West Bengal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich states in India. You will always find exciting tourist places in West Bengal that fit your mood and budget. From the snow-covered mountains of North Bengal to the quiet beaches of the Bay of Bengal, from dense forests to historical towns, the state offers something special in every corner.
What makes West Bengal special is its diversity. In one state map, you can see the Himalayas, tea gardens, river islands, mangrove forests, beaches, ancient temples, royal palaces, and modern cities—everything in just a few hours’ travel. This is why travellers from all over India come here to explore the best tourist places in West Bengal throughout the year.
In the last, you will learned Where to go from Kolkata for 3 Days with sample guide plans.
Quick List of Tourist Places in West Bengal
- Darjeeling
- Gangasagar
- Sundarbans
- Digha
- Mandarmani
- Murshidabad
- Bishnupur
- Kalimpong
- Dooars
- Shantiniketan
Detailed Guide to Best Tourist Places in West Bengal
1. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is the “Queen of Hills” and one of the most loved tourist places in West Bengal. The cool weather, Himalayan views, toy train ride, and delicious momos make it perfect for family, couples, and friends.
Best Spots: Tiger Hill sunrise, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Tea Gardens
Best Time to Visit: March–June and October–December
Ideal Duration: 3–5 days
Approx Cost: ₹8,000–₹15,000 per person (budget trip)
How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra
- Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- From NJP/Bagdogra → shared jeep or private cab (3 hours)
2. Gangasagar
Gangasagar is a peaceful religious destination where the Ganga River meets the sea. It is one of the most important tourist places in West Bengal for spiritual visits.
Best Spots: Kapil Muni Ashram, Sea Beach, Sagar Island Sunset
Best Time to Visit: October–March
Ideal Duration: 1–2 days
Approx Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000
How to Reach:
- Reach Kakdwip by train/bus → take ferry to Sagar Island → local auto/rikshaw
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3. Sundarbans
The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. If you love nature and adventure, this is one of the best tourist places in West Bengal you cannot miss.
Best Spots: Sajnekhali Watch Tower, Dobanki, Sudhanyakhali, Boat Safari
Best Time to Visit: November–March
Ideal Duration: 2–3 days
Approx Cost: ₹5,000–₹10,000 per person
How to Reach:
- Kolkata → Godkhali by road (3 hours) → boat to Sundarbans
4. Digha
Digha is one of the most pocket-friendly beach destinations for families and groups.
Best Spots: Old Digha, New Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium
Best Time to Visit: September–March
Ideal Duration: 2–3 days
Approx Cost: ₹2,000–₹6,000
How to Reach:
- Direct trains and buses from Kolkata (4–5 hours)
5. Mandarmani
Known for its peaceful long beach and resorts, Mandarmani is perfect for relaxation.
Best Spots: Sea Beach, Sunset Point, Water Activities
Best Time to Visit: October–February
Ideal Duration: 2–3 days
Approx Cost: ₹3,000–₹7,000
How to Reach:
- Kolkata → Mandarmani by road (4 hours)
6. Murshidabad
Murshidabad is a historical treasure and one of the most culturally rich tourist places in West Bengal.
Best Spots: Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid, Kathgola Garden, Motijheel
Best Time to Visit: November–February
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Approx Cost: ₹2,500–₹5,000
How to Reach:
- Trains from Kolkata → 3–4 hours
7. Bishnupur
If you love history, temples, and art, Bishnupur is a must-visit.
Best Spots: Terracotta Temples, Rasmancha, Jorbangla, Handcrafted Baluchari Sarees
Best Time to Visit: October–February
Ideal Duration: 1–2 days
Approx Cost: ₹2,000–₹4,000
How to Reach:
- Kolkata to Bishnupur by train (3 hours)
8. Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a calm hill station with beautiful landscapes and monasteries.
Best Spots: Delo Hill, Durpin Monastery, Cactus Nursery
Best Time to Visit: March–June, October–December
Ideal Duration: 2–3 days
Approx Cost: ₹5,000–₹12,000
How to Reach:
- Bagdogra Airport / NJP railway → cab (2 hours)
9. Dooars
Dream location for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Best Spots: Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara, Chapramari Forest
Best Time to Visit: October–April
Ideal Duration: 3–4 days
Approx Cost: ₹6,000–₹15,000
How to Reach:
- NJP / Hasimara → Jeep safari arrangements available
10. Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan represents Tagore’s culture, art, music, and peaceful surroundings.
Best Spots: Visva Bharati University, Amar Kutir, Khoai Haat
Best Time to Visit: November–February
Ideal Duration: 1–2 days
Approx Cost: ₹1,500–₹4,000
How to Reach:
- Bolpur station from Kolkata (2.5 hours)
What is the Special Attraction of West Bengal?
The biggest attraction of West Bengal is its variety—mountains, beaches, forests, rivers, cultural festivals, delicious food, and heritage sites. Within one state, you can experience almost every type of travel destination. This is what makes the tourist places in West Bengal truly unique compared to other states in India.
Why Is West Bengal Famous for Tourism?
