What Is West Bengal Famous for? Top 36 Popular Places & Things

West Bengal is famous for being a county with rich diversity. Located in the eastern part of India, it is home to different civilisations and has a vast historical significance. Hence, tourists have taken an interest in visiting West Bengal to visit different places and experiencing its rich and exuberant culture.

Are you willing to know more about what West Bengal is famous for? Find out more about it in this article.

Knowing about the famous places in West Bengal while visiting this country is essential. Here is a list of some popular tourist destinations.

1. Kolkata

Kolkata is West Bengal's capital and the largest metropolitan city in India. It is an ancient city with a rich cultural background and diverse ethnicity  that wins the hearts of tourists. The streets here are vivid and chaotic, brimming with creativity and full of life. Some popular tourist destinations include Howrah Bridge, Jorasanko Thakurbari, Victoria Memorial, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and others.

2. Darjeeling

It is one of the most preferred hill stations for a quick vacation in West Bengal. Here, you can enjoy beautiful lush greenery, snow-clad mountains, and stunning views of the Himalayas. Singalila National Park, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill and Observatory Hill are some popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling.

3. Bankura

Bankura has gained popularity for its historical significance and artworks in the west of West Bengal. It is mainly known for being the Temple City, as it houses multiple temples and religious sites. Tourists enjoy the spiritual experience in this area. Some of the buildings and architecture here are from ancient India. Popular destinations in Bankura include Biharinath Hill, Susunia Hills, Mukutmanipur Dam, Rasmancha and Garh Darwaja.

4. Midnapore

Medinipur, also known as Midnapur, is located west of the Medinipur district. It is a famous pilgrimage centre, mainly home to multiple ancient temples and mosques. It is also the home town of several freedom fighters who contributed to the Indian independence from colonial rule. Various monuments have been built here in their memories. Some famous destinations include Jora Masjid, John’s Church, Kali Temple and Chandrakona.

5. Siliguri

It is a picturesque location that attracts tourists throughout the year. As it is close to Darjeeling, Siliguri can help you get stunning views of the Himalayas on sunny days. Here, you can witness thick forests on the foothills and tea gardens on lush green valleys.

Moreover, with its international airport, Siliguri attracts tourists for being closely situated near the most popular hill stations of West Bengal. Apart from that, you should check out the Chilapata Forests, Salugara Monastery and Coronation Bridge while visiting here.

6. Murshidabad

Located on the banks of the River Bhagirathi, Murshidabad can be considered a popular place in West Bengal. Its origin dates back to pre-historic times, increasing this area's historical significance. It used to be the capital of West Bengal before the British rulers decided to shift the capital to Kolkata. Nevertheless, some popular tourist destinations include the Hazarduari Palace Museum, Imambara, Wasef Manzil, Jalangi River and Nasipur Palace.

7. Hooghly

It is another popular tourist destination, mainly known for the natural beauty of the Hooghly River. Most people consider it a sacred area, as Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sarada Devi have resided here for a long time. Moreover, you will find Portuguese, French and Dutch influences in the art and architecture in this region, which shows its historical significance. You can consider visiting places like Chandannagar Museum, Bhadreswar, Tarakeshwar Temple and Hooghly Imambara.

8. Kalimpong

While listing the famous tourist places in West Bengal, you can consider Kalimpong. It is a popular hill station with an altitude of about 1250m. One of the best things here is the view of the Himalayas and the overall natural beauty. You will find beautiful hills and orchids surrounding this area. Moreover, Kalimpong is famous for its traditional handicrafts, which can be great souvenirs. A few popular tourist spots include Deolo Hill, Dr Graham’s Home, Kalimpong Cactus Nursery and Pine View Nursery.

9. Kamarpukur

This is a village located in the Hooghly district. It is known for its ancient elements and temples. Here, you get to witness the spiritual past and culture of India. It is the home town of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, which makes it scary in the eyes of most followers and devotees. You can check out some popular destinations like the Jairambati Math, Mukundapur Temple, Yogi Shiva Temple, Gopeshwar Temple and Matri Mandir here.

10. Bishnupur

If you plan to explore some ancient temples from the 15th century, Bishnupur in West Bengal can be just the right spot. Apart from that, this area also houses India's ancient art and culture from the Malla rulers. Their paintings and music are widely popular in Bishnupur. The temples also represent stunning architecture. Here, you should visit the most popular spots, which include the Jorebangla Temple, Rasmancha, Pancha Ratna Temple and Gate of Old Fort.

11. Jalpaiguri

Located in north Bengal, Jalpaiguri has an excellent topographical advantage. Tourists flock to this region, aiming to enjoy the beauty of nature.. Moreover, this place is less crowded, which helps you enjoy a secluded and peaceful holiday. Some popular places include the Gorumara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve and Mendabari Fort.

