeed one of the amazing tourist places in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is the hill station on the foothills of the lower Himalayas, is located at an elevation of 1250 meters. The view of the Himalayas from Kalimpong is picturesque. The tranquillity of this tourist spot attracts people in great numbers. It is popular for traditional handicrafts, orchids, and nurseries. It has scenic valley views, Buddhists monasteries, and churches.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Deolo Hill, Dr Graham’s Home, Kalimpong Cactus Nursery, Pine View Nursery, Tharpa Choeling Gompa, Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, and Tongsa Gompa. This place had been ruled by Bhutanese kings and the Bhutanese Army till the 19th century. It is also popular for its orchids and lovely bright flowers markets. It is indeed one of the popular places to visit in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Bankura
Bankura is a town popular for its hills and temples and the best tourist destination for adventure sports enthusiasts such as trekkers and hikers. Bankura has a significant history and has an artistic face too .its history unites with spirituality to form a simple, and yet unique tourist experience.
It has popular sightseeing that boasts of its historical significance and destinations that challenge you to trek and hike There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Biharinath Hill, Susunia Hills, Mukutmonipur Dam, Rasmancha, Garh Darwaja, Krishna-Balaram Temple, Ganesh, and Nandi Statue.
It is also popular for its terracotta temples which attract tourists from the world over. Siddheswara temple, Biharinath Hill, Koko hill, Susunia Hill, and many more. It is indeed one of the eminent places to visit in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Bishnupur
Bishnupur is a small town famously known for its terracotta temples. It has a rich heritage and culture including architecture, music, and handicraft. Its heritage and embellished culture attract a large number of tourists all over the world. It is also famous for classical music, paintings, and a Baluchari sari.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Jorebangla Temple, Rasmancha, Pancha Ratna Temple, Radha Govinda Temple, Gate of Old Fort, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Loukoipat Ecological Park, and Sarbamangala Temple. It is also famous for ancient temples belonging to the 15th century including the Jorbangla temple, Rasmancha temple, Shyamrai Temple, and many more. These reveal huge grandeur in their identity as carriers of significant histories as well as architectural marvels. It is indeed one of the amazing places to visit in West Bengal.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Cooch Behar
Cooch Behar, is a small planned town located in the district of Jalpaiguri, in the north-eastern part of West Bengal. It has an Indo-Bangladesh border that lies to its south and west. The land still has the rich culture and heritage of the Mughal era. It has famous ancient monuments but it is also popularly known for huge water bodies.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Cooch Behar Palace, Chilapata Forest Range, Rasik Bil, Madan Mohan Bari, and Dangar Ayee Temple. It makes up a great option for weekend getaways for the eco-tourists along with those with an interest in history and archaeology. It is indeed one of the best tourist places in West Bengal.
Malda
Malda is located at the junction of River Mahananda and Kalindi. It is popular for its mango orchards. From the Pre-colonial Nawabs to the East India Company, Malda enthrals you with architectural splendour in the past. Along with history, it also holds the footprints of religion and faiths that your country has always been living with. It is formerly known as the English Bazaar. This place has the reign of three dynasties- the Palas, the Senas, and the Nawabs.
There are many popular tourist spots to visit here including Bara Sona Mosque, Dakhil Darwaza, Lattan Mosque, Adina Mosque, Firoz Minar Tomb, Maa Johura Temple, Baisgazi Wall, Eklakhi Mausoleum, and Malda Museum. The folk culture of Malda including ‘Gombhira’ and ‘Kaviyal’ is another main attraction of the place. It is indeed one of the famous tourist places in West Bengal.
West Bengal, with the abundant greenery, scenic view, majestic hills, wildlife, beautiful historical temples, rich culture, heritage, and every other tourist attraction is indeed a great place where you can spend the best vacation. The list of best places to visit in West Bengal offers an excellent blend of nature and heritage, where you can explore the greenery and view the spectacular scenery around you.
FAQ
What are the famous foods of West Bengal?
The sumptuous foods of West Bengal include Luchi-Alur Dom, Keemar Doi Bora, Kathi Rolls, Jhal Muri, Daab Chingri, Shukto, Bhetki Macher Paturi, Kosha Mangsho.
What is special in West Bengal?
West Bengal is popular for its terracotta temples of Bishnupur. Hazarduari Palace, a famous tourist attraction, is also known to have the second largest chandelier in the world and also the largest staircase in India.
Why is it called West Bengal?
When India gained independence in 1947, Bengal was divided along religious lines. The western part went to India (and was named West Bengal) while the eastern part joined Pakistan as a province called East Bengal later renamed East Pakistan.
