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The top things to do in West Bengal are endowed with rich heritage and sightseeing beauty spots. Therefore, it has much to offer to all tourists. This 4th most populous state of India offers an incredible amount of diversions and attractions ranging from colonial-style buildings in the capital city of Kolkata to the beautiful hill stations of Darjeeling. This state is home to diverse cultures, historical sights, natural beauty, and art. Scroll down to learn the list of multiple things to see in West Bengal as we unravel the best this state can offer to all its visitors.
10 Things To Do In West Bengal
Here is a list of the things to do in West Bengal for any type of traveller – the historical lover, or the adventurer.
1. Marvel At Kolkata’s Architectural Splendor
Photo: Paul Hamilton / Wikimedia Commons
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and is famous for its mixture of architectural buildings and colonial culture. Famous landmarks include the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, College Street, Park Street, Science City and Birla Planetarium. With historical landmarks and settings, modern art galleries and museums, this city is among the best cultural destinations in India. There are two planned townships in Kolkata too. The Science City is the largest science centre not just in Kolkata but the entire India.
Major Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Howrah Bridge
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Location: Kolkata
2. Ride The Famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring Darjeeling with Toy trains which is a world heritage site is one of the unforgettable experiences. The train passes through the hills of Darjeeling and offers some breathtaking sights of tea gardens, mountains, and valleys. This train runs between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. This site is known as the Mountain Railways of India. The railway’s headquarters lie in Kurseong. The fare of this train starts from 9.5k for flat wagons and ranges up to 20.5k for first-class wagons.
Major Attractions: Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop
Best Time To Visit: March to June, October to December
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Location: Darjeeling
3. Discover The Wilderness Of The Sundarbans
Photo: Mamun Srizon / Unsplash
The Sundarbans in West Bengal are the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is located at the delta which is formed by the confluence of three rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers. It is also the dwelling place of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Sundarbans are an excellent place in terms of excursion – one can find here a tangle of mangroves, rivers, and animals. The boat safari allows the tourists to view the forest and resources closely. Visitors can see animals such as crocodiles, spotted deer, and different kinds of birds.
Major Attractions: Boat Safari, Bengal Tiger sightings
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Location: Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
4. Visit The Spiritual Kalighat Temple In Kolkata
Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kalighat Temple is one of the holiest pilgrim centres in India which is devoted to goddess Kali. This is one of the oldest temples and is one of the 51 Shakti paths that hundreds of tourists from around the world visit every year. The temple got its name from the term Kali, which is goddess Kali and Ghat, is the area where the temple is located. This temple is the site where the toes of the right foot of Sati fell.
Major Attractions: Idol of Goddess Kali, local rituals
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Location: Kalighat, Kolkata
5. Discover Art And Culture At Shantiniketan
Photo: Wingedtree / Wikimedia Commons
Shantiniketan is a cultural city and pioneering educational institution. This place was discovered by Rabindra Nath Tagore, Nobel laureate. This town is home to the Visva Bharati University, a famous institution in West Bengal. Visitors can spend time in the natural environment, visit different art galleries, and get acquainted with the role of Tagore in Indian literature and culture. As a result, art lovers can have a rich experience of Bengal’s art through its two famous festivals namely Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav which are celebrated at this place.
Major Attractions: Visva Bharati University, Tagore Museum, art festivals
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Nearest Railway Station: Bolpur Shantiniketan Railway Station
Location: Shantiniketan, Birbhum District
6. Explore Hazarduari Palace In Murshidabad
Photo: DeepanjanGhosh / Wikimedia Commons
Murshidabad’s Hazarduari Palace is a landmark of the region and one of the biggest palaces in West Bengal. It was previously known as Bara Kothi. Constructed in the 1800’s during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah, this palace is known for its thousand doors, impressive architecture, and gigantic museum. In the palace complex, there is a fine collection of arms, manuscripts, and portraits of the Nawabs and the paintings belonging to the British era. The palace is under the surveillance of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Major Attractions: Palace museum, antique collections
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Muthe Murshidabad Railway Station
Location: Murshidabad
7. Immerse Yourself In Nature In Dooars
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
Dooars is a beautiful area situated at the base of the Himalayan Range and is famous for its tea plantation, vast forest areas, and different wildlife. You can go trekking, see tea gardens, and observe wildlife in places such as Jaldapara and Gorumara Forest. Spot elephants, rhinos, and deer are sighted around this place. Dooars is divided into two parts, Western Dooars and Eastern Dooars. This region forms a gateway to Bhutan.
Major Attractions: Tea gardens, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Location: Dooars Region
8. Experience The Ancient Terracotta Temples Of Bishnupur
Photo: Amartya Bag / Wikimedia Commons
Terracotta temples of Bishnupur are one of the most important sites in West Bengal. This town is well known for temple architecture that prevailed during the Malla regime. The temples were built in the 17th and 18th Century. The carvings done on the temple depict scenes from mythology. The local crafts of Bishnupur include the weaving of Baluchari sarees. A few of the temples of Bishnupur are Rasmancha Temple, Jorbangla Temple and Madan Mohan Temple.
Major Attractions: Terracotta temples, Rasmancha
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Bishnupur Railway Station
Location: Bishnupur, Bankura District
9. Discover Wildlife At Jaldapara National Park
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jaldapara National Park located in the Dooars area is famous for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros population. The place allows visitors to experience the elephant safari and view other wonders of the park. In addition to rhinos, the park boasts innumerable numbers of animals and birds, making it an ideal destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The low noise level and the towering trees will allow you to experience a quiet time. This makes Jaldapara National Park one of the best places to visit in West Bengal.
Major Attractions: One-horned rhinos, elephant safaris
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Location: Alipurduar District
10. Soak In The Tranquillity Of Kalimpong
Photo: / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kalimpong, a beautiful and popular hill station is famous for its beautiful view of the Eastern Himalayas. It is perched on a ridge above the Teesta River. It is home to some of the best nurseries. Other destinations that can be toured in Kalimpong include Deolo Hill, Durpin Monastery, and flower markets with species of exotic orchids. The monasteries have Buddhist scriptures and relics. Most importantly for tourists, the atmosphere in Kalimpong is calm and peaceful.
Major Attractions: Deolo Hill, Durpin Monastery, flower nurseries
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to December
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Location: Kalimpong
From the city of joy – Kolkata to the city on hills, Darjeeling to the royal refuge of kings –Sundarbans, West Bengal provides a diversity of experiences for all travellers. With this guide on the top things to do in West Bengal complete, let’s hop into planning your journey. Learn about the beautiful and culturally rich state of West Bengal and make the most of your journey. Plan a trip with TripXL and book your vacation getaway.
Cover Photo: Aashish Singh / Unsplash
