Welcome to West Bengal! a state well-known for its numerous historical tourist sites, vibrant ethnic cultures, and fine arts! Are you want to indulge in delectable cuisine, engage in exhilarating sports, or witness some amazing cultural performances?
West Bengal has plenty to offer everyone. West Bengal is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, history, and tradition.
Check out this list of top tourist attractions in west Bengal. Every kind of traveler will find enough of places to explore in this area. This is an inventory of all the locations you must visit!
We’ve put together a list of the best tourist attractions in West Bengal for your convenience. Sit, choose, and put your travel plans into motion.
A Journey Through Captivating Tourist Attractions in West Bengal
- Kolkata
Kolkata, the hub of West Bengal, is a must-visit tourist attractions as it encompasses the essence of the state. Ranked first among the famous tourist attractions in West Bengal, it offers a variety of attractions and activities to keep you captivated.
Interested in experiencing a harmonious blend of art, culture, and modernity? Look no further than Kolkata. Immerse yourself in history by visiting landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, Fort Williams, St. Paul Cathedrals and the National Museum.
For food enthusiasts, Kolkata has something for every palette – from delectable Bengali-style biryani to mouth-watering rosogollas. Make sure to stop by the renowned Dakshineswar Temple to offer prayers and observe the playful group of monkeys residing there.
For a romantic evening, embark on a boat ride along the serene Ganges, taking in views of the magnificent Hooghly Bridge, breathtaking sunsets, and stunning vistas of the City of Joy.
2. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a must-visit tourist attractions for those looking to experience the breathtaking snow pinnacles of Kanchenjunga, beautiful tea cultivations, fragrant orchids, verdant pine forests, and charming Himalayan toy train traversing through the spectacular mountains.
This hill station boasts a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern amenities. It is an ideal escape from the scorching summers of India and one of the top tourist places in West Bengal.
The city offers a diverse array of attractions such as stunning mountain vistas, picturesque waterfalls, sightseeing tours, Buddhist monasteries, museums, shopping options, and delectable Tibetan cuisine.
With its lush green surroundings and captivating hills, Darjeeling is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in West Bengal during June.
3. Siliguri
In West Bengal, Siliguri is renowned as the gateway to the north-east. The Science City and Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary are two of the most popular sights in the city.
It is about 460 kilometers from Kolkata to Siliguri. You can travel by road or by the well-connected railway system of the state. You may also wish to visit Dudhia or Salugara Monastery.
4. The Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial, located in the capital city of Calcutta in West Bengal, is a must-visit for tourists. Constructed during British rule in India, it stands as a symbol of the grandeur of the Victorian Empire in England.
As a current museum and picturesque tourist attractions, visitors will undoubtedly be captivated by its beauty. The white structure with domed features houses a fairy statue at its center and is conveniently situated in the heart of the city.
Utilizing rental car services makes it easily accessible to explore this monument. Hosting regular seminars and events, guests can purchase entry tickets to marvel at the various artworks displayed inside.
The Victoria Memorial also boasts sprawling gardens adorned with fountains, making it an ideal evening destination for visitors. With dazzling lights casting a magnificent glow on the structure, taking a horse carriage ride near the monument would surely be an enjoyable experience for travelers.
5. Shantiniketan
Located near Bolpur in the Birbhum district, Shantiniketan is commonly referred to as the Treasure Trove of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This quaint town is home to Visva-Bharati, a university town.
In 1863, Tagore established an Ashram here, which later became the university. The campus of Shantiniketan showcases exquisite sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, and Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay.
It is also renowned for its Baul Singers and attending fairs and festivals like Poush Mela (December) and Basanta Utsav (Holi) (in March) are popular activities in West Bengal.
6. Kalimpong
For those seeking adventure, Kalimpong is an ideal destination with its thrilling activities and unique flora and fauna. This hill station boasts a variety of West Bengal’s top tourist attractions, such as Morgan House, Deolo Hill, Neora Valley National Park, Pratima Tagore House, and others.
Want to spot a leopard in the wilderness? Book a jungle safari at Neora National Park and see your wish come true! With luck, you may even glimpse endangered animals like the Asiatic black bear and Asian golden cat.
For more excitement, try white-water rafting on the Teesta River or trekking in Kalimpong’s snow-covered peaks.
7. Hooghly
As a result of its fusion of Portuguese, French and Dutch cultures, Hooghly attracts a tremendous amount of tourists for a variety of reasons. The place is also sacred because it was the home of Devi Sarada and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
A number of interesting destinations are nearby this tourist attractions in West Bengal, including the Deer Park, Shri Ramakrishna Math, Hooghly Imambara, Bhadreswar, Hangseshwari Temple, and Serampore.
8. Sundarbans
You can take a boat safari to explore the dense mangrove forests, spot the Royal Bengal Tigers, and discover the unique flora and fauna of the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Mandarmani
Located in the East Medinipur locale, the seaside village of Mandarmani is situated at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal. As one of West Bengal’s largest and rapidly developing resort villages, it boasts a distance of 180 km from Kolkata.
Considered to be India’s longest drive-in seashore, this majestic location offers an escape where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy every moment. And when exhaustion sets in, refreshing coconut water is readily available.
The uncrowded surroundings further enhance its charm, allowing for peaceful moments basking in the sun while observing the birds and waves.
10. Mirik
Located on the shores of a freshwater lake between the mountains, Mirik is a charming little town.
The town is famous for its orange orchids, as well as its lake and the Bokar monastery. You can take a bus or taxi from Kolkata to Mirik, which is approximately 481 kilometers away from the capital city.
11. The St John’s Church
St John’s Church in Calcutta, West Bengal is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and historical significance. This old, dilapidated church serves as the final resting place of Job Charnock, the man credited with discovering the city.
Located in the old district of Calcutta, reaching the church is best done by hiring a taxi. Inside, visitors can admire magnificent paintings such as a restored version of the Last Supper. The church opens at ten in the morning and closes at five in the evening.
A Sunday visit is highly recommended for a pleasant experience. In addition to the church, travelers can explore the surrounding area where tombstones of British soldiers who passed away during WWI and WWII can be found.
Admission to both the church and tombstone area costs only ten INR, making it an affordable activity. However, photography requires an extra fee. Look for St John’s Church along the main road when sightseeing in Calcutta.
12. Gaur-Pandua
As the medieval capital of West Bengal, Gaur-Pandua is home to breathtaking ruins that reflect the architecture of the Muslim Sultans.
Many of the ruins are mosques and tombs, including the Baro Sona Masjid, Fateh Khan Tomb, Adina Masjid and Eklakhi Mausoleum.
These twin towns are located in the district of Malda, also known as the Mango City. It is a great place to pick up some delicious mangoes and Murshidabad silk.
