West Bengal

West Bengal is one of the most culturally rich and geographically diverse states in India — offering everything from Himalayas to mangroves, colonial cities to tribal villages. Here’s a list of the top things to do in West Bengal, categorized by themes:

1. Explore the Natural Beauty

• Darjeeling
  Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visit Tiger Hill for sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, and enjoy a cup of world-famous Darjeeling tea.

• Sundarbans
  Cruise through the world’s largest mangrove forest and spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

• Dooars
  Lush forests, tea gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries like Gorumara, Jaldapara, and Buxa.

• Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon
  Hill towns perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers.

2. Discover Historical & Heritage Sites

• Kolkata (Calcutta)
  Visit the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Temple, Belur Math, Indian Museum, and College Street.

• Murshidabad
  Once the capital of Bengal – see Hazarduari Palace, Nizamat Imambara, and colonial mansions.

• Bishnupur
  Famous for terracotta temples, Baluchari sarees, and classical music heritage.

3. Spiritual & Religious Experiences

• Kalighat Temple (Kolkata) – One of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

• Tarapith (Birbhum) – Important Shakti worship site.

• Mayapur (Nabadwip) – Headquarters of ISKCON and birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

• Furfura Sharif – A revered Islamic pilgrimage site.

4. Dive into Culture, Crafts & Festivals

• Shantiniketan (Bolpur)
  Founded by Rabindranath Tagore — explore Visva-Bharati University, tribal art at Amar Kutir, and attend Poush Mela or Basanta Utsav (Holi).

• Kumartuli (Kolkata) – See idol-makers sculpting Durga statues by hand.

• Bankura & Purulia – Enjoy Chhau dance, tribal culture, and visit Susunia hills.

• Festivals to Experience:

  • Durga Puja (Sept–Oct, Kolkata)

  • Poush Mela (Dec, Shantiniketan)

  • Ganga Sagar Mela (Jan, Sagar Island)

5. Enjoy Unique Experiences

• Ride a tram or hand-pulled rickshaw in Kolkata.

• Cruise the Hooghly River at sunset with views of bridges and ghats.

• Tea estate stay in Darjeeling or Dooars.

• Weekend beach retreat in places like Mandarmani, Digha, or Tajpur.

6. Savor the Flavors of Bengal

• Must-Try Foods:

  • Shorshe Ilish, Chingri Malai Curry, Kosha Mangsho, Puchka, Beguni, Shutki (dry fish)

• Iconic Sweets:

  • Mishti Doi, Rosogolla, Sandesh, Nolen Gur delights

• Famous Places to Eat:

  • 6 Ballygunge Place, Bhojohori Manna, Kewpie’s, or any local sweet shop!

7. Adventure & Offbeat Travel

• Trek to Sandakphu – The highest peak in West Bengal with panoramic views of 4 of the 5 highest peaks in the world.

• River rafting in Teesta (Kalimpong)

• Explore hidden gems like:

  • Taki (on Indo-Bangladesh border)

  • Jhargram, Ajodhya Hills, Gadiara