Approved By Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India – Reg. No. 5TT.II(100)/2001-ITO

Journey of a lifetime…

25 TH ANNIVERSARY,

Titled the, ‘Sweetest part of India,’ West Bengal comprises stunning landscapes, majestic forests, coastal beauty, rich history and the unspoiled Sunderbans. The region has had a great history with the first mention of the place found in the relic Mahabharata. Due to its location by the sea and naturally blessed terrain, it has seen the reign of different dynasties from the Palas to the Guptas and then finally the British. A prominent city under the British, you can see glimpses of their rule throughout the state be it the architecture or development. Anyone who enjoys art, culture, history and nature should know this sweetest part of India. From snow-capped mountains, pouring sea, endless tea plantations, inspiring culture, abundant wildlife, ancient temples and spectacular architecture, West Bengal ensures the traveller in you stays curious and engaged.

Eye-Catching Places to Visit in West Bengal

Kolkata

Yellow taxis, Victoria Memorial, and Street side Puchkas are synonymous with the city of Kolkata. During the British era, Kolkata served as the capital for the longest time before it was shifted to New Delhi in 1911. Therefore it is a perfect place to imbibe the true spirit of Indian history and taste the intellect rebel that led to its independence. Now the 350-year-old metropolis is the capital of the state fondly known to be the ‘City of Joy.’ The city has produced a stunning juxtaposition of ancient colonial-era elegance with the fledgling impending hipster culture that thrives among the city's millennial citizens, driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class. As you discover the layers of heritage and culture, the chaotic streets will transform into a compilation of stories

Sunderbans

Located about 110 kilometres south of Kolkata lies the dense mangrove forests home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. This area along with a biosphere reserve home to rivers and gorgeous estuaries is called Sunderbans. The Sunderbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is shared by Bangladesh and India collectively. The entire delta houses some of the most vibrant and awe-inspiring plants that are only specific to this origin. A boat tour into the dense mangrove forest is an ideal way to see the region’s natural abundance. The place is known for its simplicity of sync between nature and humans. These trees are the surviving remnants of the once-vast rainforests that once engulfed the Gangetic plains

Shanti Niketan

This small town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district is home to India’s favourite poet Rabindranath Tagore. The quaint town is known for the Visa Bharati University, founded by the beloved poet’s father. Many tourists visit to simply witness this one of a kind tourist destination for its aesthetic brilliance and historically significant culture. Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others have sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings on the Santiniketan campus. Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the legendary mystic Baul Singers are all famous festivals celebrated joyously in the Birbhum District, where the Santiniketan is located.

Darjeeling

The state enjoys a good share of the Himalayan range and therefore is blessed with some beautiful hill stations, each enticing the intrepid traveller through its glory. One such destination is Darjeeling known to be the Queen of the Himalayas. This former British summer capital is now a picturesque hill station surrounded by tea farms. Immensely popular for its Toy Train, established by the Britishers in the year 1881, it is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you witness the mountains, 2000 metres above sea level on a historic train, the joy of your Incredible India journey simply multi-folds. The region is home to over 86 tea farms making Darjeeling Tea popular throughout the globe

Kalimpong

Another beautiful hill station in West Bengal, Kalimpong is known for its majestic valley views, vibrant Buddhist monasteries and historic churches and the local Tibetan handicrafts. Situated on the slopes of the Shivalik ranges, the legends share that the region was once ruled by the Bhutanese monarchs and served as a forward station for the Bhutanese Army until the nineteenth century. Therefore all the old monasteries and temples showcase the Bhutanese history with the influence of the British era. Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery) and Jang Dong Palriffo Brang (Monastery) are two well-known destinations to visit. The local markets are also known for their orchids and flowers.

Bishnupur

Bishnupur is known to be the land of terracotta temples. However, it has grown popular as a tourist destination for its rich culture including art, music and crafts. The same can be witnessed through the plethora of tourist attractions where one can also buy the local paintings and especially the handcrafted Baluchari Saree. You can also visit the Jorbangla temple, Rasmancha temple, Shyamrai Temple and many others in the vicinity. The temples are truly a fine example of the region’s history and architectural marvels.

Bankura

Bankura is a combination of hills, temples and adventurous sports. The historical town has now gained immense popularity among the young trekkers and hikers due to its majestic slopes. Also known for its terracotta temples, you can see the fine example of architecture in Siddheswara temple, Biharinath Hill, Koko Hill, Susunia Hill, and many others.

Delicacies of the state

This state of vibrant literature and history is no less when it comes to food. The taste of the regional cuisine truly reflects the diversity in terms of flavour, colour, culture and tradition. The locals are equally enthusiastic about their art as they are about their food. Fish, lentils, and rice are the primary and most important ingredients in this cuisine. The five main spices that give the meal its flavour are cumin, nigella, fenugreek, aniseed, and mustard seed, and most of the dishes are made in mustard oil. Sukto, Amble, Pitha, Chingri Macher Malai stew, Macher Jhol, and Begun bhaja (fried eggplant) are only a handful of Bengal's delights.

Shopping in the state

Bengali folk art is difficult to categorise. The designs are frequently regionally specific; nonetheless, some pieces bear the mark of ancient and modern influences. An entire community may specialise in a single craft heritage, with artistic styles and techniques passed down through the generations. Therefore whenever you are travelling through the state don’t forget to visit the local shops and buy the local handicrafts ranging from Jamdani sarees, ceramics, dokra metal craft, stone carving, and artistic leather products among many others.

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