The eastern state of India, West Bengal, has several places to visit. Encircled by the great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, the state has both mountains and sea. Apart from that, the state has a rich history since the age of the Mauryan empire, Mughal Dynasty, and British era. The diversity of the state changes with each step you take.

Here are some of the places you can visit in West Bengal:

1. Darjeeling

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Queen of Hills Darjeeling is one of the most famous tourist destinations in West Bengal. 

Photo by Angshu Purkait on Unsplash

Places to visit in Darjeeling:

  • Tiger Hill
  • Batasia Loop
  • Peace Pagoda
  • Ghoom Monastery
  • Rock Garden
  • Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, & more.

How to Reach:

About 95 km away from Darjeeling, Bagdogra airport has direct flights from the cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From there you can book a taxi. There is no big rail station in Darjeeling, but you can take a train to New Jalpaiguri.

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Best Hotels in Darjeeling

Best Budget Hotels in Darjeeling

2. Kolkata

The City of Joy Kolkata is famous for its rich culture, colonial architecture, mystery, respect, spirit, and delicacies. 

Photo by Abhisek Paul on Unsplash

Places to visit in Kolkata:

  • Victoria Memorial Hall
  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple
  • Eco Park
  • Fort William Kolkata
  • Belur Math
  • Howrah Bridge
  • Birla Planetarium
  • Indian Museum & more.

How to Reach:

The capital city has Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Apart from that, the two major rail station Howrah, and Sealdah, is well-connected with other cities all over India.

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3. Digha

Taking a long walk on the beach, and watching the sun setting on the sea, there is no place like Digha in West Bengal. 

Photo by Mark Harpur on Unsplash

Places to visit in Digha:

  • New Digha Beach
  • Udaipur Beach
  • Talsari Beach
  • Amaravati Park
  • Chandpur Beach & more.

How to Reach:

Digha does not have an airport. The closest airport is the Kolkata Airport. You can take a bus or book a cab from there. There are several trains available from Digha to other cities.

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Best Hotels in Digha

4. Shantiniketan

Enjoy a relaxing vacation on the abode of peace, Shantiniketan. The tranquil atmosphere will soothe your heart. 

Photo by Ryan Hafey on Unsplash

Places to visit in Shantiniketan:

  • Visva Bharati University 
  • Tagore’s Ashram
  • Amar Kutir
  • Kala Bhavana 
  • Chhatimtala
  • Patha Bhavan 
  • Kopai River & more

How to Reach:

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is the nearest airport from Shantiniketan. The nearest rail station is in Bolpur, about 2km from the city. You can also go by road. 

5. Dooars

The mystical forest of Dooars is the perfect weekend gateway. The lush greeneries, prolonged tea gardens, and the River Teesta will relieve you from stress.

Photo by André Cook

Places to visit in Dooars:

  • Gorumara National Park.
  • Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Jaldapara National Park.
  • Chilapata Forest.
  • Buxa Tiger Reserve.
  • Murti & more.

How to Reach:

The nearest airport to Dooars is Bagdogra station. You can book a cab service from there. The nearest rail station to Dooars is the Madarihat Railway station. You can take a bus or private vehicle to reach the city from there.

6. Murshidabad

Witnessing the rise and fall of different dynasties since the Mauryan Empire, Malda is a historical location in West Bengal.

via, Wikipedia

Places to visit in Murshidabad:

  • Hazarduari Palace Museum
  • Katra Masjid
  • Motijheel Park
  • Kathgola Gardens
  • Khosh Bagh
  • Char Bangla Temple & more.

How to Reach:

Murshidabad is well-connected with other major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, by rail. The nearest airport to the town is in Kolkata. You can take a bus, cab or avail the train service.

Also Read:

10 Historical Places in India that lure History Lovers Worldwide

7. Sundarban

The only mangrove habitat of India, Sundarban is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal. Apart from the famous Royal Bengal Tigers, you can also see several animals, birds, and reptiles.

Image by Tareq Shuvo from Pixabay

Places to visit in Sundarban:

  • Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
  • Tin Kona Island
  • Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower
  • Mangrove Eco Garden
  • Bharat Sevashram Sangha Temple & more.

How to Reach:

Sundarban is around 100 km from Kolkata, connected with all major cities of India by air and train. The nearest station from the park is Cannings, about 50 km away. You can take a boat from there.

Also Read:

Explore the Wilderness in these National Parks of India

8. Mayapur Nabadwip

The heritage city of West Bengal, Navadwip, is the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The sacred city and the island Mayapur are famous for their temples.

Places to visit in Mayapur Nabadwip:

  • Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math
  • ISKCON Temple, Nabadwip
  • Radha Rani Temple
  • Shri Devananda Gaudiya Math
  • Yoga Peeth & more.

How to Reach:

You can take a train from Sealdah and Howrah to Nabadwip station. There are also regular buses every day from Kolkata. You can also hire a private cab.

Also Read:

6 Famous Temples of India Encircled by Mysteries

9. Malda

The ancient city of Malda has witnessed the rise and fall of different dynasties since the Mauryan Empire. The historical buildings and rich culture attract several visitors every year. 

via, Wikipedia

Places to visit in Malda:

  • Adina Mosque 
  • Dakhil Darwaza
  • Gour
  • Firoz Minar 
  • Eklakhi Mausoleum
  • Malda Museum
  • Qutb Shahi Mosque & more.

How to Reach:

You can visit Malda on both roads and by train from any part of India. The city is around 350 Km away from Kolkata.

Also Read:

Best Tourist Spots in North Bengal

Also Check Out:

Best Hotels in Malda

10. Bishnupur

Harboring the memorials and ruins of the past, the heritage site Bishnupur attracts history lovers. Explore the rich culture, classical music, paintings, Baluchari sari, as well as the world-famous terracotta.

via, Wikipedia

Places to visit in Bishnupur:

  • Rasmancha
  • Shyamrai Temple
  • Jorebangla Temple
  • Madan Mohan Temple
  • Dalmadal Kaman Canon
  • Maa Chinnamasta Temple & more.

How to Reach:

Bishnupur has its own station. You can also take a bus from Kolkata and many other places. 

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