West Bengal, situated in eastern India, is a land with a rich diversity. Home to different civilizations and known for its cultural diversity, West Bengal has a great history too. Bengal is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. Thanks to its geographical location stretching from the great Himalayas to Bay of Bengal, the state has spectacular landscapes to captivate your souls. Here are the top 15 destinations in West Bengal.
1. Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is the largest metropolitan city in India. This ancient city is considered to be inhabited for more than two thousand years and it is evident from its rich cultural background and diverse ethnicity. Here are some important tourist attractions in Kolkata.
- Howrah Bridge
- Jorasanko Thakurbari
- Park Street
- Indian Museum
- Victoria Memorial
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
- Kalighat Kali Temple
- Science City Kolkata
- Mother House
2. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is the most perfect place to unwind on your holiday. Snow clad mountains, lush greenery and the stunning views of Himalayas make the place a heaven on earth. The entire land is colorful and picture perfect with green tea leaves, red rhododendrons, white magnolias, birds of different species and snow-covered peak of Kanchenjunga. Here are the top destinations in Darjeeling.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Singalila National Park
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
- Tiger Hill
- Observatory Hill
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Neora Valley National Park
- Mirik
- Rock Garden
Trekking, water rafting and bird watching are some of the activities you can involve yourself in on your tour to Darjeeling.
3. Bankura
Bankura is on the west of the state of West Bengal. Apart from the historic side, Bankura has an artistic face too. It has tourist attractions that boast of its historical importance and destinations that challenge you to trek and hike. Here are some leading destinations in Bankura.
- Biharinath Hill
- Susunia Hills
- Mukutmonipur Dam
- Rasmancha
- Garh Darwaja
- Krishna-Balaram Temple
- Ganesh and Nandi Statue
4. Midnapore
The town Midnapore, also called as Medinipur, is situated in the west of Medinipur District. It is a famous pilgrim centers as it is home to some ancient temples and mosques. Having contributed many freedom fighters for independence, the land has monuments built in memory of the war heroes. Here are some attractions in Midnapore.
- Jora Masjid
- John’s Church
- Kali Temple
- Chandrakona
- Tamluk
5. Siliguri
Siliguri is a picturesque location that offers spectacular views of Himalayas. It is famous for tea and timber. Thick forest on the foothills and the tea gardens offer amazing views of the land. Given below are some important tourist attractions in Siliguri.
- Kali Mandir
- Chilapata Forests
- Salugara Monastery
- Coronation Bridge
- Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Murshidabad
Murshidabad is home to various races and religions. It is located on River Bhagirathi banks. The history of the city dates back to pre-historic times. The city was at its height of glory in the past and it was Bengal’s capital in before the British rulers shifted the capital to Kolkata. Given below are the important tourist places in Murshidabad.
- Hazarduari Palace Museum
- Imambara
- Wasef Manzil
- Jalangi River
- Nasipur Palace
- Katra Mosque
- Jahankosha Canon
- Katgola
7. Hooghly
Hooghly is an interesting tourist destination for various reasons. It is considered sacred as it is where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sarada Devi stayed for many years; it has historic significance as it bears the influences of Portuguese, French and the Dutch. Here are some important tourist destinations in Hooghly.
- Chandannagar Museum
- Serampore
- Bhadreswar
- Tarakeshwar Temple
- Hooghly Imambara
- Hangseshwari Temple
- Deer Park
- Sri Ramakrishna Math
- Garh Mandaran
8. Kalimpong
Kalimpong, the hill station in lower Himalayas, is situated at an altitude of 1250 meters. The view of Himalayas from Kalimpong is amazing. The tranquility of the land attracts tourists in great numbers. It is famous for traditional handicrafts, orchids and nurseries. The tourist attractions in Kalimpong include the following.
- Deolo Hill
- Dr. Graham’s Home
- Kalimpong Cactus Nursery
- Pine View Nursery
- Jaldhaka River Valley
- Tharpa Choeling Gompa
- Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa
- Tongsa Gompa
9. Kamarpukur
Kamarpukur, a village in Hooghly district, bears evidences of ancient elements. A visit to the land with ancient buildings, temples and tanks will give you an insight into its glorious past. This beautiful village is considered sacred as it was where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born. Here Jaare some important tourist destinations in Kamarpukur.
- Jairambati Math
- Mukundapur Temple
- Yogi Shiva Temple
- Gopeshwar Temple
- Matri Mandir
10. Bishnupur
Bishnupur is famous for ancient temples belonging to the 15th century. Art and culture flourished here; particularly, the Malla rulers were great patronizers of paintings and music. The temples here stand proof of the rich architecture of the past. Here are some top destinations in Bishnupur.
