Top 15 Places To Visit In West Bengal

West Bengal, situated in eastern India, is a land with a rich diversity. Home to different civilizations and known for its cultural diversity, West Bengal has a great history too. Bengal is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. Thanks to its geographical location stretching from the great Himalayas to Bay of Bengal, the state has spectacular landscapes to captivate your souls. Here are the top 15 destinations in West Bengal.

1. Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Image credit – PDPics, CC0 1.0

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is the largest metropolitan city in India. This ancient city is considered to be inhabited for more than two thousand years and it is evident from its rich cultural background and diverse ethnicity. Here are some important tourist attractions in Kolkata.

• Howrah Bridge
• Belur Math Shrine
• Botanical Gardens
• Victoria Hall
• Mother House
• Shantiniketan
• Fort William
• Eco Tourism Park
• Birla Industrial And Technological Museum
• Science City
• Birla Temple
• Marble Palace
• Indian Museum
• Bishnupur
• Park Street

2. Darjeeling

Darjeeling Toy Train

Image credit – donvikro, CC0 1.0

Darjeeling is the most perfect place to unwind on your holiday. Snow clad mountains, lush greenery and the stunning views of Himalayas make the place a heaven on earth. The entire land is colorful and picture perfect with green tea leaves, red rhododendrons, white magnolias, birds of different species and snow-covered peak of Kanchenjunga. Here are the top destinations in Darjeeling.

• Kanchenjunga
• Sandakphu
• Tiger Hill
• Peace Pagoda
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
• Batasia Loop
• Lava
• Everest Museum
• Barbotey Rock Garden
• Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
• Neora National Park
• Darjeeling Toy Train

Trekking, water rafting and bird watching are some of the activities you can involve yourself in on your tour to Darjeeling.

3. Bankura

Group of Temples in Bishnupur

Image credit – Amartya Bag, CC BY-SA 2.0

Bankura is on the west of the state of West Bengal. Apart from the historic side, Bankura has an artistic face too. It has tourist attractions that boast of its historical importance and destinations that challenge you to trek and hike. Here are some leading destinations in Bankura.

• Biharinath Hill
• Susunia Hills
• Mukutmonipur Dam
• Rasmancha
• Garh Darwaja
• Krishna-Balaram Temple
• Ganesh and Nandi Statue

4. Midnapore

Image credit – Masrur Ashraf, CC BY-ND 2.0

The town Midnapore, also called as Medinipur, is situated in the west of Medinipur District. It is a famous pilgrim centers as it is home to some ancient temples and mosques. Having contributed many freedom fighters for independence, the land has monuments built in memory of the war heroes. Here are some attractions in Midnapore.

• Bahiri
• Chandrakona
• Jhargram
• Shankarpur Beach
• Dantan
• Garbeta
• Bargabheema Temple
• Kurambera Fort
• Jora Masjid
• Egra
• Dandeswar Mahadev Temple
• Baptist Mission Church
• Keshiari

5. Siliguri

Image credit – Sayantani, CC BY-SA 3.0

Siliguri is a picturesque location that offers spectacular views of Himalayas. It is famous for tea and timber. Thick forest on the foothills and the tea gardens offer amazing views of the land. Given below are some important tourist attractions in Siliguri.

• Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chilapata Forest
• Coronation Bridge
• Kanchenjunga Stadium
• Surya Sen Park
• Isckon Temple
• Shorea Forest Recreation Center
• Fulbari Barrage
• Sevoke, Kalijhora, Mongpong

6. Murshidabad

Image credit – Nupur Das Gupta, CC BY 2.0

Murshidabad is home to various races and religions. It is located on River Bhagirathi banks. The history of the city dates back to pre-historic times. The city was at its height of glory in the past and it was Bengal’s capital in before the British rulers shifted the capital to Kolkata. Given below are the important tourist places in Murshidabad.

• Hazarduari Palace Museum
• Imambara
• Wasef Manzil
• Jalangi River
• Nasipur Palace
• Katra Mosque
• Jahankosha Canon
• Katgola

7. Hooghly

Image credit – PREM KUMAR MARNI, CC BY 2.0

Hooghly is an interesting tourist destination for various reasons. It is considered sacred as it is where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sarada Devi stayed for many years; it has historic significance as it bears the influences of Portuguese, French and the Dutch. Here are some important tourist destinations in Hooghly.