12. Malda

This is another beautiful tourist destination in the confluence of River Mahananda and Kalindi. Like those discussed above, Malda also has its fair share in Indian history, housing a vast timeline from Pre-colonial Nawabs to the East Indian Company. Moreover, the city is also known for its mango orchards.

Apart from mangoes, you can also find good-quality silk and jute items here. Tourists prefer visiting Bara Sona Mosque, Dakhil Darwaza, Lattan Mosque and Firoz Minar Tomb here.

13. Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar is a popular district in Jalpaiguri. With the Indo-Bangladesh border to its west, Cooch Behar maintains a rich history and culture. You will find strong Mughal influences in its architecture and street styles. Apart from the stunning ancient monuments, this place is also famous for its huge water bodies. A few important destinations include Cooch Behar Palace, Chilapata Forest Range, Rasik Bil and Madan Mohan Bari.

14. Sundarbans

If you ever wonder what Bengal is famous for, you must consider its abundance of flora and fauna, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger. Sundarbans is a popular tourist spot known for its Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve, which are homes to such tigers. Moreover, it has the biggest mangrove forests in the world. The Sundarbans National Park is a part of this delta, which extends to Bangladesh and is home to a variety of birds and animal species.

15. Digha

Regarding tourism, Digha is the cheapest and most convenient beach station for a short holiday in West Bengal. The magnificent beach with golden sands allows you to enjoy stunning sunset views and go for a swim in the calm sea. Moreover, the religious temples and research centres here also constitute attractive spots for the entertainment of tourists. Although New Digha Beach and Udaipur Beach are the most common ones here, you can also visit the Marine Station to learn about zoology.

16. Dooars

Dooars is a pretty area located in the floodplains of North-East India around Bhutan. It starts from the river Teesta in the East and continues to the river Sankosh in the west. The name “Dooars'' comes from “door”, as Dooars is like a gateway to Bhutan. With the Himalayan mountain range in the background, this city is surrounded by popular hill stations like Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Siliguri, etc.

17. Kurseong

This is another popular tourist spot known as the "Land of White Orchids". It is a small hill station near Darjeeling and has gained popularity for its stunning mountain views, waterfalls and Buddhist gompas. As the monsoon runs all year, you will find an abundance of flora and fauna here. Tourists usually fall in love with this hill station because of its tea gardens, lush green forests and snow-clad mountains.

18. Santiniketan

Located in Birbhum, Santiniketan attracts tourists for being a place curated by Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore started a small school here with the ideas of co-education and self-dependence. Tourists are drawn to this place every year on Tagore’s birthday, during the Holi festival and in winter for a fair called “Poush Mela”. You can also find a beautiful forest with a marketplace called "Sonajhurir Hat”.

19. Bakkhali

Bakkhali is a small beach town on the coast of West Bengal. It is a perfect getaway from the hustles of the city, with a quiet beach and secluded roads. You can enjoy stunning sunset views from this beach. Moreover, you can enjoy boat rides and visit different islands here.

There are multiple wind farms here, and tourists prefer cycle rides on well-maintained roads. Apart from the beach, some popular spots include Henry's Island, Jamby Dweep, Fraserganj Wind Park, and others.

20. Lolegaon

This is another popular hill station in West Bengal, located in close proximity to Siliguri and Darjeeling. Lava and Lolegaon are twin villages attracting tourists with snow-capped mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries. The natural beauty here is wild and unexplored, making it perfect for tourists to witness and photograph. Areas like Rishyap, Lolegaon Viewpoint, Changey Falls la, Neora Valley National Park, etc., are popular among tourists.

When considering the famous things in West Bengal, you should know more than just the popular tourist destinations. Here are some additional things that have contributed to the fame and popularity of West Bengal across the world.

21. Bengali Food

West Bengal has generated popularity with many food items, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Fish is considered a primary item for non-veg dishes, some popular ones being Hilsa, Koi and Tilapia fish. Apart from that, dishes like Luchi-Alur Dom, Kolkata Biryani, Bhetki Macher Paturi and Kosha Mangsho are popular among tourists. Bhaat-maach is also a common regular dish, which means rice with fish.

22. Street Food & Dessert

Street food is again one of the most famous things in West Bengal. The street and alleys are filled with small food stalls offering delicious fast food items like egg rolls, puchka, momos, chowmein, dosa, tikka rolls, vada pav, etc. Apart from that, Bengali sweets are known across the globe. Desserts like rasgulla, sandesh and gulab jamun are world-famous among tourists.

23. China Town

While talking about food, the name of China Town is worth mentioning. Kolkata has been close to China in terms of cultural similarities and geographical presence. There are many Chinese Indian citizens living here, and a majority of them are present in China Town in Kolkata. Here, you will find lip-smacking Indi-Chinese food items. Some of the popular dishes include Chicken Siu Mau, Spring Rolls, Chicken Satay, Fried Chicken, Steamed Momos, etc.

