The state of West Bengal is rich in history, culture and heritage. If you ever plan to visit the Eastern side of India, make sure to explore every bit of this diversely populated state, home to people from various ethno-linguistic groups. West Bengal will leave you spellbound with its magnificent landscapes, splendid architecture and welcoming people. Read further to know about the 20 best tourist places in West Bengal, when to visit and how to reach them.

The state of West Bengal has hidden treasures scattered around every nook and corner. To discover these treasures, you have to take some time out and explore. There are numerous locations which are a must-visit if you plan on unveiling these priceless gems.

Below you will find the 20 best tourist places in West Bengal, which you must cover in order to discover the gems:

1. Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and one of the four metropolitan cities of India. It has a strong hold on politics, culture and economy of the country. Despite the prevailing aspect of modernisation, Kolkata has successfully maintained its charm and beauty.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Expenses: ₹13,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 days
• Places to Visit: Howrah Bridge, Eco Park, Dakhshineshwar Temple, Indian Museum
• Things to Do: Shopping, taking part in festivities, indulging in Bengali cuisines
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

2. Darjeeling

Widely known as 'Queen of the Hills', Darjeeling will be your perfect option to get away for a few days to escape the mundaneness of daily life. It offers a colourful view of nature. You can also spot Mount Kanchenjunga if the sky remains clear. The six T’s that Darjeeling is known by are- Tea, Toy Train, Teak Forests, Tiger Hill, Touristic View and Trekker's paradise.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June
• Average Expenses: ₹8,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 Days
• Places to Visit: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Ghum Monastery, Peace Pagoda, Batasia Loop
• Things to Do: River rafting, watching the sunrise, exploring
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

3. Sundarban

Sundarban is the world's largest known delta system. It came into existence because of three mighty rivers, Ganga, Meghna and Brahmaputra. Certain parts of Sundarban still remain unexplored. It is home to wide stretches of mangrove forest. Sundarban is also famous for its Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as the Tiger Reserve and National Park.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Expenses: ₹4,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Mangrove Eco Garden
• Things to Do: Boat safari, Bird Watching, Exploration, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

4. Siliguri

Siliguri is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal. On visiting, you will come across the most breathtaking view of the snow-clad Himalayan Range. There are various attractions that invite tourists from across the globe!

• Best Time to Visit: January to February
• Average Expenses: ₹7,000 per person for one night and two days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1-2 days
• Places to Visit: ISKCON Temple, Hongkong Market, Salugara Monastery
• Things to Do: Shopping, Jungle Safari, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

5. Mirik

The weather, ease of access and amazing sceneries are the few reasons why Mirik has become quite a popular destination among tourists. Its distance from Darjeeling is about 49 km. Even Mt. Kanchenjunga is visible from here. The sunrises and sunsets are bliss to experience.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June
• Average Expenses: ₹9500 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 days
• Places to Visit: Sumendu Lake, Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery, Tingling View Pont, Haamro Ghar
• Things to Do: Boating, Horse Riding, Fish feeding, Exploring
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

6. Digha

Located about 187 km Southwest of Kolkata, Digha is one of the favourite sea resorts of any tourist visiting Kolkata. It is not too crowded and has a shallow sand beach. The waves, too, are gentle and calming. When you reach there, just get in the waves and you will feel amazing.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Average Expenses: ₹8,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Wonderland Kajal Dighi, Amarabati Park, Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre
• Things to Do: Photography, Shopping, Walking on the Beach
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

7. Dooars

Situated in Northeast India, Dooars is a part of the foothills of the eastern Himalayan Range. The name has been derived from "duar", meaning door. There you will find 18 gateways through which Bhutanese people communicate with people living here. It has several sanctuaries and national parks that serve as a great tourist spot.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Average Expenses: ₹8,300 per person for three nights and four days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 days
• Places to Visit: Chapramari Wild Sanctuary, Chilapata Forest, Gorumara National Park
• Things to Do: Exploring the wildlife sanctuaries, Photography, Relaxing
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

8. Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a quaint hill station that boasts of old churches, Buddhist monasteries and quite a few remarkable temples. Situated at the northern edge of West Bengal, it is just 53 km from Darjeeling. It has beautiful scenic beauty and a refreshing aura that will surely make you feel rested and energised.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to December
• Average Expenses: ₹6,500 per person for two nights and three days
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Pine View Nursery, Deolo Hill, Kalimpong Science Centre, Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang Monastery
• Things to Do: Exploring, Shopping, Resting
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

9. Murshidabad

Located on the eastern bank of Bhagirathi river, Murshidabad holds great historical significance, as it was the capital during the rule of the Mughals. There are several tourist spots that you must visit during your stay here to know more about its culture, history and people.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Expenses: ₹5,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Nizamat Imambara, Katra Mosque, Hazaarduari Palace, Khushbagh
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

10. Kurseong

No matter when you visit Kurseong, you will always be welcomed by a pleasant climate. The name Kurseong is derived from Kharsang meaning the Land of White orchids. This beautiful town is about 47 km from Siliguri and 30 km from Darjeeling; so even if you are just passing by, do pay a quick visit to soak up the fresh air and leave feeling fresh and energised.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May
• Average Expenses: ₹6,000 per person for one night and two days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Castleton Tea Estate, Bagora Chimney Villages, Eagle’s Crag, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum
• Things to Do: Explore, Click Pictures, Relax
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

11. Nabadwip

Nabadwip is the birthplace of the great religious leader, Chaitanya Mahapravu. On visiting, you will find yourself among the scattered forests of pomegranate trees and orchards of several kinds of fruits, including mango, bael and jackfruit. The roads will lead you to quaint villages steeped in religious tradition.

