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West Bengal
West Bengal is one of the most culturally and ethnically divers states of India. The people of West Bengal inherit their identity and aspiration from the larger Indian mosaic and from civilizations beyond the shore. Different ethnicity, religion, languages and culture adds to this rich landscape and unifies the people instead of separating them.
Right from the mighty Himalayas in the north to the sea-caressed beaches in the south, it is a wonderful journey over the vardant plains, hilly terrains, forests and the wonderful mangrove forests - the Sunderbans. It is also a wonder-filled journey through the rich cultural treasures of the state.
At the time of Partition, Bengal was split into East and West Bengal. East Bengal became the eastern wing of Pakistan and later, with the disintegration of that country, Bangladesh. West Bengal became a state of India with Kolkata as its capital. The state is ling and narrow, running from the delta of the Ganges River system at the Bay of Bengal in the south to the heights of the Himalaya at Darjeeling in the north.
There is not a great deal of interest in the state apart from these two extremes Kolkata, with its bewildering maelstrom of noise, culture, confusion and squalor at one end and Darjeeling, serene and peaceful, at the other.
Outside these two centers the intrepid traveler will find a number of places to consider visiting, either south of Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal or north along the route to Darjeeling. Few foreign tourists visit the ruined mosques of Malda, the palaces of Murshidabad, the temples of Vishnupur of the Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary. If you do, the friendly Bengalis will make you feel all the more welcome for being an exception to the rule.
History
Bengal finds a coveted place even in pre-historic times. At the time of Alexander's invasion a powerful king called Gangaridai ruled over Bengal Ascendancy of the Guptas and the Mauryas had little effect on Bengal. Later Sasanka became King of Bengal and is said to have played an important role in north-eastern India in the early half of the seventh century. He was succeed by Gopala, who founded the Plaa dynasty which ruled for centuries and had created a huge empire. The Pllas were followed by the Sena dynasty which was ended by Muslim rulers from Delhi. Various Muslim rulers and governors till the Mugahal period in 16th century ruled Bengal.
After the Mugahls, history of modern Bengal begins with the advent of European and English trading companies. the Battle of Plassey in 1775 changed the course of history when the English first gained a strong foothold in Bengal and India. In 1905 it was partitioned to achieve some political returns but people's growing movement under the auspices of the congress Party led to the reunion in 1911. This triggered of the hectic movement for freedom which culminated with Independence in 1947 and partition.
After 1947, the merger of native settlement began which ended with its final reorganization in 1956 when some Bengali speaking areas of a neighboring state were transferred to west Bengal.
Right from the mighty Himalayas in the north to the sea-caressed beaches in the south, it is a wonderful journey over the vardant plains, hilly terrains, forests and the wonderful mangrove forests - the Sunderbans. It is also a wonder-filled journey through the rich cultural treasures of the state.
At the time of Partition, Bengal was split into East and West Bengal. East Bengal became the eastern wing of Pakistan and later, with the disintegration of that country, Bangladesh. West Bengal became a state of India with Kolkata as its capital. The state is ling and narrow, running from the delta of the Ganges River system at the Bay of Bengal in the south to the heights of the Himalaya at Darjeeling in the north.
There is not a great deal of interest in the state apart from these two extremes Kolkata, with its bewildering maelstrom of noise, culture, confusion and squalor at one end and Darjeeling, serene and peaceful, at the other.
Outside these two centers the intrepid traveler will find a number of places to consider visiting, either south of Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal or north along the route to Darjeeling. Few foreign tourists visit the ruined mosques of Malda, the palaces of Murshidabad, the temples of Vishnupur of the Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary. If you do, the friendly Bengalis will make you feel all the more welcome for being an exception to the rule.
History
Bengal finds a coveted place even in pre-historic times. At the time of Alexander's invasion a powerful king called Gangaridai ruled over Bengal Ascendancy of the Guptas and the Mauryas had little effect on Bengal. Later Sasanka became King of Bengal and is said to have played an important role in north-eastern India in the early half of the seventh century. He was succeed by Gopala, who founded the Plaa dynasty which ruled for centuries and had created a huge empire. The Pllas were followed by the Sena dynasty which was ended by Muslim rulers from Delhi. Various Muslim rulers and governors till the Mugahal period in 16th century ruled Bengal.
