Best Places to Visit in West Bengal

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Known for its rich culture and heritage, West Bengal is a popular tourist destination in India that draws tourists from around the globe. With the natural beauty, serene seashores, spectacular architecture, and mouth-watering delicacies, West Bengal is one of India’s best places to visit.

If you’re planning a soon-to-trip to West Bengal, here are the best places to visit in West Bengal.

1.Kolkata – Explore the City of Joy

When choosing the best tourist places in West Bengal, Kolkata tops the list. The City of Joy is one of the country’s largest cities and the state’s capital. It’s a lively city with so many exciting places; you could never run out of options when visiting West Bengal. Kolkata is popularly known for its cultural and artistic beauty that draws travelers worldwide. 

How to reach: The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has located about 7 km from the city center and is connected by flight to all major cities in the country. You can also travel to West Bengal by train to Howrah Junction and then take a taxi to your destination. Kolkata is also connected by road to all major cities in the country.

Things to do: Visit the Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, Fort William, Jorasanko Thakurbari, Indian Museum, and Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 2-4 days.

2.The Sundarbans – The Largest Mangrove Area In the World

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans boasts of being the largest mangrove area in the world. One of the best tourist attractions in West Bengal, the Sundarbans is also a Tiger and Biosphere Reserve home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife species. Here, you can spot various animal and bird species, including the flora and fauna of the place. Check out some of the best West Bengal packages here.

How to reach: The Sundarbans are only accessible through waterways. The nearest railway station is about 48 km away, so you can take a train to Canning and then continue from there to Sundarbans.

Things to do: Enjoy trekking and glimpse the famous Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife species in the area.

Entry fee: INR 60

Operational hours: 8:30am-4:00pm

Time required: 2-3 days.

3.Darjeeling – A Must-Visit Hill Station

Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful places to visit in West Bengal that has to be on your bucket list when visiting West Bengal. Once the summer capital of the British empire, Darjeeling is a must-visit hill station in India. Nestled amidst beautiful tea plantations, the scenic hill station is about 2,050 meters above sea level. The famous toy train established in 1881 has been given a UNESCO World Heritage status and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding area. A trip to West Bengal would be incomplete without a trip to this beautiful hill station Darjeeling.

How to reach: One can travel to Siliguri by either car or train and from there by train or bus to Darjeeling.

Things to do: Visit the tea plantations in Darjeeling and the New Mahakal Market to check out handmade artifacts. You can also enjoy the famous Tibetan delicacies.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 4-5 days.

4.Siliguri – Gateway to North East India

Called the ‘Gateway to North East India,’ this quaint city of Siliguri is another popular tourist attraction in West Bengal. Situated in the Siliguri and Jalpaiguri districts of the state, it’s the perfect holiday destination for travelers from all over the world. The Jaldapara National Park is one of the main attractions in Siliguri.

Spread across an area of around 215 km, the park is home to many wildlife species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, deer, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and more. Another popular park in Siliguri is the North Bengal Wild Animals Park, spread around 300 hectares. An essential part of the famous Mahanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, the park boasts a variety of flora and fauna.

How to reach: From Darjeeling, you can take a bus or taxi to Siliguri.

Things to do: Go for an exciting elephant ride to get a glimpse of the wildlife in the park.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 1-2 days.

5.Mirik – Serene Hill Town

Mirik is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal if you want to see a serene destination and enjoy the natural beauty. The picturesque hill town sits amidst the beautiful Himalayan valley that offers panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. From exciting boating experiences to the architectural beauty of the temples, a trip to West Bengal would be incomplete without a visit to Mirik.

How to reach: From Darjeeling city, you can take a bus to Mirik.

Things to do: Enjoy the spectacular views of Mirik and visit the traditional bazaars to shop.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 2-3 days.

6. Durgapur – Steel Capital Of East India

Referred to as the ‘Steel Capital of East India,’ Durgapur is another tourist attraction in West Bengal that you cannot miss. Situated on the banks of the river Damodar, it’s a town known for its old traditional markets, temples, and parks that are perfect for relaxing and unwinding. When visiting the industrial city of Durgapur, taste the region’s local food.

How to reach: From Kolkata, you can take a train or bus to Durgapur, located about 170 km from the city.  

Things to do: Visit the temples, parks, and traditional markets in Durgapur and taste the land’s local food.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 1 day.

7.Kalimpong – Peaceful Escape

Kalimpong is a majestic hill station situated in West Bengal that you must visit on your trip to West Bengal. Situated about 3 hours from Darjeeling, it’s a calm and peaceful place to cut off from the noise and chaos of the city. Known for its beautiful gardens, temples, churches, and Buddhist monasteries, there’s so much to explore and do in Kalimpong. Situated at a height of about 4100 ft, the hill station offers panoramic views of the mesmerizing Himalayan range that will leave you spellbound. So visit Kalimpong if you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation in the hills.

How to reach: From Darjeeling, you can take a bus to Kalimpong, about 49 km from the city.

Things to do: Participate in bird watching, hill walks, and shopping at Kalimpong Market Square.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 2-3 days.

8.Digha – Untouched Beaches

If you’re up for beach fun, head to Digha, one of the best places in West Bengal, to experience the unspoiled beaches of the place. This famous beach town is known for its scenic views and untouched beaches, drawing tourists from around the globe. Apart from the magnificent beaches, you can also check out the area’s museums, temples, and research centers.

How to reach: Located about 182 km from the city, you can take a train or bus from Kolkata to get to Digha.

Things to do: Enjoy the scenic beaches and panoramic views. Also, visit the various temples and museums in Digha.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 1-2 days.

9.Murshidabad – For the Historical Vibes

It is one of the best tourist places in West Bengal for history lovers. A place that has been part of most historical events, you can witness the glorious past and the old-world charm of the land. Murshidabad is a town covered in historical monuments, churches, and temples that transport you to the city’s good old days.

How to reach: Situated about 204 km from the city, you can take a train or bus from Kolkata to reach Murshidabad.

Things to do: Visit the place’s various churches, temples, and historical monuments.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 1 day.

10.Kurseong – Paradise for Nature Lovers

Also called ‘The Land of White Orchids,’ this mesmerizing hill station is everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Famous for its Buddhist monasteries, cascading waterfalls, and sacred temples, Kurseong is a peaceful hill station that enjoys pleasant weather most of the time. Panoramic views, vast tea plantations, and lush forests make sure to visit Kurseong for the best experience.

How to reach: From Darjeeling city, you can take a bus or taxi to Kurseong.

Things to do: Visit the tea plantations, temples, churches, and monasteries in the town. Enjoy the panoramic views and the cascading waterfalls.

Entry fee: No fees

Operational hours: N/A

Time required: 1-2 days.

These were some of the best tourist attractions to visit in West Bengal. Make sure to add these places to your list when planning a trip to West Bengal for an exciting vacation. For the best holiday deals and West Bengal Packages, you can check out Thomas Cook.