Before Indian independence in 1947, the united province of Bengal included the territory that is now Bangladesh. Nowadays, West Bengal is the Indian portion of this historical region and contains the one-time capital of British India, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). While Kolkata is one of India's most populous cities, West Bengal sees fewer visitors than many other Indian states. Still, there’s a huge variety of things to do in West Bengal. From the underrated beauty of Kolkata to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans to the tea fields and mountains of Darjeeling, there’s a lot to love about West Bengal.
There’s a large altitude range in West Bengal as the state extends up from the sea-level plains into the eastern edge of the Himalayas. Darjeeling, in the mountains, sits at 6,709 feet (2,045 meters). This variation means the climate throughout West Bengal isn’t uniform. However, the best months to visit are generally between October and April, when the temperatures are cooler and rainfall and humidity minimal. Kolkata and the lower areas experience heavy monsoon rains between June and September, and city streets usually flood.
Like many other Indian states, West Bengal has an extensive network of railways and public and private buses. Trains are a comfortable way of traveling long distances, even up into the mountains on the famous Darjeeling Express toy train. It’s best to book train tickets in advance. Public buses are convenient for traveling shorter distances as you can usually just turn up at the bus station, and private buses are more comfortable for overnight trips. Get around Kolkata by autorickshaw, taxi, on underground metro trains.
While you can visit the Sundarbans National Park on a day trip from Kolkata, joining an overnight or multi-day tour is more worthwhile. You usually sleep on a boat and spend days cruising around the mangrove forest, searching for tigers and other wildlife. Stop for short walks into the forest and to go up watchtowers, offering a different vantage view of the waterlogged landscape.
Local Currency Indian Rupee (₹) | Time Zone IST (UTC +5) | Country Code +91 | Language(s) Gujarati | Attractions 28 | Tours 292 | Reviews 2,679 |
West Bengal is famous for its capital city, Kolkata, India's third most populous city. The state is also renowned for the Sundarbans National Park, a vast area of mangrove forests at the Ganga River Delta, and the hill station town of Darjeeling, where high-quality teas are produced.
...MoreThe best months to visit most of West Bengal are between October and April when the temperatures will be cooler and rainfall and humidity minimal. There is a large altitude range in West Bengal, with Kolkata at sea level and Darjeeling at 6,709 feet (2,045 meters). The winters are colder at higher altitudes but still pleasant.
...MoreMany people consider Kolkata the most beautiful city in West Bengal because of its distinctive Hindu temples (such as the Dakshineswar Kali Temple) and British Raj-era buildings, including the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The mountain views from Darjeeling, especially of Kanchenjunga, make this a contender for the most beautiful city in West Bengal, too.
...MoreThere are many good reasons to visit West Bengal, including the lively and interesting city of Kolkata, the tiger-spotting possibilities in the Sundarbans National Park, the tea fields, and the mountain views of Darjeeling. If you want to escape the hot summers of the Indian plains, head to the hill stations of Kalimpong and Siliguri, as well as Darjeeling.
...MoreThe most visited place in West Bengal is the state capital, Kolkata, a metropolis home to almost 15 million people. As well as this city, other popular places in West Bengal include Darjeeling, Siliguri, the Sundarbans National Park, Shantiniketan, and Cooch Behar.
...MoreWest Bengali cuisine generally revolves around rice and fish or seafood dishes, due to the landscape of West Bengal, with its many waterways and abundant rain. Hilsa fish and prawn curries are especially popular. West Bengal’s sweets are also famous, with rosogollas (syrup-soaked dumplings) and mishti doi (sweetened yoghurt) among the most popular.
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