West Bengal

The Land of Bengal Tiger, West Bengal is located in the eastern part of the country. The fourth-most populous and 13th-largest state by area in India, West Bengal is bordered by the Bay of Bengal from the south. Known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse history, West Bengal is home to manyexemplary landmarks and tourist attractions, including the Sunderbans, Victoria Memorial, Darjeeling tea estates, and the Howrah Bridge. The state is also renowned for its traditional cuisine, including dishes like macher jhol, rosogolla, and mishti doi. Despite facing various economic and political challenges over the years. In all these passing years a lot had changed but the charm and warmth of West Bengal remain the same along with the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern development.

The official language of West Bengal is Bengali, which is also the most spoken language in the state. Apart from Bengali, otherwidely spoken languages are Hindi, English, and various other accentslike Rajbanshi, Sadri, and Kamtapuri.

West Bengal’s rich and diverse history may take you back to the Vedic era. Once called Vanga according to the Mahabharata, the region was ruled by the kings of the Vanga dynasty. In ancient times, West Bengal was a center of Buddhist learning and culture, with the famous Nalanda and Vikramshila universities located in the region. The Pala dynasty, which ruled from the 8thto the 12thcentury, was known for its patronage of the arts and sciences and for developing the Bengali language and literature. In the medieval period, the region was ruled by various dynasties, including the Senas, the Delhi Sultanate, and the Mughals.

During the colonial period, West Bengal became an important center of British trade and administration, with Kolkata serving as the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911. The state played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence, with several notable freedom fighters, including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore, hailing from the region. West Bengal is a vibrant and dynamic state, with a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern development, reflecting its long and complex history of cultural exchange and innovation.

West Bengal is a state in India that is widely regarded as the cultural and intellectual hub of the country. The state's rich and diverse culture is evident in its literature, music, dance, festivals, and cuisine. West Bengal has produced some of India's most celebrated writers, poets, artists, and musicians, including Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Ravi Shankar. West Bengal is known for its traditional festivals such as Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Rath Yatra, and its classical dance forms such as Gaudiya Nritya and Chhau. The cuisine of West Bengal is a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and is famous for its use of spices and flavors, especially mustard oil.West Bengal's intellectual tradition is reflected in its many esteemed educational institutions, including Jadavpur University and IIT Kharagpur, and the state has also contributed significantly to India's scientific and technological advancements. The Land of Bengal Tiger, West Bengal is a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

• Kolkata – Situated in the lap of the Hooghly River, Kolkata is known for its rich culture and traditions. Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is a vibrant city with various attractions like Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Park Street. The city can be explored mostly during the Durga Puja as it is the most important festival of Kolkata.
• Darjeeling – Known for its stunning views of the Himalayan Mountain range, and tea plantations, Darjeeling is a scenic hill station located in West Bengal. Situated at an elevation of 6,709 ft, Darjeeling is also famous for its Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Siliguri – ituated at the base of the Himalayan Mountains, Siliguri is known as the Gateway of Northeast India.Located on the banks of the Mahananda River and the Teesta River,Siliguri is popular for three Ts - tea, timber, and tourism.
• Mirik – Mirik is a scenic small hill town nestled in the Darjeeling district. The town is known for its tranquil natural beauty, picturesque tea gardens, and man-made Sumendu Lake. The place offers ample fun and adventurous activities for tourists that include boating, horse riding, and trekking in the beautiful hills and forests of the town.
• Digha – ocated in the East Midnapore district, Digha is a popular beach town in West Bengal. Known for its long sandy beach, clear blue waters, and peaceful surroundings, people can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a relaxing walk along the beach of Digha.
• Dooars – Often spelled as Duars, Dooars is a region known for its thick and dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and tea plantations. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and north of the Brahmaputra River, Dooars is abode to many endangered speciesincluding the Asiatic Elephant,Indian Rhinoceros, and Bengal Tiger.
• Santiniketan – Located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal,Santiniketan is a small town, known for its connection with the world-famous Bengali poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore. Abode to the Visva-Bharati University, founded by Tagore in 1921, which blends traditional Indian learning with modern Western education. Popular for its art and crafts, including batik printing and leatherwork, Santiniketan hosts many cultural festivals and events throughout the year.
• Kalimpong – A small hill station,Kalimpong is located at an elevation of 4091 ft. Known for its splendid natural beauty, with panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains and lush green valleys, Kalimpong is also famous for its flower nurseries and orchid gardens.The town is a well-known destination for adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, and river rafting.
• Murshidabad – A historical city located in the northern part of West Bengal,Murshidabad is known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Once served as the capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, Murshidabad is home to several exemplary landmarks, including the Hazarduari Palace, the Katra Mosque, and the Nasipur Palace. The city is also famous for its traditional silk weaving, ivory and brass work, and is a hub for classical music and art.
• Kurseong – Kurseong is a picturesque hill station located in the Darjeeling district. Known for its tea gardens, lush greenery, and pleasant weather, it is a popular tourist destination for nature admirers and adventure seekers. The town is also home to several historic schools and colleges, making it a center of education in the region.
• Navadvipa – In ancient times known as Nudiya or Nadia, Navadvipa is a town situated in the Nadia district of West Bengal. The townis considered to be one of the holiest places for followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, as it is believed to be the birthplace of the 15thCentury saint and avatar of Lord Krishna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The town is home to several ancient temples and shrines devoted to Lord Krishna and his incarnations.
• Durgapur – An Industrial hub and one of the fastest-growing cities in eastern India,Durgapur is a city located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal. The city is known for its chemical, steel, and engineering industries, and is also a center for higher education and research, with several prestigious universities and institutes located here.
• Haldia – Haldia is a port town situated in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. Known for its petrochemical complex, oil refineries, and thermal power plants, Haldiais a major industrial hub. The town is also a key center for maritime trade and commerce, having one of the largest ports in eastern India.

