The best time to visit West Bengal is between October and March. This period marks the absence of sweaty and suffocating humid summer climate. The ten day ritual of Durga Pooja is the grandest celebration and worship towards goddess of strength which takes place in October. This is also the period when the doors to see the Royal Bengal Tiger is opened for the visitors
Planning a Trip
Getting There
By Air
The international airport of West Bengal is located in the capital of the state Kolkata; where there are regular international flights and also multiple domestic flights from major cities of India.
By Road
One can take a road trip to Kolkata from Delhi, Mumbai or Guwahati; however one should remember that the road connections get affected once in a while due to floods. The road distance is great however there are multiple dining and resting options available on the route.
History & Culture
Bengal finds its first description made in The Mahabhrata. It was part of the Mauryan Empire in the third century BC and part of Gupta Dynasty in the fourth century AD where it gained importance. The Portuguese, British, Dutch, French and few more colonial rulers set their trading post in Bengal. Later by 1784 the British gained full control of the state. The effect of British divide and rule in 1905 resulted in the communal drift between the Hindus and the Muslims of Bengal and years later one of the cause of partition into India and Pakistan. Since Independence the state has been under the communist party rule.
Top Attraction
Bakkhali and Digha Beach
Vishnupur temple
Shantiniketan
Darjelling and Kalimpong hillstation
Popular Destinations in West Bengal
Darjeeling
Darjeeling regards as the Queens of Hills was earlier known ‘Dorje Ling’ which literally means “place of
thunderbolt”. This picture perfect hill station of West Bengal is located at a height of 2134m housing
some perfect mountain views, Buddhist monasteries, and trekking trails for its visitors. The universally
acknowledged finest Darjelling tea cannot be produced at any other part of the world.
Kalimpong
Take a break from the chaotic city lifestyle at this quaint little hill station Kalimpong. You will find
Buddhist monasteries, temples and few churches that will remind you of the old world charm. One of
the oldest monastery The Thongsa Gompa built in the 17th century is approximately a km away from
Kalimpong. Take a trek in the pine forest, enjoy a day picnic at the nurseries to see the orchids and truly
unwind yourself in the beauty of this hill station.
Kolkata
The cultural capital of the city Kolkata is vibrant, exciting, volatile and overcrowded. Unlike the capital of
the country Delhi; Kolkata is relative a new city owing its creation to the British who had Kolkata as their
capital till the beginning of the 20th Century. The Mughals permitted the British to set the East India
Company in 1686. There are few historical landmarks in Kolkata like the magnificent Fort William, St.
John’s Church, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club and Eden Gardens. The engineering marvel Howrah Bridge
also known as Rabindra setu is the third largest bridge in the world. If visiting Kolkata don’t miss the
grand Durga Puja that is held every year in October (be prepared for the crowds and book yourself well
in advance)
Sunderbans
Regarded as the world’s largest delta and mangrove swamp; Sunderbans is formed by the merging of
three rivers- the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna. The Sunderban Tiger reserve houses almost
270 Bengal Tigers and some other animals