The eastern Indian state of West Bengal is regarded as a land of great diversity. This diversity is not confined to her geographical features alone. It stretches to her demographic pattern and culture also. A canvas of many shades, tourists could have a glimpse of the serene rural landscape, the skyscrapers of big cities, the picturesque hill stations of the north and scenic beaches down West Bengal's south. And when it comes to festivals, West Bengal celebrates them in a way unmatched by any other state of India. Bengalis are also expert in making delicious sweets.
Known in earlier times as Vanga, West Bengal has a rich history. Many dynasties ruled and vanished in the soil of Bengal. The 13th century saw Bengal coming under Islamic rule and later developing into a prominent place of trade and commerce under the Mughals. Bengal is also regarded as the first region of India to come under British rule. It is from Bengal that British extended their rule to the rest of India and made Kolkata (Calcutta) the initial capital of India. West Bengal is also the birth place of Nobel prize winner Rabindra Nath Tagore and world famous film director Satyajit Ray. Mother Teresa adopted Bengal as her home.
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal is one of India's four metropolitan cities. The city has many beautiful monuments dating back to the British period.
The Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium and Howrah bridge of Kolkata are among its best attractions.
Shantiniketan is a famous university town in West Bengal having gained popularity for its association with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
From the plains, tourists can go to higher altitudes where the snow clad mountains of the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling awaits them. The beauty of the hill station enthralls all who visit the place. In close proximity are a few other hill stations namely Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik.
The Sunderbans Delta in West Bengal's south is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. The fact that Sunderbans can only be seen through the river route travelling by boat further adds to the thrill of visiting the place. A state with a long coastline, West Bengal also has some scenic beaches like Falta, Shankarpur, Digha and Sagar Islands.
West Bengal adorns a new look during the Durga Puja celebrations in the month of October. The festival, celebrated with pomp and gaiety, attracts tourists from all parts of India and even abroad. Bengal is particularly famous for sweets and fish delicacies.
West Bengal is bound by the states of Sikkim, Assam, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand. West Bengal also shares international boundary with Bhutan and Bangladesh.
The state also has a long coast washed by the waters of Bay of Bengal. The vast majority of the people in the state are Bengalis. Sherpas, Gorkhas and Paharis reside mostly in the hilly areas of the north.
West Bengal is one Indian state where tourists cannot complain of monotony. Her attractions are diverse and mesmerizing. |
Calcutta
 Calcutta, which had the privilege of being the capital of British India before it was shifted to Delhi. Calcutta, a city which has adopted to the modern trends and techniques of the world but has not shed the leisurely life style and the calm which it has acummulated since ages. A city which till few years ago was the most densely populated city in the world. Calcutta has the country''''s first Metro railway and also retains some of the building which are more than hundred year old. It is a city of enduring charm.
Calcutta has since developed from a fishermens village to become one of the largest cities in the world. Being the capital of the British till 1912, the architecture here is a medley of occidental and oriental styles. Today the city symbolises creativity and vibrance with all the modern amenities available.
Calcutta is a city with strong cultural, literary and religious flavours. this is the home of many of India''''''''s leaders. Activities in the field of fine arts, music, dance, theatre and writing make the city a happening place.
How To Reach -
By Air: Well Connected with the major cities.
By Rail: Howrah and Sealdah are the main railway stations in Calcutta. Calcutta is well Connected with the major cities.
By Road: Well Connected with the major cities.
Places To See:
Belur Math, Botanical Garden, Dakshineshwar Temple, Howarh Bridge, Jain Temple, Kali Temple, Marble Palace, Nakhoda Mosque, National Library, Rabindra Sarobar, Raj Bhavan, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Sahid Minar (Ochterlony Monument), St.Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial, Zoological Gardens.
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Darjeeling
 The most important and organized hill resort in Eastern India is Darjeeling which lies 686 kms from Calcutta perched at a height of 2134 meters with a backdrop of the mighty snow clad Himalayan Peaks.
The mighty Kanchenjunga peak overlooks the town from where one can get a clear view of the peak on a sunny day.