• Kolkata – Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal. It is a major cultural, commercial, and educational center of eastern India, known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and intellectual heritage. The city is also famous for its art and literature and is home to several museums, art galleries, and literary festivals.
• Asansol – Situated in the Paschim Bardhaman district, Asansol is the second largest and second most populous city of West Bengal. Asansolis an important industrial and commercial center, with several large industries and coal mines. The city is also known for its cultural diversity, with people from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds living together in harmony.
• Haldia – Situated on the banks of the Haldi River, Haldia is a city and port located in West Bengal. It is an important industrial hub, with several large industrial units and petrochemical refineries located in and around the city. Haldia is also known for its scenic beauty and attracts tourists with its beaches and parks.
• Bardhaman – Often known as Burdwan,Bardhaman is a city that served as the headquarters of the Purba Bardhaman district. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Bardhaman is home to several important temples and historical monuments, including the 108 Shiva temples and the Curzon Gate.
• Malda Situated on the banks of the Mahananda River,Malda is a city known for its historical significance as an important center for trade and commerce during the medieval period. The city is also famous for its mangoes, which are exported to different parts of the country.
• Kharagpur Located in the Paschim Medinipur district,Kharagpur is home to the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, the first IIT to be established in India. The city is also known for its railway junction, serving as a major transportation hub for the region.

• Victoria Memorial – Victoria Memorial is a magnificent white marble building located in Kolkata. Commissioned by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, the Victoria Memorial was constructed in memory of Queen Victoria.Serving as a grand museum showcasing the art, culture, and history of British rule in India, Victoria Memorial is the largest monument to a monarch anywhere in the world, that stands beautifully in 64 acres of gardens.
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway– Popularly known as Toy Train, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the scenic hill station Darjeeling. The narrow-gauge railway, which covers a distance of 88 km, was built between 1879 and 1881and offers captivating views of the Himalayan Mountains.
• Howrah bridge – Traverses the Hooghly River in Kolkata, Howrah Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge. Completed in 1943, it is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world and serves as a crucial transportation link between the city of Howrah and Kolkata. It is a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the river and the cityscape, and looks majestic during sunrise and sunset time.
• Eden Garden – A historic cricket stadium located in Kolkata, Eden Gardens is the largest cricket stadium in India and the second-largest in the world in terms of seating capacity. The stadium has hosted several important cricket matches, including the 1987 and 1996 World Cup finals.
• Fort Williams – Nestled on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, Fort Williams is a historical fort in Kolkata. Once served as a military base, Fort Williams wasbuilt by the British East India Company in the 18th century. The fort is known for its impressive architecture and houses several museums and monuments.
• Marble palace – Built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy Bengali merchant in the 19th Century Marble Palace is a grandiose mansion located in Kolkata. The palace exhibits an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and antique furniture from around the world. Marble Palace is one of the best-preserved and most elegant houses of 19thCentury Calcutta.
• Dakshineswar Kali temple – Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu Navaratna temple located in Kolkata. Built by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and devotee of Goddess Kaliin the 19thcentury,the temple is popular for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.The place is alsoknown for its connection with Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada Devi, mystics of 19th Century Bengal.
• Kalighat Kali Temple – One of the most admired Hindu temples in Kolkata, Kalighat Kali Temple is devoted to Goddess Kali. Believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where one of the body parts of Goddess Sati fell, Kalighat Kali Temple attracts devotees from all over India and abroad who come to seek the blessings of the powerful Goddess Kali.

