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West Bengal is regarded as a popular destination for tourists from all over the world because of its well-known attractions and its beauty. The charming village of Bakura, which is home to numerous terracotta temples, and the charming tiny town of Midnapore, which has several eco-parks and forests, are some of the greatest places to explore. There is something for every type of traveller at these offbeat places in West Bengal. The places range from royal palaces and museums to picturesque Ghats.
Top 10 Offbeat Places In West Bengal
The eastern Indian state of West Bengal is bordered by Bangladesh. Here is a short list of offbeat places in West Bengal.
1. Kolkata
The cultural centre of India, Kolkata, is also known as the City of Joy. Kolkata is well-known for its past and for being the birthplace of Satyajit Ray and Rabindranath Tagore. Everything in Kolkata ranging from food, music, and literature culture is incredible. Kolkata’s rich history and culture ensure that there are plenty of tourist attractions to visit. This city lies on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and shares its border with Bangladesh. Today this city is known for its grand colonial architecture.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Major Attractions: Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial Hall, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Park Street, College Street, Mother House, Indian Museum
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Siliguri For Couples
2. Darjeeling
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Darjeeling is perfect for a romantic honeymoon. Situated amidst acres of tea estates, Darjeeling has a year-round temperate temperature due to its elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level. A view of the Eastern Himalayas can be seen from this place. UNESCO awarded the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which was founded in 1881, the designation of World Heritage Status. With more than 86 tea farms that produce the renowned “Darjeeling Tea,” Darjeeling is also well-known for its tea plantations.
Major Attractions: Botanical Gardens, Zoo, Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway Cable Car, Tea Garden
3. Sundarbans
Photo: Maitheli Maitra / Unsplash
Sundarbans National Park, situated in West Bengal is renowned for having the largest mangrove forests on Earth. Along with roaring rivers and stunning estuaries, it is also a Tiger Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve, well-known for housing Royal Bengal tigers. This Sundarban delta stretches into Bangladesh. With a wide range of animal and bird species, including reptiles like saltwater crocodiles, it is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are more than 400 Royal Bengal Tigers living in the Sundarbans. Mostly Sundari trees are found in this forest.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Major Attractions: River Boat Cruises, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Marichjhapi, Ghoramara Island, Boating at Mangrove Forest
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Darjeeling For A Marvellous Staycation
4. Siliguri
Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash
Known as a Gateway to North-East India, Siliguri is a city in West Bengal. Siliguri, an offbeat place in West Bengal is the third largest city in West Bengal and the twin city of Jalpaiguri. One of Siliguri’s main attractions is the Jaldapara National Park, which is located on the banks of the Torsa River. Previously called the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, the park spans approximately 215 kilometres and is made up of both grasslands and riverine woods. Siliguri has gained fame for lumber and tea products.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Major Attractions: Salugara Monastery, Madhuban Park, Coronation Bridge, North Bengal Science Centre, ISKCON
5. Mirik
Photo: Shubh.ch1994 / Wikimedia Commons
Mirik is a lovely hill station in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. It is tucked away among the gorgeous hills and renowned for its calm atmosphere and quiet beauty. Mirik, which is 1,495 meters above sea level, is encircled by verdant forests, undulating tea plantations, and stunning Himalayan range views. Tourists can take leisurely walks through the picturesque tea gardens and visit the Sumendu Lake. It is also recommended to shop at Pashupati Nagar, a bustling market.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and October to November
Major Attractions: Boating in Mirik, Sprawling Orange Orchards, Shopping in Pashupati Nagar, Bokar Monastery, Bunkulung, Rameetay Dhara
Suggested Read: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Digha
Photo: Sourav Kundu / Unsplash
Digha, a coastal town on the Bay of Bengal, is a well-liked vacation spot because of its unspoiled beaches and picturesque surroundings. It is home to the most popular seaside resort in West Bengal, which is well-known for its stunning beaches. There are many religious temples, and state-of-the-art research facilities and museums, offering a lot to people of all ages. It is recommended to visit the Chandaneswar Shiva Temple which is just 8 kilometres from the town.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Major Attractions: MARC, Old Digha Beach, Udaipur Beach, Talasari Beach, Amarabati Park, Chandaneswar Shiv Temple
7. Dooars
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dooars is the native term for the floodplains that surround Bhutan in northeastern India. Dooars is the entry point to Bhutan so the word “door” gave rise to the name “Dooars.” An offbeat place in West Bengal, Dooars includes a number of towns and districts, such as Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Siliguri, and others. Tourists can spot the Eastern Himalayan mountain range in the background, a strip of dense forest that is abundant in flora and fauna, tea gardens, and water bodies.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Latpanchore, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Sumsing and Suntalekhola
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Bagdogra
8. Cooch Behar
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
An offbeat place in West Bengal, Cooch Behar is a modest planned town that was formerly the Koch dynasty’s province. The place is ideal for a weekend vacation. Cooch Behar is a district in northeastern West Bengal that is part of the Jalpaiguri division. The place has a moderate climate but receives heavy rainfall during monsoons. It is recommended to visit the famous Cooch Behar Palace built in 1887 and Sagar Dighi which is one of the greatest ponds in Cooch Behar.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Madan Mohan Temple, Cooch Behar Palace, Jaldapara National Park
9. Kalimpong
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
West Bengal’s Kalimpong is a pristine hill station known for its expansive valley vistas, Buddhist monasteries and markets selling Tibetan handicrafts and more. According to some, the region was under the control of Bhutanese monarchs and served as a forward base for the Bhutanese Army until the 1800s. There are centuries-old churches and renowned temples too. Among the well-known destinations are the Jang Dong Palriffo Brang (Monastery) and Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery).
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
Major Attractions: Morgan House, Durpin Dara, Hill Pine View Nursery, Deolo Hills, Mangaldham, 7th Mile Viewpoint, Crockety
Suggested Read: Shopping Malls In Kharagpur
10. Murshidabad
Photo: Sonu Islam / Wikimedia Commons
Murshidabad is an offbeat place to visit in West Bengal. This place is a historical city and is located on the eastern banks of the Bhagirathi River. There are multiple places to visit in Murshidabad which offer a surreal experience. Some of the top attractions in Murshidabad are Hazarduari Palace and Nizamat Imambara which are renowned for their exquisite architecture. The place is a thriving silk industry and sells silk sarees. These sarees can be found in the Belampore Market.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Major Attractions: KathGola, Katra Mosque, Footi mosque, Hazarduari Palace, Nizamat Imambara, Belampore Market
The fourth most populous state in Eastern India is sometimes referred to as the “melting pot of cultures.” There are multiple places to visit and admire ranging from Kolkata to Dooars and Murshidabad. Its capital, Kolkata is frequently referred to as India’s cultural capital and combines Indian and Western culture. Plan a trip with TripXL to explore offbeat places in West Bengal and take in its vibrant and diverse culture.
Cover Photo: Joy Amed / Unsplash