The world's highest peak The Everest can also be seen from near the town.
Re-discovered by the British in Calcutta, every year at the beginning of summer, the Viceroys of India and after 1911 the Lieutenant Governors of Bengal would move lock, stock and barrel to Darjeeling. Its the British who rapidly developed Darjeeling into a pleasant resort. In the 1840’s Tea Plantation was introduced in the area. Darjeeling "orthodox" tea is now famous and among the most expensive in the world.
Darjeeling is an abrupt change from the plains and Calcutta. The population is Nepali, Lepcha, Tibetan and Bhutia. Surrounded by Tea Plantation a popular hill station since British established it as a rest and recreation centre for its troops in mid 1800.
How To Reach -
By Air: Bagdogra Airport- 96 kms is directly connected to Calcutta, Delhi, Patna, Guwahati and other places of North-East India.
By Rail: Directly connected to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Madras, Bombay, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Tirupati, Trivandrum, Cochin.
By Road: Calcutta- 651 kms, Gangtok- 100 kms, Kalimpong- 51 kms.
Places To See:
Tiger Hill- 11 kms, Ghoom Monastery- 8 kms; Batasia Loop- 5 kms, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute- 2 kms, Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway- 8 kms, Tibetan Refugees Center, Lebong Race Course, Natural History Museum, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Lloyds Botanical Garden, Observatory Hill, Dhirdham Temple, Senchal Lake.
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Kalimpong
 A small but bustling town in the Himalaya foothills of West Bengal- Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1250 meters. This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it became a part of West Bengal. Kalimpong is famous for its monasteries, Churches and a private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, culture etc.. This place also has the Sericulture centre and the orchid nurseries and of course the place provides some beautiful sights of the Himalayan range. Though not all travellers visit this place which demands some attention. The journey from Darjeeling along the Teesta River is very interesting.
Kalimpong has some of the best Gladiolis and orchid producing nurseries. The flowers grown at these nurseries are exported to other countries as well as to the Northern cities in India. The Standard and the Universal Nurseries also specialise in Cacti. The Sericulture Research Institute breads silkworms and silk is produced here. Through the stands of bamboo you come to the Dr. Graham's Home this school is spread over 193 hectares and houses 1300 students. The school was established in 1900. The Nature Interpretation center is working to conserve soil and forests of the area. It has some fine illustrations and demonstrations on the effect of human activity on the environment.
How To Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport Bagdogra- 80 kms is connected to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati & other places of north-east.
By Rail: Two nearest railway stations are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Shiliguri where NJP is directly connected by rail with the important places.
By Road: Calcutta- 651 kms, Guwahati- 513 kms, Delhi- 1312 kms and other major cities.
Places To See: Durpin Dara, Shri Ganeshmoni Pradhan Nursery, Standari Nursery, Shri L.B.Pradhan Nursery, Gouripur House, Swiss Welfare Dairy, Tibetan Monastery.
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Vishnupur
 Terra-cotta, metalware & temples characterize Vishnupur. The temples are built mostly of brick & at times, of laterite. Clay & laterite are the only building materials available here besides wood and bamboo. The architecture is modeled on the pattern of Bengali huts built of bamboo & mud and roofed with thatch.
Vishnupur will remain ever famous for its distinct style of music, i.e. the Vishnupur Gharana, if not anything else. The name of Jadu Bhatt, the music teacher to Rabindranath Tagore, is remembered with respect to this day.
A discerning visitor may find traces of the past splendour and glory that was Vishnupur in its superb temples and unique handicrafts.
How To Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport Calcutta is 201 kms away from Vishnupur.
By Rail: Vishnupur, the railway station is connected with Calcutta (Howrah).
By Road: Calcutta- 151 kms, Durgapur- 81 kms, Purulia- 145 kms, Bankura- 34 kms, Mukutmanipur.
Places To See:
Ras Mancha, Dalmadal Cannon, Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Malleswar Temple, Lalji Temple, Mrinmoyee Mandir, Shyam Rai Temple, Malla King's Fort, Jogesh Chandra Pura Kirti Bhavan Museum. |
