West Bengal trip planner

West Bengal Holiday Planning Guide

Calling itself the "sweetest part of India," West Bengal boasts a distinctly local cuisine in which sweets take pride of place. Sweet dishes remain a key part of the area's diet, and sweet treats are traditionally distributed to friends, relatives, and guests during major festivals. If you prefer to avoid a visit to the dentist after your vacation in West Bengal, head for the landscape that stretches from the lush Himalayan foothills in the north to the humid Bay of Bengal mangroves in the south. Away from the state's big cities, you can discover a fertile countryside of small coastal hamlets within easy striking distance of ancient Hindu temples and palaces.

Places to Visit in West Bengal

Destinations in West Bengal

Kolkata (Calcutta): The second largest city in India is not only the cultural heart of the country, but also a modern fusion of colonial buildings, green surfaces, and skyscrapers.

Darjeeling: Sip locally grown organic tea and enjoy some of the finest mountain views in the world at this Raj-era hill station, one of the most popular places to visit in West Bengal.

Kalimpong: Hidden in the Himalayas, this busy town attracts visitors with its mild climate, traditional bazaar, and mountainside scenery.

Digha: This small resort town sits on a shallow, sandy beach perfect for buildings sandcastles, relaxing, and soaking in scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.

Mandarmani: If you're looking for a peaceful West Bengal holiday, this charming resort village is the perfect choice, offering a sandy beach and a picturesque port frequented by local fishermen and hosting small shops.

Popular West Bengal Tourist Attractions

Dakshineswar Kali Temple: This Hindu temple celebrates the revered Kali goddess in a structure with nine spires, a serene courtyard, and steps to the Ganges riverbank.

Howrah Bridge: Stretching over the Hooghly River for 705 m (2,312 ft), this bridge stands as a remarkable architectural achievement--no nuts or bolts were used to construct the structure.

Belur Math: This spiritual center lies on the banks of the Hooghly River and includes temples dedicated to Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.

Park Street: Take a break from West Bengal sightseeing to enjoy some retail therapy and fine dining on the site of a former deer park, now packed with shops, bars, and music venues.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Learning about wildlife native to Eastern Himalayas is made easy at this park, home of many different species, including snow leopards and red pandas.

Tiger Hill: Enjoy a breathtaking view of the highest Himalayan peaks from this West Bengal tourist attraction, located near Darjeeling and a wildlife sanctuary.

Mother House: The final resting place of Mother Teresa is covered with colorful flowers and kind messages written by pilgrims--the nearby museum is dedicated to the missionary's charity work.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Established in 1954, the institute educates visitors about all the attempts made to conquer the world's tallest mountain peak.

Kanchenjunga Mountain: The third highest mountain in the world stands on the border with Nepal, its peak 8,586 m (28,169 ft) above sea level a focal point of the Himalayas.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Part of a World Heritage-listed landscape, this railway stretches for 78 km (48 mi), providing fun rides that offer great views of the area.

Planning a West Bengal Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in West Bengal with Kids

Cities like Kolkata (Calcutta) offer everything needed for an interesting and relaxing multigenerational journey--you'll find plenty of museums, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries where the kids can learn and have fun at the same time.

If you're looking for a more relaxing West Bengal holiday, head out to the shores of the Bay of Bengal and cities like Digha and Mandarmani, where the only obligation for the entire family will be to have fun on the beach and spend quality time together.

If sand isn't your thing, Kalimpong serves as the perfect mountain getaway with scenic views of the Himalayas and busy town life.

Things to Do in West Bengal with Kids

Whether it's building sandcastles, playing volleyball, or just splashing around, Mandarmani Beach has you covered. If you prefer not to bathe in the salty water of the Bay of Bengal, head out to Wet O Wild Beach Tropicana for a day of slipping down slides, eating ice cream, and soaking up the sun next to a cascading fountain.

Families looking for a more nature-oriented West Bengal vacation will love Barbotey Rock Garden, a multi-level terraced picnic site with a direct view of the cascading Chunnu Summer Falls.

