Places to visit in West Bengal
Darjeeling is known for its lush tea gardens, colonial charm, and panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport (70 km). Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
Travel Fare: Flights from Kolkata to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Taxis from NJP to Darjeeling ₹2,500–₹3,000. Shared jeeps: ₹200–₹500.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December.
Top Attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling Ropeway.
2. Kolkata: The City of Joy
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and architecture.
How to Reach: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and Howrah Railway Station.
Travel Fare: Flights to Kolkata ₹2,000–₹6,000. Train fares range from ₹500–₹2,500.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Top Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Indian Museum.
3. Sundarbans: The Largest Mangrove Forest
The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wildlife, particularly the Royal Bengal Tiger.
How to Reach: From Kolkata, take a train or bus to Canning (60 km), followed by a boat.
Travel Fare: Trains from Kolkata to Canning ₹30–₹100. Boat tours cost ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Top Attractions: Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and architecture.
How to Reach: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and Howrah Railway Station.
Travel Fare: Flights to Kolkata ₹2,000–₹6,000. Train fares range from ₹500–₹2,500.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Top Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Indian Museum.
3. Sundarbans: The Largest Mangrove Forest
The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wildlife, particularly the Royal Bengal Tiger.
How to Reach: From Kolkata, take a train or bus to Canning (60 km), followed by a boat.
Travel Fare: Trains from Kolkata to Canning ₹30–₹100. Boat tours cost ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Top Attractions: Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.
4. Digha: The Popular Beach Destination
Digha is one of the most famous beach destinations, which is one of the places to visit in West Bengal, perfect for weekend getaways.
How to Reach: Buses and trains from Kolkata connect directly to Digha.
Travel Fare: Bus fares ₹150–₹400. Train fares from ₹150.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Top Attractions: New Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium, Udaipur Beach.
5. Shantiniketan: Tagore’s Cultural Haven
Shantiniketan is a cultural hub founded by Rabindranath Tagore, famous for Visva Bharati University and seasonal festivals.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Bolpur (Shantiniketan) take around 3 hours.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹100–₹500.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Top Attractions: Tagore’s Ashram, Amar Kutir, Visva Bharati University.
6. Kalimpong: A Tranquil Hill Station
Kalimpong offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a calm retreat amidst nature.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra (76 km). Nearest railway station: NJP.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Taxis from NJP to Kalimpong ₹2,500–₹3,500.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December.
Top Attractions: Deolo Hill, Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, Kalimpong Cactus Nursery.
7. Bishnupur: The Land of Terracotta Temples
Bishnupur is known for its terracotta temples and rich heritage in music and art.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Bishnupur are frequent.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹100–₹400.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Rasmancha, Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple.
8. Mirik: A Peaceful Retreat
Mirik is a quiet hill station known for its scenic lake and orange orchards.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra. Nearest railway station: NJP.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Taxis from NJP to Mirik ₹2,000–₹3,000.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December.
Top Attractions: Mirik Lake, Bokar Monastery, Tea Gardens.
9. Jaldapara National Park
Jaldapara is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses and other wildlife.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station: Madarihat.
Travel Fare: Train fares from Kolkata ₹300–₹1,500. Jeep safaris cost ₹1,200 per person.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
Top Attractions: Rhino Safari, Chilapata Forest, Elephant Safaris.
10. Siliguri: Gateway to the Northeast
Siliguri serves as the gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Sikkim.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra. Well-connected by rail.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Train fares depend on the route.
Best Time to Visit: All year round.
Top Attractions: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Iskcon Temple, Salugara Monastery.
11. Cooch Behar: A Historical Town
Cooch Behar is known for its regal palaces and heritage architecture.
How to Reach: Trains connect Kolkata to Cooch Behar.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹500–₹1,500.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Cooch Behar Palace, Madan Mohan Temple, Sagardighi.
12. Sunderbans National Park
Sunderbans National Park is part of the larger Sundarbans and offers thrilling wildlife experiences.
How to Reach: Train to Canning, followed by a boat ride.
Travel Fare: Boat tours ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Top Attractions: Watchtowers, Boat Safari, Wildlife Spotting.
13. Gorumara National Park
Gorumara is known for its varied flora and fauna, including elephants and rhinoceroses.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station: New Mal Junction.
Travel Fare: Train fare from Kolkata ₹300–₹1,500. Safari ₹1,200 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Top Attractions: Jatraprosad Watchtower, Rhino Spotting.
14. Sandakphu: A Trekker’s Paradise
Sandakphu offers stunning views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga and is a popular trekking destination.
How to Reach: Trek from Darjeeling or Manebhanjan.
