Best Places in West Bengal – Complete Guide

best places in west bengal

West Bengal is known as the most cultural state of India. However, tourism is another best thing about this state. From amazing sea beaches to splendid hill stations, this state is very diverse when it comes to tourism. If you are searching for the best places in West Bengal for your next trip, then we are here to help you out. 

Best Places in West Bengal

Besides Kolkata, this state has some amazing travel destinations. In the following, we are covering ten best places in West Bengal that can make your visit more magical. 

Kolkata

Popularly known as ‘The City of Joy’, Kolkata is the heart of Bengal. Without any doubt, Kolkata holds the #1 position on this list. If you are a city lover and finding a place that can give you both classic and futuristic vibes, then Kolkata is the ideal place. 

From beautiful travel hotspots to mouthwatering cuisines, Kolkata is the heaven for travel buffs. Moreover, the intellectuality of the city enriches the cultural value, and you will witness it every single corner. 

Kolkata is also known as the festive hub of India. You may know what Durga Puja means for this city. However, it would be better if you witness this magical experience during your visit in October. Additionally, this city also celebrates festivals like Holi, Christmas, and Rabindra Jayanti with full passion and dedication.

Attractions

  • Victoria Memorial 
  • Indian Museum
  • Eco Park
  • Science City 
  • Dakshineswar Temple
  • Belur Math

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Kolkata any time. Although many visitors travel Kolkata during Durga Puja. On the other hand, you can also visit during winter. 

How to Reach

Being the biggest city in eastern India, Kolkata is easily reachable by air, rail, and road. Both Howrah and Sealdah railway stations are located in Kolkata. So, you can easily reach this place by rail.

Alternatively, the air is another good option as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport in Kolkata handles both international and domestic flights. By road could be a great option too as many government and private agencies run buses to connect Kolkata with all other major cities across India. 

Sundarbans National Park

Sundarban Tiger Reserve has the world’s highest tiger population.

World’s largest delta Sundarban enriches the beauty of West Bengal. Sundarban is also the largest Mangrove Forest in the world. Sundarban National Park is popular as a tiger reserve for Royal Bengal Tiger. Many people add this national park to their bucket list. Sundarban earned the World Heritage Site title by UNESCO in 1987.

Attractions

  • Sajnekhali Watch Tower
  • Sundarbans National Park
  • Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary 
  • Netidhopani

Best Time to Visit

Sundarban could be visited at all times of the year.

How to Reach

Sundarban is only reachable by riverine waterways. The distance between Kolkata to Sundarban is around 130 km, so you can reach the place by bus. 

The nearest railway station is Canning which is located around 48 km away. Then, you have to get a motor launch to reach Sundarban.

Darjeeling

best places in west bengal darjeeling
Photo: IILS

Darjeeling has the largest ropeway in Asia.

When we are talking about the best places in West Bengal, Darjeeling is another most visited place in this state. From tea gardens to heritage Toy Train, Darjeeling could be the perfect destination for your holidays. Besides these, Darjeeling is blessed with the picturesque natural views of Himalayan mountains. Plus, don’t forget to taste mouthwatering Tibetian and Nepalese cuisines here.

Attractions

  • Tiger Hill
  • Peace Pagoda
  • Kanchenjunga
  • Batasia Loop
  • Barbotey Rock Garden
  • Neora National Park

Best Time to Visit

All around the year. However, you should avoid visiting Darjeeling during Moonsoon as landslide events are common during this time.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is located around 72 km away from Darjeeling. Get a train from Sealdah railway station to NJP, and then hire a cab to reach Darjeeling. 

There are also bus services available from Kolkata to reach this place. On the other hand, Bagdogra is the nearest domestic airport which is located at a distance of 68 km away from Darjeeling. Cab service is also available from there.

Shantiniketan

Known as the Treasure Trove of famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is one of the best places in West Bengal. This little town is located near Bolpur where the Visva Bharati University is located.

From Kala Bhavan to Uttarayan, Shantiniketan could be the favourite place for history and culture enthusiasts. Santiniketan also arranges many popular festivals like Pouse Mela and Holi. 

Attractions

  • Tagore’s Ashram
  • Kala Bhavan
  • Patha Bhavan
  • Prakriti Bhabhan
  • Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit

October to April is the ideal time to reach Shantiniketan. Many tourists visit this place during ‘Pouse Mela’ and Holi. However, due to the unbearable heat, you should avoid this place during summer. 

How to Reach

The nearest railway station of Santiniketan in Bolpur (nearly 2 km away). Alternatively, you can reach this place by road. The nearest airport is Netaji Shubhash Chandra Bose, Kolkata. 

Bishnupur

bisnupur best places in west bengal
Photo: Wikipedia

If you are finding a historic place in West Bengal, then Bishnupur could be a perfect destination. Crafted with beautiful Terracotta design, Bishnupur is has various temples and forts. Plus, the famous Balucheri saree is very popular here. 

