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Things to Do in West Bengal

The home of mouth-watering sweets, endangered wildlife, and awe-inspiring sights, West Bengal is a traveller’s delight. The quality and quantity of things to do in West Bengal often take travellers by surprise- so underrated is the adventure that the state is bursting with. There are a startling number of varieties that tourists can engage in, from adventure sports to treks that reveal some of the mightiest sights in the world, to cultural adventures that delight the eyes and palate. There are so many wonderful things to do in West Bengal that there will never be a boring moment during your trip.

The hustle and bustle that you find in the busy cities of West Bengal has a characteristically Bengali vibe to it- a vibe made up of the colourful displays of sweets in the shops, and the tantalizing smells of fish being cooked in the midst of the chaos caused by people rushing to get to their destinations and shops spilling their wares everywhere. It is a characteristic image, and a very beloved one. The bustling cities give West Bengal its tangy flavour, and add to its uniqueness. Spending some days exploring the various major cities and towns like Kolkata, Siliguri, Durgapur, or Asansol is a good way to spend time in West Bengal. City expeditions give you a great insight into how the cultures and traditions of the people have been preserved through the changing centuries and still burn strong today.

West Bengal is also a major pilgrimage destination, and many important shrines are located around the towns and cities. These shrines are hundreds of years old and have very powerful legends and enduring myths attached to them. Visits to these locations is an enriching experience and one of the best things to do in West Bengal.
With so much of adventure to enjoy and so many lovely foods to partake of, your visit to West Bengal is bound to be a landmark in your life.

Jaldapara National Park

Located at the Eastern Himalayan foothills, this National Park edges on the Torsa River banks in the Alipurduar District. Amongst the lushest tourist places in West Bengal, it is a vast forested area comprising hundreds of varieties of flora & fauna, streams, and thickets of woods & tall grass groves. It offers jeep & elephant safaris that take one to the remotest corners of this wilderness to explore.

Highlight of the place: This park houses the second-highest number of Indian one-horned rhinos. Other wildlife species here include leopards, Royal Bengal tiger, spotted deer, wild boars, cobras, geckos, crested eagle, lesser-pied hornbill, etc.

Best time to visit: The winter months of September-March to enjoy the outdoors without the heat & humidity of summers. It remains closed each year from 15th June-14th September.

Navadvipa

Located at the Western bank of the river Hooghly, this holy city is said to have been established in the 10th-century where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born. Some say that Navadvipa comprises 9 islands that belong to the historical Pala period.

The place is an important pilgrimage centre and houses several hundred ancient temples that are visited by people from around the country. Navadvipa, with its rustic charm and slow pace of life, is perfect for a laidback vacation.

Highlight of the place: Some of the must-visit temples include the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, ISKCON Temple, Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, etc. that are popular not only for their serene vibes but also their intricate architecture. Visit the Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary to see hundreds of bird species and its pristine lake.

Best time to visit: Winter months (November-February) due to cool weather and low humidity.

Lataguri

Located in the Jalpaiguri district outside the Gorumara National Park, Lataguri offers an unconventional vacation for those who want to escape into the tranquillity and serenity of nature and remains the best place to stay and start your excursions to the National Park.

Highlight of the place: Visit the Gorumara National Park to explore the forests & grasslands and wildlife like Indian rhino, Bengal tigers, sloth bear, spangled drongo, brahminy duck, etc. Visit the Nature Interpretation Centre to know about the flora & fauna of the National Park and enjoy jungle safaris. Head over to the nearby Jayanti Mahakal Caves to explore their ancient ruins. Visit the riverside of Murti River to enjoy night camping and trekking along its banks.

Best time to visit: Winter months (November-February) due to cool weather and low humidity.

Mandarmani

This seaside resort village, amongst the most popular tourist places in West Bengal, lies in the East Midnapore district near the northern side of the Bay of Bengal. Though a very picturesque place that offers amazing experiences & adventures.

Mandarmani is still not commercialised. Few number of tourists have left the place untouched, clean, and intriguing. The place is known for its luxury boutique resorts that make one’s stay even more memorable.