After the Mugahls, history of modern Bengal begins with the advent of European and English trading companies. the Battle of Plassey in 1775 changed the course of history when the English first gained a strong foothold in Bengal and India. In 1905 it was partitioned to achieve some political returns but people's growing movement under the auspices of the congress Party led to the reunion in 1911. This triggered of the hectic movement for freedom which culminated with Independence in 1947 and partition.
After 1947, the merger of native settlement began which ended with its final reorganization in 1956 when some Bengali speaking areas of a neighboring state were transferred to west Bengal.
| Capital | : | Kolkata |
| District Area | : | 88,752 km square (34,267 sq mi) |
| Altitude | : | 1250 meters above the sea level |
| Sex Ratio | : | 934 females : 1000 males |
| Literacy | : | 69.22% |
| Best time to visit | : | October to March |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 45°C Max. Winter: 15°C Min. |
| Climate | : | Tropical |
| Rainfall | : | 175 cm per year |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Cottons Winter: Woolens |
| Local Languages | : | English, Bengali |
| Religion | : | Hindu |
Darjeeling
A small town situated in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, Its verdant hills and valleys are steeped in colour, and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. Perching over at 8586 metres, Mt. Khanchenjunga is looming over the northern ho riz on. Darjeeling lies at an altitude of 2,134 metres. Mostly considered as “THE QUEEN OF HILLS”, is the jewel in the crown of the East Himalayas. A land blessed with innumerable bounties of nature, which made the place an avid destination for nature lovers, trekkers and holidayers . The famous tea gardens, Toy train , which has been awarded Heritage Status, by the UNESCO. Lebong the highest race course in this world, the numerous Buddhist Monasteries and Temples make the place, very unique as a hill station.
Read More..
Kalimpong
A calm & quiet hill station situated at an altitude of 1,250 metres is to the east of Darjeeling Town. This small hill station is scattered over an area of 10.6 sq. km. Nestling in the lush green mid ranges of the Himalayas, this hill station of "the Raj", has an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks. This exotic town of beautiful people, mystical and enchanting, with a rare ethnic blend of hill people, has a tradition of hospitality from the days of the mule caravans of old. It was ruled by Bhutan for 155 years, and was annexed by the British only in 1865 after Anglo-Bhutan war, after which it flourished as a centre of wool trade with Tibet.
Read More..
Kolkata
The erstwhile Calcutta or Dominique Lapiers "City of Joy" is believed to have formed out of 3 villages namely Sutanati, Gobindapur and Kolikata on the east bank of river Hoogly. The vibrant city of the Eastern India was the first capital of colonial India and basks with colonial heritage. Kolkata is the birthplace of Indian renaissance and the cradle of spiritualism, intellect, art and culture. The attraction of Kolkata lies in its colonial boulevard and buildings. The famous Victoria Memorial built in 1921AD on the line of the famous Taj in memory of Queen Victoria, Raj Bhavan (House of Governor) built in 1803 AD houses wonderful collection of architecture and rare collection of arts, Town Hall built in 1813AD in Doric style, Indian Museum dated back to 1877AD, Fort William (the massive fort) built in 1773AD, Ochterlony Monument built in 1828 AD (renamed Shahid Minar in 1969 AD), GPO built in 111874, Marble Palace built in 1840, Writer's Building, National Library and so many. One can still enjoy a pleasant ride on aging Tram near Maidan (vast field) or can have a ride past the city heart on Tomtom Cart (horse driven cart).A visit to the college square will give a traveler an insight into the cultural and literal pulse of the city, a visit to Coffee house is a must.
Read More..
Dooars
To the North stand the Eastern Himalayas , as a natural backdrop. A vast texture of dense forests teeming with wild, unending tea gardens, babbling rivers, interspersed with sleepy or busy settlements, constitute a fascinating tourist destination--the Dooars , where nature has kept her doors wide open. Derived from the word ‘door', the Dooars Valley also forms a gateway to the Hill Stations of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam and the entire North East. The Dooars valley is specially noted for its Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuaries and Gorumara National Park . These forests are abounding in fascinating diversity of Flora & Faunas. Varieties of rare plants & orchids are resounded with echoes of birds and wild animals make it a veritable paradise for lovers of Nature & Eco tourism.
