Tourist Destinations in West Bengal That Should Be on Your Bucket List
West Bengal, a state where beautiful culture and lively traditions echo from every corner, where exquisite history whispers through the streets, is a woven journey of experiences waiting to be unwrapped. Whether it is the offbeat, hidden destinations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, the lush jungles of Sundarbans, terracotta temples around Santiniketan, historical ruins of Murshidabad, untouched vistas of nature in Bankura, or the brimming capital city of festivals and flavors, Kolkata, each tourist destination in West Bengal will surprise you with its allure and cultural richness.
Top Tourist Destinations in West Bengal that Deserve a Spot in your Bucket List
Unlike common perception, West Bengal is not limited to the flavors of its capital, Kolkata, which is only a glimpse of the rich vibrancy and diverse charm of the state. As depicted in the “Experience Bengal, the Sweetest Part of India” campaign to promote the state’s tourist attractions and its rich cultural heritage, West Bengal baffles people with its irresistible, vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and unconventional adventures. Here are the top places that are unmissable during your West Bengal sojourn. Grab a munch and read on to discover the most fascinating tourist destinations in West Bengal that are waiting to welcome you to this incredible and ‘sweet’ state to plan your next holiday better.
Here’s a list of places to include in your bucket list:
- Darjeeling
- Kalimpong
- Kolkata
- Sundarbans National Park
- Shantiniketan
- Kurseong
- Cooch Behar
- Murshidabad
1. Darjeeling – the city of hills
Darjeeling, with its unbelievably beautiful vistas, transfers you to a world where you can escape into picture-perfect mist-covered hills and rolling tea gardens far from the hustle and bustle of life, away in the lap of the Himalayas.
When you ride the Toy Train (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) through the majestic Himalayan foothills to reach Darjeeling, you are surprised by the incredible freshness of the mountain air as the snow-capped peaks and hilly region distract you. No wonder Mark Twain described his journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (commonly called the toy train) through the green hills, tea gardens, and quiet villages as “the happiest day on all Earth.”
Besides the train journey, Darjeeling offers many delightful attractions to explore and treasure some incredible memories of beauty and serenity forever.
2. Kalimpong – the land of the kings
Kalimpong is a precious gem and is counted as one of the best tourist places in West Bengal. Located just 50 KM away from Dajeeeling, this incredible and unmissable destination is known for its spectacular views of the snow-clad Himalayan Kanchenjunga range, gushing Teesta River, and Rangeet Valley’s lush emerald basin. Tourists love to explore the exotic flowers, misty hills, and the incredible local cuisine in Kamimpong.
There are many appealing sites to explore in this tiny town, including Delo Park atop Delo Hill, where you can experience the spectacular views of the town and its surroundings, along with enjoying the magnificent views of the Teesta River. Mangal Dham Temple, Zang Dhok Palri Phodong, Tharpa Choling Monastery, Thongsa Gompa, and Lepcha Museum are among the other incredible attractions to explore here. Be it adventure, peace, spirituality, or beautiful and serene locations, Kalimpong has them all.
3. Kolkata – the capital city
People commonly associate Kolkata with the hustle and bustle of the city, the busy streets, or local trains and trams packed with commuters. However, Kolkata is much more than this daily chaos. It is a destination where you can experience art and literature in every corner, where history resides in its colonial masterpieces, and where food and sports find a unique spot in people’s hearts.
Kolkata is a cultural catharsis that can be experienced and not merely explained. If you are passionate about art, music, culture, and a vibrant city life, the city will never let you down. The grand Durga Puja celebrations of Kolkata are the first festival in Asia to receive the distinction of being an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2021.
Besides, how can you miss the iconic landmarks and the bustling markets in Kolkata with their mouthwatering street food that forms an integral part of the city? You have a world of attractions to unveil in Kolkata, including Park Street, Mother Teresa House, Victoria Memorial, Chinatown, Vidyasagar Setu, Howrah Bridge, Belur Math, and more.
4. Sundarbans National Park – the Abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger
Sundarban National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the delta of the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna rivers. It is known for its mangrove forests and wildlife. This attraction in West Bengal is the place to witness the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. You can explore the local villages on a guided boat tour and also experience the spectacular mangrove forests.
Sundarbans is best explored during March to June, and September to November. Every year, nature lovers and photographers flock to this delta region for guided safaris and sustainable travel experiences along with other best holiday destinations in West Bengal.
5. Shantiniketan – the educational and cultural center
Shanti Niketan gained its popularity as the address of the popular Biswa Bharati University, which is a premier university dating back to colonial times, attracting the brightest students from all over the globe. The vivid celebration of Dol, Basanto Utsab, is another popular attraction of Shantiniketan. Tourists come to explore the serene alleys of Shantiniketan with soulful Rabindra Sangeet echoing in their hearts. Shantiniketan is just 3 hours away via train from Kolkata.
6. Kurseong – the place known for its white Orchids
Kurseong is among the must-visit tourist places in West Bengal, India, for people seeking tranquility and spiritual bliss. This is a place where you can soothe your body and mind, where time seems to slow down, and where you get closer to nature. The serene beauty of this place helps you rejuvenate, especially for city dwellers. Known for its beautiful tea gardens, tea estates in Kurseong serve as the best treat for weary eyes. Besides, you can also explore several trekking trails in and around the place to explore many hidden jewels.
7. Cooch Behar
Cooch Behar welcomes visitors with its grand palaces and peaceful ambiance. The notable sightseeing spots are the Cooch Behar Palace, Madangarh, and the Baneswar temple. The erstwhile royal town showcases the mixed culture of Bengalis and Rajbanshi’s. Raas Mela, a unique festival, is a part of many attractions in Cooch Behar.
8. Murshidabad – erstwhile capital of Bengal
Murshidabad was once a village that gained prominence when it was made the capital of Bengal Province by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. Located at a distance of over 200 km from Kolkata, the town boasts a rich culture and heritage, and the grandeur of the Mughal and Nawabi rule.
Wrapping Up
West Bengal charms every type of tourist with its unique offer of history, culture, and nature. When it comes to exploring the state’s notable tourist attractions, Revv car rental service can be trusted. It is one of the most reliable companies for vehicle rental services in India. Revv offers self-drive cars at a reasonably low cost for tourists who want to optimize their time in West Bengal and see all that they can. Revv’s services include multiple benefits like transparent prepaid pricing for car rentals based on demand, doorstep pick-up, delivery and return assistance, breakdown assistance, all-India permits without unnecessary distance restrictions, among others. Revv is the best choice when planning to visit the best tourist destinations in West Bengal in comfort and leisure. Revv car rental in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal is your partner for all your travel needs in the state.