Highlight of the place: The Mandarmani beach is the main and the best highlight here known for being the longest motor-able beach in the country, its scenic beauty, red crab population, and watersports. The resorts here offer fun activities like beach biking, volleyball, etc. The shops here are known for beautiful Bengali handicrafts, seashells, authentic Bengali food.

Best time to visit: Winter months (November-February) are the best to visit due to cool weather and low humidity as against the uncomfortable heat of the summers & monsoons.

Dooars

Dooars, tucked away in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, entices you with its verdant vistas, varied fauna, and intricate cultural heritage. Here, In the midst of the lush vegetation, you can discover peaceful towns, old temples, and historical landmarks. You can also go on exhilarating safaris in Gorumara and Jaldapara National Parks, or take in the tranquil beauty of Buxa Tiger Reserve.

Mirik

This charming hill station, lying cosily amidst the Darjeeling Hills, is one of the most scenic places to see in West Bengal. An erstwhile trading centre the name of which translates to ‘place burnt by fire’ traces its routes to British-era India. Located at around 4,905 ft. above sea level, Mirik is one of the few places in Bengal to offer stupendous views of the Kanchenjunga.

Highlight of the place: The calm Sumendu Lake for its 80-ft. long bridge, boating, pony rides, and its charming promenade. Its lush orange orchards and tea plantations are a must-visit along with the Pashupati market for its Nepalese handicrafts & clothes. Other great attractions include the Bokar Monastery, Rameetay Dhara for its views of the Kanchenjunga, and the Mirik Church.

Best time to visit: Summer season of March-June. People who love snowfall and winter sports can visit in the winter months of November-February.

Gurdum West Bengal

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of West Bengal, Gurdum is a serene hamlet that offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sumendu Lake

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West Bengal Things To Do FAQs

What are the best adventure activities to do in West Bengal?

West Bengal is an amazing adventure hub suited to all types of adventure enthusiast. There is no dearth of activities that one can indulge in here, from water sports and rock sports to aerial activities, West Bengal has it all. Some of the adventure activities that West Bengal is famous for include:
· Trekking
· Mountain Biking
· Rock Climbing
· River Rafting
· Paragliding
· Para-Sailing
· Water Zorbing
· Water Skiing
· Snorkelling

Where can I enjoy paragliding in West Bengal?

West Bengal has recently begun to gain popularity as a good paragliding destination in India. The mountainous region of the state allows visitors to indulge in adventurous paragliding while enjoying the beauty of the mountains. The thrill of flying over treetops and tea gardens and into the mists is a great experience, and should be tried when in West Bengal. Darjeeling and Kalimpong are especially well-known paragliding destinations in West Bengal though it also takes place on a smaller scale in other regions.

Which are the best places to do water sports in West Bengal?

There are many amazing water sports that people can enjoy in West Bengal, from sea-based water sports to river water sports. The beaches of West Bengal are good places to enjoy activities like parasailing, water skiing, and snorkelling while the rivers have unbelievably grand rapids for river rafting. Some places in West Bengal for water sports are:
· Sagardwip beach
· Digha
· Mandarmani
· Tajpur

Which are the best destinations for wildlife safari in West Bengal?

The forests of West Bengal are rich in natural beauty and house a majestic range of flora and fauna. These forests fall under conserved land and have been designated as wildlife sanctuaries, thereby providing a safe haven for many endangered species. Tourists can enjoy wildlife safaris in these sanctuaries and gain an interesting as well as educational experience. Some places to enjoy wildlife safaris in West Bengal are:
· Sundarban National Park
· Jaldapara National Park
· Gorumara National Park
· Neora Valley National Park
· Singalila National Park
· Buxa Tiger Reserve
· Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary
· Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary

Which are the most adventurous trekking routes in West Bengal?