Coochbehar
The one of the planned modern town of India after Jaipur is the cultural center of North Bengal. The town still now represents the old flavour of erstwhile princely state of Coochbehar. The Palace built as a replica of Berkingham Palace of England , is the resemblance the might & authority of the prince of the state. The town has also several temples of them the Madanmohan Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, symbolizes love and oneness. The Sagardighi is also a place that has added to the charm of the town.
Sunderbans
The largest mangrove forest of the world is the paradise of the lovers of Nature and Eco-Tourism. The region got its name from SUNDARI trees. The mangrove forests is the home of world famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Deltic crocodiles, dolphins, olive ridley, checkered killback, gangetic gharial, giant turtle and avifauna population which consists several migratory birds, heron, egret, cormorant, sandpiper, curlew and many more. Situated on the lower tip of the Gangetic West Bengal, Sunderbans comprises of 54 tiny islands, criss-crossed by innumerable tributaries of River Ganga and creeks and backwaters. The total area of 9630sq.km is the paradise of Honey seekers, prawn and crab catchers and fishermen. Sunderbans has been declared as a biosphere reserve and awarded world heritage status, by UNESCO in 1997.
Shantineketan
With palm tree setting land of red soils, a place of cultural pride of Bengal , on a rural setting with a fond memory of Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is a land of art & literature. This place forms a part of Birbhum District of West Bengal . One can see the reminiscence of Rabindranath's work scattered all over the nooks and corners of Shantiniketan. One will be enthralled to see the various collections of Rabindranath's used items in the Museum. The famous Chatim Tree on the compound of the Pathabhavan takes one through the time tunnel to the days when Rabindranath first visited the place, with his father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. The Shishmahal (House of Glass) is the place where the Prayers are held. The collection of Banyan trees at a corner of the compound is equally famous for the Teen Pahar (Hill), it is the place where Rabindranath's famous poem “Kumor parar garur gari” a famous rhyme was written. Apart from that from that we also saw the age old Bell at Ghanti Ghar. Sriniketan and Amar Kutir on the outskirts of Shantiniketan, is worth visiting. These places will give one an idea of the rural Bengal. Shantiniketan is a place of cultural bounties, various village melas (fair), cultural festivals, rituals are very common in this place.
A small town situated in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, Its verdant hills and valleys are steeped in colour, and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. Perching over at 8586 metres, Mt. Khanchenjunga is looming over the northern ho riz on. Darjeeling lies at an altitude of 2,134 metres. Mostly considered as “THE QUEEN OF HILLS”, is the jewel in the crown of the East Himalayas. A land blessed with innumerable bounties of nature, which made the place an avid destination for nature lovers, trekkers and holidayers . The famous tea gardens, Toy train , which has been awarded Heritage Status, by the UNESCO. Lebong the highest race course in this world, the numerous Buddhist Monasteries and Temples make the place, very unique as a hill station.
Read More..
Kalimpong
A calm & quiet hill station situated at an altitude of 1,250 metres is to the east of Darjeeling Town. This small hill station is scattered over an area of 10.6 sq. km. Nestling in the lush green mid ranges of the Himalayas, this hill station of "the Raj", has an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks. This exotic town of beautiful people, mystical and enchanting, with a rare ethnic blend of hill people, has a tradition of hospitality from the days of the mule caravans of old. It was ruled by Bhutan for 155 years, and was annexed by the British only in 1865 after Anglo-Bhutan war, after which it flourished as a centre of wool trade with Tibet.
Read More..
