Top 10 tourist places in West Bengal, a state that boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural magnificence, and a vibrant past. West Bengal is located in the eastern region of India and shares its borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and other Indian states.
West Bengal is a land of diversity, where you can find the bustling city of Kolkata, the serene hill station of Darjeeling, the exotic Sundarbans, and many more attractions that will leave you spellbound. Looking for history, culture, nature, or adventure, West Bengal has something for everyone.
Find information about the tourist places in West Bengal are Kolkata, Darjeeling, Sundarbans, Siliguri, Mirik, Digha, Bishnupur, Kalimpong, Murshidabad, and Shantiniketan.
Kolkata
Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal and one of the most populous and culturally rich cities in India. It is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant festivals, delicious street food, and artistic heritage. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Kolkata are:
Victoria Memorial
Majestic marble building that was built in memory of Queen Victoria. It houses a museum that displays paintings, sculptures, and artifacts related to the history of India and the British Raj. Entry fee is Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreigners.
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
A science museum that showcases various exhibits and interactive models related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It also has a planetarium, an auditorium, and a library. Entry fee is Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 15 for children.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple:
Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. It was built in the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and devotee of Kali. The temple complex also has 12 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a bathing ghat on the banks of the Hooghly River.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a hill station in the northern part of West Bengal. It is famous for its tea gardens, scenic views of the Himalayas, and colonial charm.
Popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling are Lloyd’s Botanical Garden, Peace Pagoda, Ghum Monastery.
Lloyd’s Botanical Garden
Botanical garden that was established in 1878 by William Lloyd, a British civil servant. It covers an area of 40 acres and has a collection of rare and exotic plants, flowers, orchids, and cacti. The garden also offers a panoramic view of the town and the mountains. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children.
Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling
Buddhist stupa that was built by the Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fujii as a symbol of peace and harmony. It has four statues of Buddha depicting his four stages of life. The pagoda also offers a splendid view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. There is no entry fee for visiting the pagoda.
Ghum Monastery
Oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India. It was founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. It houses a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, along with other religious paintings and scriptures. There is no entry fee for visiting the monastery.
Sundarbans
Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest that covers parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve that hosts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. It is home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as other animals like crocodiles, dolphins, monkeys, deer, and birds.
Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary:
Wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 362 sq km within the Sundarbans National Park. It has a watchtower that offers a view of the forest and the wildlife. It also has a museum, a crocodile park, a turtle farm, and a mangrove interpretation center. The entry fee is Rs. 60 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners. The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 5 pm on all days.
Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower:
Watchtower that offers a chance to spot tigers and other animals in their natural habitat. It also has a pond where animals come to drink water. The entry fee is included in the boat fare that ranges from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 8000 depending on the size and type of boat. The watchtower is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days.
Dobanki Canopy Walk
20-minute walk on a wooden bridge that is suspended at a height of 20 feet above the ground. It gives a bird’s eye view of the forest and the wildlife. The entry fee is Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners. The canopy walk is open from 6 am to 5 pm on all days.
Siliguri
Siliguri is a city in the northern part of West Bengal. It is a major trade and transportation hub that connects the northeast region of India with the rest of the country. It is also a gateway to the hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok.
North Bengal Science Centre
Science center that aims to promote scientific awareness and curiosity among the public. It has various exhibits and models related to physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and ecology. It also has a planetarium, a 3D theater, and a science park. The entry fee is Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 15 for children. The center is open from 10 am to 6 pm on all days except Mondays.
ISKCON Temple
Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. It was built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1998. It has a beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere. It also has a vegetarian restaurant, a gift shop, and a guest house. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. It is open from 4:30 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm on all days.
Hong Kong Market
Hong Kong Market sells various items like clothes, accessories, electronics, cosmetics, toys, and souvenirs at cheap prices. It is popular among locals and tourists alike for its variety and quality of products. The market is open from 10 am to 9 pm on all days.
Mirik
Mirik is a small town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is known for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and peaceful ambiance. It is surrounded by hills, forests, tea gardens, and orchards.
Sumendu Lake
Sumendu Lake is a man-made lake that was created in 1974 by damming a small stream. It has a length of 1.25 km and a depth of 26 feet. It offers boating facilities and has a floating fountain in the center. It also has a footbridge that connects the two sides of the lake. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. The lake is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Bokar Monastery
Bokar Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1984 by Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche, a renowned meditation master. It has a large prayer hall that contains statues of Buddha and other deities. It also has a library, a meditation center, and a retreat house. There is no entry fee for visiting the monastery. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Rameetay Dara
Rameetay Dara is a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding hills, valleys, and plains. It also offers a glimpse of the Kanchenjunga mountain on clear days. There is no entry fee for visiting the viewpoint. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Digha
Digha is a seaside resort town in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in West Bengal and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It has a long sandy beach that stretches for about 7 km along the Bay of Bengal.
Popular tourist attractions in Digha are New Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, and Chandaneswar Temple.
New Digha Beach:
New Digha Beach is an extension of the old Digha Beach that was developed in the 1980s to accommodate more tourists. It has cleaner water, wider sand, and better facilities than the old beach. It also has several water sports activities like jet skiing, banana boat ride, parasailing, etc. The entry fee for water sports ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 depending on the activity. The beach is open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days.
Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre:
Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre is a marine research center that displays various aquatic species like fish, crabs, sharks, turtles, etc. It also has a museum that exhibits fossils, shells, corals, and skeletons of marine animals. The entry fee is Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.
Chandaneswar Temple:
Chandaneswar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near the border of West Bengal and Odisha. It is believed that the temple was built by King Chandraketu in the 9th century AD. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the month of Chaitra (March-April) when a fair is held here.
Bishnupur
Bishnupur is a town and municipality in the Bankura district of West Bengal. It is known for its terracotta temples, pottery, and handicrafts. It was the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled over this region from the 17th to the 18th century AD.
Popular tourist attractions in Bishnupur are Rasmancha, Jor Bangla Temple, and Bishnupur Museum.
Rasmancha:
Rasmancha is a unique temple that was built by King Bir Hambir in 1600 AD. It has a pyramidal structure with a single tower at the top and several chambers at the base. It was used as a stage for displaying the idols of Lord Krishna and other gods during the Ras festival. The entry fee is Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners.
Jor Bangla Temple:
Jor Bangla Temple is a twin temple that was built by King Raghunath Singh in 1655 AD. It has two identical structures that are joined by a curved roof resembling a Bengali hut. It has exquisite terracotta carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and history. The entry fee is Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners.
Bishnupur Museum
Bishnupur Museum is a museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bishnupur. It has various artifacts like terracotta sculptures, pottery, paintings, coins, weapons, musical instruments, etc. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a hill station and municipality in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is located at an altitude of 1,250 metres above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas. It is also known for its orchids, nurseries, cheese, and woolen products.
Deolo Hill:
Deolo Hill is the highest point in Kalimpong and offers a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding valleys and mountains. It has a park with gardens, fountains, and statues where visitors can relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. The entry fee is Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children. The park is open from 7 am to 5 pm on all days.
Thongsa Gompa
Thongsa Gompa is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kalimpong that was established in 1692 AD by Lama Dorje Rinzing. It has a colorful facade and a prayer hall that contains a large statue of Buddha and other deities. It also has a library, a museum, and a school. There is no entry fee for visiting the monastery. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Kalimpong Arts and Crafts Centre
Kalimpong Arts and Crafts Centre is a center that promotes the traditional arts and crafts of Kalimpong. It has various workshops where visitors can see the artisans making products like carpets, thangkas, wood carvings, leather goods, etc. It also has a showroom where visitors can buy these products. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. The center is open from 10 am to 4 pm on all days except Sundays.
Murshidabad
Murshidabad is a city and district in the Malda division of West Bengal. It was the capital of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa under the Nawabs of Bengal from 1717 to 1773 AD. It is known for its historical monuments, silk industry, and handicrafts.
Hazarduari Palace:
Hazarduari Palace is a grand palace that was built by Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah in 1837 AD. It has 1000 doors, 114 rooms, and 8 galleries. It houses a museum that displays paintings, weapons, furniture, costumes, and other artifacts related to the Nawabs of Bengal. The entry fee is Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm on all days except Fridays.
Katra Masjid:
Katra Masjid is a mosque and tomb that was built by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan in 1724 AD. It has four minarets that are 70 feet high and a large dome that covers the main prayer hall. It also has a madrasa (Islamic school) and a cemetery where the Nawab and his family are buried. There is no entry fee for visiting the mosque. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Khushbagh:
Khushbagh is a garden that was built by Nawab Ali Vardi Khan in 1744 AD. It has a mausoleum where the Nawab and his descendants are buried. It also has a mosque, a pond, and a pavilion. The garden is known for its tranquility and greenery. There is no entry fee for visiting the garden. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Shantiniketan:
Shantiniketan is a small town and municipality in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. It was founded by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, in 1863 AD as an ashram (hermitage). Later, Rabindranath Tagore established Visva-Bharati University here in 1921 AD as an institution of learning and culture. Shantiniketan is famous for its literary, artistic, and musical legacy.
Uttarayan Complex:
Uttarayan Complex is a complex that consists of five houses where Rabindranath Tagore lived at different times of his life. They are named Udayan, Konark, Shyamali, Punascha, and Udichi. They have been converted into museums that display his personal belongings, paintings, photographs, manuscripts, etc. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners. The complex is open from 10:30 am to 4:30 p.m. on all days except Wednesdays.
Chhatimtala:
Chhatimtala is a sacred place where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore used to meditate under a chhatim (alstonia scholars) tree. It is also the place where Rabindranath Tagore was initiated into Brahmoism by his father in 1873 AD. It has a small temple dedicated to Shiva and a plaque with Tagore’s poem “Where the mind is without fear”. There is no entry fee for visiting Chhatimtala. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Kala Bhavana:
Kala Bhavana is an institute of fine arts that was established by Rabindranath Tagore in 1919 AD as part of Visva-Bharati University. It offers courses in painting, sculpture, graphic art, design, history of art, etc.
With its many attractions and affordable prices, West Bengal is a great destination for travelers of all budgets and interests. So start planning your trip today and experience the magic of West Bengal!
