Be it those majestic mountains or the vast Gangetic planes, Gorgeous beaches or the dense Mangroove forests, West Bengal is a land of natural wonders. However, Bengal is just not all about a handful of picturesque locations, it has got much more to offer to you as well. Bengal has always been an owner of rich literary heritage, a pioneer of painting and music, a glorious legacy of terracotta and Indo Saracenic architecture.
A historic melting point, blending indigenous traditions with cosmopolitan influences. West Bengal is colourful enough to bedazzle the eyes and at the same time serene enough to heal the souls. A never ending celebration of India, that you should at least once be a part of!
It’s time to reveal the top 30 worth visiting places in Bengal.
1. Kolkata
Kolkata, the ‘City of Joy’,is a city with many marvels. And also the proud capital of West Bengal. Here you will find the British ruled Calcutta’s architectural gems, historical museums, numerous libraries and art galleries. If you happen to be an avid reader, you will be definitely amazed by the passion of this city for literature. College street, locally known as Boi Para(colony of books) and Indian Coffee House are the major attractions here.
Similarly, there is Victoria Memorial Hall, a museum having an assortment of Victoria memorabilia, British Raj paintings and other displays. As night descends on Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial Hall is illuminated, giving it a fairy tale look. Kolkata also houses India’s largest and world’s second largest cricket stadium- the Eden Gardens Stadium.
This iconic cricket stadium has a seating capacity of more than one lakh spectators. Another must visit is the Howrah Bridge on the Hooghly River, the sixth longest bridge of its type in the world. The city will dwell forever in your heart in the form of those beautiful moments spent on a boat trip on Hooghly!
2. Darjeeling
The serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendours can be felt only in Darjeeling. Often labelled as a top notch tourist place, Darjeeling is an experience for a lifetime. The are several prestine locations here. Its famous Tiger Hill has the most beautiful sunrise view of this planet. Even the Mount Everest, world’s highest peak, is also visible from here.
Another must see in Darjeeling is it’s Railway Loop , a marvellous feat of engineering. Tahe town and glorious view of snowy peak can be seen from here. Also there is a War Memorial dedicated to the bravehearts of the land. You can also visit here and pay homage to the martyrs. This is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal.
3. Sunderbans
The Sunderbans is one of the top national parks in India. It’s spread over 102 islands. However, there is a constraint, the Sundarbans is only accessible by boat. But, witnessing those dense mangroove forests over a boat is an experience of its own kind. Once you reach there, you will realise that it was worth taking so much pain. If you are daring enough then do consider placing Sunderbans on your itinerary!
4. Bishnupur
One of the famous places to visit in West Bengal Bishnupur is very old city of Bengal, Bishnupur had been ruled by the Mughals for decades. Despite of all these years of Mughal rule, the masses were majorly Hindus. All this resulted into clubbing of art and creativity of the best of these two communities. Today, Bishnupur is known for its remarkable terracotta temples, terracotta pottery, and silk saris.
You will be amazed to see Gumbaz or domes in the temples. On the walls of these historic temples, there is a vivid explanation of various incidents from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This amazing blend of Bengali, Islamic and Oriya architecture will leave you in awe.
5. Mirik
Mirik is a town nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. Mirik has become a popular tourist destination in the past few years. The centre of all attraction is the Sumendu lake, surrounded by a garden on one side, pine trees on the other and linked together by an arching footbridge called Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge). The place has many lovely view points to watch sunrise, sunset and the landscape, several nearby tea gardens, monasteries and temples, flower gardens including orchids and more.
6. Murshidabad
This beautiful town of Bengal called Murshidabad is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. Murshidabad was once a city ruled by the Nawabs. However ‘Nawabiyat’ has still retained itself in the air of the city. The palaces and gardens of Nawabs are picturesque. There are a number of sightseeing places such as Hazarduari Palace, Bachhawali Tope and Katra Mosque.
7. Cooch Behar
Experience a pleasant weather and natural freshness at Cooch Behar. A place located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Interestingly, it is the only planned city in north Bengal region. The unique blend of mordenity and royal heritage has made it a prominent tourist spot in Bengal. You must visit the marvelous Cooch Behar Palace and Madan Mohan Temple.
8. Siliguri city
You must have already heard about Siliguri. A city, located on the banks of the Mahananda River and the foothills of the Himalayas. The city of Siliguri attracts many tourist and probably the prettiest place to visit around the West Bengal.