• Sandakphu Trek – Sandakphu Trek is a popular trekking destination in West Bengal. The trek to Sandakphu Mountain offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse, making it a favorite among trekkers and nature enthusiasts. Situated at an elevation of 11,930 ft, this trek is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, with rhododendron forests, magnolia trees, and different species of birds and animals.
• Sunrise at Tiger hills – Nestled in the beautiful Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is a famous tourist destination situated at an elevation of 8,497 ft. Watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill is a popular tourist attraction. Witnessing the first rays of the sun light up the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks creates a breathtaking sight. The best time to visit is from October to December when the skies are usually clear.
• Snorkeling at Tajpur beach – Tajpur beach in West Bengalis a popular destination for snorkeling lovers. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including different species of fish, crabs, and lobsters. Snorkeling at Tajpur beach is an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the underwater world.
• Mountain biking in Panchet – Panchet in West Bengaloffers an exciting mountain biking experience for adventure enthusiasts. The region's rugged terrain and scenic landscape provide an exciting and thrilling ride for bikers. The Panchet Dam and the Maithon Dam are two popular spots where bikers can take a break and enjoy scenic landscapes.
• Paragliding and Parasailing at Mandarmani beach – Mandarmani beach in West Bengaloffers a thrilling experience for paragliding and parasailing enthusiasts. The beach's long stretch of coastline and gentle sea breeze provides an ideal environment for these activities. Tourists can enjoy anaerial view of the sea and the beach as they soar high in the sky.
• Rock climbing at Susunia hills – Situated at an elevation of 1470 ft, Susunia hills in West Bengal is a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. The hills offer a challenging climb with various routes suitable for both beginners and experts. The scenic beauty of the hills and the thrill of climbing make it an exciting adventure sport. Susunia hills also have an important historical and archaeological importance, with ancient rock inscriptions and hot springs.

• Mandarmani beach – Mandarmani beach is a beautiful seaside destination located in the East Midnapore District of West Bengal. Known for its long expanse of golden sand and calm waters, Mandarmani beach is an ideal spot for swimming and other fun water activities like Parasailing, water scooters, bumper banana rides, etc. The beach is also famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views.
• Shankarpur beach – Shankarpur beach is a tranquil and unspoiled beach located in the Purba Medinipur district. The beach is known for its serene surroundings, gentle waves, and picturesque fishing villages. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a calm and relaxing escape.
• Bakkhali beach – Bakkhali beach is a popular beach destination located in the South 24 Parganas district. Known for its serene and pristine surroundings, gentle sea breeze, and amicable atmosphere. The beach is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fun water sports.
• Tajpur beach – A hidden gem located in the Purba Medinipur district,Tajpur beach is known for being the most unspoiled beach near Kolkata. Itis a tranquil beach with scenic beauty, and calm waters. The beach is an ideal destination for looking for a hustle-free and relaxing retreat.
• Digha beach – A popular seaside tourist spot, Digha beach is located Purba Medinipur district. Popularly known for its wide and sandy shore, gentle waves, and vibrant and lively atmosphere, Digha Beach offers a range of water sports and activities, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers alike.
• Junput beach – Junput beach is anisolated and unspoiled beach located in the Purba Medinipur district. Known for its serene and tranquil surroundings, scenic beauty, and calm waters, Junput Beach is located at a distance of 43 km from Digha. Edged decoratively by the casuarina trees, the beach offers spectacular views during sunrise and sunset time. Junput is also known for its lighthouse and fishing village.

