West Bengal Tourism

West Bengal Tourism: A Quick Overview

 Capital  Kolkata  Official Language  Bengali  Currency  Indian Rupee (INR)  Tourist Attractions  Victoria Memorial, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Shantiniketan, Digha, Howrah Bridge  Cuisine  Shorshe Ilish, Macher Jhol, Puchka, Jhal Muri, Rasgulla, Sandesh, Mishti Doi  Best Time to Visit  October to March  Ideal Trip Duration 7-10 days

Why Visit Kolkata?

Rich colonial heritage and iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial A cultural hub of art, literature, music, and theatre Delicious Bengali street food and sweets that travellers crave Electric festive vibe, especially during Durga Puja Affordable stays, buzzing local markets, and great connectivity

Top Tourist Attractions in West Bengal

Explore an impressive mix of attractions, from cities to serene escapes:

Kolkata: Visit Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Kalighat Temple, and explore the historic lanes of North Kolkata.

Sundarbans: Cruise through mangrove forests in search of the elusive Bengal tiger.

Darjeeling: Take the Toy Train, sip world-famous tea, and catch sunrise over Kanchenjunga in Darjelling.

Kalimpong: Discover Buddhist monasteries, nurseries, and view-laden hill trails in Kalimpong.

Shantiniketan: Soak in the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore and the rural Bengal arts scene.

Digha & Mandarmani: Perfect for beach lovers and weekend getaways.

Things to Do in West Bengal

Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Join the vibrant Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata Go river rafting on the Teesta River Take a boat safari in the Sundarbans Visit tea estates and enjoy tasting sessions Trek through forest trails in Jangalmahal

Famous Cuisine of West Bengal

Tourism in West Bengal is incomplete without indulging in its famous cuisine. Must-try dishes include Shorshe Ilish (hilsa fish cooked in mustard sauce) and Macher Jhol (fish curry), which are often paired with fragrant rice. For street food lovers, Puchkas (pani puris) and Jhal Muri (spicy puffed rice) are a treat. And, of course, Bengali sweets like Rasgulla, Sandesh Chomchom, and Misti Doi (sweetened yoghurt) are not to be missed.

Best Time to Visit West Bengal

The best time to visit West Bengal is between October and March, with cool, dry weather ideal for sightseeing. The temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C. However, the ideal time largely depends on the type of experience one seeks, as given below:

March to June: Best for hill stations like Darjeeling and Kalimpong

September–October: Perfect for experiencing Durga Puja in Kolkata

July–September: Lush greenery, though monsoon travel requires caution

How to Get to West Bengal & Getting Around?

By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) is the main gateway

By Train: Major stations include Howrah, Sealdah, Siliguri, and New Jalpaiguri

By Road: Well-connected highways from nearby states and Northeast India

Getting Around West Bengal:

Taxis, app-based cabs, and local buses are available in cities Toy trains and shared jeeps in hill stations Private cabs are recommended for exploring rural or hilly areas Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws for short local trips

Where to Stay in West Bengal

Kolkata: Budget hostels, boutique hotels, and luxury chains in Park Street, Salt Lake, and Esplanade. Darjeeling/Kalimpong: Tea estate bungalows, colonial hotels, and homestays. Sundarbans: Eco-resorts and river lodges for a close-to-nature experience. Shantiniketan: Guesthouses and art-themed homestays.

Shopping in West Bengal

Kolkata: New Market, Gariahat, and College Street for sarees, books, and handicrafts Darjeeling: Tibetan carpets, woollens, and handmade jewellery Shantiniketan: Leather bags, terracotta items, and local artwork Famous Souvenirs: Baluchari & Tant sarees, Shantiniketan leather goods, tea, and Kantha embroidery.

Culture of West Bengal

West Bengal is a cultural powerhouse with a rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions. It is a home of legends like Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Swami Vivekananda. One can experience the Classical music, theatre, and dance (especially folk forms like Baul and Chhau) thrive here

Festivals in West Bengal:

Durga Puja: A 10-day festival that's an experience in itself—music, food, and grand artistry Other notable festivals: Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Diwali, Christmas in Kolkata, and Rath Yatra

Safety And Local Etiquette

West Bengal is generally safe for travellers, including solo women Avoid isolated areas late at night, especially in unfamiliar places Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas Always ask permission before photographing people or religious rituals. Hindi and English are widely spoken in tourist areas; locals are usually warm and helpful

Travel Tips

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Bargain at local markets, but be respectful. Try local transport options like the Kolkata tram or hand-pulled rickshaws for an authentic experience. Book Sundarbans and hill station tours in advance during peak seasons.