Are you planning your vacation and want to travel to India? If so, then what better than to plan a trip to Bengal, also known as West Bengal? It’s one of the states in the eastern region of India known for historical places and excellent street foods. From the bustling city of Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, to the serene hill stations of Darjeeling, the state offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.
So, travel to Bengal and get mesmerized by its culture, history, and geophysical features. In this blog, I’ll share with you 7 things you must know that will help you explore West Bengal. Get to know its history, culture, food, national parks, tea plantations, transport, and much more.
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Discover The Culture Of West Bengal
West Bengal has many historical monuments that depict the historical background of the state. A prime example of colonial architecture is the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, which was constructed to honor Queen Victoria. Bishnupur has some fine temples built of terracotta that belong to the seventeenth-century Malla dynasty. The Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad, with its thousand doors, is the greatest example of the Nawabs’ lavishness. The Howrah Bridge is an engineering marvel and is considered one of the symbols of Kolkata.
Another important place is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a World Heritage site. Here, you can find the Toy Train, and the railway provides a picturesque view of the Himalayan mountain range. Such places in North Bengal are well-known for their scenic beauty.
7 Things To Know When Planning A Trip To Bengal
1. Learn About Bengal’s Cultural And Religious Importance
West Bengal is a state famous for its rich culture, traditions, and colorful festivals. The most popular of them is Durga Puja, which is celebrated all over the world and attracts a large number of tourists. The Festival of Durga Puja is observed in October with great enthusiasm, particularly all over West Bengal and Kolkata, and the city is decorated with beautiful pandals, cultural shows, and rituals.
2. Experience The Natural Beauty Of West Bengal
West Bengal has a great topographical variation, ranging from the Himalayas in the north to the coastal line on the Bay of Bengal in the south. The northern part of Bengal, especially Darjeeling and Kalimpong, is famous for tea gardens and hill stations. A visit to the plantations will help you learn how the tea is made and take a sip of the famous Darjeeling tea.
West Bengal also has many options for a jungle safari, and the best places for this are Gorumara National Park and Kaziranga National Park. They are situated in the neighboring state of Assam, but they’re also included in West Bengal travel packages. These parks offer a natural habitat to several animals, such as the Indian rhinoceros, elephants, and many species of birds.
3. Learn About The Geographic Distribution Of West Bengal
As mentioned, the geographical location of West Bengal is very diverse, which makes the place particularly special for tourism. The northern part of the state is home to the great Himalayan mountain range, while the southern area is famous for the world’s largest mangrove forest – the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is a world heritage site and is also home to the Royal Bengal tiger.
Rivers such as the Hooghly and the Ganges are very important in Bengal, and they feature prominently in the state’s socio-economic life. A boat ride on the Hooghly River in Kolkata gives a different view of the city, with glimpses of old-world ghats and buildings from the British era.
4. Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to travel to West Bengal is during the winter season, which is from October to February. This is the right time for tourism, particularly in Kolkata and the North Bengal hills. It’s hot and humid during the summer, especially in the plains, and there’s the rainy season from June to September, which may affect one’s itinerary.
For travelers who intend to visit the northern part of the state, especially Darjeeling or Kalimpong, the winter season is also ideal for having a clear sky and allowing a glimpse of the great Himalayan range. The best time to go trekking is during autumn, which is from September to November, because the climate is favorable, and the terrains are well maintained.
5. Savor Authentic Bengali Food
Bengali food is famous all over the world, and no one should leave Bengal without tasting it. Fish and rice are the most popular staple foods in Bengal, and its cuisine is quite diverse because of the region’s history. Some foods you shouldn’t miss include Machher Jhol, which is fish curry; Shorshe Ilish, or Hilsa fish prepared using mustard sauce; and Rasgulla, a sweet dish prepared from chhena (Indian cottage cheese) and soaked in sugar syrup.
Kolkata is famous for its street food. You must try Kathi rolls, which are spiced kebabs wrapped in paratha, and Phuchka, the Bengali version of the globally renowned Indian street food pani puri. For restaurant-style food, many restaurants in the city offer traditional Bengali thalis.
6. Prepare For A Seamless Travel Experience
Transportation
Kolkata and other parts of Bengal are well linked by airways, railways, and roadways with other Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The city’s main airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. New Jalpaiguri is the chief railway station for people visiting North Bengal, and there are many trains from Kolkata.
Other Modes Of Travel
In Bengal, the common means of transport include trains, buses, private cars, and other transport facilities. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) is another important railway that goes through the hills. Fun fact: Kolkata has Asia’s oldest trams.
Safety
Overall, the state of West Bengal is safe for travelers, but it’s always wise to follow certain precautions, like not venturing out late at night in unknown areas and being careful with your personal belongings.
7. Know 10 Essential Travel-Friendly Words
While many people in Bengal speak English, knowing a few Bengali phrases can go a long way in enhancing your travel experience. Here are 10 essential Bengali words and phrases:
How Do You Say Travel In Bengali?
In Bengali, “travel” is referred to as Bhromon (ভ্রমণ), pronounced as Bhro-mon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling To Bengal
1. When Is The Most Appropriate Time To Visit West Bengal?
The best time to visit West Bengal is from October to February. Given the favorable weather conditions, this is the best time for tourism, visiting cultural events such as Durga Puja, and other outdoor activities.
2. Which Is The Best Season To Visit Kolkata?
The ideal season to visit Kolkata is during the winter. This is when the climate is relatively moderate with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, enabling tourists to freely tour the various cultural and historical attractions within the city.
3. Why Is West Bengal Famous For Tourism?
West Bengal is famous for tourism due to its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, diverse landscapes, vibrant festivals like Durga Puja, and delectable Bengali cuisine. The state’s diverse landscapes, from the Himalayan foothills to the coastal areas along the Bay of Bengal, along with its deep-rooted artistic and literary heritage, make it a captivating destination for travelers.
Ready To Discover Bengal?
West Bengal is a beautiful place to travel with friends and family. By following these tips and embracing the local culture you will be ready to unravel the myriad of sights and attractions of Bengal. So start your packing and let the experience of a lifetime begin in an enchanting part of India.
And if you’re visiting Bengal, knowing a bit of the local language is always a good idea. Using the Ling app, you’ll be able to master the basics in no time. In addition, read our other Bengali blogs to get a better idea about its food, culture, history and more. Happy traveling!
