Most of us consider West Bengal as the eastern edge of our country except for the outstretched arm of the North Eastern states. This state enjoys a strategic location near two significant water bodies – the Bay of Bengal and River Hooghly. This was what attracted the British to have their capital here, and this state has much more than history to offer.
Kolkata
Victoria Memorial Kolkata (Photo: Anupama K. Mazumder)
Talking of the British, this city, formerly known as Calcutta was the English capital of power. The limelight has continued on this city, as it is the state capital. You have lovely colonial buildings that date back to the 17th century. Having evolved over time, the city offers an exquisite experience to the tourist. India’s first metro rail was inaugurated here in 1984 – and if you can manage to avoid the rush hours, you should take a ride. Visit the serene Victoria Memorial and its expansive lawns, check out the palaces of the kings and rich families of Bengal, hang around in New Market (previously christened Hogg Market) to transform to a different era altogether. The world’s largest suspension bridge, the famous Howrah Bridge forms the skyline. The Science City, City Centre I and II, Hotel Hyatt, Hotel ITC Shonar Bangla, Swabhumi, Mani Square are examples of modern architecture and supreme life style. And as you move around, bite into anything that catches your eye, because the City of Joy is also the capital of food.
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan – Rabindranath Tagore Ashram (Photo: Country Roads)
Open-air school at Shantiniketan (Photo: Country Roads)
Bengal has produced number of talented poets and authors, artists and creative people. Among them shines Rabindra Nath Tagore, a name that is revered anywhere in this world. His works continue to inspire us even today, 150 years after his birth. Shantiniketan is an university set up by this talented personality, where his ideals of education among nature is followed. Music created by him fills the air, as you admire his passion for art, dance, music, poetry, prose, novels, plays, everything. His vision as a Town Planner has been retained through the architecture here. Today, hotels have been created, otherwise you could stay inside the campus too. It’s a must visit location to discover Rural Bengal.
Mayapur
ISKCON Temple – Mayapur (Photo: Krishna)
Shri Chaitanya Dev, a deeply commited devotee of Lord Krishna, is believed to have been born in this little town. His home has been maintained and is open for public viewing. ISKCON, or International Society of Krishna Consciousness have set up a massive complex that houses a temple for Lord Krishna and Chaitanya; and has comfortable accommodation facilities as well. Lot of people, including foreigners, have renounced their usual lives and joined ISKCON in serving the God. The feel of a village is still there in vast agricultural lands and sparse density. You would feel inner peace here, in these peaceful surroundings.
Murshidabad
Hazarduari Palace Murshidabad (Photo: Times of India)
Murshidabad Silk Sarees
Murshidabad was the capital of undivided Bengal (West Bengal and Bangladesh combined) from where the last Nawabs of Bengal ruled. Ruins of their palaces are still there. And apart from these buildings, there are the expansive orchards of mangoes of many varieties. If you can brave the heat, you should visit Murshidabad in summer when the mango trees are in full bloom. Silk produced here is exported to countries globally.
Digha
Digha Beach (Photo: Smenon40 / Geolocation)
People of Kolkata visit Digha at almost any opportunity, as it is the nearest sea beach from the city. Tourism is well developed here – hotels with modern facilities are available here. It is good for shopping too, as exquisite items made of sea shells can be bought at cheap prices. Fishermen can be seen early morning going out for their daily catch, forming a picturesque view against the rising sun.
Mondarmoni
Mondarmoni Beach (Photo: Partha De)
While Digha is the activity centre buzzing with life, Mondarmoni is a quiet and peaceful beach, just a stone’s throw distance away from the former. It’s ideal for honeymoon couples, or people who want to spend a quiet holiday away from urban life. The beach is uncluttered as tourist footfalls are comparatively less.
Bishnupur
Bishnupur – Temple Cit of West Bengal (Photo: Travel Guide)
Bishnupur is the temple city of West Bengal. The bamboo styled roofs, the terracotta temples, exquisite designs of the architectural style indigineous to Bengal can be witnessed here. Some temples have been protected by ASI and the State Government, but as you walk around, many structures in dilapidated condition come to your view, standing in quiet testimony to their glorious past. The Gupta kings had their kingdom here. At present, cultural festivals are held here to boost tourism.
Krishna Nagar
Main entrance of Krishna Nagar Palace Gate (Photo: Shantanu)
Krishna Nagar is a town on the suburbs of Calcutta, which was founded by King Krishna Chandra. The king patronized art and culture, and many artists settled here. The royal palace is a tourist attraction even today, along with some temples and churches. This town was home to many an eminent personality in the history of Bengal. Today, the fame of Krishnanagar lies in the sweets made out of milk cream.
Raichak
The Raichak Fort (Photo: Ffort Raichak)
Raichak has shot to fame with the operationalization of the heritage hotel called Fort Radisson. With the backdrop of River Hooghly, it forms a beautiful weekend destination. It was originally founded by the East India Company during the times of British colonization, and today, the Anglo Indian flavor lingers in the air.
Sunderbans
The Crocodile – Sunderbans
No discussion about Bengal is complete without the mention of the Royal Bengal tiger. Sunderbans, on the delta of River Ganges is home to not only the mighty tabby, but a wide variety of flora and fauna. The mangrove trees on the delta have a unique character with their roots that stand out of the ground like fingers of a hand. Fishing is the main economy here. Don’t venture in the woods without a trained guide. Every nature lover should visit Sunderbans at least once in his life.
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