Quick Facts
- Capital: Kolkata
- Largest City: Kolkata
- Official Languages: Bengali, Hindi, English
- Formation: 1 November 1956 (Reorganized State)
- Nicknames: “Cultural Capital of India”
- Borders: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, Assam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal
- UNESCO Sites: Sundarbans National Park, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Contents
History & Heritage
West Bengal has a glorious history of ancient kingdoms, British colonial heritage, and India’s cultural renaissance.
- Kolkata: Former British capital of India.
- Bengal Renaissance: Hub of art, literature, and reform movements.
- Independence Movement: Birthplace of many freedom fighters.
Geography & Climate
From the Himalayan peaks of Darjeeling to the mangrove forests of Sundarbans, West Bengal offers diverse geography.
- Rivers: Ganga, Hooghly, Teesta.
- Climate: Tropical, humid summers and mild winters.
Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)
- Darjeeling: Tea gardens, Toy Train.
- Kolkata: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge.
- Sundarbans: Mangrove forest and Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Digha: Popular beach town.
- Kalimpong: Buddhist monasteries, scenic views.
- Shantiniketan: Tagore’s cultural university.
- Murshidabad: Historical nawabi heritage.
Festivals of West Bengal
- Durga Puja: The grandest festival of Bengal.
- Poila Boishakh: Bengali New Year.
- Rath Yatra: Celebrated in Mahesh and Puri traditions.
Cuisine – What to Eat
West Bengal is famous for its sweet dishes, seafood, and rice-based cuisine.
- Staples: Rice and fish curry.
- Specials: Macher Jhol, Shorshe Ilish, Rasgulla, Sandesh.
Arts, Handicrafts & Culture
- Terracotta art of Bishnupur.
- Traditional Bengali music and dance.
- Literature by Tagore, Bankim Chandra, and others.
Adventure & Wildlife
- Trekking in Darjeeling & Kalimpong hills.
- Wildlife safari in Sundarbans.
- Beach activities at Digha.
How to Reach
- By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata).
- By Rail: Howrah and Sealdah are major railway hubs.
- By Road: NHs connect West Bengal to neighboring states.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal for exploring West Bengal.
Sample Itineraries
4 Days – Kolkata & Surroundings
- Day 1: Victoria Memorial, Park Street.
- Day 2: Dakshineswar & Belur Math.
- Day 3: Indian Museum, Howrah Bridge.
- Day 4: Local markets & sweets tour.
5 Days – Darjeeling
- Day 1: Toy Train ride, Batasia Loop.
- Day 2: Tiger Hill sunrise.
- Day 3: Tea gardens visit.
- Day 4: Kalimpong excursion.
- Day 5: Departure.
Famous Personalities
- Rabindranath Tagore: Nobel laureate poet.
- Subhas Chandra Bose: Freedom fighter.
- Satyajit Ray: Legendary filmmaker.