Presenting India's cultural amalgamation, West Bengal brings to you an array of striking art forms, vibrant festivals, stunning wildlife and abundance of nature at its best. This is perhaps the perfect destination to indulge in the most vibrant facades of nature, including the spectacular sunrise at the Tiger Hill. Though the state still cuddles its bygone era’s traditions close to its heart, it has made its mark on the world map as a modern metropolis of India. With intricately woven stories of the past world, West Bengal turns the most important pages of Indian history in style.
Music, poetry, films and theatre are integral part of West Bengal. The airs of this place chant melodious tunes that linger on the mind of visitors forever. The theatre in Bengal dates back to 18th century. Mirroring the wealthy art and cultural roots of the state, it acquired fame during the freedom struggle of the country when theatre was the sole means of expressing thoughts. Bengali literature is also considered as one of the richest on the planet. In addition to this, music is deeply rooted into the Bengali cultural heritage. All the local festivities are made vivacious with a series of musical events.
Bengali is the official language of the state, however, most of the locals are well versed in either Hindi or English. The locals are known for leading a simple life where men wear Lungi and women are seen wearing beautiful saris.
The historical relics of West Bengal are known for their grandeur and brilliance. Its 400 year old history narrates some legendary tales of Indian freedom struggle. Victoria Memorial is the most visited historical lure of the state known for housing a majestic bronze statue of Queen Victoria. The statue is guarded by two brass canons and is beautified with picturesque gardens with well-maintained pathways. Raj Bhavan, known for its Gothic architecture, is another must visit historical edifice that once used to be the residence of British Governor General of India. Today, it acts as the office complex and residence of the Governor of West Bengal.
Marking British Army's triumph in the battle against Nepalese Army in 1814, Sahid Minar stands 158 ft high with pride. The monument was named Sahid Minar to pay respect to the freedom fighters. To eye some opulence of the past world, visit the Hazarduari Palace. This beautiful palace features 1000 doors, 114 rooms and 8 galleries which make many jaws drop out of fascination. In addition to this, Tomb of Sher Afghan also lures thousands of travellers with its Meghnad Saha Planetarium.
Blessed with a great topography, there is no dearth of adventure activities in West Bengal. Darjeeling Hills are perfect to indulge in some serious adventure. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the trek routes of Darjeeling nestling with thick oak and rhododendron forests, magnolias, orchids and wild flowers. Bicycling through the Singalila ranges also bestows great pleasure. Monsoon Car Rally in Kolkata remains popular among adventure seekers. Organised between June and August, the rally begins from Kolkata, moves through nearby metropolises like Jamshedpur and Kharagpur, and ultimately ends in Kolkata.
Apart from this, one can also find great water sports available in West Bengal. Government of the state offers regular programmes in Kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing at Regional Head Quarters in Kolkata.
Housing mystifying variety of wildlife, West Bengal is an ideal ground to enjoy a glimpse of the wild animals from a closer perspective. The state is known for its Royal Bengal tiger that attracts numerous wildlife lovers from all over the country. Singalila National Park, located at an altitude of more than 7000 feet in the Darjeeling subdivision, is home to many small mammals, including the Red Panda, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin and the Pika. Neora Valley National of West Bengal is known as the land of elegant Red Panda residing peacefully amongst beautiful flora. Mainly known for its population of Indian Rhinoceros, Gorumara National Park is perfect to spend some time close to nature.
Senchal Game Sanctuary, housing natural and man-made forests, is ideal to spot Rhesus, Assamese Macaque, Indian civet, Himalayan Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Jackal and Wild Dog. Apart from these, Sunderban Tiger Reserve is a unique mangrove ecosystem housing 15 mammalian species, 8 species of birds and 17 species of reptiles. This place is a paradise for spotting the royal tigers swimming and strolling around.
The locals of West Bengal are known for their deeply rooted devotion towards their religion which can be experienced in various temples sprinkled here.
Dakshineswar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, is a known festival of the state. This ancient shrine features 9 main temples dedicated to Goddess Kali and 12 other shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kalighat Kali Temple also holds great importance in West Bengal. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas that brings thousands of devotees of goddess Maa Kali every year. For the followers of Vaishnavism, Mayapur is a popular shrine. It is said that Chatanya Mahaprabhu was born here who were believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Krishna and Radha.