• Phoenix Bar & Pub– One of the pumping pubs of Kolkata, Phoenix Bar & Pub is an energetic and lively place for nightlife. Decorated beautifully with elegant interiors and vibing lights, Phoenix Bar & Pub serves Continental and North Indian Cuisines.
• Roxy – Roxy is a modern hotel bar &nightclub with a wide range of cocktail and wine menus. Along with a spacious bar with impressive décor the restaurant serves Finger Food, Kebab, and Beverages.
• Tantra – One of the best placesfor partying in Kolkata, Tantra is an energetic pub with sleek bars and a vibrant environment. The place is famous for a variety of beers, a live DJ, and music.
• Privy Ultra Lounge – Privy Ultra Lounge in Forum Mall is a spacious and splendid Lounge. The restaurant is known for serving delicious Chinese, North Indian, Continental and Fast Food cuisines.

• Luchi-Alur Dom – A popular breakfast treat in every other house of West Bengal, Luchi-Alur Dom is consisting of deep-fried poori served Alur Dom made up of spiced and slightly sweet potato curry made with small potatoes cooked with chopped onions and spices.
• Kathi Rolls – A major street food of West Bengal, Kathi rolls are a delight to taste buds. Made up of paratha rolled up with the filling ofskewer-roasted kebab served along with the spicy sauce. With the change in times, many varieties are coming up like the Kati Rolls with the filling of paneer, egg, or vegetables.
• Jhal Muri – A major street food snack of West Bengal, Jhal Muri can be found in every nook and corner of the street. Jhal Muri is made up of puffed rice mixed with spices, julienned veggies, chanachur, mustard oil, and a pinch of salt and lemon juice.
• Daab Chingri – Also known as Chingri Daab, Daab Chingri is a traditional Bengali dish made with prawns cooked in coconut milk inside a green coconut shell. Cooked with a mix of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and ginger, Daab Chingri tastesbest with steamed rice.
• Shukto – Shukto is a traditional Bengali dish made with a mix of vegetables such as bitter gourd, eggplant, potato, sweet potato, drumsticks, and raw banana. The dish is flavored with a spice mix called panch phoron and is often served as a starter or as part of a main course. Known for its unique combination of bitter and sweet flavors, Shukto is a common dish at functions or eventsin West Bengal.
• Bhetki Macher Paturi – Bhetki Macher Paturi is a popular Bengali dish made with Bhetki fish marinated in a mix of spices and wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed. The dish is flavored with a mix of mustard paste, green chili, and coconut, and is typically served with steamed rice. It is a delicacy in West Bengal, India, and is often prepared during special occasions and festivals.
• Kosha Mangsho – Kosha Mangsho is aspicy mutton curry dish. Made with mutton cooked withspices and chopped onions and tomatoes, the Kosha Mungsho is an aromatically delicious curry that tastesbest with rice.
• Sandesh – Sandesh is a popular Bengali sweet made with chenna (cottage cheese) and sugar. The chenna is kneaded with sugar and flavored with ingredients like cardamom, saffron, and pistachios and is molded into various shapes, such as round balls, flat discs, or conical shapes.
• Mishti Doi – A sweet yogurt, Mishti Doi is a popular dessert in West Bengal. It is made with milk, yogurt, and caramelized sugar or jaggery. It is also taken before doing any important work as it is referred to as good luck in the region.

• The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata – Located in the New Market area of Kolkata,the Oberoi Grand Kolkata hosts an outdoor pool, gym, and spa. Offering a complimentary parking area, the Hotel also features 4 dining options and 24-hour room service.
• ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata – Situated on the edge of Kolkata’s business corridor, ITC Royal Bengal is a lavish 5-star resort. Providing 456 contemporary suites with European décor,this grandiose property towers over the city skyline. The resort offersfacilities including a grand ballroom, outdoor pool, spa, gym, and 6 signature dining destinations to celebrate the delicacies of West Bengal.
• ITC Sonar,Kolkata – ITC Sonaris an exemplar of luxury and grandiosity. The ITC Sonar offers lavish and spacious suites with airy rooms along with French windows, comfortable beds, and clean washrooms with all the modern facilities.The hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool, 5 dining options, a fitness center, and many more amenities.
• Taj Bengal – Taj Bengal is an impressive and grandiose resort inspired by Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage.This resort offers 229 palatial suites with elegant designs. Their other amenitiesincludeliving areas, terraces, and original artwork. The posh restaurant of Taj Bengal serves a wide range of Mediterranean, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.