Kolkata
The erstwhile Calcutta or Dominique Lapiers "City of Joy" is believed to have formed out of 3 villages namely Sutanati, Gobindapur and Kolikata on the east bank of river Hoogly. The vibrant city of the Eastern India was the first capital of colonial India and basks with colonial heritage. Kolkata is the birthplace of Indian renaissance and the cradle of spiritualism, intellect, art and culture. The attraction of Kolkata lies in its colonial boulevard and buildings. The famous Victoria Memorial built in 1921AD on the line of the famous Taj in memory of Queen Victoria, Raj Bhavan (House of Governor) built in 1803 AD houses wonderful collection of architecture and rare collection of arts, Town Hall built in 1813AD in Doric style, Indian Museum dated back to 1877AD, Fort William (the massive fort) built in 1773AD, Ochterlony Monument built in 1828 AD (renamed Shahid Minar in 1969 AD), GPO built in 111874, Marble Palace built in 1840, Writer's Building, National Library and so many. One can still enjoy a pleasant ride on aging Tram near Maidan (vast field) or can have a ride past the city heart on Tomtom Cart (horse driven cart).A visit to the college square will give a traveler an insight into the cultural and literal pulse of the city, a visit to Coffee house is a must.
Read More..
Dooars
To the North stand the Eastern Himalayas , as a natural backdrop. A vast texture of dense forests teeming with wild, unending tea gardens, babbling rivers, interspersed with sleepy or busy settlements, constitute a fascinating tourist destination--the Dooars , where nature has kept her doors wide open. Derived from the word ‘door', the Dooars Valley also forms a gateway to the Hill Stations of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam and the entire North East. The Dooars valley is specially noted for its Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuaries and Gorumara National Park . These forests are abounding in fascinating diversity of Flora & Faunas. Varieties of rare plants & orchids are resounded with echoes of birds and wild animals make it a veritable paradise for lovers of Nature & Eco tourism.
Coochbehar
The one of the planned modern town of India after Jaipur is the cultural center of North Bengal. The town still now represents the old flavour of erstwhile princely state of Coochbehar. The Palace built as a replica of Berkingham Palace of England , is the resemblance the might & authority of the prince of the state. The town has also several temples of them the Madanmohan Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, symbolizes love and oneness. The Sagardighi is also a place that has added to the charm of the town.
Sunderbans
The largest mangrove forest of the world is the paradise of the lovers of Nature and Eco-Tourism. The region got its name from SUNDARI trees. The mangrove forests is the home of world famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Deltic crocodiles, dolphins, olive ridley, checkered killback, gangetic gharial, giant turtle and avifauna population which consists several migratory birds, heron, egret, cormorant, sandpiper, curlew and many more. Situated on the lower tip of the Gangetic West Bengal, Sunderbans comprises of 54 tiny islands, criss-crossed by innumerable tributaries of River Ganga and creeks and backwaters. The total area of 9630sq.km is the paradise of Honey seekers, prawn and crab catchers and fishermen. Sunderbans has been declared as a biosphere reserve and awarded world heritage status, by UNESCO in 1997.
Shantineketan
With palm tree setting land of red soils, a place of cultural pride of Bengal , on a rural setting with a fond memory of Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is a land of art & literature. This place forms a part of Birbhum District of West Bengal . One can see the reminiscence of Rabindranath's work scattered all over the nooks and corners of Shantiniketan. One will be enthralled to see the various collections of Rabindranath's used items in the Museum. The famous Chatim Tree on the compound of the Pathabhavan takes one through the time tunnel to the days when Rabindranath first visited the place, with his father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. The Shishmahal (House of Glass) is the place where the Prayers are held. The collection of Banyan trees at a corner of the compound is equally famous for the Teen Pahar (Hill), it is the place where Rabindranath's famous poem “Kumor parar garur gari” a famous rhyme was written. Apart from that from that we also saw the age old Bell at Ghanti Ghar. Sriniketan and Amar Kutir on the outskirts of Shantiniketan, is worth visiting. These places will give one an idea of the rural Bengal. Shantiniketan is a place of cultural bounties, various village melas (fair), cultural festivals, rituals are very common in this place.
Fairs & Festivals
Gangasagar Mela
The largest fair of the State, Gangasagar Mela is a three-day event held in mid-January, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, at Sagar Dwip. Lakhs of pilgrims come for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.
Kenduli Mela
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti (mid-January) another fair is held at Kenduli in the district of Birbhum. The Mela draws the largest number of Bauls, the wandering minstrels of Bengal.
Jalpesh Mela
On the occasion of Sivaratri (February - March), a month-long fair is held at Jalpesh near Mainaguri in the district of Jalpaiguri. The fair centres round the age-old Siva temple dedicated to Lord Jalpeswara.
