West Bengal is a state in eastern India that shares its boundary with Bangladesh.  The state has plenty of places to explore. With an abundance of possible options, it may become difficult to find your way around the edges. Here is a compact list of the best of what West Bengal has to offer.

The best time to visit West Bengal

West Bengal faces intense heat waves during the summers. Additionally, the monsoon is also really heavy in the region, which may result in difficulty in travelling across the state. Therefore, visiting West Bengal in the winter is generally recommended, i.e., between October and March.

13 best tourist places of West Bengal

Kolkata

The metropolitan capital city of Kolkata has a lot to offer in terms of hospitality and exploration. The city has a vibrant history. You can visit popular places like The Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. All of these points come together to make Kolkata one of the most prominent tourist places of West Bengal.

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Siliguri

Renowned as the “Gateway to the North-East,” the hilly city of Siliguri is a major travel destination in West Bengal. In Siliguri, you can spend your time exploring Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary and The Science City. You can also go sightseeing at Dudhia or Salugara Monastery. 

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Darjeeling 

Darjeeling was the summer capital of India at the time when it was ruled and governed by the British. Darjeeling offers scenic, romantic views surrounded by tea plantations. You can take a ropeway ride and enjoy Darjeeling from a once-in-a-lifetime perspective. You can explore the snow-covered hilltops and relish the delicious street food.

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Sundarbans

The mangrove forests of Sundarban are famous for making the world’s biggest tiger reserve for the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Sundarbans National Park. You can also visit the nearby Ghoramara Island and Marichjhapi island during your time in Sunderbans. The exotic wildlife makes the Sundarbans one of the most exciting tourist places of West Bengal

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Mirik

Mirik is a quaint town situated along the shores of a freshwater lake between the mountains. The town is full of Orange Orchids that you can explore along with famous spots of the town like Mirik Lake and Bokar monastery. 

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Kalimpong

If you are looking to go to a hill station that hasn’t yet reached the travel lists of everyone in the country, Kalimpong is a must-visit for you. The small yet beautiful hilly town of Kalimpong is a traveller’s dream because of amazing hospitality yet exceptionally low footfall from general tourists of the state. 

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Digha

The coastal town of Digha is a lesser-known travel destination in West Bengal. You can spend your time in Digha strolling across the many gorgeous beaches like New Digha Beach, Talsari Beach, and Shankarpur Beach.

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Dooars

Dooars, another hidden gem of West Bengal, is probably the state’s best-kept secret. In Dooars, you will be able to reconnect with nature and learn more about flora and fauna of the region at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and also enjoy the magnificent views the town has to offer in Latpanchore or Sumsing and Suntalekhola.

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Durgapur

If you want to experience authentic Bengali culture, Durgapur is the place to be. From the Durgapur steel plant to Deul park, you can find the meaning of being ‘Bengali’ in the essence of these places. Moreover, you can discover authentic traditional Bengali food to please your taste buds in Durgapur. 

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Murshidabad

If you are a connoisseur of the arts and history, Murshidabad is the perfect spot to visit in West Bengal due to its prominence in the region’s historical conflicts. While in Murshidabad, you can visit places like Wasif Manzil or Hazarduari Palace to quench your thirst for generational art and cultural heritage. 

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Shantiniketan

Speaking of art that transcends time, one of India’s most celebrated writers and poets and a Nobel prize Winner, Rabindranath Tagore, was born in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. You can explore Tagore’s ashram and Rabindra Bhavan Museum built to honour the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore. 

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Haldia 

Haldia is often overlooked as just an extension of Kolkata, but it has so much more to offer. Haldia is a gorgeous town situated on the coast with fascinating marine drives and stunning views. You can visit places like Marine Drive and the docks for a true experience of Haldia. 

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Lataguri

Lataguri has been preserved over time as one of the most splendid hilly towns of West Bengal, hidden away among lush mangrove forests and lakes. You can set your wildlife explorer streak-free and experience the many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 

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