This is Part 16 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 15: Odisha.
West Bengal stretches from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. In one trip you can explore the grand colonial avenues and literary culture of Kolkata, sip tea with views of Kanchenjunga in Darjeeling, and search for Royal Bengal tigers in the mangroves of the Sundarbans.
Best time to visit
October to March is best for Kolkata and the Sundarbans. Darjeeling is best in March-May and October-December, when mountain views are clearest. Durga Puja (September-October) transforms Kolkata into a city-wide festival of art, lights and food.
Top places to see
- Kolkata: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge and the flower market, Dakshineswar and Kalighat temples, Kumartuli idol-makers, College Street book market, Park Street and Indian Museum.
- Darjeeling: sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, tea estate tours, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and a ride on the UNESCO-listed toy train.
- Kalimpong: a quieter hill town with monasteries and nurseries.
- Sundarbans: boat safaris through the world's largest mangrove forest.
- Santiniketan: Rabindranath Tagore's university town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bishnupur: terracotta temples and Baluchari saris.
Getting there and around
Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the main gateway. For the hills, fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri, then a shared or private jeep to Darjeeling (about 3 hours). The Sundarbans are reached by road to Godkhali or Sonakhali, then by boat. In Kolkata, try the metro, yellow taxis, trams and ferries on the Hooghly.
Sample itineraries
- Kolkata (3 days): heritage walk, Victoria Memorial, food trail and a Hooghly ferry ride.
- Hills (4 days): Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
- Sundarbans (2 days): an overnight boat or lodge stay.
Practical tips
- Book Durga Puja-season hotels months in advance.
- The Sundarbans require permits, usually arranged by tour operators.
- Carry layers in Darjeeling year-round.
What to eat
Kolkata biryani, kathi rolls, puchka, mishti doi, rosogolla and fish curries. Try our shorshe ilish recipe.
Next in Incredible India: Sikkim.