9. Jaldapara National Park
Witness the wildlife of Bengal in Jaldapara National Park. This pristine beauty of West Bengal is situated at the foothills of Himalayas. There are a number of wild animals(including some declared threatened species) like Indian Rhinoceros, Elephants, Hog Deer and Indian Bison.
10. Mandarmani
Located at the east Midnapore District, Mandarmani or Mandarboni, is the fastest growing tourist attraction in West Bengal. Renowned for its beach, Mandarmani is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. A wide range of water sports like surfing, jet skiing, banana boat rides are all enough to give you an andrenaline rush!
11. Navadvipa
Between the hustle and bustle of West Bengal, there is a cluster of nine islands on the banks of the Ganges – the New Island – the Mayapur Islands. This place is one of the religious temples of West Bengal. The new island is known as God’s land because it is home to about 200 temples that are scattered in the rural environment of this place. It is also known as the land of Lord Chaitanya (rebirth of Lord Krishna). Scattered forests, winding paths, and beautiful orchids provide unchanging peace. Missing by commercialization and urbanization, this place will enter your heart.
12. Kalimpong
This melting pot of Indian, British, Nepali, and Tibetan culture is located 3 hours away from Darjeeling. Its flower gardens, Buddhist monasteries, historic churches, and holy temples make it a famous tourist destination in West Bengal. Offering panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains, this hill station is located at an altitude of 4100 feet. Don’t forget to take part in the various activities found here such as great mountaineering, bird watching, and shopping at the Kalimpong Market premises.
13. Gaur-Pandua
Gaur-Pandua, the medieval capital of West Bengal, is home to breathtaking architectural ruins during the reign of Muslim sultans. Most of the ruins are mosques and tombs such as Baro Sona Mosque, Fateh Khan’s Tomb, Adina Mosque, and Eklakhi Shrine. These twin cities are located in Malda district which is also called Mango city. Stop here and buy some delicious mango and Murshidabad silk.
14. Barrackpore
Barrackpore is located on the Hooghly River, 35 km north of Kolkata. The place came to be known as Barrackpore in 1772 as the main military troops were stationed here. If you are interested in history, you should visit this tourist spot to see some of the ruins of the British Raj. The place has many attractions like Mangal Pandey Park, Gandhi Museum, Bartholomew Cathedral, Kali Temple, and Memorial Hall.
15. Bankura
Bankura is located on the East Little Nagpur Plateau and is adorned by Mother Nature with brown slugs, chattering brooks, and ancient temples. Bankura is a great picnic spot because it also offers opportunities for trekking and exploration. When visiting this beautiful temple city of West Bengal, don’t forget to visit Biharinath Hills, Susunia Hills, and Koko Hills.
16. Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is a city in the Birbhum region of West Bengal and about 212 km from Kolkata. It was placed on the map by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore because it was his abode. Now a university, the spot currently attracts a huge number of tourists every year. Don’t forget to visit many interesting places like Thakur’s Ashram, Poush Mela, Amar Kutir, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, and see many sculptures and paintings of Thakur.
17. Digha
Showing untouched and obscure beaches, Digha is a city that sits on the royal coast of the Bay of Bengal. The scenic views and serene beaches in this city are perfect for those who want to escape the glittering world. This city is famous not only for its beaches but also for offering this city a perfect experience. With temples, beaches, and museums, this city has a lot to offer tourists.
18. Kurseong
Sitting just a few kilometers away from Darjeeling, Karsiyong is one of the most wonderful tourist destinations in West Bengal. Kurseong, also known as the ‘Land of White Orchids’, has beautiful waterfalls, religious temples, and stunning Buddhist monasteries. It is a quiet, small hilly area with pleasant and mild weather almost all year round.
The rainy season makes the city look fresher than ever with all the vegetation and vegetation. There are plenty of white orchids that can be seen sitting proudly on the escalator in Kurseong. Tea gardens, snow-capped peaks, and fresh jungles make it a paradise for nature lovers.
19. Durgapur
Also known as the ‘Steel Capital of East India’, Durgapur is a destination on the banks of the Damodar River in West Bengal. Providing an excellent combination of small-town vibrancy and metro city energy, Durgapur is one of the best tourist destinations in West Bengal that cannot be missed. The city is filled with old traditional themed bazaars, jhilmil temples, and huge parks for the little ones to spend their leisure time in this state. Sitting in the middle of West Bengal, this city has a lot more to offer. Don’t miss the local street food when you go to Durgapur.
