Places to visit in West Bengal

[InduKumari]

I am going West Bengal during mid July and the trip duration would be for a week. I need some recommendations for places to visit in and around West Bengal, not too far out though. I don't mind the kind of place but it should be different and obviously popular.

Indu

 

[Dhruv]

If you plan to go during the first half of July you have an option to visit Dooars. Something different for a holiday would be the tea gardens, Lava and Lonegaon. Going to hill stations would not be advisable, as it would be rainy and there would be landslides and views would not be as good.

 

[btalivny]

You should try to visit the ganges at least once. The time I went, it was right at the foot of this temple. Sadly, they did not let me enter, but it was interesting to see how much life was filled around these holy waters.

 

[WAMZ]

To really appreciate the rich culture of Western Bengal, you should definitely make a trip to Bishnupur. The temples here are so beautiful they make you want to cry. Seriously, I dare anyone to feast their eyes on something like the Jorebangla Temple without needing an entire box of tissues.

If you're an animal lover, you could also drop in at the Padmaja Naidu Park or the Marble Palace Zoo. Makes for a very relaxing afternoon.

 

[travelguide]

West Bengal has a lot to offer and I doubt if you can cover it all in a single visit. I will try to discuss two places broadly :

Kolkatta - This is the capital city of West Bengal and the largest metropolitan city of India. Some importance places in Kolkatta are Howrah Bridge, Botanical Garden, Victoria Hall, Shanti Niketan, Eco Tourism Park, Science City, Birla Temple, Marble Palace, Indian Museum and the list is endless.

Darjeeling - I think you should never miss this place if you love snow clad mountain, greenery and it is a heaven on earth. Some of the places there include Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill, Peace Pagoda, Barbotey Rock Garden, Neora National Park, Everest Museum & Darjeeling Toy Train. You can have a lot of fun in trekking, water rifting and bird watching there.

 

[HIraeth]

I agree with WAMZ, Bishnupur is definitely one of the places that you should visit if you're travelling to West Bengal. The terracotta temples here are not only beautiful but so so ancient, you feel like you've been suspended in some sort of time warp, which is actually truly overwhelming.

Beside the obvious capital city Kolkata, you should also visit Shantiniketan. This is where Tagore established the Vishwa Bharati University. It's a place that is cocooned in the warmth of beautiful nature and culture that carries on the music, dance and literary traditions of the great poet, not quite modernized as the capital city and the home to a mind boggling variety of art and craft practices.

If you have time, you may want to hit the north and give Darjeeling a visit as well. Known as the "queen of hill stations" since the time of the British, this simultaneously sleepy and lively mountain town will take your breath away. If you can wake up early morning, you can catch the sun hitting the peaks of the Kanchenjunga (third highest in the world). It's a sight you wouldn't forget easily. Nearby is a sleepy spot called "Ghoom", a quaint town whose name literally translates to "sleep" in Bengali. This place has one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in India housing some really ancient scrolls. If you wish, you can drive up another 5km up to Tiger Hill, which, on a clear day, offers a view of not only Kanchenjunga but Mount Everest as well.

Last but not the least, you can also visit the historical town of Murshidabad that still holds colonial architectural evidences of the Dutch, Armenians and the British. The famed Hazarduari (house with the thousand doors) on the banks of the Bhagirathi is one of the more popular tourist attractions here, although there are a few other palaces and ancient mansions that have now fallen from prominence.

Hope this helps!

 

[briannagodess]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

There's nothing more diverse than a place like West Bengal. There's mountains on one side, then the cities on the other. There's modernity on one side and then there's heritage sites on the other. You are sure to find something for the adventurer in you here. Some of the best places to visit here are:

1. Kolkata. Did you have any doubt that this would top the list? This is the capital of West Bengal and also the largest city in India. While in here, don't forget to visit:

• Howrah Bridge - This bridge also goes by the name "Rabindra Setu." This bridge links Kolkata to its twin city, Howrah. This is also dubbed as one of busiest bridges in the world.

• Park Street - This street is the location for the most famous night clubs and restaurants in Kolkata. You can find all sorts of entertainment options in here as well.

• Victoria Memorial - There's collections of various paintings, artefacts and items in here. This was a memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria. The garden here is also quite beautiful although there's a feee to enter it. The light and sound show during the evening is also a must to see here.

• Dakshineshwar Kali Temple - This temple is dedicated to Bhavatarini and was founded by Rani Rashmoni.

• Indian Museum - Being the oldest museum in India, established in 1814, this is a great place to visit for history geeks. It is also one of the largest museums in the country with about 6 sections with 35 galleries.

2. Darjeeling. A popular tourist destination due to its pleasant climate all-year round. Some attractions here are:

• Tiger Hill - This is the highest point in Darjeeling where you can view the Kanchenjunga and the Mount Everest.

• Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car or Darjeeling Ropeway - This is the best way to see the entire Darjeeling in a short time. Amazing views of valleys below, mountains, waterfalls and rivers await you.

• Ganga Maya Park and Rock Garden - The Ganga Maya Park has beautifully designed gardens with streams. On the other hand, the Rock Garden has a wonderful garden as well with waterfalls in the area.

• Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda - They are in close vicinity with one another. The Japanese Temple is a true symbol of the harmonious and peaceful way of the Japanese. You'll find four avatars of the Buddha in the Peace Pagoda.

3. Siliguri. This is a small hill station in West Bengal. It is best known for its tea estates but it also offers amazing views of the Himalayas. Don't forget to visit the following here:

• Coronation Bridge - This was built to commemorate King George V. It also connects Siliguri to other Northeastern territories.

• Kali Mandir - This is just nearby the Coronation Bridge. This is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.

• Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary - You can find Leopards, Elephants and Rhinoceroses here. There's also a bungalow type of accommodation in here. Although you cannot venture out in the night as it can be dangerous.

• Hong Kong Market - You can find many Chinese goods here as well as several food stalls.

4. Kalimpong. This is one of the lesser known destinations in West Bengal. However, it still boasts of natural sceneries and attractions. Some of them are:

• Deolo Hill - This is the highest point in Kalimpong. You can enjoy the recreational park on top. Or even partake in some adventure activities like paragliding and trekking.

• Cactus Nursery - You can find various rare species of cactus in here. The views of the mountains add some charm into the nursery.

• Crockety - This used to be ancient British Village. You can find various gardens and lawns here that were beautifully designed.

5. Jalpaiguri. A haven for nature lovers with the various rivers and hills to be found here. Some attractions to see are:

• Gorumara National Park - The rare One-horned Rhinoceros can be found here. It's also a great place for bird watchers for the various migratory birds found here.

• Jalpaiguri Rajbari - The Raikats used to live in here. Aside from the palace, you can find temples and even a huge garden in here.

• Jalpesh Temple - This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

I hope this helps!