Hill Station in West Bengal

The word Bengal is derived from the ancient kingdom of Vanga or Banga. It is believed that the British named it as “Bengal” when they captured the land of rich cultural heritage. It is here in West Bengal that the movement of revivalism of everything Indian took place which came to be known as “Bengal Renaissance” where the great figures of India like hundreds of great soul viz. philosophers, scientists, patriots, and many more personalities born who played a crucial role in the political and spiritual and economic reformation of India. The region of Bengal was strategic even to the British who establish the East India Company in India and started the process of colonization of India.

About West Bengal :

West Bengal is the most racially diverse eastern Indian state, which was a part of several kingdoms and dynasties over the course of Indian history. Rich in culture, heritage, languages, religion, natural beauty, this state attracts many tourists year round. The famous university at Shantiniketan is the home of cultural diversity of the state. West Bengal is strategically placed with three international frontiers such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan and the state capital is Kolkata. West Bengal state is really a common tourist vacation spot for its cultural and natural elegance. Kolkata recognized as metropolis of joy is the money of West Bengal. Sunderbans is well-known for tiger sanctuary. Kolkata is famous for Howrah bridge and a lot of other tourist sites.

Tourist attractions in West Bengal :

Eden Gardens :Named after the sister of Alexander, the Eden Gardens is a lush area covered by trees and garden. The major part of the garden is covered by one of the largest and most beautiful stadia of India- the Eden Garden or the Ranji stadium.

Tiger Hills : It is the highest point in Darjeeling and it provides the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. The height of the peak allows a clear view of other peaks in the Eastern Himalayas. The sight of the sun rising from over the Tiger Hills is an unforgettable experience. The first rays of the sun on these peaks of the Great Barriers gives an impression of molten gold having been spread.

Rabindra Setu or Howrah Bridge : It is the pride of West Bengal. The bridge suspended on the pillars with out any kind of external support. It is one of three bridges on the river Hooghly and is the most famous symbol not only of Calcutta but also of West Bengal.The most striking thing is that the bridge is built with out a single pier within the river. The bridge that took six years to get completed is a wonder of the 20th century Bengal.

Victoria Memorial : Built on the banks of the Hooghly river signifies the British powers in pre independent India, The Victoria Memorial was inaugurated by Prince of Wales in 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria. The Memorial is based on the architecture of the Taj and is built in marble.

Birla Planetarium : It is one the oldest & largest planetariums in India and a major tourist attraction. The auditorium has a capacity of 500 and there are daily multi-lingual film shows. the Birla Planetarium presents a spherical view of the astral positions of the celestial bodies in the universe.

Sahid Minar : A mixture of Turkish, Egyptian and Syrian architectural elements, this 48-m high monument was built in 1828. The monument located to the north of Maidan. From the top of the minar, the view of Calcutta is panoramic.

Kali Temple : The present temple was built in 1809 on the site of an ancient temple. It is also known as the Kalighat temple. It is after the name of this temple that the English christened the place, Calcutta, an anglicized form of Kalikata.

Belur Math : The Ramkrishna Mission established by Swami Vivekanand has its head Quarters here.

Digha : Digha is the nearest sea beach from Calcutta. It takes a six-hour bus journey from Calcutta to reach here. Digha offers every possible attraction for a sea-loving traveler: good surf and golden sands. Just eight kilometer from Digha is the Chandaneshwar Siva Temple across the border in Orissa.

Mirik : It is 52 km from Siliguri and 55 km from the Bagdogra airfield. It is surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations. Free from the hustle and bustle of a regular hill station, it attracts the tourists automatically.

Zoological Garden : The garden was established in the year 1875 to protect the animal species from parasites and other diseases. The Garden has a varied population of fauna from all over the country and is a specially known for the tigers and bears in natural habitats. Varied species of birds are also to be found there.

Shantiniketan : The place, 2 km from Bolpur is the embodiment of peace and serenity which was the original residence of Rabindra Nath Tagore. The University founded by the Nobel Laureate is the meeting place of the scholars of the east and the west. The Vishwa Bharti University was initially a hermitage or an ashram founded by Marharishi Devendra Nath Tagore. It was later converted to an open school by his son Rabindra nath Tagore.

Sunderbans, the largest Delta : The home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, the ever green Sunderbans possesses myriad forms of life in it. Split into numerous rivers and channels emptying in the Bay of Bengal, it is also the habitat of the Kingfisher and the White bellied Sea eagle. It is formed by 54 small island and covered by mangrove trees. The worlds largest estuarine forest lies 70% under saline water.

Sandakphu : Sandakphu, situated at a height of 3636 m above sea level, might not be famous for any tourist destinations, but is a true paradise for all adventure lovers. Trek to the highest point on this hill station and you will get the never seen before views of the Himalayan Range. A long stretch of Himalayas from starting from Bhutan till Mt. Everest is visible. River Teesta flows through Sandakphu at quite a pace. The thundering River Teesta also offers a great option for adventure sports especially river rafting. Sandakphu is the only place in the world where you will find a Rhododendron and Silver fir forests. To reach Sandakphu, one has to nearly trek for 12 hrs from Maneybhanjan, which is the gateway to Sandakphu. You can also hire a Landrover from Maneybhanjan.

Beaches of West Bengal :

West Bengal is full of breathtaking beaches that extend from the Gangetic delta land to the border of Orissa. The famous beach tours of West Bengal are Digha beach tour, Shankarpur beach tour, Junput beach tour, Frazerganj beach tour, Sagardwip beach tour, Bakkhali beach tour etc. that lure the tourist from over the world for beach holidays in West Bengal.

Fairs & Festivals of West Bengal :

Fairs and festivals of West Bengal set apart by cheerful ceremonies, enthusiasm fun and celebration. Durga Pooja, Holi, Diwali, Orthdox Vaishnava Festivals, Dussera, Rathayathra, Rabindra Jayanti, Sahajiya Sect festival, Sri-Panchami, Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are celebrated in West Bengal.

West Bengal Climate :

Climate is hot and sweaty all the year round. The rains come around July. Temperature lies between a maximum of 41.7°C to a minimum of 35°C in the summers. During the winters it reaches a maximum of 29.3°C to a minimum of 9.6°C. However, the best time to visit west Bengal is the Durga Puja months of September-October and December-January.

Travel Information :

By Air : West Bengal is very well connected with the national and international air network. The international and domestic airports of Calcutta are at Dumdum, located 15 km from the city center.
By Rail : West Bengal runs a major railway network that connects the rest of the country.
By Road : The state is connected to all the nearby places by road.