The state of West Bengal symbolizes diversity with hill stations, dense forests, exotic wildlife, lovely beaches, rich culture, historical monuments and religious sites all at one place. We may say that it is an epitome of India having everything, except a desert. Details about some of the popular tourist places in West Bengal are mentioned below.
Popular Tourist Places in West Bengal
Hill Stations in West Bengal
Darjeeling
It is one of the most famed hill stations in the World, surrounded by the snow covered Himalayan peaks; Darjeeling is a place with stunning beauty and breathtaking views. Listed under the World heritage Site by UNESCO, the 96 km long Toy train service is quite famous in Darjeeling. There are more attractions like Himalayan Zoological Park, Bastasia Loop, Tiger hill, Shingamari Rope-way (India's oldest rope-way), Lloyd's Botanical Garden, Monasteries and of course the world famous Darjeeling tea Gardens.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is one of the only three echo-regions in India. The Neora Valley National Park is the best attractions because of the tigers found here. Other tourist spots include Deolo Hill, Rishi Bankim Chandra Park, Flower Market and the Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang Monastery.
Kurseong
Known as the Land of white Orchids, the hill station is famous for its pleasant weather throughout the year. Some of the popular tourist destinations are Eagle's Craig, DowHill Park and Whistle Kholas, St Paulseak Church, Buddhist Gompa in Montieviot, Juma Mosque, Ambhotia Shiva Temple, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum etc.
Mirik
Mirik is a scenic tourist spot nuzzled in the calm hills of West Bengal. The main attraction is the Mirik Lake, the largest natural lake in west Bengal. The lake is enclosed by a garden on one side and pine trees on the other, connected by an arching foot bridge called Rainbow Bridge.
Beaches in West Bengal
Digha
It is the most famous seaside resort town and most visited beach of West Bengal. There are casuarina plantations along the coast. It is a good spot for swimming as the sea is quiet and shallow for about a mile from the beach.
Junput
40 km from Digha, is an unspoilt beach with less crowd, a beautiful sea view and a better beach experience. Brackish water fish cultivation and research is carried out here by the state government.
Shankarpur
Around 10 km from Digha is the pristine, lesser-known beach that offers full enjoyment of a private beach. The beach has casuarina plantations and its main attraction is the Red crabs. One can spot lots of red crabs on the beach.
Bhakkhali & Frazerganj
A twin beach, unique with its white sand beaches and unspoiled environment, it's great for a peaceful holiday. A variety of migratory birds can be sighted here in summers. The beach is suitable for long walks, cycling and even driving.
Sagardwip
Situated on an island in the Sunderbans, it provides a destination for both pilgrimage and amusement. It is a pilgrimage site on Makar Sankranti when pilgrims from all over the country gather together to take a holy dip in the convergence of River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.
Wildlife in West Bengal
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, the sanctuary has a great variety of flora and fauna and exquisite natural beauty. It has the major population of the Great One Horned Rhinoceros.
Sunderbans
The Sunderban literally translated means "beautiful forest"; its the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world with a vast bio-diversity. It is the home of the Bengal tigers and is the largest Tiger Reserve in India.
Dooars
The Dooars valley is recognized for its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. A lot of rare and endangered species of birds and animals can be found here.
Some other wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are:
- Buxa Tiger Reserve
- Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gorumara National Park
- Adina Deer Park
- Neora Valley National Park
- Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Singalila National Park
Historical Heritage places in West Bengal
Kolkata
It is the capital city of West Bengal and the heart of the east India. Kolkata has lots of historical locations and other tourist attractions as it was once the capital of India under the British reign. Tourist attractions here are Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Birla Planetarium, Eden Garden Stadium, Marble Palace, Howrah Bridge, Botanical Gardens, Saheed Minar, National Library and many more.
Murshidabad
It was the very last capital city of independent Bengal. Hazarduari Palace translated as the palace with a "thousand doors" is the main tourist attraction here, now converted to a museum it has a stunning collection of arsenal. Other tourist places to visit are the Gharighar (Clock Tower), Wasef Manzil, the Dakshin Darwaza, Tripolia Gate, the Chak Darwaza and the Bachchawali Tope (a 12th century canon).
Shantiniketan
known as "the abode of peace", it is the second home to Rabindranath Tagore the great Indian poet. It is famous for its natural beauty where one can easily find peace and relaxation. The vision of Rabindranath Tagore has made this town into a university town.