- Jorebangla Temple
- Rasmancha
- Pancha Ratna Temple
- Radha Govinda Temple
- Gate of Old Fort
- Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Loukoipat Ecological Park
- Sarbamangala Temple
11. Jalpaiguri
Jalpaiguri enjoys excellent topographical advantage that it receives many tourists who are passionate about enjoying the bliss of nature. Since it is easy to access Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas from here, you can find tourism flourishing here. Given below are important tourist destinations in Jalpaiguri.
- Dooars
- Gorumara National Park
- Buxa Tiger Reserve
- Mendabari Fort
- The Baptist Church
- Panjhora River
12. Malda
Malda lies at the confluence of River Mahananda and Kalindi. Like many other places in West Bengal, this town too has its share in history. Called as English Bazaar in the past, Malda gives you a clear picture of its architectural splendor in the past. Here are the tourist destinations in Malda.
- Bara Sona Mosque
- Dakhil Darwaza
- Lattan Mosque
- Adina Mosque
- Firoz Minar Tomb
- Maa Johura Temple
- Baisgazi Wall
- Eklakhi Mausoleum
- Malda Museum
13. Cooch Behar
Cooch Behar, a district in Jalpaiguri, is situated in the north-eastern part of West Bengal. To its south and west lies the Indo-Bangladesh border. The land still has the rich influences of the Mughal era. It is not only famous for the ancient monuments but it is also known for huge water bodies. Here are some important destinations in Cooch Behar.
- Cooch Behar Palace
- Chilapata Forest Range
- Rasik Bil
- Madan Mohan Bari
- Dangar Ayee Temple
14. Birbhum
Called as the ‘Land of the brave’, Birbhum was a land where many brave kings ruled. The historical importance of the place is evident from the remnants of the civilizations that lived here. The land of red soil houses some of the famous tourist destinations.
- Shantiniketan
- Dubrajpur
- Hetampur
- Fullara
- Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Temple of Nandikeswari
- Kankali Pith
15. Barrackpore
Barrackpore, the land rich in natural beauty, is of high historical importance too. It was here where the famous Sepoy Mutiny originated. Its prominent role in freedom fight has earned Barrackpore a special place and it is frequented by tourists in great numbers. Here are the top destinations in the land.
- Mangal Pandey Park
- Gandhi Museum
- Jawahar Kunj Garden
- Gandhi Ghat
- Bartholomew Cathedral
- Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant
- Kali Temple
- Tarakeswar Temple
The attractions of West Bengal are more, there are more beautiful towns like Mirik in West Bengal. Be it the natural beauty or the rich history, the state has more to offer. I would be glad to have information on other tourist attractions in West Bengal to update my humble attempt.
Really you’ve covered most of the places. I too am a writer but I promote places under sustainable livelihood, so rural tourism is my niche..you can certainly take a look at my blog for sch rural destination and some of the most innovative travel plans of North Bengal.
Awesome Information. I am planning to visit WestBengal very soon and I will visit each and every place mention in this blog. Great work by the the blogger.
It’s a pity that you left places like Digha, Mandarmani which are the biggest crowd pullers in Bengal. There are lots of places that you have listed might seek attention of historians, but i doubt how many people might get interested in. Anyways, you have done a great job in listing all these places.
Thanks for this lot of information.
Great job done..! I am a travel and tourism student and keep searching on internet on different places for making itineraries when I visited your page I got all I wanted in one place and that’s very good for me thanks a lot . This help me a lot.
You should include the best period to visit these places as well as majority of the people are not familiar with weather conditions and best time to visit these beautiful places.
Can I have the tour operators list for covering the places from Kolkata to Darjeeling. Kalimpong bagdogra shilling and soliciting. The best period to visit west Bengal may also be intimated
My age is 64 and hence a reliable tour operator will be of immense help to me.
Thanks for describing different places to visit in West Bengal but absence of some places having visited by most of Bengalies more than thrice as Digha ,in spite of that thanks given to you hearty.
Excellent and very informative article.
Your information are very exiting but by mistake you have mixed the tourist spots of Bishnupur town in West Bengal with the Bishnupur situated in Manipur because keibul lamjao national park is located in Manipur.
Great information sharing in article.
Thanks, for your important information
To visit the above 15 places, please give me recognised tour conductors or your own conducting tour programme.
Nice Aritcle. BUT, You didn’t mention in “Top 15 Places To Visit In West Bengal” some important tourist attractions like Digha, Mandarmani, Talsari beach.
And Asia’s largest delta Sundarban, where River Ganga submerge itself into the Bay of Bengal …
Just one correction needed. Kanchenjunga is not a tourist destination in Darjeeling. Instead of that, you could add Chowrasta to the list. Thank you.
I am not going to say about destinations. I just wanna say that, those images, describing the places, were fabulous. Awesome.
Very good article admin. This article helps me to better understand about travel and tourist places because I am doing study regarding tourism. I hope you will keep adding something new even further about tourism.