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Travel 10 Sights Not To Miss On Your Trip To West Bengal May 31, 2025 West Bengal is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, deep-rooted history, and artistic brilliance. Whether you’re drawn to the colonial elegance of Kolkata or the misty silence of the Himalayas, here are 10 essential places to visit, with facts and historical highlights to enrich your journey. Subhrajyoti07, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons  1. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Year completed: 1921 Architectural style: Indo-Saracenic Revival (mix of British and Mughal elements) Size: 338 ft long, 228 ft wide, 184 ft high Built in honor of Queen Victoria after her death in 1901, the Victoria Memorial was commissioned by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India. The museum inside holds over 28,000 artifacts, including oil paintings, manuscripts, and rare photographs that document colonial India and Bengal’s history. It took 15 years and over ₹1 crore (huge at the time) to complete! Indrajit Das, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 2. Howrah Bridge, Kolkata Inaugurated: 1943 Length: 705 meters (2,313 feet) Traffic: Carries over 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians daily Originally called the New Howrah Bridge, this engineering marvel was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965 after Rabindranath Tagore. It is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world, built without any nuts and bolts—entirely riveted! The bridge consumes over 26,000 liters of paint during each maintenance cycle. SuvadipSanyal, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 3. Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur Built between: 17th and 18th centuries Main deity: Radha-Krishna Notable temple: Rasmancha (1600 CE) Bishnupur was once the capital of the Malla kings, who were great patrons of art. They used locally sourced laterite and terracotta to build intricately carved temples, especially during a time when stone was scarce in Bengal. The Madan Mohan Temple is considered the pinnacle of Bengal’s terracotta artistry. Syed Sajidul Islam, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 4. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Built: 1879–1881 Length: 88 km (55 miles) UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1999 Nicknamed the Toy Train, it climbs from New Jalpaiguri (100 m) to Darjeeling (2,200 m) using zigzags and loops. It’s one of only a few functioning narrow-gauge railways from the colonial era and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. The iconic Batasia Loop allows the train to negotiate steep elevation while providing a 360° view of the mountains. Joydeep, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 5. Darjeeling Tea Gardens First planted: 1841 by Archibald Campbell Altitude: 600 – 2,000 meters Total estates: ~87 tea gardens Darjeeling produces some of the world’s finest teas, often referred to as the “Champagne of Teas”. The first flush (spring harvest) is especially prized. You can tour tea estates like Happy Valley, Glenburn, and Makaibari, and even taste freshly processed leaves. Darjeeling tea received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2004. Touhid biplob, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 6. Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Size (India side): ~4,200 sq. km UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1987 Species: ~270 bird species, estuarine crocodiles, fishing cats, and the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. The largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, the Sundarbans is intersected by countless rivers and creeks. It’s one of the few places where tigers have adapted to swim and hunt in water. The word “Sundarban” means “beautiful forest”, derived from the Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes), once abundant here. Indrajit Das, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 7. Kumartuli, Kolkata Estimated artisans: Over 400 families Idols made per year: Over 4,000 for Durga Puja alone Kumartuli is the beating artistic heart of Kolkata’s Durga Puja festival. Here, generations of sculptors create clay idols by hand, beginning months in advance. Each idol can take 20–30 days to make and is sculpted from straw, clay, and bamboo. Visit before Durga Puja (August–October) to see the studios in full creative swing. Bodhisattwa, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 8. Shantiniketan Founded by: Rabindranath Tagore Institution established: 1901 (Patha Bhavana), Visva-Bharati University in 1921 Shantiniketan was Tagore’s vision of open-air, holistic education. The university offers degrees in art, music, rural development, and literature. The town is filled with murals, Baul singers, tribal art, and quiet inspiration. Annual festivals like Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav (Holi) turn Shantiniketan into a riot of color and cultural performances. Amitabha Gupta, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 9. Cooch Behar Palace Completed: 1887 Architectural style: Italian Renaissance Total rooms: Over 50 Built by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, this palace was modeled after Buckingham Palace in London. It once housed an elaborate royal court with ballrooms, a billiards room, and a Durbar Hall with a gilded dome. Cooch Behar was one of the few princely states in Bengal during British rule and had a royal family until integration with India in 1949. Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 10. Kalimpong & Kurseong Kalimpong elevation: ~1,250 m Kurseong elevation: ~1,482 m Best time to visit: March–May, September–November These peaceful towns are known for Buddhist monasteries like Zang Dhok Palri Phodang (Kalimpong), colonial-era buildings, and stunning orchid nurseries. They are ideal stops for travelers looking to unwind away from the crowds of Darjeeling. Kurseong is called the “Land of White Orchids”, and Kalimpong once served as a trade hub between India and Tibet.   Final Thoughts West Bengal is not a place you just “visit.” It’s a region you experience through its living heritage, layered history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re boating through mangroves, sipping tea in the hills, or listening to Baul singers under a banyan tree, every moment in Bengal leaves a lasting impression. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Logged in as travellscapes@gmail.com. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Latest Posts All Posts Bengali Cultural Insights Hindi Immersion Language & Linguistics Language Guides Language Resources Learning Tips & Strategies Motivation & Mindset Travel Transportation in Kolkata: Exploring the City of Joy

