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It’s time you start planning for a memorable summer vacation in West Bengal, India, now that summer has arrived.
West Bengal is renowned for its historical significance, cultural diversity, and rich heritage. It’s a region with many natural treasures, from the towering Himalayas to the calmness of the Gangetic plains and tranquil seashores to lovely mangroves. No wonder the British proclaimed its capital Kolkata as their capital. West Bengal is a beautiful destination giving exceptional experiences, exquisite architecture, mouthwatering ethnic cuisine, classical and modern music, lovely crafts, and vibrant festivities.
For all different types of travellers, West Bengal always has something to offer. Here is a list of the top 10 unique places in West Bengal you can’t afford to miss out on this summer!
Kolkata – City of Joy
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Kolkata, a vibrant 350-year-old metropolis, is located on India’s Eastern Coast and is known to be the face of West Bengal. Being the capital and the largest city of West Bengal, Kolkata is home to many tourist destinations. As the famous sayings go, “if you want a city with a soul, come to Calcutta”. The streets of Kolkata are colourful, busy, hectic, yet teeming with life and creativity. You can expect to be delighted by the low cost of things, wandering avenues, lovely sightings and a seemingly endless variety of desserts. Kolkata also boasts a vibrant nightlife as the entire stretch of Park Street is home to several pubs where you may have a good time all night. In addition, the street food of Kolkata is renowned throughout the country! Every street corner in the city is packed with restaurants where you may enjoy local Bengali cuisines like Ghugni Chaat, Jhalmuri, Shinghara and more. Other absorbing spots of this lovely city are fort William, Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, and Jorasanko Thakur Bari – the ancestral home of the Tagore family.
Darjeeling – Queen of The Hills
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Darjeeling is one of the top tourist destinations in West Bengal for a much-needed getaway from India’s hot and humid summers. It offers an excellent brew of gorgeous mountain views, tourist excursions, waterfalls, shopping, Buddhist monasteries, museums, and delectable Tibetan cuisine. Darjeeling is also home to some of the world’s best tea gardens and the famous “Darjeeling Tea.” It is fondly referred to as the “Queen of the Hills” and lies next to the renowned mount Kanchenjunga. In addition, Darjeeling is the home of the well-known “Darjeeling Himalayan Railway,” sometimes referred to as the toy train and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re a tea fan, an adventurer, an art enthusiast, or perhaps a photographer or artist, a trip to Darjeeling has something for you.
There are many lodging options in Darjeeling, such as Sinclairs Retreat Darjeeling. However, lodgings at Sinclairs Retreat Darjeeling have magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga that are unequalled by other hotels in the area. Tourists wishing to explore the hill town or unwind in luxury will love the hotel’s fascinating fusion of modernity and Victorian charm.
Kurseong – Land of White Orchids
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Kurseong is a hill station near Darjeeling known for its white orchids, waterfalls, temples, and Buddhist gompas. Also known as the “Land of White Orchids”, Kurseong is one of the most awe-inspiring tourist places in West Bengal. It is a favourite among tourists that visit Darjeeling as it offers a moderate temperature all year long. You can even travel the toy train from Darjeeling to Kurseong to view this scenic spot, which provides many photo possibilities for everyone. With all the vegetation seeming more vibrant than ever during the monsoons, Kurseong appears to be very picturesque. In addition, the lush rainforests, snow-capped mountain peaks, and tea plantations make Kurseong – a paradise for all nature lovers. If you’re a traveller searching for a less hectic option to Darjeeling, this little hill village is an excellent place to stop.
Kalimpong – Tibetan Handicrafts & Blend of Cultures
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Some people say the first impression of Kalimpong is that of a sleepy little hamlet. The reason is that few tourists visit Kalimpong, which gives its beauty an unspoiled sense. If you are seeking an ideal quiet summer getaway in West Bengal, then Kalimpong is the destination to add to your bucket list. Just 3 hours from Darjeeling, Kalimpong is the melting pot of cultures in West Bengal, homing the Indians, Nepalese, Tibetans and British. In addition to its rich green scenery and panoramic view, Kalimpong has several other attractions. Attractions like the Nature Interpretation Centre, Neora National Park, Dr Graham’s Homes, Pratima Tagore House and Deolo Hill. Along with visiting these places, one can also partake in a thrilling white water rafting experience on the Teesta River. To feel the grandeur, you can also go to flower markets and buy some Tibetan handicrafts.