West Bengal is famous for tourism because it offers:
- Affordable trip options
- Unique culture and festivals (Durga Puja, Poush Mela)
- Himalayan adventures and wildlife tourism
- Beautiful beaches for relaxation
- Heritage towns filled with history
With so many amazing tourist places in West Bengal, the state remains a favourite for travellers of all ages.
Which Is the Most Popular Tourist Place?
Darjeeling is the most popular tourist place in the state because of its cool climate, tea gardens, scenic views, and toy train. The Sundarbans, Digha, and Dooars are also among the most visited tourist places in West Bengal.
Where to Go from Kolkata for 3 Days? (With Sample Guide Plans)
If you are planning a short getaway, there are many tourist places in West Bengal that can be explored comfortably within 3 days. Below are simple, budget-friendly sample plans that include attractions, travel routes, ideal timings, and estimated expenses.
A. 3-Day Trip to Digha (Beach Holiday)
Why Visit: Clean beaches, peaceful walks, seafood, sunrise & sunset views
Sample 3-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Start from Kolkata early morning
- Check-in at New Digha
- Visit New Digha Beach & Marine Aquarium
Day 2:
- Early morning at Old Digha Beach
- Explore Amarabati Park
- Evening seafood stalls
Day 3:
- Shopping for cashew nuts, handicrafts
- Return to Kolkata
Approx Budget: ₹3,000–₹6,000 per person
Main Attractions: New Digha Beach, Old Digha Beach, Science Centre, Marine Aquarium
Travel: Train or bus → 4–5 hours
B. 3-Day Trip to Mandarmani (Relaxing Sea Resort Trip)
Why Visit: Long peaceful beach, family-friendly resorts, water sports
Sample 3-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Kolkata → Mandarmani by road
- Check-in at beach resort
- Evening walk & sunset
Day 2:
- Enjoy beach bike ride
- Water sports (banana ride, jet ski)
- Visit Mohona (mouth of river & sea)
Day 3:
- Spend a calm morning at the beach
- Return to Kolkata after lunch
Approx Budget: ₹3,500–₹7,500
Main Attractions: Mandarmani Beach, Mohona, water activities
Travel: Car / bus → 4 hours
C. 3-Day Trip to Shantiniketan (Cultural Weekend Experience)
Why Visit: Tagore’s heritage, art & crafts, nature, peaceful vibe
Sample 3-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Kolkata → Bolpur by train
- Visit Tagore’s Ashram and Museum
- Explore university campus
Day 2:
- Morning at Khoai Haat (weekend market)
- Visit Amar Kutir (handicraft center)
- Evening Baul music performance
Day 3:
- Walk around Sonajhuri Forest
- Return to Kolkata
Approx Budget: ₹2,000–₹4,500
Main Attractions: Visva Bharati, Khoai Haat, Sonajhuri, Amar Kutir
Travel: Train → 2.5 hours
D. 3-Day Trip to Murshidabad (Historical Tour)
Why Visit: Nawabi palaces, architecture, historical stories
Sample 3-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Kolkata → Murshidabad by train
- Visit Hazarduari Palace
- Explore Imambara
Day 2:
- Trip to Katra Masjid
- Visit Motijheel & Kathgola Palace
- Evening river ghat walk
Day 3:
- Try local sweets (chhanar jilipi)
- Return to Kolkata
Approx Budget: ₹2,500–₹5,000
Main Attractions: Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid, Kathgola Garden, Motijheel
Travel: Train → 3–4 hours
E. 3-Day Trip to Dooars (Nature & Wildlife Weekend)
Why Visit: Forest safaris, wildlife sightings, greenery
Sample 3-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Kolkata to NJP (overnight train)
- NJP → Lataguri / Murti
- Visit nearby jungle or riverbank
Day 2:
- Morning: Gorumara Jungle Safari
- Afternoon: Visit Murti river
- Evening tribal dance show (optional)
Day 3:
- Half-day trip to Chapramari Forest
- Return to NJP → back to Kolkata
Approx Budget: ₹6,000–₹12,000
Main Attractions: Gorumara Safari, Jaldapara, Chapramari, Murti River
Travel: Overnight train + local jeep
F. 3-Day Trip to Darjeeling (Quick Hill Escape)
(Possible through night train + next day cab)
Why Visit: Himalayan views, tea gardens, toy train
Sample 3-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Overnight train to NJP → cab to Darjeeling
- Visit Batasia Loop & Mall Road
Day 2:
- Early sunrise at Tiger Hill
- Visit Peace Pagoda & Rock Garden
- Shopping & local food
Day 3:
- Tea Garden visit
- Return to NJP → train to Kolkata
Approx Budget: ₹8,000–₹15,000
Main Attractions: Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Toy Train, Peace Pagoda
Travel: NJP → shared jeep or cab
Conclusion
West Bengal is a perfect travel destination for every type of traveller. Whether you want to explore mountains, beaches, forests, or historical places, the state has endless options. With this guide, you can easily plan your next trip and explore the best tourist places in West Bengal without confusion. From North Bengal to South Bengal, each place carries a story, a flavor, and a beauty that makes your journey unforgettable.
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