West Bengal is a melting pot of ethnicities, cultures, faiths, people, and languages, all of which contribute to the state's breathtaking landscapes, forests, and coastal beauty, as well as its rich history. West Bengal, with its mesmerising sceneries, snow-capped mountains, flowing oceans, blossoming tea gardens, enormous deltas, and lush flora, attracts a considerable number of tourists each year.
West Bengal's tourism attractions are a treat to the soul, from historical sites such as the East India Company's buildings, to hill stations such as Darjeeling, and the pleasant metropolis of Kolkata. It is a varied state that is home to a variety of cultures and people in one location.
West Bengal attracts a considerable number of domestic and international tourists each year. According to the Indian government's Department of Tourism, more than 71 million tourists visited the state in 2018. It features a wide range of heritage and luxury hotels, villas, homestays, and hostels where guests can unwind and enjoy their vacation.
The weather is humid and sticky from March until the end of June, making it difficult for people to get through the months. Tourism is discouraged during these months. The monsoon has come by the end of June or the beginning of July. It is not a pleasant or pleasant moment to be in Bengal. West Bengal is best visited during the winter months. In steep locations, the temperature steadily drops, and snowfall happens. The southern region sighs a sigh of relief as the temperature rises and the humidity falls. The park is packed with people who want to take advantage of the nice weather.
It is notable for having the world's largest mangrove forests and is located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It's also a Tiger Sanctuary and a Biosphere Reserve, providing visitors with a complete natural experience, from 'Royal Bengal tigers' to wild rivers and beautiful estuaries. It's a UNESCO world heritage site that's home to a wide variety of birds and reptiles, including saltwater crocodiles.
Kolkata is India's second-largest metropolis and the capital of West Bengal. It's an endless celebration of humanity's existence. The state capital of West Bengal is this thriving 350-year-old metropolis on India's Eastern Coast. As India's cultural, social, and intellectual capital, it thrives. Those who have visited and fallen in love with the city have termed it "The City of Joy," "India's Cultural Center," and "The City of Love." It is known for its history and for producing giants such as Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and many others who contributed to put India on the map. Some of the city's highlights are the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Fort William, Eden Gardens, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Temple, Kali Ghat, and Jorasanko Thakur Bari — Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore's family home.
Darjeeling is a hidden gem that combines old-world beauty with modern amenities. This city is one of West Bengal's greatest tourist spots for a well-deserved getaway from India's sweltering heat. It is a potent blend of breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls, sightseeing excursions, Buddhist monasteries, museums, shopping, and wonderful Tibetan food. The huge tea gardens are the cherry on top.
Siliguri is a fantastic vacation spot in and of itself, with enough to see and do. Over the years, Siliguri has been known for its tea and timber products, as well as being a significant commercial and transportation hub. Jaldapara National Park, on the banks of the Torsa River in Siliguri, is a famous tourist attraction. The park is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and a variety of other deer species.
Shantiniketan is a town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, about 212 kilometres from Kolkata. Because it was his birthplace, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore put it on the map. Every year, a great number of people visit the site. The town's main attraction is Visva Bharati University. The university was founded by Rabindranath Tagore's father, who later popularised it to revolutionise India's educational system. While you're there, don't miss Tagore's Ashram, Poush Mela, Amar Kutir, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, and other statues.
It is a 3 hour drive from Darjeeling and is a cultural melting pot of Indian, British, Nepalese, and Tibetan cultures. Flowering gardens, Buddhist monasteries, antique cathedrals, and sacred temples make it a popular tourist destination. Make the most of the numerous activities available, such as fantastic hill treks, bird watching, and shopping at the Kalimpong Market Square.
It is a charming town in West Bengal's Bankura district, offering plenty of things to see and do for visitors. It's famous for its terracotta-based pottery creations, which showcase the artists' skills. Bishnupur, one of the top places to visit in West Bengal, is known for its charming setting and bizarre landscapes.
Also known as the 'Land of White Orchids,' Kurseong is a hill station near Darjeeling noted for its waterfalls, temples, and Buddhist gompas, as well as the breathtaking vistas it affords.