• Best Time to Visit: October to November and February to March
• Average Expenses: ₹4,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Shonar Gauranga Temple, Sri Mahaprabhu Temple, Radharani Temple
• Things to Do: Visit temples, Experience the culture
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

12. Durgapur

Well known for its beautiful gardens, Durgapur is a well-structured city. It has large complexes, shopping malls, restaurants, branded showrooms, bars and many such urban spaces to explore. There are also multiple delicacies to taste from this part of Bengal.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Average Expenses: ₹700 per night (Include Hotel)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Durgapur Barrage, Junction Mall, Anand Amusement Park
• Things to Do: Explore, Shopping, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

13. Haldia

There are multiple places to visit in Haldia. The drive of modernisation has truly transformed the city into a prosperous industrial spot which attracts thousands of tourists from all across the globe.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Average Expenses: ₹15,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 day
• Places to Visit: Marine Drive, Mahishadal Rajbari, Haldi Dock and Port
• Things to Do: Explore, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

14. Santiniketan

Located in the Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal, around 200 km northwest of the city of Kolkata, Shantiniketan was established by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore. Even to this day, Shantiniketan follows the teachings of equality of Rabindranath Tagore.

It is home to students from all over the world. During the span of a year, multiple events take place and festivals are celebrated with an open heart.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Average Expenses: ₹8,300 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 day
• Places to Visit: Chhatimtala, Rabindra Bhavana, Khoai Sonajhuri Forest, Amar Kutir
• Things to Do: Explore, Photography, Learn about the history and heritage of the place
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

15. Raichak

Raichak is an absolute treat for anyone looking for a quick weekend getaway. This is a small town offering a spectacular view of the river Ganges. It has a peaceful atmosphere that will surely make you feel calm and collected.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Expenses: ₹13,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Diamond Harbour, Joynagar, Gadiara, Chingrihkali Fort
• Things to Do: Explore, Relax, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

16. Bakkhali

Bakkhali is a deltaic island located in the southern part of Bengal. It has an 8 km long beach which is not too crowded. Hence, if you plan to enjoy a day or two spending time by the beach, try walking by the shore and spending some alone time. Bakkhali will surely be one of the best places to visit in West Bengal.

• Best Time to Visit: October and March
• Average Expenses: ₹10,000 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1-2 days
• Places to Visit: Henry’s Island, Bakkhali Beach, Sagar Island
• Things to Do: Explore, Shopping, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

17. Lataguri

The main attraction of Lataguri is its location, which is the entry point of Gorumara Park. Given the number of tourist places all surrounding Lataguri, it becomes the best place to settle for travelling to other places from this location. Even though it is a small village, it offers quite a scenic pleasure to anyone visiting here.

• Best Time to Visit: December to February
• Average Expenses: ₹9,000 per person for three nights and four days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Lepchakka Village, Mongpong, Gorumara National Park
• Things to Do: Indulging in local cuisines, Photography, Exploring
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

18. Bankura

As a tourist, if you ever get a chance to visit Bankura, do not let it pass. This place is widely known for terracotta temples. You will also come across multiple temples, rivers, hills and dense forests. The arts and cultural history of this place are unique as well.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Expenses: ₹7,500 per person for two nights and three days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Biharinath Hill, Joypur jungle, Sri Sri Matri Mandir, Susunia Hills
• Things to Do: Photography, Explore, Relax
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

19. Bishnupur

On arriving in Bishnupur, you will witness a place of culture and heritage. Include this serene location as a sweet spot on your visit to West Bengal. You will not regret the experience or the natural warmth that this place has to offer.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Expenses: ₹2,500 per person for  one night and two days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Rasmancha, Jorbhangla Temple, Mrinmoyee Temple, Shyam Rai Temple
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road

20. Cooch Behar

The weather in Cooch Behar is mostly pleasant. There are several large water bodies where you can spot migratory birds that arrive during specific seasons. Other than this, there are also multiple temples that you can visit to offer prayers.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Average Expenses: ₹10,000 per person for two nights and three days
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• Places to Visit: Keshob Ashram and Brahmo Mandir, Gosanimari Rajput, Sal Bagan, Cooch Behar Palace
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, Photography
• How to Reach: Via rail, air, and road