West Bengal Travel Guide (Eastern India/India/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to West Bengal
List of Places to Visit in West Bengal
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of West Bengal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of West Bengal
Best Things to Do in West Bengal: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for West Bengal
Food and Drink Scene of West Bengal
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in West Bengal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in West Bengal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of West Bengal
Best Time to Visit West Bengal
Do’s and Don’ts of West Bengal
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in West Bengal
- Health in West Bengal
Getting to West Bengal: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in West Bengal
Where to Go Next from West Bengal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

West Bengal, located in Eastern India, is a state known for its rich history, culture, natural beauty, and diverse cuisine. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, the Howrah Bridge, and the Sunderbans. There are many exciting things to do and see in West Bengal, from exploring its many museums and historical sites to hiking and biking through the beautiful countryside.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to West Bengal. Let’s get started!

Introduction to West Bengal

West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India, with a population of over 90 million. It is bordered by Bangladesh to the east, Nepal to the north, and the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, and Assam. It has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.

The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), which is known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and delicious street food. Other major cities in West Bengal include Darjeeling, Siliguri, Asansol, Durgapur, and Howrah.

List of Places to Visit in West Bengal

West Bengal has many attractions for visitors to see and explore. Here is a list of some of the most popular places to visit:

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Sunderbans, South 24 Parganas
Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling
Kalimpong, Darjeeling district
Bishnupur, Bankura
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
Science City, Kolkata
Belur Math, Howrah
Fort William, Kolkata
Indian Museum, Kolkata
Marble Palace, Kolkata
Tagore’s House, Kolkata
Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

West Bengal has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many museums and historical places to explore. Here are some of the most popular cultural attractions:

Indian Museum, Kolkata
Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
Belur Math, Howrah
Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata
Marble Palace, Kolkata
Tagore’s House, Kolkata
Hazarduari Palace Museum, Murshidabad
Bishnupur Archaeological Museum, Bankura
Rabindra Bharati Museum, Kolkata
Sabarna Sangrahashala, Kolkata

Natural Attractions of West Bengal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

West Bengal is blessed with natural beauty, from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the mangrove forests in the south. Here are some of the best natural attractions in West Bengal:

Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve, South 24 Parganas
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling
Tiger Hill, Darjeeling
Sandakphu, Darjeeling
Jaldapara National Park, Jalpaiguri
Neora Valley National Park, Darjeeling
Singalila National Park, Darjeeling
Gorumara National Park, Jalpaiguri
Mirik Lake, Darjeeling
Ravangla, Sikkim

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Bengal

West Bengal is a great destination for hiking and biking, with many scenic routes to explore. Here are some popular routes to check out:

Sandakphu Trek
Singalila Ridge Trek
Neora Valley Trek
Darjeeling – Manebhanjan Loop
Kolkata – Sunderbans Biking route
Hoogly to Murshidabad Biking Route

Best Things to Do in West Bengal: Activities and Tours

There are many exciting things to do in West Bengal, from exploring museums and historical sites to trying local cuisine and going on adventure tours. Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience:

Visit Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Go on a Sundarban safari
Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Explore Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Enjoy street food at New Market, Kolkata
Explore the tea gardens in Darjeeling
Visit Hazarduari Palace, Murshidabad
Take a tour of Kolkata’s colonial architecture
Enjoy a boat ride on Mirik Lake
Go paragliding in Darjeeling

Week-Long Itinerary for West Bengal

West Bengal has many attractions and destinations to explore, so here’s a week-long itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day 1: Arrive in Kolkata, explore Victoria Memorial and Park Street
Day 2: Visit Belur Math, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and Howrah Bridge
Day 3: Take a day trip to Sunderban National Park
Day 4: Take a train to Darjeeling and explore the city
Day 5: Go on a trek to Sandakphu, or visit the tea gardens
Day 6: Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tiger Hill
Day 7: Return to Kolkata, visit the Indian Museum or Science City

Food and Drink Scene of West Bengal

West Bengal is famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Rosogolla
Mishti Doi
Fish Curry
Luchi and Cholar Dal
Kosha Mangsho
Chingri Malai Curry
Kathi Rolls
Phuchka
Ghugni

Local Beverages

Cha (Tea)
Lassi
Aam Pora Shorbot
Gondhoraj Lebur Shorbot
Darjeeling Tea

Where to Stay in West Bengal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

West Bengal has a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Luxury hotels: ITC Sonar, The Oberoi Grand, Taj Bengal
Budget hotels: Swissotel Kolkata, Hotel Plaza Kolkata, Hotel Sagar
Hostels and guesthouses: Zostel Darjeeling, The Bong Hostel Kolkata, Backpackers’ Den Darjeeling

What to Buy in West Bengal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are many souvenirs and local products to buy in West Bengal, such as:

Terracotta items
Baluchari silk
Dokra metalwork
Patachitra paintings
Darjeeling Tea
Rosogolla

Local Culture and Customs of West Bengal

West Bengal has a rich and diverse culture, with influences from different religions and traditions. Some customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting include:

Dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites
Remove shoes before entering temples
Greet people with “namaste” or “as-salamu alaykum”
Respect local customs and traditions

Best Time to Visit West Bengal

The best time to visit West Bengal is from October to March when the weather is pleasantly cool with fewer chances of rain.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Bengal

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting West Bengal:

Do:

Try local cuisine
Immerse yourself in the local culture
Respect local customs and traditions
Bargain while shopping
Carry a photocopy of important documents

Don’t:

Disrespect local customs and traditions
Enter religious sites with footwear
Engage in illegal activities
Drink tap water
Travel alone at night

Safety and Health

Safety in West Bengal

West Bengal is generally a safe state for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take precautions and avoid traveling alone at night.

Health in West Bengal

Diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and hepatitis are common in West Bengal. It is advisable to take necessary preventive measures, such as using insect repellent, drinking bottled water, and avoiding street food.

Getting to West Bengal: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near West Bengal

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri

Bus Stations Near West Bengal

Esplanade Bus Station, Kolkata
Darjeeling Motor Stand, Darjeeling

Other Options

Trains: Sealdah railway station, Howrah railway station, New Jalpaiguri railway station
Taxis and rental cars are also available

How to Get Around in West Bengal

The best way to get around West Bengal is by taxi or rental car. Public transportation is also available but may not be as comfortable or convenient. In Kolkata, the metro rail and buses are a good option, while in other cities, taxis and rickshaws are easily available.

Where to Go Next from West Bengal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider after your visit to West Bengal:

Odisha: Puri, Konark
Bihar: Bodhgaya, Nalanda
Assam: Kaziranga National Park, Guwahati
Sikkim: Gangtok, Nathula Pass

Conclusion

West Bengal is a fascinating state that offers a mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and great food. With this comprehensive tour guide, you can plan the perfect itinerary to explore everything that it has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to West Bengal!