Travel 10 Sights Not To Miss On Your Trip To Bangladesh May 25, 2025 Often overlooked by travelers, Bangladesh is a land rich in heritage, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient mosques and royal palaces to lush hills and the largest river delta in the world, Bangladesh offers unforgettable places. Here are 10 incredible sights to explore on your next trip to Bangladesh with background info to help you appreciate their full story. Belayet (User:Bellayet), CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons  1. Sixty Dome Mosque (Shaṭ Gombuj Masjid), Bagerhat Built in: 15th century Architect: Khan Jahan Ali UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1985 This massive medieval mosque, also known as the Shat Gombuj Masjid, is the largest of its kind in Bangladesh and a masterpiece of Tughlaq architecture. Despite its name, it actually has 77 low domes supported by 60 stone pillars, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere inside. It was made entirely of baked bricks and has 11 arched doorways, allowing air and light to flow beautifully into the interior. Touhid biplob, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 2. Sundarbans (Bangladesh Side) Size: ~6,000 sq. km (larger than the Indian portion) UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1997 (Bangladesh side) Species: ~400 tigers, estuarine crocodiles, Ganges river dolphins, 300+ bird species The Bangladeshi Sundarbans form the largest mangrove forest in the world. A trip through this wetland wonderland — home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger — is both thrilling and humbling. The forest is interwoven with tidal rivers, creeks, and islands that are only accessible by boat. Visit Kotka or Kochikhali for wildlife watching and dense, untouched mangrove zones. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons 3. Lalbagh Fort, Dhaka Construction started: 1678 by Mughal prince Azam Shah Main features: Tomb of Pari Bibi, Diwan-i-Aam, Lalbagh Mosque Located in Old Dhaka, Lalbagh Fort is an incomplete yet stunning example of Mughal architecture in Bengal. The fort complex combines elegant buildings with landscaped gardens and secret tunnels, telling stories of royal intrigue and Mughal ambitions. A legend says the construction was halted after the death of Pari Bibi, leading to the fort being considered unlucky. Abdulmominbd, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 4. Paharpur – Somapura Mahavihara Built in: 8th century CE By: Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1985 Area covered: ~11 hectares This was once one of the largest Buddhist monasteries south of the Himalayas and a major intellectual hub in the ancient world. The central temple, shaped like a pyramid, is surrounded by monks’ cells and intricately carved terracotta panels. Influences from Paharpur can be seen in Buddhist temple architecture as far as Myanmar and Indonesia. Farruk Ahmed Bhuiyan, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 5. Mahasthangarh, Bogura Earliest remains date back to: 3rd century BCE Historical significance: Ancient city of Pundranagara One of the oldest archaeological sites in Bangladesh, Mahasthangarh was the capital of the Pundra Kingdom and later flourished under Mauryan, Gupta, and Pala rulers. Excavations have revealed ancient fortifications, palaces, and relics. Visit the Govinda Bhita Temple nearby and the on-site museum with coins, terracotta plaques, and sculptures. G.B. G.Son, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 6. Sajek Valley, Rangamati (Chittagong Hill Tracts) Altitude: ~1,800 ft above sea level Nickname: “Roof of Rangamati” Nestled in the hills near the India-Bangladesh border, Sajek Valley offers stunning views, cool breezes, and colorful tribal villages. Clouds float below your feet in the early morning, and the sunsets here are nothing short of magical. Despite its remote appearance, Sajek is only a 2-3 hour drive from Khagrachari and is becoming one of Bangladesh’s most beloved eco-tourism spots. Rossi101, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 7. Sylhet – Jaflong, Ratargul, and Tea Gardens Tea estates in Sylhet: ~150 Ratargul Swamp Forest: One of the few freshwater swamp forests in the world Sylhet, in northeastern Bangladesh, is a land of rolling tea gardens, spiritual shrines, and green hills. Jaflong offers crystal-clear rivers and views of the Indian Meghalaya hills. Ratargul is best explored by boat during monsoon when it’s partially submerged. Visit the Hazrat Shah Jalal Dargah, a major Sufi shrine and pilgrimage site. Dead.rabbit, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 8. Star Mosque (Tara Masjid), Dhaka Built: Originally in the early 18th century, later renovated in the 20th century Style: Mughal architecture with Chinitikri (porcelain tile) mosaic Located in old Dhaka, this small yet exquisite mosque is covered in a mesmerizing white-and-blue star-patterned mosaic. Its five domes and star-studded interiors are especially unique to Bangladesh’s Islamic heritage. It was extensively restored in the 1920s using imported Japanese and English porcelain. Bdruhul, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 9. Ahsan Manzil – The Pink Palace, Dhaka Built in: 1859–1872 Original owner: Nawab Abdul Ghani Style: Indo-Saracenic architecture The former residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka, Ahsan Manzil sits along the Buriganga River and served as the heart of Dhaka’s aristocracy during British rule. Now a museum, it showcases furniture, photos, and royal artifacts from the 19th century. The entire palace was once destroyed by a tornado in 1888 and rebuilt soon after in even greater splendor. Titu Oheduzzaman, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 10. Cox’s Bazar – World’s Longest Natural Sea Beach Length: ~120 km Location: Southeast coast of Bangladesh Best time to visit: November–February Often called the “unofficial tourist capital” of Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar is famed for its endless golden beach, surfing opportunities, and proximity to coral islands like Saint Martin’s. It’s also a gateway to the Inani and Himchari beaches, with quiet, crystal-clear waters. Cox’s Bazar is named after Captain Hiram Cox, a British officer who rehabilitated refugees here in the 18th century.   Final Thoughts Bangladesh is a country of contrasts — from ancient ruins, tea gardens, mystical forests lead to pristine beaches. It’s a place still flying under the radar of global tourism, offering a rich experience to those willing to explore. From spiritual retreats to ecological wonders and historical marvels, Bangladesh rewards the curious with