20. Haldia
If you are looking for those tourist places in West Bengal to highlight the tourist history and culture of West Bengal, Haldia is that place. The city is a river port in the state but there is more to it than just trade spots. The Yellow Blanket is home to numerous temples, heritage sites, and small traditional theatrical markets that have gradually led to the rise of the town. From sea drives to some grand palaces, Haldia is a city that offers a wonderful mix of natural and man-made wonders.
21. Bakkhali
Another destination in West Bengal is the famous beach of Bakkhali. This city may be small but it is a world of its own. Bakkhali is a place on the coast of West Bengal that offers a chance to get closer to the wonders of Mother Nature. This is not your typical beach spot. It’s not just loud music nights and alcoholic evenings, it’s much more than that. Bakkhali is more about walking on the beach, islands, cycling, air farms, and boating. Bakkhali is the place for those who are looking for an exodus.
22. Bardhaman
A city that provides a complete experience to travelers, Burdwan is a place of interest for your travels in West Bengal. From the religious aura and the wonders of man-made architecture to the attractions and natural wonders of the old world, this is a city where everything is there. This city repeats the glorious leaves that come back for so much more. With its air, Burdwan is a city that is unique and picturesque in its way and it acts as a magnet to many.
23. Hooghly
The Hooghly region is just 47 km from Kolkata and is full of history and legacy. The city bears witness to the rule of outsiders such as British, Portuguese, Dutch, French and Germans, and Austrians in various settlements. Hooghly, a distributor of the river Ganges, dominates the entire territory here.
24. Mayapur
Located at the confluence of the Ganges and Jalangi rivers, this religious center is a city of scenic beauty and many sanctuaries. Mayapur is a well-known Vaishnava tourist spot founded by devotee Binod Tagore. Mayapur is famous for Chandrodaya Temple, ISKON temple, Sri Chaitanya Math, and Goswami Maharaj Temple of Dashabtar.
25. Dooars
Dooars is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal if you are looking for a vacation that is cool and comfortable. It is one of the most scenic places in West Bengal and is known for its strong mountains, dense forests, rich flora and fauna, and tea gardens. This floodplain continues from the Teesta River to the Sankoshi River. The name ‘Doors’ comes from the word ‘doors’ because these floodplains are the ‘doors’ of Bhutan.
26. Raichak
Raichak is a riverine town 50 km from Kolkata. The city is undiscovered and fresh air. The city is made up of a plethora of forts that add to the city’s ancient-world attraction. The Hooghly River flows past the town which paints quite a beautiful picture.
27. Lataguri
Lataguri Gorumara is located on the outskirts of the National Park and is one of the most scenic places in West Bengal. This is one of the best places to visit if you want your baby to be free. The place has wildlife, open fields, and ancient views. The whole setting will please your senses and keep you in a trance. Some of the sights of Lataguri are Garumara and Chapamari National Parks including Buxa Tiger Reserve.
28. Lolegaon
If you want to spend some time between nature and its beautiful sights, this is the perfect place to visit. Lolegaon is beautiful, undisturbed, and free from the tide of time. The natural and wild beauty of the place makes it an amazing vacation destination in West Bengal.
29. Mukutmanipur
Mukutmanipur is one of the most tempting places on weekends for the people and tourists of Kolkata who want to spend some time with nature. The place is known for its green forests, clear blue waters, and green hills. Mukutmanipur shares a border with Jharkhand and is located at the confluence of Kumari and Kangsavati. Visit this place and see the beautiful panoramic view.
30. Malda
If you want to see your roots again, Malda is a suitable place. Malda is located at the confluence of the rivers Mahanandi and Kalindi and is 350 km from Kolkata. The city of Malda is famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and mango orchards. It is one of the best places in West Bengal.
Conclusion
There is something about West Bengal that fascinates enthusiasts from both East and West. It is a melting pot of unique tastes, smells, and sounds. The scenes here are strange, and the literary lifestyle. The air of Bengal carries the smell of eroded sweetness and its rich culture. In addition to the old scenery, colonial-era architecture, and providing sweeter hospitality than Rasgolla, West Bengal has little to offer to all kinds of travelers. It has space that is a piece of history, open corners for panoramic views of the Ganges, and the best-described fare.