Attractions

  • Rasmancha
  • Jorebangla Temple
  • Madan Mohan Temple
  • Radha Gobinda Temple
  • Gate of Old Fort
  • Dalmadal Kaman Canon

Best Time to Visit

All around the year.

How to Reach

The best way to reach Bishnupur is by road. You will easily get a cab from Kolkata. If you are not a West Bengal native, you should avoid local trains.  

Digha & Mandarmani

digha
Photo: LBB

Digha is one of the most popular places in West Bengal. This place is more popular as a weekend destination among locals. Just like Digha, Mandermani is also an amazing seaside holiday destination. If you are finding a less-crowded seaside place, Mandarmani is the perfect one. 

Attractions

  • New and Old Digha Beach
  • Shankarpur Beach
  • Digha Mohona
  • Mandarmani Beach
  • Talseri
  • Marine Aquarium 

Best Time to Visit

Because of the pleasant weather and good transportation, both Digha and Mandarmani welcome tourists throughout the year. So, you can visit any time.

How to Reach

The distance between Digha and Kolkata is around 190 km. Many people visit Digha and Mandarmani from Kolkata by car. However, there are also government and private bus services available from Kolkata.

You can also reach Digha by train from Howrah Station. However, these places don’t have airports. 

Kalimpong

If you think Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand only have the most beautiful hill stations, then you are wrong. Darjeeling is not only hill station that West Bengal have, and Kalimpong could clear your doubt. Besides the Kalimpong town, this little district has some picturesque villages that can steal your heart. 

Attractions

  • Delo Park
  • Kalimpong Science Centre
  • Pine View Nursery
  • Durpin Dara Hill
  • 7th Mile View Point

Best Time to Visit

September to March is the best time to visit Kalimpong.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra which is located around 77 km away. You can hire a cab from there to reach Kalimpong. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, around 73 km away. Most people reach Kalimpong by hiring a cab from NJP.

Alternatively, you can also get a bus from Kolkata and reach Siliguri. Then, get a cab and reach Kalimpong.

Murshidabad

murshidabad
Photo: Dreamstime

Murshidabad was the capital of Bengal until the East India Company came here.

The city of Nawab is another most visited historical place in West Bengal. Located around 200 km from Kolkata, Murshidabad is famous for the history of Nawab. Hazarduari Palace is the main attraction here and you should not miss this place. 

Attractions

  • Hazarduari Palace
  • Motijheel Park
  • Kathgola Gardens
  • Char Bangla Temple
  • Katra Masjid

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Murshidabad throughout the year. However, because of the unbearable weather, many people avoid this place during summer.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Netaji Shubhash Chandra Bose airport. However, it’s located around 195 km from Murshidabad. The best way to reach this place is from Kolkata. Then, you can hire a cab to reach there. 

Mayapur

Mayapur is also famous as the birthplace of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a spiritual leader from the 15th century. 

The headquarter of ISKCON is a well-deserved destination in this best places in West Bengal list. Mayapur is a famous pilgrim city in this state that is popular among followers of Lord Krishna. 

Attractions

  • ISKCON Chandrodaya Temple
  • Yoga Peeth
  • Shri Chaitanya Math

Best Time to Visit

All over the year.

How to Reach

You can easily reach Mayapur by road from Kolkata. The distance is around 110 km. Alternatively, Kolkata ISKCON Temple provides a bus at 6 am daily. Plus, many private agencies run buses from Esplanade.

Dooars

Last but not least, Dooars is probably an hidden beauty of West Bengal. Situated at the foothill of Himalayan mountains, Jaldapara National Park can give an incomparable experience, especially you are having an Elephant Safari. 

Attractions

  • Coronation Bridge
  • Chilapata Forest
  • Jaldapara
  • Sumsing
  • Latpanchere

Best Time to Visit

September to March is the ideal time to visit Dooars. 

How to Reach

Madarihat is the nearest railway station to Dooars. You can also reach this place from NJP railway station. On the other hand, Bagdogra is also a good option to reach Dooars. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the famous in West Bengal?

West Bengal is famous for the natural and historical beauty. Plus, the Bengali cuisines of this state is quite popular throughout India.

Q: What is West Bengal famous food?

There are various veg and non-veg Bengali foods available in this state. Moreover, this state is famous for mouthwatering sweets.

Q: Is West Bengal safe for travelers?

West Bengal is completely safe for travelers. Kolkata is very safe compared to other cities in India. 

Q: What is the best time to visit West Bengal?

You can visit West Bengal any time in the year. 

Conclusion

These are the most popular places to visit in West Bengal. We hope this guide was helpful for you. If you have selected your favorite places, then get ready to have an unforgettable experience.

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