If you are looking for the best cities in West Bengal, here are some ideas to get you started. The most beautiful cities include Purulia, Darjeeling, Midnapore, and Bagdogra. Here, you can learn about what to do in each city and the best things to see and do in each one.
Bagdogra
Surrounded by nature, Bagdogra is a thriving city. It is a cultural hub with many temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, and more. The city is primarily a Bengali town, and you can easily spot Buddhist and Hindu influences. The city celebrates festivals of various faiths, including the popular Durga and Kali Puja. A trip to the Sevokeswari Kali temple will allow you to see the town’s rich cultural heritage.
The city is well-connected to other cities in West Bengal through its airport. It receives direct flights from the major cities of India, as well as from Bangkok and Paro. There are also regular bus shuttles and taxis available for tourists. Bagdogra also has good railway and road connections.
Bagdogra is home to the famous Mirik lake. This lake is situated nearby Mount Kanchenjungha. You can get there via train or flight from Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station. The journey takes about three hours. A visit to the lake and the temple is an unforgettable experience.
Near Bagdogra is Siliguri, an important town and city for the state of West Bengal. It is a popular destination for picnickers and is just 16 km from Bagdogra. While you’re there, spend some time at the park’s Surya Sen Park, a beautiful park with an eco-friendly theme. The river Mahananda flows through the park, adding to its beauty.
Purulia
Purulia is a beautiful city in West Bengal and is the district headquarter. This city has an ancient history and is unique from other West Bengal tourist destinations. It is moderately populated and is home to several interesting cultural sites. Its natural beauty and historical significance draw people from all over the world.
Purulia is connected to major cities in India by the Howrah-Ranchi Intercity rail line and Howrah-Purulia Express. The railway station is approximately 1.5 km from the city center and is well linked to Kolkata and other major cities. Some buses and cabs serve the city.
Purulia is also home to some beautiful water bodies. One such attraction is the Saheb Bandh, a dam constructed by the British. The reservoir is also home to migratory birds from Siberia and Baluchistan. Bird lovers from all over the world flock to this area during certain seasons to spot these birds. If you are interested in observing these birds, you should bring binoculars.
Purulia is also home to the first Muslim settlement in Eastern India. While there, you should visit the Deulghat temple. Its architecture is beautiful, and its carvings are ancient. The structure is over a hundred years old and is a great place to experience ancient architecture.
Midnapore
Located in the state of West Bengal, Midnapore is a historic city. It is a beautiful town home to several historic monuments and ancient temples. It is a cultural center that is home to several famous colleges. In addition, the town is also known for its archaeological sites.
The city is well connected with the rest of the state by road and private travel services. There are plenty of things to see and do in Midnapore. Some of the most popular attractions are the Chilkigarh Raj Palace and the Jhargram Royal Palace.
Another interesting sight to see in Midnapore is the Bhimakali mandir. The legends say that this is where the left ankle of the goddess Devi Sati fell. The shrine fuses Hindu, Buddhist, and Oriya influences. It contains a giant courtyard and houses a statue of Maha Kali. It is also home to a giant black touchstone Shiva Lingam.
Midnapore is a slow-paced city. Its residents are laid back, and shops close early during the hotter months. The city also has a high concentration of sweet shops. Khirayer Gogjaa is a popular Bengali sweet.
Midnapore is also the birthplace of some martyrs. The city was a hotbed of revolutionary activity during the British era. Two famous rebellions were fought in Midnapore – the Santal Revolt (1766-1767) and the Chuar rebellion (1799). Hemchandra Kanungo, an Indian freedom fighter and leader of the Awami League, attended the Zilla School, now called the Midnapore Collegiate School.
Darjeeling
Located at the foot of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a small city with a very mild climate and numerous tourist attractions. Its proximity to the main city of Kolkata makes it a convenient city to visit. Getting to Darjeeling is easy. Buses and trains from Kolkata stop in the nearby city of Siliguri. From Siliguri, you can take the Kanchan Kanya express to Darjeeling.
In addition to visiting famous tourist attractions, the city has several attractions worth exploring. One is the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, a rehabilitation center for Tibetan refugees since 1959. This center produces Tibetan carpets, thanks, carved items, and wall hangings.
If you love nature, you will be thrilled with the city’s abundance of greenery. You can hike through the picturesque forest trails while enjoying the pristine scenery. You can also visit Nightingale Park, a peaceful, natural space. The park is home to a huge statue of Lord Shiva and a musical fountain.
If you love shopping, the town center is a shopper’s paradise. Walking on Nehru Road will take about 10 minutes, but if you love shopping, you can spend 45 minutes or more! You’ll find everything from designer clothes to souvenirs to high-quality knick-knacks.
Siliguri
Siliguri is a city in the Indian state of West Bengal that is rich in culture, and you can find many places to visit in Siliguri. The city’s most famous attraction is the Siliguri Mandir, situated at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga. It is open to the public all year round and features colorful steps that will draw your attention. There are also jingling prayer bells that add to the festive atmosphere.
The city is great for kids and adults alike to enjoy a day out. There are rides, water parks, fast food chains, and restaurants for the kids. This place is also a popular picnic spot, and locals love to spend time here.
There are many attractions in Siliguri, including the famous North Bengal Science Centre. Founded in 1997, this institution is an educational and entertaining place for children and families. It was established to foster scientific interest and has grown into a renowned institution in the city.
The city is also known for its wildlife. The city is home to various wildlife, including Indian elephants and rhinoceros. There are also several hiking trails and camping sites in the area.
Kolkata
When traveling to Kolkata, you will find an incredible variety of things to do. The city is home to a thriving cultural scene, with several festivals held throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals in the city include the Bengali New Year, also known as Poila Boishak, and Hindu New Year, known as Poush Parbon. The city also celebrates various religious festivals, including Kali Puja, Diwali, and Buddha Purnima.
Among the many things to do in Kolkata, you should not miss the Hooghly Riverfront, which offers a scenic view of the city and the Hooghly River. This area has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years, and you can enjoy a sunset or sunrise from the riverfront. In addition, you should not miss out on the city’s Central Park, which is located right in the city center and features an expansive lake. This park also boasts an extensive rose and butterfly garden.
If you want to learn how to fly, the city has an airport specializing in training pilots. The city is home to Behala Flying Club and Behala Flying Training Institute, two of the city’s two commercial airports. These airports are located in smaller localities, but they are both surrounded by a dense population of people.