West Bengal is well-known for its warm and excellent hospitality and is draped in its rich heritage. West Bengal is mesmerising, not just in its Durga Puja avatar but also in the hustle and bustle of its everyday living.
A history enthusiast and an art, literature and culture buff inclined towards heritage sites and monuments will find a bountiful abode in Cooch Behar, Malda and Murshidabad. The spiritually inclined can find beautiful pilgrimage spots in the North 24 Parganas home to the Dakshineshwar Temple and the South 24 Parganas – where the famous Gangasagar lies.
Kolkata
Kolkata is a stunning location in itself – set against the Hooghli. This erstwhile capital of the British Empire still retains the charm of the bygone days of its colonial splendour.
Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu), Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Town Hall, Writers Building, Fort William, Eden Gardens, Alipore Zoo, Town Hall, Marble Palace, Jorashankho Thakurbari, Kalighat Kali Temple, Indian Museum, Asiatic Society and the Academy of Fine Arts, Kumartuli, are important places to visit to get an aroma of the rich history of Kolkata’s past and its significance till date.
College Street, Esplanade, Princep Ghat, New Market, Boro Bazaar, Dalhousie Square, Park Street, Salt Lake, Topsia, Rajarhat, Dum Dum are important and prime commercial areas and shopping pockets in the city. Flea markets set up in New Market are extremely popular among tourists and locals alike.
Shantiniketan
A trip to West Bengal is incomplete without a visit to Shantiniketan. Known as the university town for the Vishwa Bharti University, established by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, in the quaint town of Bolpur, Shantiniketan implies “the abode of peace.” The place is a must visit for its lush green surroundings and is famed for its teaching practices in the open. The entire place houses a massive collection of Tagore’s works, hubs of learning, contemplation and intellectual activity.
Belur Math
Belur Math or the Ramakrishna Math, located in Howrah, is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission where the activities of the Mission are presided over. The Ramakrishna Mission is a body of monks who conduct spiritual meetings for the enhancement of the all-round development of mankind. This movement, which is also known as the Vedanta Movement was brought into existence by a 19th century saint known as Sri Ramakrishna.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, located in 24 North Parganas, is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and is extremely famed for its beautiful architecture. It was built by Rani Rashmoni, who acted on the dream she once had about a wishful pilgrimage to Benaras. The temple was important because it was constructed despite several conflicts with the British rule over laws and policies revolving around the ownership of land.
THE AMAZING WILDLIFE:
Wildlife in West Bengal is synonymous with the popular Sunderbans, which are vast tracts of mangrove forests that lie on the delta of the Brahmaputra and the Ganges. These forests are the largest tidal mangrove forests in the world and are known across the globe. Sunderbans have been made famous by the feline species of the white Bengal tiger, which can be spotted roaming through the forests, while taking a special safari tour. A trip here aboard a local cruise will take you to the periphery of the forests where you can spot the tigers.
THE BENGALI CUISINE:
Bengali cuisine is rich, In terms of flavours, textures and varieties. Fish reigns as the queen of the cuisine with over a handful of varieties cooked and served during the course of a single meal.
Bengali Sweets of a myriad kind simply add that sweetness to the end of your meal – literally and metaphorically. Some must-tries include – Mishti Doi (sweetened curd), Cham cham, Sandesh (which comes in an infinite variety!
Other attractions: West Bengal is also famous for cultural performances by Baul singers – local artists who render a mystical performance in the open The Joydev Kenduli Mela, held during January is a good time to catch the Baul singers and performers, who will charm you with their soulful music, setting the tone for a complete intoxication of the senses.
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