Batasia Loop is a more tame version of West Bengal's wild nature--there, you can take a toy train ride through a picturesque hilltop garden.

If train rides sound exciting, don't miss Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, offering a comfy and safe way to see West Bengal's natural sites and villages.

Tips for a Family Vacation in West Bengal

Look for hotels that offer services your family may need for a pleasant West Bengal holiday--like babysitting and play areas.

You'll find most cities chaotic--at least by Western standards. Avoid getting stuck in traffic or wasting time on navigating around new areas on your own by sticking with tour groups. Alternatively, you can rent a car and hire a professional driver to take your family from one West Bengal attraction to the next.

Most necessities--diapers, baby food, and such--can be found in the local shops.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in West Bengal

Cuisine of West Bengal

You'll find Bengali cuisine distinctive from the rest of India. Fresh fish, caught in local ponds and lakes, is widely used, as are prawns, shrimp, and crab. At least one meal a day during your West Bengal vacation will likely have a fish dish.

The locals also use vegetables extensively. Often, leaves, stalks, and vegetable peels are incorporated into delicious dishes.

Spices make both fish and vegetable specialties even more appetizing. Five-spice is used extensively, often added at the start of cooking rather than at the end of the preparation process.

Sweets are a major part of daily life, as well as a key element in religious festivities. Both Hindus and Muslims distribute sweets during important feasts. You'll find plenty of yoghurts, custards, and rice puddings to sweeten your West Bengal tours.

Shopping in West Bengal

Famous for its arts and crafts, unique ethnic clothing, sweets and snacks, and locally grown tea, West Bengal remains a great place to indulge in some satisfying street retail therapy.

Busy markets like Gariahat and Nehru offer a wide array of regional products and items that are typically made by hand.

Markets are ideal places to pick up some quality fabrics or "sherwani" and "kurta pajamas," traditional garments that you can wear for important occasions at home or treasure as special souvenirs of your trip to West Bengal.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to West Bengal

Interesting Facts About West Bengal

West Bengal has three official languages--the principal language, Bengali, as well as Nepali and English

The region is divided into 19 districts

Kolkata is not only the capital, but also the second largest city in India--it is the biggest urban center in West Bengal

Eden Gardens in Kolkata is one of the largest stadiums in the world--it's considered the noisiest in India

West Bengal is famous for its love of all things sweet, so dessert is mandatory after each meal

Holidays & Festivals in West Bengal

The region celebrates numerous holidays and festivals throughout the year, so you'll have no trouble finding one to add to your West Bengal holiday.

Durga Puja may be the most significant religious event in the region, observed in the Hindu month of Ashvin (usually September or October). This multi-day celebration in honor of the goddess Durga involves processions, performances, and scripture recitations.

Naturally, Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community. The holiday appeals to non-Christians as well, especially in Kolkata, where Park Street lights up with decorations and artificial illumination during December.

Muslim religious events are also marked in West Bengal with some intensity. Notable holidays include Bakrid, the end of Ramazan, and Id-Ul-Fitr, which celebrated the "hajis," pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca.

Useful West Bengal Travel Tips

Climate of West Bengal

West Bengal climate ranges from tropical savannah in the south to humid subtropical in the north.

After a mildly warm spring, summer stretches from March to June, when the average temperature hovers around 40 C (104 F).

Rain showers can be frequent from the middle of June to September, when the weather usually clears, just in time for autumn festivals.

Winter covers the period between mid-November and February, with temperatures averaging around mild 15 C (59 F).

Transportation in West Bengal

A good network of roads and railroads allows visitors to tour West Bengal in relative comfort--many tourists rely on trains and buses.

You'll find a range of fast trains covering the region--the express trains coming from other parts of the country can be extremely crowded, but they do provides a chance to experience the local culture on the move.

Taxis and rental cars are available in most cities, which may be the best option if you're in a hurry or hate relying on bus and train schedules.