• Flurys, Kolkata – Flurys is an impressive restaurant with impressive décor. Located in the Park Street area of Kolkata, Flurys is a Breakfast place serving a variety of options in Bakery, Fast Food, Beverages, and Desserts.
• Aminia, Kolkata – Situated in the New Market area of Kolkata Aminia is restaurant simple yet famous restaurant. Serving an array of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisines, the restaurant is known for plenty of seating areas and fancy crowds.
• 6 Ballygunge Place, Kolkata – 6 Ballygunge Place is a classy restaurant in the Ballygunge locality of Kolkata. Known for its impressive rooftop ambiance and themed décor the restaurant serves Bengali, North Indian, and Seafood cuisines along with Desserts and Beverages.
• Peter Cat – A cozy restaurant with a retro ambiance, Peter Cat is located in the Park Street area of Kolkata. Known for its sophisticated Ambience and family-friendly environment, Peter Cat serves North Indian, Mughlai, and Continental, cuisines along with a variety of options in Fast Food, Desserts, and Beverages.

• Quest Mall – One of the mostexpensive malls in Kolkata Quest Mall is a popular mall among youngsters andbusiness-class people. The hosts many luxurious brands like Gucci, Armani, Jimmy Choo, and Blueberry. The mall also has a Food Court area with restaurants like KFC, The Irish House, Bombay Brasserie, Yauatcha, Pizza Hut, and many more. For entertainment, Quest mall also hostsa 6-screen Inox multiplex.
• South City Mall – South City Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Kolkata, spread over 1.3 million square feet of space. It offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including popular brands like Zara, H&M, PVR Cinemas, and Starbucks.
• City Center 2 – City Centre 2 is a contemporary shopping mall located in the New Town area of Kolkata. Spread over 1 million sqft, the mall offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including popular brands like Lifestyle, Pantaloons, and INOX cinemas.
• Mani Square Mall – Mani Square Mall is a shopping mall located in Kolkata. Spread over an area of over 720,000 square feet, the mall offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including popular brands like Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, INOX cinemas, and McDonald's. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
• Lake Mall – Lake Mall is a shopping mall located in the southern part of Kolkata. Spreadover an area of over 250,000 square feet, the mall offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including popular brands like Max, Pantaloons, and Pizza Hut. It is a popular destination for those living in the nearby areas of Rash Behari and Ballygunge.

• New Market – One of the oldest shopping areas, New Market in Kolkata is a shopper's paradise. In this market, one can find a range of products, like clothes, footwear, exotic flowers, and rare cheese.
• Burrabazar – One of the oldest wholesaling markets of Kolkata, Burrabazar is located on M.G. Road, Kolkata. The market is divided into four major parts, i.e., Tulapatti, Fancypatti, Dhotipatti, and Chinipatti. The market becomes the busiest during the festive season.
• Hatibagan Market – Known for its affordable prices and a wide variety of products, the Hatibagan Market is home to numerous shops and stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to household items and electronics. It is especially busy during festivals and holidays.
• Hong Kong Market – Hong Kong Market is a popular shopping destination located in Siliguri. The market is known for its wide variety of goods sold at reasonable prices, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and household items. It is a popular spot among locals and visitors from neighboring regions.
• Gariahat Market – Gariahat Market is a bustling shopping area located in south Kolkata. It is known for its wide array of shops selling clothing, jewelry, electronics, handicrafts, and food items. The market is popular among locals and tourists alike and is especially busy during the festive seasons.