A trip to West Bengal isn't complete without a stop at Mirik, which has everything from romantic boating excursions to religious sites and orchids and gardens for nature enthusiasts. The densely populated but not overcrowded town also includes calm overlooks and typical Indian Bazaars where you can indulge. A trip to Mirik for a fantastic hill station vacation is a fantastic idea.
Whether it was the Nawabs before colonial rule or the English Lords who called it home, Murshidabad exudes old-world elegance. Temples, monuments, and cathedrals adorn Murshidabad's floors, taking tourists to the city's glorious past. The beauty of this town is unrivalled.
West Bengal, with its rich past and seductive charm, has carved out a unique place in Indian history. Because it is home to some of our country's best intellectuals, such as Rabindranath Tagore, Toru Dutt, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and others, the state is a haven for literature and art lovers.
Everything seems to add up to the magnificent condition that it is, whether it's the numerous religions melting into one another or the lovely cultural events that seem to make up the glorious state that it is. West Bengal is much more than dhoti kurtas and large crimson bindis.
West Bengal has a long literary history, with famous writers like Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay making significant contributions to Bengali and international literature. Literature's legacy extends far beyond that.
The Theatre of Bengal was instrumental in fostering a sense of nationalism among Indians and inspiring people to join the battle against British rule during the Indian Independence movement. Bengali theatre has a long and famous history of presenting theatre; from the Jatras of Bengali folk theatre to Satyajit Ray's films, Bengali theatre has never failed to enchant audiences.
Bengal is recognised as the pioneer of modern contemporary art, with renowned painters such as Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and Rabindranath Tagore leading the push to promote the country's art's modernisation. There are various allusions to terracotta art and Kalighat paintings that predate modernization, suggesting that art has long been cherished. Everyone and everybody can enjoy listening to Bengali music. The most well-known of all is traditional Baul singing. Gambhira, Kirtan, and Bhawaiya are examples of other folk tunes. Chhau, a popular tribal dance style from West Bengal, depicts stories from Indian epics.
Bengali ladies often wear a sari, with the 'pallu' draped in a West Bengal-specific fashion. Men used to wear dhoti kurtas, but they are now exclusively worn on exceptional occasions like festivals or weddings. It will take several days to complete Bengali wedding customs and ceremonies. It usually starts with the Kabin ceremony and ends with the Bou Bhat ceremony, featuring Ghoti and Bangal categories of ceremonies.
Fairs and Festivals of West Bengal:
As a state that values diversity while promoting togetherness, it is home to a wide range of religions and, as a result, hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. Festivals are a lavish affair for Bengalis, with lavish parties and people buying new outfits and accessories specifically.
You should expect to eat a lot of great Bengali food if you visit West Bengal. It's unusual to come across another culture that is so enthusiastic about their food. Their emotions are expressed in their cuisine and cooking. Bengali cuisine is a sensory overload. It is the only multi-course traditional Indian meal to have come out of the subcontinent.
Fish and rice are the mainstays of this dish. The aroma of mustard oil and spices, the great selection of seafood, their never-ending list of vegetarian dishes, the charming "Luchis," and touching Kosha Mangsho and lip-smacking Ilish Macher Paturi will leave you wanting more.
When visiting West Bengal, there are a few foods that should not be missed:
When visiting Bengal, you must get one of the city's famous cotton sarees. Bengal is famed for its skilled weavers, who manufacture some of the best cotton clothes in the country. Sarees from Tangail, Dhakai, and Dhonekhali, jute products, terracotta jewellery and decorative pieces, and ceramics should all be on your buying list. The innate value of clay is apparent, and clay handicrafts are wonderful.
By Air – Don't be concerned if you're wondering how to go to Kolkata by air. The Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, popularly known as Kolkata International Airport, is based in Dumdum and serves all of India's and the world's major cities.
By Railway – Kolkata has an integrated rail network that connects it to the rest of the country, making it easier for budget travellers to navigate around the city. Sealdah (SDAH) and Howrah (HWR) are the principal railheads serving the city and the Howrah metropolitan area. Sealdah railway station is one of India's busiest, with three terminals serving long-distance trains from around the country.
By Road – West Bengal's state buses make it simple for travellers to reach the city. You can also go to various parts of the country on a variety of private buses from here for a reasonable price. Kolkata is close to the Sunderbans (112 km), Puri (495 km), Konark (571 km), and Darjeeling (624km).