Apart from these, Tarakeshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva, dates back to 18th century. This temple remains jam packed during grand fairs organised here during Shravana and Shivratri.
West Bengal is known for Bulchari saris, also known as Bengali silk saris and Batik work Saris. Gold jewellery remains highly popular among local women folk. For the lovers of exquisite embroidery, Kantha, Chikan, Kashida and Zari work are perfect picks. Travellers can also pick locally made handicrafts and paintings of the state.
Kolkata, the capital city, houses numerous local markets, including Bara Bazaar, Esplanade and Gariahat. To bag some handicrafts, head for towns like Purulia and Vardhman. A lot of cane handicrafts can be seen exhibited in the bazaars of West Bengal made by the local artists. If you are in Darjeeling, then markets like Chowk Bazar, Chowrasta, Ladenla Road, Nehru Road, and Mahakal Market are great to gratify your shopping desires. For buying brilliant Tibetian carpets at known down prices, visit the Hayden Hall on Laden La Road. Chowrastha and Nehru Road are known for selling junk items.
Bengali food is a heaven for the adorers of non vegetarian food. Fish, lentils and rice play a major role in the food of West Bengal. Locals cook their meals in mustard oil that adds a different flavour in the food. Alur Torkari (potato curry with maida bread) makes the perfect breakfast in the houses of Bengalis. Tangra Macher Jhol (spicy Catfish curry), usually served with rice, has perfect Bengali flavours. Mutton Biryani (mutton cooked in rice) is another popular local dish of West Bengal in which luscious tender pieces of mutton are cooked in rice on tava. No festival in the state can ever be relished without Ilish Macher Jhol (pungent fish curry). For those seeking some sweet delights, Kolar Bora (prepared with ripe bananas, grated coconut, sugar and maida), Mishti Doi (sweet curd), Sandesh (prepared with milk, sugar and paneer) and Rasgulla (ball shaped dumplings of chhena) are must try.
West Bengal is the richest state in terms of fairs and festivals. Most of the festivities here are adorned with great music, lively dance performances and delectable food. While some festivals depict the state’s legendary history, others demonstrate the importance of religion in the life of locals. Durga Pooja is perhaps the most popular festival in West Bengal when locals worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga with sheer devotion. This nine day long festival ends with "Visarjan" when the life-size idols of Goddess Durga are submersed in the water.
Charak Puja, a special folk festival, also holds a special place among Bengalis. The festival is celebrated to say good-bye to the passing year and worship god to kick start a prosperous new year.
The capital city of West Bengal is also known for hosting the largest book fair of Asia. Loads of reading enthusiasts partake in this grand fair that exhibits books on every topic. Gangasagar Mela is another momentous fair of the state celebrated on the Ganga Sagar Island edging the river Hooghly. The fair is attended by numerous pilgrims who take a plunge in the waters of the river to wash away their sins.
The best time to visit West Bengal is between October and March. This is an ideal time to avoid the humid climate of the state and to enjoy the festivities of Durga Puja and Teesta Tea and Tourism fest. Those planning to visit Darjeeling and Kalimpong can plan their holiday from mid-September to mid-December. After December month, the hills get covered with thick snow, making trekking and mountaineering next to impossible.
The state experiences extreme hot and humid summers that run from April to June month. This is not the ideal time to relish sightseeing attractions.
The international airport of West Bengal is located in Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport) that offers regular flights from Europe and the Orient. The airport is also connected to all the major Indian cities, making domestic travel easy. Also, those planning to visit West Bengal by train can get down at the Howrah railway station and Sealdah railway station in Kolkata. Roads of the state are also well planned and thus, road travel to West Bengal also offers great pleasure.
Travelling in West Bengal is extremely easy. With the availability of numerous modes of transport, the state lets you connect to all the major cities. Howrah and Sealdah Railway stations are two main junctions where travellers visiting in the state usually get down. Regular local buses are also available. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and Bagdogra Domestic Airport are two major airports which cater thousands of travellers. Tram services are still functional and can be availed for travelling to shorter distances.
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