West Bengal is the land of picturesiqe beauty and the sceneries are such in way that the poets have been described in their articles. The antural beauty of its have made many tourists to attract over there. West Bengal is situated in the east of India and stretches in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata which is popularly known as the “city of joy”. A very famous tiger sanctuary named Sunderban is also there for the attraction of all the tourists. One of the most famous Howrah bridge is also there in Kolkata. The main agriculture of this state is rice, maize, pulses, oil seeds, wheat, barley, potatoes and vegetables. Kolkatta is a major centre for information technology. There are many more beautiful places which adds more beauty to WestBengal. Thse places have been listed below.
1. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is the most beautiful place in India. Its been the major attraction of every people. This place is one of the shooting loctions for many movies in all languages. The places are familiar to all the tourists because of its advertisements and millions of postcards. This place is exactly same as we see in post card. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. The highest point in Darjeeling is the Tiger hill and we can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Darjeeling is known as the “Queen of Hill stations”. The train ride is one of the best features of this place. Unbounded scenearies and much more that we had never seen before our life is seen here in this ride. The proper time for the visit is between April and June and September and December.
How to reach there ?
Bagdogra, 96 km away is the nearest airport and is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. The distance from Bagdogra to Darjeeling can be covered in 3 hours by a bus or in a private taxi. Apart from Darjeeling Railway Station the two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling
2. Digha
West bengal is also famous for its beach resort. Digha is the most popular sea resort. It is mentioned as the “Brighton of the East” in one of Warren Hasting’s letters (1780 AD) to his wife. Digha is orginally known as Beerkul. Digha is surrounded with various class hotels nearby. This is the place for all the swimmers and is out of danger and is advisable to swim at low tides. The sea is calm and shallow for a mile. One of the main f eature of this beach is that one can see the sunrise and sunset from this beach. An extension of Digha is also seen now named as New Digha.
How to get there?
Digha is easily accessible by road from Kolkata, Asansol, Bardhaman, Durgapur, Suri, Bankura and Jamshedpur and partly by rail (upto Kharagpur).
3. Sunderbans
Sunderbans which means the land of sundari trees, consists of a large flora population like Dhundal,Kankra, Genwa, Garjan and Passur. This is the homeland to spotted deer, wild pigs, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, white bellied eagles and almost 250 Bengal tigers. One of the most remarkable feature of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level. Apart from nature, if you want to feel the essence of spirituality then this is the best place to be. The best time to be in wildlife belts of the region is September-March.
How to get there?
Come to Sajnekhali by motorboat departing from Canning which is accessible by train and bus services from Kolkata. Cruise along in M.V. Chitrarekha (weekly journey from October to March) for a life time experience. One can also get private boats from Canning, Gosaba and Basanti, Raidighi, Basanti, Namkhana and Najatare are all connected by roadways from Kolkata.
4. Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is a school in the traditional gurukul system founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1901. It is the embodiment of serenity and peace, far removed from the concrete jungle. Here imposing sculptures of Ram Kinkar greet you at every turn of the road. Paintings of Nandalal, Abanindranath and Binod Bihari captivate your senses. Uttarayan, the complex where Rabindranath lived, has a museum and art gallery. Visva Bharati University at Shantiniketan, 2 km from the nearest railway station Bolpur, is now a centre of international studies and culture. The university is also open to visitors.
How to get there?
212 north km from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is Bolpur.
5. Murshidabad
A quiet town on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, Murshidabad has stood witness to events that changed the course of Indian history. Capital during the reign of Siraj-ud-daula, the Nawab of Bengal, Murshidabad was also a flourishing trading town between inland India and the port of Kolkata.Hazarduari (Palace of a Thousand Doors) is built in classical architectural style. Now a museum, the palace houses, among other artifacts, the Nawab’s silver throne, ivory sofa and ivory palanquins.Other important landmarks are the Great Imambara, Moti Jhil (Pearl Lake) and the impressive ruins of Katra Mosque, built in 1723, and Medina Mosque.
How to get there?
Situated 221 km north of Kolkata, Murshidabad is connected by railway and road. Long distance bus services (to Kolkata, Malda and Siliguri) are available at Berhampore, 11 km south of Murshidabad. Berhampore is also linked by railway service from Kolkata.
6. Mirik
Mirik is a nest in the hills is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 meters with its own special charms-49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km. from Siliguri. 1.25 km. long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest of thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees makes it more beautiful and serene.The beautiful 1.25 km long lake is the most attractive spot of the Mirik Tourism Project.The other beautiful sites are Rai-Dhap, which is an ideal picnic point,orange orchards,cardamom groves etc.
How to get there?
Nearest airport Bagdogra, about 55 km from Mirik and nearest rail-heads are Ghoom-41 km, Darjeeling-49km and Siliguri-52km
7. Nicco Park
Nico Park is the Disneyland for Kolkattans with its various adventure rides. Popularly known as Jheel Meel. Opened in 1991, Nicco park is one of the biggest amusement parks in the country and has innovative entertainment for all age group. This amusement park offers wholesome fun for children as well as adults and draws crowds from suburban Kolkata especially on the weekends. It is a feast for the eyes of the nature lovers. There is an exquisite Rose Garden and a large Food Park which sells mouth-watering North Indian, Bengali, South Indian and Chinese fast food. Adjacent to the park is the Nalban Boating Complex offering a close-to-nature experience with its greenery, flowers and the cool breezes blowing across the wetlands. Opposite the Salt Lake stadium is the Subhash Sarovar (lake), which is not very well maintained but has the potential to become a nice tourist spot.
How to get there?
Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are readily available from various parts of the city.
8. Science City
The Science City in Kolkata is one of the most spectacular Science Museum in the country. The sheer enormity of the Science City baffles the first time visitor. This 21st Century marvel of science, communication and environment is the first and only institution of it’s kind in India and has a Space Theatre. The main attraction of the Science City is the Space Flight, Dinosaurs Alive, Dynamotion, Life in Water, a world of Insects and Reptiles, walkthrough Aviary, Butterfly corner, Convention Centre, four seminar halls, Mini Auditorium, Musical fountain etc. This convention centre complex has a 2215 person capacity main auditorium, 40 capacity mini auditorium and 8 seminar halls. It is open to public every day from 9AM to 9PM (Even on public holidays).
How to get there?
The nearest railway station is Sealdah Junction. Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are readily available from various parts of the city.
9. Marble Palace
Marble Palace is located on C R Avenue in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street. This palace was constructed by Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur in 1835. Italian marble was lavishly used to complete its construction. This palace set behind a large lawn has the sculptures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Hindu Gods, the Buddha and Christopher Columbus. A large pool near the small granite bungalow has ducks, peacocks and ostriches. The rooms have hundreds of statues and oriental urns. The walls of these rooms are covered with enormous paintings and mirrors. Gigantic chandeliers hang on its ceilings. The lamps on the stair cases are detailed creations. Entry - fre (you must get a pass from the West Bengal Tourist office 24 hours in advance) Visit : on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday and Thursday are holidays.
How to get there?
Nearest railway station is at Howra. Local buses, metered taxis ply regularly from various parts of Kolkata.
10. Birla Mandir
It is located on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue. It is the latest addition to the places of visit in Calcutta. It wad Build over twenty-two years of painstaking labor; it is an all-marble structure with very high quality rajasthani engravings. It attracts huge crowds and is splendid and imposing structure in white.
How to get there?
Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are available from various parts of the city.The adjascent railway station is at Howrah. Airport is also nearly connected.