10 Places to Visit in West Bengal

You must visit Kolkata as it’s the main essence of West Bengal. Ranking first in the list of famous places in West Bengal, Kolkata has an array of places and activities to keep you lured. Want to witness a seamless amalgamation of art, culture, and modernity? Kolkata is your place to be. Let historical structures such as the Victoria Memorial, Fort Williams, St. Paul Cathedrals and National Museum satisfy the history buff in you. What’s in store for a foodie? Every kind of mouth-watering dish to tempt your tummy, from Bengali-style biryani to yummy rosogollas, the list is endless. Visit the famous Dakshineswar Temple to pray for your well being and spend time with a huge group of monkeys residing there. For a romantic evening, book your seats in a boat and sail over the tranquil Ganges witnessing the spectacular Hooghly bridge, the golden hues of sunset, and the panoramic view of the City of Joy!

Imagine sipping on the best tea watching the snow-capped Himalayas and snuggling under a blanket. Sounds surreal? Well, that is exactly what Darjeeling has in store for you! Pleasing cold weather, aroma of tea leaves, breathtaking views, and much more! Time for a fun fact! Darjeeling is famous for its toy train ride which lets you witness various corners of the beautiful hill station within a short span. Don’t forget to click cinematic pictures in the expansive tea gardens when you visit. The vibrant local blooms, lush green naturescapes, astounding colonial mansions, and the sight of the magnificent Kanchenjunga peaks will surely make you agree that Darjeeling is among the best tourist places near West Bengal.

Translating to ‘an abode of peace’, Shantiniketan will instantly have your heart and rejuvenate your mind. Did you know, Shantiniketan is where the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore’s memories are preserved. Time travel to the days of Kobiguru Rabindranath witnessing the remnants of his used items in Tagore’s Ashram and Rabindra Bhavan Museum. Even now, students are often taught lessons under the trees at Shantiniketan? Well, now you do! Check out and buy from the extensive range of handicraft decors and jewellery found in the local markets. Best time to visit? Well, if you love colours, plan a trip in March to see the city smeared in the colours of Holi during the Basanta Utsav. December is another amazing time to visit one of the offbeat places in West Bengal as the renowned Poush Mela (fair) is hosted at that time.

A paradise for adventure enthusiasts! Kalimpong is your place to be if you love thrilling activities as well as exotic flora and fauna. The hill station is dotted with a plethora of West Bengal points of interest including Deolo Hill, Pratima Tagore House, Morgan House, Neora Valley National Park, and many more! Wish to spot a leopard with naked eyes? Go for a jungle safari at the Neora National Park and see your wish come true! If you are lucky enough, you may get to see endangered animals like Asian golden cat and Asiatic black bear. Want more adventure? Try water rafting at the Teesta River or go trekking in the hilly terrains of Kalimpong.

Among the places to visit in West Bengal, Sundarbans is the place where you get to see the coveted Royal Bengal tiger (can’t keep calm? Neither can we!). Trip to Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary and sail over the Ganges while enjoying the view of untamed forest lands and several wild animals roam around. Want to experience wildlife in the best way? Stay overnight in one of the treehouses and watch the wild animals like deers, crocodiles, monkeys, and tigers rule over the forests. Named after the beautiful mangroves, Sundarban is among the most adventurous tourist places in West Bengal.

A village embellished with luxurious resorts, alluring sea, and spectacular beaches, Mandarmani is a coveted West Bengal tourist spot. Whether you are a romantic soul, an adventure seeker, or a nature lover, Mandarmani has elements to keep you enchanted. In search of a fun holiday? The famous Mandarmani beach will keep you entertained with adventure sports and sea activities. Try snorkelling, speed boating, sea surfing, and jet-skiing for an exhilarating experience. If you are on your honeymoon, then book a luxury resort and spend a romantic honeymoon amid sea beaches.

Want to get a taste of royalty in West Bengal? A weekend trip to Murshidabad will do the job! The residence of the former Nawab of Bengal, Murshidabad houses several Islamic architectures that will leave you spellbound. The main attraction here? Undoubtedly, the Hazarduari Palace is where you get to see royal artefacts of Bengal rulers. Visit the palace in the evening to get a spectacular view of the palace illuminated with numerous lights. A history buff? Why not plan a day tour to historical places like Nizamat Imambara, Katra Mosque, Madina and Nasirpur Palace to explore the intricate details of these architectural splendours. Famous for its sericulture, ivory and woodcraft, pristine lakes, and much more, Murshidabad has all the rights to be one of the best tourist places in West Bengal.

A land adorned with majestic hills, sparkling rivers, sprawling tea gardens, and exotic flora and fauna can never fail to enchant any tourist. Right? This is exactly what one of the most beautiful places in West Bengal, Dooars offers to its visitors. Go out on soul searching amid the verdant forests, quaint villages, and rippling streams. Curious to explore more? Go to the Mahananda Sanctuary and spot rare wild animals like one-horned rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, and tigers.

Are you a water baby? If yes, Digha is your paradise on Earth and offers an amusing time to all its visitors. Go for a dip in the sea and have fun playing in the water along with your companions. Once you are done swimming, get on the beach, dry yourself up, and head out to the beachside stalls to try lip-smacking fish and chicken fries. Are you an adventure enthusiast? Then, trying thrilling sports like speed boating, quad biking, and parasailing is a must for you. Book a one-day tour at the prime tourist attractions in Digha including Digha Gate, Amravati Park, Mohona Watch Point, and Digha Science Centre. An amalgamation of the gorgeous sea, lively beaches, pleasing naturescapes, and a plethora of resorts, Digha is surely one of the best places to visit in West Bengal. Don't you agree? Plan a weekend trip to Digha and experience it yourself.