Embrace the Cultural Bliss of Shantiniketan
Made famous all over the world by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is the cultural epicentre of Bengal.
Geek out at this charming town with a visit to the emblematic Viswa Bharati, explore Tagore memorabilia at the Rabindra Bhaban Museum, admire the elegance of the Kaanch Mandir, get a taste of foreign culture at the Cheena Bhavan and the Nippon Bhavan, and soak in the melodious tunes of a classic Rabindrasangeet here. The lovely town also offers scenic views by the Kopai River and the Deer Park, ideal for nature lovers. March is the best time to enjoy the famous Poush Parbon gathering here.
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Get Some Sea Therapy At Digha
If idyllic beach views are your cup of tea, you will definitely fall in love with the quaint town of Digha in Bengal.
Beat the birds to an early morning and relish glorious beach sunrises by the New Digha Beach, play peek-a-boo amidst the bordering casuarinas of the Digha Beach, cross borders to Odisha at the Talsari Beach, and savour fresh-from-the-sea fishes at the Digha Mohona Watch Point. You can also tour the Marine Aquarium and regional Centre and the Digha Science Centre Park for an immersive experience here.
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Brave Meeting a Royal Bengal Tiger at Sunderbans
Home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Sunderbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its exotic flora and fauna.
Embark on a tiger safari and spot the majestic tigers lurking amidst the jungle thickets of Sunderban National Park, enjoy bird-watching at the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, learn about the signature mangroves bordering the park at the Mangrove Interpretation Centre, and sneak past the freshwater crocodiles at Bhagatpur. For an immersive wildlife vacay, make sure to set out on a boat safari and spot dolphins and beach turtles here.
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Soak in the Spiritual Vibes of Mayapur
Home to the global headquarters of ISKCON, Mayapur is a sublime retreat perched on the banks of the Ganges in Bengal.
Seek divine blessings at the sprawling ISKCON temple, pay your respects at Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, and meditate in the prayer halls of the Gopi Gaudiya Math. For a dash of history, head towards the town’s fringes and marvel at the citadel-like mound called Bhalla Dhipi – spectacular ruins said to date back to the 12th century. Oh! No trip to Mayapur is complete without setting sail on the Ganges at sunset, and stocking up on colourful handicraft from the local market.
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Explore the Port City of Haldia
Sitting pretty on the banks of the Ganges and cross-stitched by swaying paddy fields, Haldia is an industrial town in Bengal.
Take a drive along the well-maintained Marine Drive, relax by the Ganges, look over the border of Bangladesh on clear days, offer your prayers at the Muktidham Temple, explore the Haldia Dock and Port, and soak in a delightful sunset at Balughata Riverside Sunset Point. The market complexes at Durgachak offer some good deals on clothes, beauty products and other regular items. Oh! And make sure to sample some of the local sweets here – they are delicious!
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Embrace Divinity in the Land of Lord Jagannath – Puri
With the splashing waves of the Bay of Bengal welcoming you to Odisha’s spiritual capital, Puri is a popular weekend getaway from Kolkata.
Start off with an early morning visit to the Jagannath Temple for seeking the Lord’s blessings, partake in the many rituals performed by the devotees, relish lip-smacking temple bhog, and explore the sprawling compound packed with myths and legends. Later, head out to the beach and dip your feet in the clear blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, munch on some spicy beachside snacks and explore the beach market to pick up souvenirs. You can also stock up on signature Odissi clothes and handicrafts from the Swargadwar Market.
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Experience a History-inspired Vacay at Murshidabad
Home to the former nawabs of Bengal and the historic site of 1757’s Battle if Plassey, Murshidabad is a dramatic blend of nawabiyat and colonialism.
Explore the curios displays at the sprawling Hazarduari Palace Museum – said to be the largest museum managed by the ASI, tour the majestic complex of the Hazarduari Palace and its many mosques, and soak in tranquil evenings by the serene Bhagirathi River. And, if you are a fan of architecture, do not miss visiting the colourful Kathgola Bagan Bari – it is a painting-come-alive!
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Discover Bengal’s Terracotta Wealth at Bankura
Popular as the Rarh area of Bengal, Bankura has forever wowed visitors with its red terracotta temples, striking architecture style, brooding brown hills and singing streamlets merging on to the Hooghly River.
Go temple hopping and admire the signature Bengali-style architecture of the Ancient Temple in Baluhara, marvel at the gorgeous twin edifices of Jorbangla and Rasmancha, visit the magnificent Shyam Ray Temple and dance around the lovely gardens of the Nanda Lal Temple. Explore the quaint town of Jayrambati and offer your prayers at the Matrimandir, gaze in wonderment at the engineering marvel of the Mukutmonipur Dam and take up nature hikes in the Jhilimili and Joypur Jungles. Do not forget to buy some terracotta handicrafts here – they are one-of-a-kind!
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