• Chandannagar Museum
• Srirampore
• Bhadreswar
• Tarakeshwar Temple
• Hooghly Imambara
• Hangseshwari Temple
• Deer Park
• Sri Ramakrishna Math
• Garh Mandaran

8. Kalimpong

Image credit – Abhishek Kumar, CC BY 2.0

Kalimpong, the hill station in lower Himalayas, is situated at an altitude of 1250 meters. The view of Himalayas from Kalimpong is amazing. The tranquility of the land attracts tourists in great numbers. It is famous for traditional handicrafts, orchids and nurseries. The tourist attractions in Kalimpong include the following.

• Deolo Hill
• Dr. Graham’s Home
• Kalimpong Cactus Nursery
• Pine View Nursery
• Jaldhaka River Valley
• Tharpa Choeling Gompa
• Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa
• Tongsa Gompa

9. Kamarpukur

Image credit – Alan Perry, CC BY-SA 3.0

Kamarpukur, a village in Hooghly district, bears evidences of ancient elements. A visit to the land with ancient buildings, temples and tanks will give you an insight into its glorious past. This beautiful village is considered sacred as it was where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born. Here Jaare some important tourist destinations in Kamarpukur.

• Jairambati Math
• Mukundapur Temple
• Yogi Shiva Temple
• Gopeshwar Temple
• Matri Mandir

10. Bishnupur

Jor Mandir in Bishnupur

Image credit – Amartya Bag, CC BY-SA 2.0

Bishnupur is famous for ancient temples belonging to the 15th century. Art and culture flourished here; particularly, the Malla rulers were great patronizers of paintings and music. The temples here stand proof of the rich architecture of the past. Here are some top destinations in Bishnupur.

• Jorebangla Temple
• Rasmancha
• Pancha Ratna Temple
• Radha Govinda Temple
• Gate of Old Fort
• Keibul Lamjao National Park
• Loukoipat Ecological Park
• Sarbamangala Temple

11. Jalpaiguri

Image credit – Sayantan Bhattacharya, CC BY 2.0

Jalpaiguri enjoys excellent topographical advantage that it receives many tourists who are passionate about enjoying the bliss of nature. Since it is easy to access Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas from here, you can find tourism flourishing here. Given below are important tourist destinations in Jalpaiguri.

• Dooars
• Gorumara National Park
• Buxa Tiger Reserve
• Mendabari Fort
• The Baptist Church
• Panjhora River

12. Malda

Image credit – Smeet Chowdhury, CC BY 2.0

Malda lies at the confluence of River Mahananda and Kalindi. Like many other places in West Bengal, this town too has its share in history. Called as English Bazaar in the past, Malda gives you a clear picture of its architectural splendor in the past. Here are the tourist destinations in Malda.

• Bara Sona Mosque
• Dakhil Darwaza
• Lattan Mosque
• Adina Mosque
• Firoz Minar Tomb
• Maa Johura Temple
• Baisgazi Wall
• Eklakhi Mausoleum
• Malda Museum

13. Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar Rajbari

Image credit – Amartya Bag, CC BY-SA 2.0

Cooch Behar, a district in Jalpaiguri, is situated in the north-eastern part of West Bengal. To its south and west lies the Indo-Bangladesh border. The land still has the rich influences of the Mughal era. It is not only famous for the ancient monuments but it is also known for huge water bodies. Here are some important destinations in Cooch Behar.

• Cooch Behar Palace
• Chilapara Forest Range
• Rasik Bil
• Madan Mohan Bari
• Dangar Ayee Temple

14. Birbhum

Image credit – Arunava sanyal, CC BY-SA 3.0

Called as the ‘Land of the brave’, Birbhum was a land where many brave kings ruled. The historical importance of the place is evident from the remnants of the civilizations that lived here. The land of red soil houses some of the famous tourist destinations.

• Shantiniketan
• Dubrajpur
• Hetampur
• Fullara
• Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary
• Temple of Nandikeswari
• Kankali Pith

15. Barrackpore

Barrackpore Cantonment

Image credit – Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0

Barrackpore, the land rich in natural beauty, is of high historical importance too. It was here where the famous Sepoy Mutiny originated. Its prominent role in freedom fight has earned Barrackpore a special place and it is frequented by tourists in great numbers. Here are the top destinations in the land.

• Mangal Pandey Park
• Gandhi Museum
• Jawaharkunja Garden
• Gandhi Ghat
• Bartholomew Cathedral
• Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant
• Kali Temple
• Tarakeswar Temple

The attractions of West Bengal are more. Be it the natural beauty or the rich history, the state has more to offer. I would be glad to have information on other tourist attractions in West Bengal to update my humble attempt.