24. Literature

Bengali literature has made a mark over the years. Kolkata is home to the world's first non-euro Nobel Prize laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. Apart from that, Bengali literature has created wonders with notable authors like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay. Later, modern authors like Sunil Gangopadhyay, Buddhadev Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, and others joined the tradition.

25. Football

Even though India is known for its love for cricket, West Bengal has had an inclination towards football for a long time. It started in the 19th century when a single team competed as Bengal. Later in 1972, it broke into two teams, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. Kolkata is the home to major football coaching facilities, including Kolkata Football Academy. Moreover, it arranges major football matches and events, which excites tourists.

26. Trams

One of the major highlights of transportation in West Bengal comes in the form of trams. These are unique kinds of public transport, operating on the streets of Kolkata since 1902. These look like mini versions of trains. In Kolkata, these offer the cheapest and most comfortable rides across the city. However, it might be difficult to find one as their usage has recently decreased. Tourists always try to check out this transport system to consider the culture of colonial India.

27. Hand Pulled Rickshaw

This is another unique and ancient form of transport in West Bengal, mainly seen in Kolkata. These are simple rickshaws manually pulled by men instead of a cycle. The best part is that you get to enjoy the city's views and sights while driving. It is also a representation of old and colonial India.

28. Kolkata Metro

One of the first metro services in India, Kolkata metro, does a good job of serving across the city. Its network is exceptional, serving over a million commuters daily. Most people prefer the Kolkata metro over roadways, as it does not involve any traffic. Moreover, there is an app to download a metro pass to avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

29. Eden Gardens

For over 150 years, Eden Gardens has been one of the biggest landmarks in Kolkata. Moreover, this stadium is also a symbol of the history and heritage of India. During the T20 matches, this stadium gets packed with millions of cheering audiences. Most tourists try to check out this destination whenever they visit West Bengal.

30. Museums

West Bengal is filled with multiple museums. It shows the country's historical significance and ability to preserve it for future generations. The most popular one is the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, which includes marble statues of the British Viceroys in colonial India. Another popular one is the Rail Museum in Howrah, which preserves the history of the railway. The Hazarduari Palace Museum, on the other hand, stores royal memories from the era of Queen Elizabeth.

31. Colonial Architecture

India was under British colonial rule for a long time, and Kolkata was the initial capital during this time. So naturally, West Bengal has several colonial architectural signs of brilliance. Some popular structures include the Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata Town Hall, High Court of Calcutta and Belvedere Estate. In addition, various other such architectures all around the state show clear influence from the British era.

32. Bridges

Another popularity of West Bengal comes from some of its most comprehensive and exceptional bridges. Four bridges are built simply to cross the large and beautiful Hooghly River. The Howrah Bridge is possibly the most remarkable one. Additionally, it spans over 1500 feet serving thousands of people and vehicles daily. Other noteworthy bridges include Vivekanand, Vidyasagar and Nivedita. These always attract tourists with their engineering brilliance and stunning views.

33. Terracotta Items

Terracotta art has grown specifically in the rural regions of West Bengal. However, its popularity among tourists has made it equally accessible even in urban areas. The traditional handicrafts from terracotta include clay pots, statues, and idols. These hand-made gifts and mementoes can be great souvenirs when visiting West Bengal. Moreover, they uphold this country's culture, making it a popular item for storing in the art collection.

34. Bamboo & Jute Handicrafts

The rural areas of West Bengal are rich in various forms of art and handicraft. Bamboo and jute items are some of the popular ones. Here, you will find exquisite jute furniture, decorative pieces, hats and bags in some traditional fairs and festivals aside from the traditional markets. On the other hand, bamboo art is more popular in Cooch Behar. Items like Shital Pati (mat made from bamboo), baskets and flutes are commonly available here.

35. Royal Calcutta Golf Club

It is one of the most prestigious clubs in West Bengal. Located in the posh Tollygunge area of the city, this century-old institution offers golf lessons from professional golf players. Apart from the classes, this club attracts the attention of tourists with its fine dining options and stunning colonial architecture.

36. Darjeeling Tea

It is another thing that makes West Bengal famous. Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station comprising multiple tea gardens and estates. The tea is prepared from Camellia sinensis var. Sinensis, which primarily grows in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. This tea grows in the Himalayas' foothills, making it the highest-elevation-produced tea worldwide. Therefore, most tourists try to purchase Darjeeling tea when visiting this place.

Hopefully, now you know what West Bengal is famous for. Multiple factors are making it popular among tourists and residents. While it has various tourist spots with scenic beauty, West Bengal is also famous for its delicious cuisine and various handicrafts. Tourists should check out these things when visiting West Bengal to get a full idea of it.