Trekking in West Bengal is one of the most rewarding activities you can partake of in the state. Many of the popular routes afford trekkers a glimpse of the grand mountain peaks of the Himalayas, especially Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Most of the pine covered trek routes are easy to trek, but the views they reveal are among the most spellbinding in the world. Some treks in West bengal which will leave you with cherished memories include:
· Neythan Holy Cave Trek
· Sandakphu Trek
· Singalila Ridge Trek
· Bamon Pokhari Jungle Trek
· Phalut Trek
· Sabarka to Bijanbari trek

Which are the pilgrimage sites that are a must visit in West Bengal?

West Bengal is an important pilgrimage destination for many communities in India, and therefore there are many grandiose sites that can be visited in the state. The pilgrimage destinations in West Bengal are rich in mythological relevance, and have many deep rooted and awe-inspiring stories attached to them. A visit to the pilgrimage destinations in West Bengal allows tourists a glimpse into the rich cultural history of India, and especially West Bengal.
· Kolkata
· Bardhaman
· Bahula
· Ujaan
· Tarakeshwar
· Mayapur
· Dakshineswar Temple
· Kalighat Kali Temple

Which are the famous tea plantations in West Bengal?

West Bengal is extremely popular for its extensive tea plantations. The spice-scented plantations enrich the landscape with their vibrant green colours overhung with light mists. A tour of these plantations is a fairytale experience that allow you to immerse yourselves in the romantic beauty of the tea gardens while also gaining an understanding of the workings of tea plantations. Most of the tea plantations offer guided tours for the public and also have tea stores from where you can buy various varieties of fresh teas. Some great tea plantations you should visit in West Bengal include:

Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Happy Valley Tea Estate, Darjeeling
The Cooch Behar Tea Estate, Darjeeling Foothills
Nya Sylee Tea Estate, Nagrakata
Castleton Tea Factory, Kurseong
Ambootia, Kurseong
Margaret's Hope Tea Garden, Darjeeling

How is nightlife in West Bengal? What are the things I can do at night in West Bengal?

West Bengal boasts of a vibrant nightlife with many kinds of interesting activities. The cities have an active culture of fun and frolic and tourists can find many places dedicated to good nightlife enjoyment in them. Kolkata is an especially popular nightlife destination in West Bengal, being one of the most important cities in the state with a strong partying culture. If you are in Kolkata, you can enjoy nightlife activities in clubs, bars and pubs like Roxy, Tantra, The Myx, UG Reincarcerated, Club Boudoir and more. There is fun to be had in the other towns and cities of West Bengal too. If you are not in the major cities but want to enjoy some nocturnal activities in West Bengal, you can enjoy night experiences like camping and stargazing too.

Which are some best road trip places in West Bengal?

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West Bengal Things To Do Reviews

Jagdish Gandhi

Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Camping At Teesta River

Everything went great as we expected, cool river and cool experience, Nice location with no pollution, a Nice spot for staying in the tent. Toilet and the other thing at the camp are with proper cleanliness. The operator and the whole staff were very friendly, Nice nature walk and fun bonfire with a... Read More

Dakshayani Ahuja

Reviewed: 26 Feb 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Camping At Teesta River

Camping, activity, foods, accommodation, and the entire staff really deserve a 5-stars rating. My experience was plentiful with good memories.

Rageshwari Abbott

Reviewed: 04 Feb 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Bagdogra Airport To Darjeeling Taxi

Our driver was holding the placard of my name at the arrival area, the driver was well-behaved to the tourists helps us with our bags and even open the door for us in a very professional way on the way shared with us the history of the place and its popularity at the same time guided us with a good ... Read More

Arya Devar

Reviewed: 01 Dec 2019

5.0/5

Booked:Camping At Teesta River

Really a cool place and the best place for nature-lovers, The campsite was really beautiful we had a great nature-walks near the place with the help of the staff, we spend our leisure time at the river site and sometimes we played by splashing water at each other, The night was really fun we sat and... Read More

Anasuya Patil

Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020

4.0/5

Booked:Bagdogra Airport To Darjeeling Taxi

Good experience booking this private car from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling through Thrillophilia easily meeting with the driver. I just need to share the voucher with the driver and start the journey. The car was good and spacious too, our driver was very friendly drove us with safety and reached ... Read More