Kolkata – City Of Joy

Kolkata is India’s second-largest city and the face of West Bengal. It is an interminably progressing celebration of human existence. This dynamic 350-year-old city situated on India’s Eastern Coast is the capital of West Bengal. It flourishes as the aesthetic, social, and intellectual capital of India. Also known as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata is overflowing with liveliness. One can expect to be charmed by the cheap cost of things, the hand-pulled-rickshaws, wandering avenues, and a countless assortment of desserts. Some highlights of this breathtaking city are The Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Fort William, Eden Gardens, and Jorasanko Thakur Bari – the ancestral home of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Brimming with various exciting things to do, make sure to add this city in your bucket list!

How to reach: Being the capital of West Bengal and a major metropolitan city, Kolkata is well connected by flight, rail, and roadways.
Time required: 2-3 days
What’s special: Historical architecture, East-Indian street food, and relics significant to the British era.

Darjeeling – Himalayan Jewel

If one wants to witness the stunning snow pinnacles of Kanchenjunga, the wonderful tea cultivations, the sweet-smelling orchids, the greenery of the pines, and the adorable Himalayan toy train making its way through the dazzling mountains, head to the city of Darjeeling. This hill station is a gem known for its old-world charm combined with modernity. For a well-needed break from the blistering and moist summers of India, this city is one of the best tourist places in West Bengal. It offers a potent blend of stunning mountain views, waterfalls, sightseeing tours, Buddhist monasteries, museums, shopping, and scrumptious Tibetan food. Undoubtedly, with its lush green environs and captivating hills, this place is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal in June.

How to reach: The best way to reach Darjeeling is by taking the train or car from the nearby city directly to Siliguri which then offers direct routes to Darjeeling by bus and train.
Time required: 4-7 days
What’s special: Tea plantation gardens, handmade artifacts at the New Mahakal Market, and Tibetian delicacies.

The Sundarbans – Land Of Mangroves

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the biggest mangrove eco-arrangement in the world. Home to one of India’s most notorious untamed life species, the Royal Bengal Tiger, it is also the world’s biggest estuarine woods befuddled by many streams and tributaries, converged by a system of tidal conduits and a maze of little mangrove islands. This interconnectedness makes The Sundarbans one of the most appealing and charming spots on earth. At present this extraordinary land is home to 250 tigers and an assortment of birds, reptiles, and various invertebrates including crocodiles. This natural heaven is situated about 110 km from Kolkata.

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal 743370
Timing: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 60
How to reach: The Sundarbans are only accessible by waterways and the nearest railway station to the location is at Canning which is 48 kilometers away. From Kolkata, you can take the local train to Canning and then continue your journey forward.
Time required: 5-6 hours
What’s special: White tigers, trekking, and exploration of India’s pristine natural reserve.

Mirik, West Bengal

Mirik is a post-card perfect spot in the tranquil hills of Darjeeling. Flanked by soaring pine trees, the Sumendu Lake in Mirik presents a scenic delight to revel in. But that’s not all, it’s another attraction Ramitey Dara is particularly famous for dreamy sunrise and sunsets amidst the bird’s-eye view of the valley.

• Best time to visit – September-May
• Ideal duration – 1-2 days
• How to reach –
  • By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport (47.4 km) to Mirik.
  • By Train: One can take either take a train till Jalpaiguri, and commence the rest of the journey by road (56.4 km).
  • By Road: One can take a bus to Mirik from Darjeeling (60 km) or Jalpaiguri (88 km).

Bishnupur, West Bengal

Known for its exquisitely structured terracotta temples, Bishnupur is an ideal destination for a temple trail. It has Radha Govind Temple, Shyam Rai Temple, Kalachand Temple and more to offer. Once you are done with your temple run, take a piece of Bishnupur with you by buying some artistic and genuine terracotta pieces, this earthy town has to offer.

• Best time to visit – December
• Ideal duration – 2 days
• How to reach –
  • By Air: Kolkata is the nearest airport (139.4 km) to Bishnupur.
  • By Train: Bankura is the closest (3.3 km) to Bishnupur.
  • By Road: Bishnupur is 150 km away from Kolkata by road.

Gaur-Pandua – Medieval Capital

The medieval capitals of West Bengal, Gaur-Pandua is home to breathtaking ruins of the architecture during the rule of the Muslim Sultans. The majority of the ruins are mosques and tombs such as the Baro Sona Masjid, Tomb of Fateh Khan, Adina Masjid and Eklakhi Mausoleum. These twin towns are located in the district of Malda which is also called the Mango City. Make sure to stop and buy some delicious mangoes and Murshidabad silk here.

Location: Malda District, West Bengal
Timing: NA
Entry fee: NA
How to reach:  Take a bus or train from Malda.
Time required:  2 days.
What’s special:  Mesmerizing ruins from Medieval era.

Cooch Behar – Man-made Marvels

Cooch Behar is known for its fine atmosphere, freshness, and magnificence. During the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the Pala-Senas controlled Cooch Behar. The principal attraction in Cooch Behar is the royal residence of the Koch king Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. Intended to resemble the old European style of the Italian Renaissance, this eminent castle was built by the Maharaja in the year 1887. If you are a history enthusiast, make sure to stop by Cooch Behar.

Location: Cooch Behar District, West Bengal.
Timing: NA
Entry fee: NA
How to reach:  Take a taxi or bus from Darjeeling. It is situated 210 km away from the city.
Time required:  1-2 days.
What’s special:  The royal residence of the Koch king Maharaja Nripendra Narayan.

Mayapur – The Religious City

Situated at the intersection of the Ganga and Jalangi rivers, this religious center is a city with scenic views and many sanctuaries. Mayapur is a well known Vaishnavite tourist spot established by the Bhakti saint Vinod Thakur. Mayapur is renowned for Chandrodaya Temple, Shree Chaitanyamath, and Goswami Maharaj Temple of Dashavatar.

Location: Nadia, West Bengal
Timing: NA
Entry fee: NA
How to reach:  Take a bus or taxi from Kolkata. It is only 124 km away from the city.
Time required:  2 days.
What’s special:  A spiritual abode. Houses various temples.

Jaldhaka: Off The Beaten Path

A small town in Kalimpong District of West Bengal, Jaldhaka features a picturesque valley. One of the most rejuvenating places in West Bengal. The place is adorned with lush flora and houses various species. An enthralling hill station, this place offers a perfect weekend getaway to tourists.

Location: Kalimpong District, West Bengal
Timing: NA
Entry fee: NA
How to reach:  Take a bus or taxi from Darjeeling. It is 199 km away from the city.
Time required:  1 day
What’s special:  Picturesque valley town.

Jaldapara National Park: For The Adventure Lovers

Nestled in West Bengal, Jaldapara National Park is home to various wildlife species. Encompassing verdant landscapes, the park features rich biodiversity. Adventure seekers can experience a car safari at this park and nature lovers can witness numerous wildlife animals, such as the one-horned Rhinoceros, Asian elephants, Bison, etc.

Location: Jaldapara, Uttar Madarihat, West Bengal 735220
Timing: 9 AM – 3 PM
Entry fee: INR 100 per person
How to reach:  Take a taxi from Darjeeling. It is situated 164 km away from the city.
Time required:  3-4 hours
What’s special:  Houses an array of wildlife species.