Stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the South, the places to visit in West Bengal include famous hill stations like Darjeeling, dense Sundarban mangroves and Sagardwip, a beach destination. The state had a major influence of British colonisation, which can be seen through the architecture, traditions and religious rituals today as well. The state has also given some of the major literary philosophers to the country, including Rabindranath Tagore, Aurobindo Ghosh, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Madhusudan Dutta, Kazi Nazrul Islam and more, who played a key role in the literary movement of the country.
To help you find out where you should travel next, here is a curated list of some of the best places to visit in West Bengal. Also, while exploring these places, you can check out the affordable hotels near the tourist destinations.
10 Best Places to Visit in West Bengal
1. Kolkata
The capital city of the state and cultural capital of India, Kolkata, is a must-visit destination for every traveller. The colonial past, architectural and cultural heritage, handicrafts and culinary delicacies of the state make it one of the best places to visit in West Bengal. Kolkata, also known as the “City of Joy,” offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity coexisting in harmony.
The best things to do in Kolkata include visiting the iconic Victoria Memorial, exploring the Indian Museum and bustling Park Street, taking a boat ride on the Hoogly River near Howrah Bridge and enjoying the local delicacies. Also, for a comfortable stay in the city, you can easily find numerous budget-friendly hotels in Kolkata near the key landmarks.
2. Darjeeling
Dotted with Tibetan monasteries and lush green tea plantations, the “Queen of Hills”, Darjeeling, is one of the most popular places to visit in West Bengal for a relaxing getaway. The hill station casts a spell of its timeless charm through its aromatic tea, scenic landscapes, heritage toy train journey, and pleasant year-round weather.
With a deep-rooted history and natural beauty, Darjeeling attracts tourists throughout the year. While staying at hotels in Darjeeling, you can enjoy endless things to do in Darjeeling, including enjoying a train ride on the Batasia Loop, meditating at the Japanese Temple and having a picnic at the Nightingale Park.
3. Sundarbans National Park
Imagine taking a boat ride through the world’s largest mangrove forests and witnessing the majestic tigers and saltwater crocodiles at a distance. The breathtaking beauty of forests, creeks and tributaries makes Sundarbans National Park one of the unique places to visit in West Bengal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a national park but also a tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve. It is a part of a large delta spread across 40,000 sq. kms between India and Bangladesh.
Sundarban National Park, West Bengal, is also a birdwatchers’ paradise where you get to witness a variety of birds, including the brahminy kite, whistling teals, black-capped kingfisher and small minivet.
4. Siliguri
With the view of majestic Himalayas, gently flowing Mahananda River, bustling bazaars and brimming natural beauty, Siliguri in West Bengal is the gateway to Northeast India. The name Siliguri itself is a poetic name which means a stack of pebbles, referring to the abundant boulders that once dotted the banks of the Mahananda River.
The 3T- tea, timber and tourism make this small, charming city one of the popular tourist places to visit in West Bengal. Moreover, you can book your stay at affordable hotels in Siliguri, which are equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
5. Mirik
A hill station surrounded by lush Cryptomeria Japonica forests, stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mirik is one of the soothing places to visit in West Bengal. The name Mirik is derived from the Lepcha word Mir-Yok, which means “place burnt by fire”. With pleasant weather, natural beauty and easy accessibility from major cities like Darjeeling and Siliguri, it has become a favourite spot to spend a relaxing time with friends and family.
The Sumendu Lake, surrounded by a garden on one side and pine trees on the other, is the key attraction of Mirik, where you can enjoy activities like boating, pony rides and shopping on the road encircling the lake.
6. Digha
Digha is one of the popular sea resorts and tourist places to visit in West Bengal. Located at a distance of 187 kms from Kolkata, it is popularly known as the “Brighton of the East”. The shallow sand beach with gentle waves and encircled by the casuarina plantations along the coast, Digha sea beach is a perfect place to relax, swim and enjoy sunrise and sunset.
The place is also popular for its sacred temples, high-tech research centres, museums and food. While looking for places to visit in Digha, you can explore the beaches of the town like New Digha Beach and Digha Sea Beach, visit the Amrabati Park, Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre and Wonderland Kajal Dighi and savour the Bengali cuisine.
7. Kalimpong
Surrounded by rolling hills and misty mountains of the Eastern Himalayas, Kalimpong is one of the famous places to visit in West Bengal for its laid-back charm and mesmerising natural beauty. The cool air fragrant with blooming flowers makes you calm and relaxed, while the places to visit in Kalimpong leave you awestruck with their stories.
Initially inhabited by the Lepcha and Bhutia communities, it was once a part of British colonies, and as a result, the present-day Kalimpong is a melting pot of diverse cultures with British colonial, Bhutanese and Tibetan influences.
8. Kurseong
The “Land of White Orchids”, Kurseong, is a small hill station tucked in the misty Green patches and rolling hills of Darjeeling. Offering a visual and spiritual retreat to the visitors, it is home to lush tea gardens, green forests, gushing waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.
While visiting the place for a relaxing getaway, you can enjoy a peaceful time amidst the tea gardens or follow a trail for breathtaking views and savour the freshly brewed tea while enjoying the cool and calming breeze. While visiting this nature retreat, you can also explore spiritual places like Ambootia Shiva Temple, Giddha Pahar Sita Ram Mandir, Jagdish Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Shyam Mandir, St. Paul’s Church, Buddhist Gompa, Kunsang Choiling Monastery and Hanuman Statue.
9. Murshidabad
The capital of Bengal (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Odhisha) before the advent of the British, Murshidabad, is a historic town with a rich heritage. The city still breathes historic stories of Nawabs through its monuments and tourist attractions like Hazarduari Palace (Palace of a Thousand Doors) and Moti Jhil (Pearl Lake), Nizamat Imambara, Yellow Mosque, Khosbag Garden and Fauti Masjid.
The handicraft, art, culture, and silk industries also attract a large number of travellers, making it one of the popular places to visit in West Bengal.
10. Shantiniketan
If you are looking for a place that showcases the true essence of art, culture, scenic beauty and education, Shantiniketan is among the top places to visit in West Bengal. With a rich legacy of art, literature and education, the place takes you through a captivating narrative. Located in the Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal, the place stands as a beacon of the vision and contributions of Maharishi Devendranath Tagore and his son Rabindranath Tagore, a popular literary philosopher.
Along with the cultural significance, the place also offers scenic beauty of lush green forests, sprawling fields and a peaceful atmosphere.
Thus, the above-mentioned places to visit in West Bengal take you through a journey of rich history, art, culture and natural beauty which you will find nowhere else. So, start planning your trip to a state of an enchanting experience. For a budget-friendly and comfortable trip, you can book your stay at hotels around the state through Treebo Club’s website or app.