• Nobin Chandra Das & Sons– Nobin Chandra Das & Sons is a famous restaurant located in the Shobhabazar of Kolkata. The restaurant serves a variety of desserts or Mishti.
• Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets– Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets is a famous and one of the oldest sweet shops located in the Bhowanipore locality in Kolkata. The Shops serves tempting sweets since 1885.
• Bhim Chandra Nag– Bhim Chandra Nag is a famous sweet shop in the Bowbazar locality of Kolkata. Known for its good quality the popular items of this shop are Pista Sandesh, Butterscotch Sondesh, Mango Sandesh, Kaju Barfi, and Bengali Sweets.
• K.C.Das Grandson Pvt Ltd – C.Das Grandson Pvt Ltd is a Sweet and Snack shop located in Baghbazar in Kolkata. The shops sell a variety of sweets and are known for selling canned sweets, especially canned Rasgullas.

• Mother Wax Museum – Mother Wax Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Kolkata. It is the first wax museum in India and features over more than 50 lifelike wax statues of famous personalities from different fields like politics, sports, entertainment, and more. The museum is known for its impressive attention to detail in the creation of its wax figures.
• Asutosh Museum of Indian Art – Founded in 1937, the Asutosh Museum of Indian Art in Kolkata is the first public museum in any University in India. Named after Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, the Vice-Chancellor of the university for four consecutive years. The museum houses a vast collection of Indian art, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, and manuscripts, spanning from ancient times to the modern era.
• Netaji Museum – Located in the Purulia District, Netaji Museum is said to have been the site of a secret hideout used by Subhas Chandra Bose during his struggle for Indian independence. The museum features exhibits on Subhas Chandra Bose's life and achievements, as well as a recreation of the hideout where he is said to have stayed.
• The Hazarduari Palace – The Hazarduari Palace is a historical palace located in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Situated near the banks of the Ganga River, the palace was built in the 19thcentury during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.Featuring more than a thousand doors (hazār-dwarf in Urdu), the Hazarduari Palace now serves as a museum showcasing the rich history and culture of the region.
• Rabindra Bharati Museum – Dedicated to the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel great poet, and playwright,Rabindra Bharati Museum is located in Kolkata. The museum is part of the Rabindra Bharati University and features a collection of manuscripts, letters, photographs, and personal belongings of Tagore. The museumalso exhibits the impact and influence of Rabindranath Tagoreon Indian art and culture.
• Indian Museum – Also referred to as the Imperial Museum of Calcutta in colonial-era texts,the Indian Museum in Kolkata, is the oldest and largest museum in India as well as in Asia and the ninth oldest museum in the world. Established in 1814, it hosts a vast collection of cultural and natural artifacts, including fossils, paintings, sculptures, and textiles, among others. The Indian Museum has a rare collection of relics, armor and ornaments, fossils, mummies,skeletons, and Mughal paintings. The museum is a popular tourist destination and a hub of research and education in the region.
• Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Museum – Located in the Naihati town of North 24 Parganas district, the Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Museum is dedicated to the life and works of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, an Indian novelist, poet, Essayist, and journalist. The museum houses personal belongings, manuscripts, and other artifacts related to Chattopadhyay's life and works.
• Galerie 88 – Galerie 88 is a contemporary art gallery located in Kolkata. Established in 1989, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious galleries in the country, showcasing works by professionaland emerging artists. The gallery hosts exhibitions, talks, and workshops, and has played a significant role in promoting contemporary art in India.
• Genesis Art Gallery – A renowned art gallery located in Kolkata, Genesis Art Gallery showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional Indian art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The gallery has been promoting and supporting professional and beginner artists since its establishment in 2003.
• Chitrakoot Art Gallery – Chitrakoot Art Gallery is animportant art space located in Kolkata. Founded in 1970, the gallery has been promoting and exhibiting contemporary and modern art from India and abroad. The Chitrakoot Art Gallery has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations, and has showcased the works of renowned artists such as M.F. Husain, Jogen Chowdhury, and Ganesh Pyne.

