If you are not new to what makes up natural wonders, then you must have heard about West Bengal. West Bengal is located in India and has become one of the world’s leading tourist destination with many people coming in often to visit some of the best places there. To put it in context, it is home to several amazing structures ranging from the majestic Himalayas to the Gangetic plains and everything in between.
There is no reason why this destination should not be on your bucket list as it has almost everything you need to make your vacation an awesome one. The amazing architecture, awesome crafts, classic music, and contemporary view of West Bengal all add up to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this wonder location. So, if you are planning to go experience this wonder for yourself, you need to know the best places to visit in West Bengal. Let’s quickly examine some of the best places to visit in West Bengal.
Darjeeling
The city of Darjeeling is one place you need to visit during your stay at West Bengal. Known widely for its old-world charm and modernity, the city of Darjeeling offers you a great view of the mountains, waterfalls, Buddhist monasteries, and museums among others.
The stunning snow pinnacles of Kanchenjunga, scenting orchids, and the amazing Himalayan train through the mountains are things you’d find interesting. You can also go shopping in any of the superstore available here or stop by in the restaurants to enjoy very delicious Tibetan food. Here, the choice is always yours to make as there are several options of fun things to do.
Kolkata
Kolkata which is popularly referred to as the city of joy is the second-largest city in India. Kolkata plays host to JorasankoThukur Bari which is the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore – a Nobel Laureate. Credited to be about 350 years old, this city is located in the capital of West Bengal. It is the face of West Bengal because it is the centre point of all the social and intellectual activities that goes on in India.
This place is a very lovely place with structures that enhance its aesthetic view in no small way. The amazing thing about visiting this place is you’d not have to spend much as things are very cheap here. While in Kolkata, you can enjoy a view of the Victoria memorial, JorasankoThukur Bari, and Eden Gardens.
Mandarmani
Mandarmani is a seaside developing village in the East of Medinipur located at the end of the Bay of Bengal. This is an amazing place to visit as you get to interact with the village setting of the people of India. Though creating that setting, warmth, and groove, Mandarmani is rated to be one of the fastest developing villages in West Bengal. Said to be about 180km from Kolkata, this seaside village has a lot to offer to visitors.
From warm relaxation to swimming, and hunting, there is a lot to do at this seashore. Considering that not so many people come here often, you can get all the privacy you need from a vacation or getaway. Most importantly, you can get to interact with individuals in this seashore village to see how life is with them compared to what you have from more developed places.
The Sundarbans
The Sundarbans is referred to as the Land of Mangroves and the biggest mangrove in the world. The eco-arrangement here is, perhaps, what you’d find compelling. Many people who come here come to see, read, or have better discussions about one of India’s most notorious tiger – the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Asides from being home to these stunning creatures, the Sundarbans also provides for the world’s biggest estuarine woods. Many streams here are interconnected to themselves making it one of the most preferred destinations in the world. If you like nature and the creatures that it offers, then this is one place to visit in West Bengal. You can visit any of the reserves to see tigers, birds, reptiles, and crocodiles among others for yourself.
Kalimpong
Just 3 hours away from the city of Darjeeling, Kalimpong is a hill station that that offers a blend of different cultures. In this city, you will find different cultural representations of the Indians, Nepalese, Tibetans, and British. Visitors get more comfortable here because there is always a culture you know that you can relate to. What is most important about Kalimpong is how well these cultures blend with themselves.
Notable points of attraction in this city include the Buddhist monasteries, sacred temples, and flowering gardens. From Kalimpong, you can get a clear view of the Himalayan range as it has an altitude of about 4100 ft. Don’t leave Kalimpong without going shopping at Kalimpong Market Square as there is a lot to buy there at very affordable prices.
Bankura
Are you thinking of a family escape while in West Bengal? Then, Bankura is the perfect place for you to visit. Situated in Eastern Chota Nagpur Plateau, this location is known for the numerous temples it has. Here, you will find the Shyam Roy Temple, Sarada Devi Temple, and the Madan Mohan Temple. Each of these temples has an amazing architecture that has made them outstanding structures in Bankura and one to behold.
Several things exist here ranging from brooks to slopes that help you feel the warmth of nature. Not only will you find this a great picnic location with your family, but you can also explore the many places here. Talking about exploring, you can visit the Koko Hill and Susunia hill before leaving.
Barrackpore
This city is located along the River Hooghly which is north of Kolkata. This name of this location goes as far back as 1772 when principal military offices camped there resulting in it being called Barrackpore. If you are a lover of history and relics, then you shouldn’t visit West Bengal without coming to Barrackpore.