Travel Fare: Trekking packages ₹5,000–₹10,000.
Best Time to Visit: April to May, October to December.
Top Attractions: Trekking, Sunrise Views, Phalut.
15. Bakkhali: A Quiet Beach Destination
Bakkhali is a peaceful beach town known for its tranquil atmosphere.
How to Reach: Buses and trains from Kolkata to Namkhana, followed by a boat and local bus.
Travel Fare: Bus fares ₹150–₹400.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Bakkhali Beach, Henry Island, Jambudwip.
16. Dooars: The Gateway to Bhutan
The Dooars region is famous for its tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and stunning landscapes.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra. Nearest railway station: NJP.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Taxis from NJP ₹2,000–₹3,000.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
Top Attractions: Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
17. Raichak: A Riverside Retreat
Raichak is a peaceful riverside destination near Kolkata, perfect for a quick getaway.
How to Reach: By road from Kolkata (50 km).
Travel Fare: Taxis cost ₹1,000–₹2,000.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Raichak Fort, Riverfront.
18. Murshidabad: A Historical City
Murshidabad is rich in Mughal and British colonial history, with grand palaces and historical buildings.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Murshidabad.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹200–₹700.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, Kathgola Gardens.
19. Mayapur: A Spiritual Hub
Mayapur is the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya and a major pilgrimage site for ISKCON followers.
How to Reach: Buses and trains from Kolkata to Nabadwip.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹100–₹300.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: ISKCON Temple, Chaitanya Math.
Digha is one of the most famous beach destinations, which is one of the places to visit in West Bengal, perfect for weekend getaways.
How to Reach: Buses and trains from Kolkata connect directly to Digha.
Travel Fare: Bus fares ₹150–₹400. Train fares from ₹150.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Top Attractions: New Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium, Udaipur Beach.
5. Shantiniketan: Tagore’s Cultural Haven
Shantiniketan is a cultural hub founded by Rabindranath Tagore, famous for Visva Bharati University and seasonal festivals.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Bolpur (Shantiniketan) take around 3 hours.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹100–₹500.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Top Attractions: Tagore’s Ashram, Amar Kutir, Visva Bharati University.
6. Kalimpong: A Tranquil Hill Station
Kalimpong offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a calm retreat amidst nature.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra (76 km). Nearest railway station: NJP.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Taxis from NJP to Kalimpong ₹2,500–₹3,500.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December.
Top Attractions: Deolo Hill, Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, Kalimpong Cactus Nursery.
7. Bishnupur: The Land of Terracotta Temples
Bishnupur is known for its terracotta temples and rich heritage in music and art.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Bishnupur are frequent.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹100–₹400.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Rasmancha, Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple.
8. Mirik: A Peaceful Retreat
Mirik is a quiet hill station known for its scenic lake and orange orchards.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra. Nearest railway station: NJP.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Taxis from NJP to Mirik ₹2,000–₹3,000.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December.
Top Attractions: Mirik Lake, Bokar Monastery, Tea Gardens.
9. Jaldapara National Park
Jaldapara is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses and other wildlife.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station: Madarihat.
Travel Fare: Train fares from Kolkata ₹300–₹1,500. Jeep safaris cost ₹1,200 per person.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
Top Attractions: Rhino Safari, Chilapata Forest, Elephant Safaris.
10. Siliguri: Gateway to the Northeast
Siliguri serves as the gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Sikkim.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra. Well-connected by rail.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Train fares depend on the route.
Best Time to Visit: All year round.
Top Attractions: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Iskcon Temple, Salugara Monastery.
11. Cooch Behar: A Historical Town
Cooch Behar is known for its regal palaces and heritage architecture.
How to Reach: Trains connect Kolkata to Cooch Behar.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹500–₹1,500.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Cooch Behar Palace, Madan Mohan Temple, Sagardighi.
12. Sunderbans National Park
Sunderbans National Park is part of the larger Sundarbans and offers thrilling wildlife experiences.
How to Reach: Train to Canning, followed by a boat ride.
Travel Fare: Boat tours ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Top Attractions: Watchtowers, Boat Safari, Wildlife Spotting.
13. Gorumara National Park
Gorumara is known for its varied flora and fauna, including elephants and rhinoceroses.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station: New Mal Junction.
Travel Fare: Train fare from Kolkata ₹300–₹1,500. Safari ₹1,200 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Top Attractions: Jatraprosad Watchtower, Rhino Spotting.
14. Sandakphu: A Trekker’s Paradise
Sandakphu offers stunning views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga and is a popular trekking destination.
How to Reach: Trek from Darjeeling or Manebhanjan.
