West Bengal Travel Guide
Plan your trip to West Bengal with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, local culture, safety and health tips, and more.
- Introduction to West Bengal
- List of Places to Visit in West Bengal
- 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
- 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
- Safety and Health
- 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!
West Bengal Image Gallery
![Sundarbans National Park](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Flora_and_Fauna_of_the_Sunderban.jpg/100px-Flora_and_Fauna_of_the_Sunderban.jpg)
![Lukochuri Darwaza, Gour (West Bengal)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Lukachuri_Gateway_%284%29.jpg/100px-Lukachuri_Gateway_%284%29.jpg)
![Hazarduari Palace, Murshidabad](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Hazarduari_Palace_-_full_front_view.jpg/100px-Hazarduari_Palace_-_full_front_view.jpg)
![A boat as seen from the beach of Mandarmani](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Mandarmani_Sea_Beach.jpg/100px-Mandarmani_Sea_Beach.jpg)
![Howrah Bridge, Kolkata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Howrah_bridge_at_night.jpg/100px-Howrah_bridge_at_night.jpg)
![Victoria Memorial, Kolkata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Victoria_Memorial_situated_in_Kolkata.jpg/100px-Victoria_Memorial_situated_in_Kolkata.jpg)
![Darjeeling Toy Train at Batasia Loop](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Darjeeling_Toy_Train_at_Batasia_Loop.jpg/100px-Darjeeling_Toy_Train_at_Batasia_Loop.jpg)
![Durga Puja in Bidhannagar, Kolkata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%80._%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF._%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%95_%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95_%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE_%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%8B_%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%A6%E0%A7%A7%E0%A7%AE.jpg/100px-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%80._%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF._%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%95_%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95_%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE_%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%8B_%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%A6%E0%A7%A7%E0%A7%AE.jpg)
![Traditional Bengali breakfast comprising of ''luchi'' with ''alur dom'', ''dal'' and ''sôndesh''.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Luchi%26alurdom.jpg/100px-Luchi%26alurdom.jpg)