• Durga Puja – Durga Puja is a grand festival in West Bengal, where beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped in pandals (temporary structures) across the state. The festival is celebrated by vibrant processions, cultural programs, and elaborate feasts, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement by people of all ages and communities.
• Kali Puja – After Durga Puja, Kali Puja is a major festival in West Bengal. The festival is celebrated nearly twenty days after Durga Puja and is devoted to Goddess Kali.The festival is marked by chanting mantras during nighttime which continues till dawn and offering the sacrifice of animals to the goddess.
• Saraswati Puja – Saraswati Puja is a festival devoted to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of learning and knowledge. It is celebrated in schools and colleges across West Bengal, and students place their books and pens before the goddess seeking her blessings.
• Poush Sankranti – A harvest festival celebrated in West Bengal,Poush Sankranti is celebrated on the 14thor 15thof January every year. The festival is celebrated tomark the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days. People take dips in the holy river Ganges, offer prayers to Lord Surya, and prepare traditional delicacies made from rice and sugarcane.
• Jamai Shashti – A festival celebrated to honor sons-in-law in West Bengal,Jamai Shashti is usually observed on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Bengali month of Jaistha (May-June). The daughter’s family invites their son-in-law and offers them delicious meals, sweets, and gifts to express their love and gratitude.
• Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival – Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is an annual event held in Darjeeling. This fest is organized to promote the tea and tourism industry of the region. The festival features a range of cultural programs, including folk music and dance performances, as well as tea-tasting sessions, adventure sports, and guided tours of tea estates. The festival aims to exhibit the unique cultural and natural heritage of Darjeeling and to boost tourism in the region.
• Charak Puja – An ancient Hindu festival celebrated in West Bengal, Charak Puja is observed on the last day of the Bengali calendar year. During this festival,Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali are worshipped. The festival is marked by the hanging of a man from a bamboo pole, which is then rotated by other men, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.
• Poila Baisakh – Poila Baisakhi is a festival celebrated to mark the first day of the Bengali calendar.The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by offering prayer to God and wearing new clothesalong with preparing delicious dishes at home. On this very day, the traders start their new accounting books, and the ceremony is commonly known as Hal Khata.
• Kolkata International Film Festival – A week-long cultural fest, Kolkata International Film Festivalis a major event for film enthusiasts, held annually in Kolkata. It attracts filmmakers, actors, and critics from all over the world and features screenings of a range of films, seminars, and cultural programs. Founded in 1995, Kolkata International Film Festival is the second-oldest international film festival in India.

• Brita Dance – A traditional folk dance from West Bengal, Brita dance is performed by women in rural areasto show gratitude for helping them recover from contagious diseases like chicken pox or to ask the deity to bless them with children. The folk dance is performed on the temple campus.
• Gambhira Dance – Gambhira dance is one of the famous devotional dances of West Bengal.The sacred devotional dance is performed by the worshippers of Shakti. The dance is named Gambhira because it is performed in the dance hall of the Chandi Mandir, Gambhira, which has a pavilion specially constructed in front of the shrine, for the dance.
• Chhau Dance – Often spelled Chhou dance, Chhau Dance is a semi-classical Indian dance with martial and folk traditions, Chhau Dance has three different styles and the one which is connected with West Bengal is the Purulia Chhau.
• Tusu Dance – elated to the Tusu Festival, the Tusu dance is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti.Tusu dance is performed to celebrate the arrival of the pleasant season. Groups of girls from the district go to the riverside every evening, in the Pausa month, to sing and perform the Tusu Dance.

• Sunderban National Park – Sunderban National Park is a national park, biosphere Reserve and Tiger Reserve, located in the premises of Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to several species, including the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and Indian python. It is also known for its unique ecosystem, with several species of flora and fauna adapted to living in brackish water.
• Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary – One of the oldest wildlife Sanctuaries of India, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Itcovers an area of 38.7 km2 and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including species like red pandas, barking deer, and Himalayan black bears. The sanctuary is also home to Senchal Lake, which is a popular tourist attraction.
• The Buxa Tiger Reserve – The Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. Covering an area of 760 km2the reserve is home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, Gaur,and Asian elephant.
• Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary – Situated in the South 24 Parganas district,Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and is part of the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, with species like the saltwater crocodile, spotted deer, wild boar, tigers, fishing cats, water monitor lizards, and Indian python, and many more.
• Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary – Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bardhaman city of West Bengal. It covers an area of 14.31 hectares and is home to several species of birds, including the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and peregrine falcon. The sanctuary is also known for its rich floral diversity.
• Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary – Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Covering an area of 21 km2the sanctuary is home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan salamander, Himalayan newt, and blood pheasant. The sanctuary is also known for its scenic beauty, with impressive views of the Himalayan range.