Travel Fare: Trekking packages ₹5,000–₹10,000.
Best Time to Visit: April to May, October to December.
Top Attractions: Trekking, Sunrise Views, Phalut.
15. Bakkhali: A Quiet Beach Destination
Bakkhali is a peaceful beach town known for its tranquil atmosphere.
How to Reach: Buses and trains from Kolkata to Namkhana, followed by a boat and local bus.
Travel Fare: Bus fares ₹150–₹400.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Bakkhali Beach, Henry Island, Jambudwip.
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16. Dooars: The Gateway to Bhutan
The Dooars region is famous for its tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and stunning landscapes.
How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra. Nearest railway station: NJP.
Travel Fare: Flights to Bagdogra ₹3,000–₹5,000. Taxis from NJP ₹2,000–₹3,000.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
Top Attractions: Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
17. Raichak: A Riverside Retreat
Raichak is a peaceful riverside destination near Kolkata, perfect for a quick getaway.
How to Reach: By road from Kolkata (50 km).
Travel Fare: Taxis cost ₹1,000–₹2,000.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Raichak Fort, Riverfront.
18. Murshidabad: A Historical City
Murshidabad is rich in Mughal and British colonial history, with grand palaces and historical buildings.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Murshidabad.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹200–₹700.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, Kathgola Gardens.
19. Mayapur: A Spiritual Hub
Mayapur is the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya and a major pilgrimage site for ISKCON followers.
How to Reach: Buses and trains from Kolkata to Nabadwip.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹100–₹300.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: ISKCON Temple, Chaitanya Math.
20. Tarapith: A Sacred Destination
Tarapith is a famous pilgrimage destination dedicated to the goddess Tara.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Rampurhat.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹100–₹500.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Tarapith Temple, Bamdev Ashram.
21. Lataguri: The Gateway to Gorumara
Lataguri is the entry point to the Gorumara National Park, offering wildlife safaris and nature walks.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station: NJP.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹300–₹1,500. Safaris ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Top Attractions: Gorumara National Park, Jatraprosad Watchtower.
22. Chandannagar: A French Colonial Town
Chandannagar, a former French colony, is known for its historical architecture and riverfront.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Chandannagar.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹50–₹200.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Chandannagar Strand, Dupleix Palace.
23. Santiniketan: Cultural Retreat
Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, is known for its rich artistic and cultural heritage.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Bolpur.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹150–₹500.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Tagore’s Ashram, Visva-Bharati University.
24. Mandarmani: A Popular Beach Resort
Mandarmani is a beach destination known for its peaceful ambiance and scenic beauty.
How to Reach: Buses and cars from Kolkata (180 km).
Travel Fare: Buses ₹200–₹400, taxis ₹3,000–₹5,000.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Mandarmani Beach, Beach Resorts.
25. Purulia: Land of Red Soil
Purulia is famous for its natural beauty, including hills, lakes, and forests.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Purulia.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹300–₹1,000.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Ayodhya Hills, Saheb Bandh, Charida Village.
26. Henry’s Island: Offbeat Beach Destination
Henry’s Island is a serene beach located near Bakkhali, ideal for nature lovers.
How to Reach: Trains and buses to Namkhana, followed by a boat and a local bus.
Travel Fare: Buses ₹150–₹400.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Henry’s Island Beach, Mangrove Forests.
27. Jayanti: A Hidden Gem
Jayanti is a picturesque village located in the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station: Alipurduar.
Travel Fare: Train fares from Kolkata ₹400–₹1,500.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
Top Attractions: Buxa Fort, Jayanti River.
28. Jhargram: A Forest Retreat
Jhargram is known for its lush forests, palaces, and tribal culture.
How to Reach: Trains and buses from Kolkata to Jhargram.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹200–₹600.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Jhargram Palace, Chilkigarh Forest.
29. Balurghat: A Quaint Town
Balurghat is a town rich in history and natural beauty.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Balurghat.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹300–₹1,000.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Tapan Dighi, Hili Border.
30. Farakka Barrage: Engineering Marvel
Farakka Barrage, a significant hydro-engineering project, also offers picturesque views of the Ganges.
How to Reach: Trains from Kolkata to Farakka.
Travel Fare: Train fares ₹200–₹700.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Top Attractions: Farakka Barrage, Ganga River Views.
West Bengal offers a diverse travel experience that ranges from picturesque hills and serene beaches to wildlife adventures and rich cultural heritage. With well-connected transport systems and affordable travel options, these 30 tourist destinations provide something for every traveler. Plan your trip and explore the beauty and heritage of West Bengal best places!