 Tourist Attractions That Completes Your Delhi Trip

Planning a tour could not just be interesting alone; it could be as absorbing as well. It takes a lot of efforts to identify the right tourist destination that would give you all that you expect on a holiday. Once you have the destination decided, you need to further your research to find out the important tourist places in the destination. Then comes the travel plan and arrangements for accommodation. If your plan is to visit Delhi during your holidays, here are some suggestions that would help you with your plan.Given below are 7 important places to visit in Delhi which you are not supposed to miss during your stay.

1. Red Fort

Red Fort symbolizes the era of Mughal rule in India. The Fort, built in 1638, is a magnificent monument that captivates your attention and exhibits the show of architectural splendor of Mughals.

The 33m high walls of Red Fort were built with a view to prevent invaders. Sound and light show is conducted here in the evenings. The one-hour long show recreates historical events associated with Red Fort. The Fort is closed for visits on Mondays.Image credits – rajkumar1220, CC BY 2.0

2. Humayun’s Tomb

Built in the year 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is a monument built by Queen Haji Begum, widow of Humayun. The monument displays the inspiration of Persian architecture. The world famous Taj Mahal bears resemblance to this monument constructed during early Mughal rule in India. It is open on all days for visits. The best time to view Humayun’s Tomb would be in the late afternoon. Image credits – Arian Zwegers, CC BY 2.0

3. Qutab Minar

The tallest tower in India, Qutab Minar, is said to be constructed to commemorate the victory and the beginning of Mughal era in India. The 73-meter tall tower was built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak after the last Hindu Kingdom was defeated. However, some say that it was built to serve as a minaret to call those faithful to prayer. Qutab Minar has five storeys and every storey is marked by a projected balcony. While red sandstone was used in the construction of first three storeys, marble and sandstone were used to construct the last two storeys. India’s first ever mosque, Quwwat-ul-Islam is at the foot of Qutab Minar. Image credits – Sakeeb Sabakka, CC BY 2.0

4. Bahai (Lotus) Temple

Bahai Temple is famously known as Lotus Temple owing to its resemblance to lotus flower. Lotus symbolizes four religions namely Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism. Out of the seven major Bahai temples constructed around the world, the one in Delhi was constructed last. The structure was completed in the year 1986 and pure white marble was used in the construction. The place is serene and is open for prayers and meditation by people who follow any religion. The nine pools of water around the petals is a sight to watch at dusk. Image credits Nam, CC BY-SA 2.0

5. Lodi Gardens

view of Bada Gumbad Masjid at Lodhi Garde

If you want to have a quiet day to escape the crowd and the busy life, this is where you need to be in Delhi. Lodi Gardens was built in 1936 by British around the tombs of the rulers of 15th and 16th centuries. The 90-acre Garden is an excellent place to relax, walk, jog and enjoy the beauty of nature. The National Bonsai Park situated in the Gardens is yet another attraction. Image credits – Thangaraj Kumaravel, CC BY 2.0

6. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Whatever faith you may be following, you could take your time to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, the world’s largest Hindu Temple. The 42 meter tall construction was completed in the year 2005. Apart from using concrete for the foundation, the entire construction was made using granites and marbles from all parts of the world. The structure stands proof of architectural excellence. In the 12 acres of land, you will find the temple, museum, several parks and a huge cultural center that throws light on the traditions and customs followed in India. You can go boating in the water canals here. Image credits – Stanislav Sedov, CC BY-SA 3.0

7. India Gate

India Gate was constructed in the year 1931 as a war memorial for over 70,000 soldiers killed during First World War and Afghan War. The names of the soldiers are inscribed in the walls of India Gate. It was earlier known as “All India War Memorial”. Situated on Rajpath, India Gate looks stunning in the evening lights. The lawn throughout Rajpath’s stretch is frequented by people as the atmosphere is pleasant. Image credits – Bijoy Mohan, CC BY 2.0

Delhi has a lot to offer but the above-mentioned places are worth special mention. The first three in the list, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar are declared world heritage sites. Bahai Temple is unique being one among the seven major Bahai temples in the world. You will love Lodi Gardens for the serene atmosphere and lush greens while Swaminarayan Akshardham is not only a visual delight but also a clear example of architectural excellence and splendor of Modern India. India Gate not only relives memory but offers a pleasant atmosphere. Do not miss out on the special tourist places in Delhiduring your visit. But if live in Delhi and are looking for places to enjoy weekend getaways; you need not worry as there are many picnic spots and hill stations near Delhi which are perfect for that.

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