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West Bengal
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West Bengal is the only state that combines the triple travel thrills of the mountains, the plains and the coastline. Darjeeling, where the mist is like a tantalizing curtain to the beauty of the Kanchendzonga; Shanti Niketan, the home of the 'poet' Rabindra Nath Tagore ; the Sunderbans, the largest estuarine forest in the world; and Digha, promising sun, sea, sand, surfing and seafood!
Calcutta, now renamed Kolkata – the 'city of joy', has overtones of fish, Marx and literature in equal measures. This first city built by the British was the earlier capital of India, before shifting base to Delhi.
Best time to visit West Bengal
The best time to visit West Bengal is October to March
October-March is relatively less humid and is the time of the 10 day Durga puja festival. Sunderbans is also opened at this time for visitors. In summers the temp goes to 38 degrees, and the humidity levels are very high. In winters the temperatures may fall to 10 degrees. Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is held in November.
The hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong is best visited from March to June. June to August is the rainy season here.
Places to see in West Bengal
- Kolkatta
- Darjeeling
- Jalapada Wildlife Sanctuary
- Santiniketan
- Murshidabad
- Sunderbans
- Nadia
- Bardhaman
- Vishnupur
- Digha
- Sagar
- Dooars
- Malda
Starting from Saraswati puja honouring Goddess Saraswati the goddess of learning and arts which falls on January Kolkatta celebrates its festivals. The Dover lane festival is
one of the most popular events in winter. For many days including nights the great maestros in Indian Classical music sings with instrumentals.
Kolkatta is at its joyous best during the 10 days of the pujas which generally fall in October/November. For this greatest festival in Bengal kolkatta builds up decorated puja pandals with continous celebration of music, dance, song and feasting. Gifts and greetings are exchanges. "Paras" (localities ) vie with each other to put up the best pandal with the best image.