Sundarbans – The Mangrove Land
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The Sundarbans, which means “beautiful forest” in English, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural beauty is located in West Bengal, India, approximately 110 km south of Kolkata. Most surprisingly, the Sundarbans is said to be a part of the largest mangrove islands in the world, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers. This formation makes The Sundarbans one of the most beautiful and charming places on earth. As a result, it makes for a great summer vacation spot for groups of friends and families. You can enjoy a relaxing vacation on the houseboat while taking in the gorgeous natural surroundings. Moreover, the Sundarbans is home to 250 tigers, a variety of birds, reptiles, and invertebrates such as crocodiles. Anyone who loves the outdoors would be delighted to visit this place.
Dooars – The Door to Bhutan
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If you want a vacation that is all about chilling out and unwinding, Dooars is among the best spots to visit in West Bengal. The name ‘Dooars’ is derived from the word ‘door,’ as Dooars is the gateway to Bhutan. You wouldn’t want to travel this gateway without sensation! Dooars consist of various towns and districts, including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Siliguri. Dooars is the name given locally to the floodplains of North-East India surrounding Bhutan, which stretch from the river Teesta in the East to the river Sankoshi in the West. It is renowned for its magnificent range of mountains, dense forests, rich flora and wildlife, and tea gardens. Dooars also offers one of the best lodging and nutritious food in affordable packages – such as the Sinclairs Retreat Dooars. It’s perfect for people looking for adventure, rest, and relaxation. Another well-known activity in the area is the cultivation of premium betel nuts. Dooars’ stunning surroundings make it the perfect place for Instagram-worthy photos.
Mirik – The Fairytale Land
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Mirik is another mind-blowing tourist destination in West Bengal to have a great time. There is a reason why it’s known as the fairytale land of West Bengal. Mirik is set on the peak of a hill and offers breathtaking views of mountains and river bodies. A trip to West Bengal would not be complete without Mirik, whether for a romantic vacation on a boat, a religious pilgrimage to a temple or a family outing to see orchids and gardens. The crowded but not overly busy town also has typical Indian Bazaars to indulge in luxury shopping and viewpoints for those solitary moments of reflection. You just can never go wrong with the thought of visiting Mirik for the ideal hill station vacation.
Murshidabad – A Place with Ancient Aura
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Murshidabad was formally known as Makshudabad, a silk weaving powerhouse. Among the West Bengal tourist attractions, Murshidabad is one of the few that has witnessed all of history’s most significant events. Murshidabad had seen a lot and reflects an air of history, be it the Nawabs before the colonial rule or the English Lords who claimed it as their own. The magnificence of this town is incomparable. While you’re here, go shopping or visit one of the weaving centres to observe how Indian weavings come to life. Murshidabad boasts a wealth of temples, monuments, and cathedrals, which transport visitors back to the city’s glorious past.
Digha – Untouched Beach Town
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If you enjoy beaches and a relaxing summer getaway, Digha might be one of the best places to visit in West Bengal. Families seeking a fun weekend getaway might consider Digha as their one-stop location. It has one of India’s and the world’s longest coasts at 7 kilometres long. Digha is a town on the shores of the magnificent Bay of Bengal that boasts an untouched and unspoiled beach.The drive to Digha beach is also very scenic, with casuarina trees on both sides of the route. While in the town, you can explore some of Digha’s historical temples and museums to learn about its history and culture.
Sandakphu – Place of Snow-Laden Mountains
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One of the unique places to visit in West Bengal during the summer is Sandakphu, just in case you want a panoramic view of snow-laden mountains. Sandakphu is West Bengal’s highest peak and offers a stunning view of four of the world’s highest peaks. The best views of the Kangchenjunga range may be experienced in this region, which is on the Singalila Ridge on the border between West Bengal and Nepal. As a result, many hikers and trekkers travel here. The peak is accessible by car or on foot. But take heed as the trek is a stunning 51-kilometre journey up the hill, beginning in Manebhanjan. Not advisable if your fitness level is low. In addition, the temperature here reduces throughout the summer, thus making it a pleasant time for everyone to explore.
These are some of West Bengal’s top tourist destinations. There are many other lovely spots to visit in West Bengal during summertime, whether for a family vacation or a solo trip, from stunning hill stations to captivating beaches. Do refer to this list and make a note of them for your next trip to West Bengal. Start booking your trip with QVI for a hassle-free travel experience.