Here, you will get to see relics of the popular British Raj. Other than seeing relics, you could also visit the Gandhi Museum, Kali Temple, Memorial Hall, and Bartholomew Cathedral. You’ve heard and read a lot about history and relics, here, you get the best opportunity to witness it for yourself and you can be sure there won’t be a better feeling greater than that for you.
Gaur and Pandua
Gaur and Pandua are the medieval capitals of West Bengal and one of the best places to visit while in West Bengal. The Muslim Sultans predominantly ruled this city and in that time, they set up amazing edifices that have become centre points of attraction to many people within India and from around the globe. Many of the amazing architectural ruins that you will find here are either mosques or tombs.
Notable places here include the Tomb of Fateh Khan, Adina and BaroSona Masjids among others. In these medieval capitals, you will get a lot of mangoes and Murshidabad silk as they are located along the Mango City.
Shantiniketan
If you want a location that guarantees you tranquillity at its best in West Bengal, then you should consider visiting Shantiniketan. Located in Birbhum region of West Bengal, this town became very popular when Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize. As at then, he was residing in this town and that gave it global attention. Since then, many people keep coming in to visit Shantiniketan.
Today, Shantiniketan is home to one of India’s most popular universities and continues to be an attractive destination for many tourists from across the globe. When here, you can visit several attractions to get a view of different Tagore paintings and sculptures. Places you will find these include PoushMela, Tagore’s Ashrama, and Amar Kutir.
Cooch Behar
Home to Koch King Maharaja Nripendra, Cooch Behar is a very popular place in West Bengal. Over the years, it has seen the influx of several tourists and travellers all coming in to see the many amazing places in it. Why should you choose this town over the many other options that you have while in West Bengal? It’s simply because of its freshness and magnificence that makes it second to none.
The royal residence of the Koch King here is the major point of attraction. For many who have heard a lot about his reign and his time as the king, they will surely get to see what they’ve heard about. This royal residence was deliberately constructed to look just like ancient European residence. Built-in the year 1887 by the Maharaja, this is one residence you would like your history book to take you to as an enthusiast.
Hooghly
Located 47km away from Kolkata, Hooghly is known for its revered history and legacy. One good reason why many people including you will love to come here is that it has a good history of being welcoming to everyone. This goes back to the fact that the town has been ruled by several outsiders in time past.
They’ve had the British, Portuguese, Dutch, French, Germans, and even Austrians rule them at various points. The entire landscape of Hooghly and the way of life of the people there is an enjoyable one and an experience you will want to have during your stay in West Bengal. Save some cost, have great fun, document your reality when you come to Hooghly.
Siliguri
Siliguri is popularly referred to as the gateway to the North East region of India. This quaint city is located in Jalpaiguri and is rated as one of the most beautiful places to visit in West Bengal. The entry point to this city is very easy as it has an international airport in it. This, over the years, has made it very easy for tourists and visitors to stop by before going to other cities.
In Siliguri, there is a lot to explore from the numerous natural marvels to the well-designed parks. While there are several places to visit in Siliguri, make sure not to miss out on the Jaldapara National Park. As a tourist coming into West Bengal, you can have a stopover here, do some exploring, before going on to visit other places.
Mayapur
One of the many reasons why people consider visiting West Bengal is to go on a religious tour. That’s because it is known to be the religious city with several temples and sanctuaries, many of which you’ve read about in your history books. If that’s you, what better place is there to visit than the religious city – Mayapur? There’s nowhere because at Mayapur you will get just what you need to make your religious tour a worthwhile one.
This city is filled with a lot of sanctuaries and scenic views that you get at first sight. This site was established by the Bhakti saint Vinod Thakur to be a popular Vaishnavite spot and that’s exactly what it is today. Notable sanctuaries that you can visit when you are in Mayapur include the Chandrodaya Temple and the Goswami Maharaj Temple of Dashavatar.
Mirik
This list of best places to visit while in West Bengal will not be complete without including the popular fairytale land – Mirik. Mirik is a valley located on the shores of a hill with a lot of awesome panoramic views. If you have a vacation plan with your family or loved ones to West Bengal, then you should consider Mirik because your kids are going to love it.
You can go on the fun-filled boating experience or a visit to any of the numerous well-structured temples. As a traveller, tourist, or one just going on a vacation, Mirik is the perfect destination if you want versatility and satisfaction.
No doubt, West Bengal is a great city with several fun places you can go to. In this article, we have provided you with some of the best places you can go and what to expect from them. Discuss with your travel operator so that every arrangement can be made for your comfort.