West Bengal is located in the eastern part of India. One of the most popular things about the state is its rich spot for cultural heritage, natural beauty, and cultural significance. Check out the top five best places to visit in West Bengal.
Do you know that West Bengal has more to offer and you will be able to get the best of the experience once you visit the different cities? If you want to get the most authentic flavour of the state, then it is best to try it all. West Bengal has more than just bustling streets; in the same form, you can witness the charisma of the hills as well. Doesn’t that sound so promising?
The state of West Bengal is associated with timeless culture and a lot of heritage value. If you are visiting the state for the first time, here are five places you should visit. Today we will discuss the top 5 places to visit in West Bengal.
List of 5 Best Places To Visit in West Bengal
1. Kolkata
Well, how can you witness West Bengal and its beauty and not visit Kolkata? It is a rich cultural heritage and is known for the experience that it offers. The City is known as the “City of Joy” and provides the best intellectual and artistic significance. Some must-visit places in Kolkata are Howrah Bridge, Alipore Zoo, Nicco Park, Jail Museum, Esplanade for shopping and the South City Mall or Quest Mall for a modern touch.
What more? When in Kolkata, do not forget to try out the fantastic food. Be it Rosogolla from Bancharam or the delicious mutton biryani from Arsalan. The people of Kolkata are also extremely welcoming, and you will feel at home. If you have the option, do not miss out on visiting Kolkata during Durga Puja. The entire City decorates at its finest, and the vibe is unmatched.
2. Darjeeling
Are you someone who does not want to be a part of your daily hustle and bustle and wants a safe escapade? Don’t wait anymore because Darjeeling should be your ultimate go-to place. What is so special about Darjeeling? The best thing about this place is that it is a serene hill station known for its ambience. You can take a train to New Jalpaiguri, and a car will take you to the hills. The view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling is simply breathtaking. If you are searching for peaceful places to visit in West Bengal, then you must visit Darjeeling.
The main attraction of Darjeeling is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train.” If you visit Darjeeling for the first time, don’t miss out on the beauty of Tiger Hills, Batasia Loop, Happy Valley Tea Estate and even the beautiful Rock Garden. Not only that, the Darjeeling Ropeway is also extremely popular.
3. Digha
West Bengal is not only about beautiful hill stations or metropolitan cities like Kolkata. If you want to travel to a place that offers you with serenity and brings you close to the sea, Digha is your ultimate option. It is located on the coastal areas and offers you with a spectacular sunset and sunrise over the sea. The location is quite close to Kolkata and you can come here by driving your own car. There are numerous beautiful resorts near the sea beach and you will be able to have the most spectacular view from your room itself. Digha is one of the popular places to visit in West Bengal.
When in Digha, do not miss out on the array of delicious seafood that this place can offer. You can also choose to go for a small trip to the Mohana which is the confluence where the sea meets the ocean. Along with that, you can also go to the Udaipur beach from Digha. This beach is a new one and you can sit on the beach and enjoy some fresh sea food. The beach also allows you to indulge in fun activities like scooty ride across the sand or para gliding.
4. Sundarbans
If you are looking for a quick getaway in West Bengal, and that too at the most beautiful location, then the wetlands of Sundarbans are your ideal match. The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast mangrove forest in the southern part of West Bengal. “Sundar” means beautiful, while “ban” means forest, roughly meaning beautiful woods. Sundarbans is one of the best and pocket friendly places to visit in West Bengal.
This is one of the world’s most well-built wild reserves known to have royal Bengal tigers. Not only that, but this spot is also home to dolphins as well as equally rare saltwater crocodiles. The experience of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable. The Sundarbans also offer opportunities for bird watching, fishing, and exploring the local villages and their unique way of life.
5. Santiniketan
And finally, when you visit West Bengal, how can you not witness the beauty of Santiniketan? This is the home of the poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore, and the Bengalis often regard this place as holy. The site is straightforward and tranquil. The rustic values and being close to the roots add more flavour to this place. The Visva Bharati University, established by Tagore, is the main attraction of Shantiniketan.
The university campus is spread over a large area and is dotted with beautiful buildings, art galleries, and museums. During Holi, often called “Basanta Utsav”, the entire town comes into action. Even Pous Mela is extremely popular here. If you are in Santiniketan, don’t give the famous Haat a miss. This is the weekly market where the local artisans come with beautiful handicrafts.
West Bengal is one of the only states in the country that can offer you such vast diversity. You will be able to access the entire state easily. Don’t forget; the food is undoubtedly one of a kind!
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