Vasanta Utsav
With the onset of spring, Holi is celebrated all throughout India. At Santiniketan in the district of Birbhum, it is Vasanta Utsav (March). Students of the Visva Bharati University welcome the season of colours through songs and dances, throwing abir and spraying liquid dyes at each other.
Naba Barsho
The Bengali year starts from the first Baisakh (mid-April). It is an occasion for celebration to the Bengalees in general and tradesmen in particular. New clothes, fresh flowers, offerings at temples, people visiting decorated shops mark the day.
Rathayatra
Rathayatra (June-July) at Mahesh near Serampore is a week-long festival. People throng to have a share in pulling the long ropes attached to the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra on the journey from the temple and back.
Jhapan
All over the Western part of the state, a festival is held in the honour of the serpent-deity Manasa on the last day of the Bengali month Sravana (mid-August). But the most spectacular is the one held at Vishnupur in the district of Bankura, with its shows of live snakes on open platforms.
Bera Utsav
Every year on the last Thursday of the Bengali month of Bhadra mid-September), Bera Utsav is held at Lalbagh on the river Bhagirathi near the palace of the Nawabs. Fireworks of various size and colour add to the gaiety of the festival.
Durga Puja & Deepavali
The largest Bengali festival is Durga Puja, held in the Bengali month of Aswin (October). Images of the ten-armed goddess are worshipped in ancient houses and at pandals, erected specially for the Puja. After the four-day ceremony, the images are immersed in the river. Durgapuja is the most important festival in the city of Calcutta.
The festival that follows is Deepavali, the festival of lights. The worship of goddess Kali is marked by display of fireworks and crackers.
Rash Mela
On the occasion of Rashyatra (November), a fair is held at Cooch Behar in North Bengal. The month-long fair is one of the most important fairs in the area.
Jagaddhatri Puja
Goddess Jagaddhatri is worshipped in the Bengali month of Kartick (November). At Chandannagar near Calcutta imagesof the goddess are tall, pandals spectacular and the illumination unique. in fact, the illumination part is the most attractive feature here.
Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival
Held in a series at Darjeeling, the Dooars and in Sikkim, the Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival is celebrated with a view to promote tourism in this region as a composite tourist destination, with its bounties in tea, timber and tourism. The festival is held every year in November - December.
Poush Mela
Between the 7th and 9th of Poush (end-December). Poush Mela is held at Santiniketan in the district of Birbhum. Of the many seasonal festivals celebrated at Santiniketan, this is perhaps the most important, with cultural programmes consisting of folk music & dance, folk theatre and Baul songs.
Vishnupur Festival
In the temple town of Vishnupur a festival is organised every year between 27 and 31 December. Characterised by exhibition and sale of local handicrafts and performance of the rich musical tradition that Vishnupur boasts, this is an immensely popular festival.
Gangasagar Mela
The largest fair of the State, Gangasagar Mela is a three-day event held in mid-January, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, at Sagar Dwip. Lakhs of pilgrims come for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.
Kenduli Mela
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti (mid-January) another fair is held at Kenduli in the district of Birbhum. The Mela draws the largest number of Bauls, the wandering minstrels of Bengal.
Jalpesh Mela
On the occasion of Sivaratri (February - March), a month-long fair is held at Jalpesh near Mainaguri in the district of Jalpaiguri. The fair centres round the age-old Siva temple dedicated to Lord Jalpeswara.
Vasanta Utsav
With the onset of spring, Holi is celebrated all throughout India. At Santiniketan in the district of Birbhum, it is Vasanta Utsav (March). Students of the Visva Bharati University welcome the season of colours through songs and dances, throwing abir and spraying liquid dyes at each other.
Naba Barsho
The Bengali year starts from the first Baisakh (mid-April). It is an occasion for celebration to the Bengalees in general and tradesmen in particular. New clothes, fresh flowers, offerings at temples, people visiting decorated shops mark the day.
Rathayatra
Rathayatra (June-July) at Mahesh near Serampore is a week-long festival. People throng to have a share in pulling the long ropes attached to the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra on the journey from the temple and back.
Jhapan
All over the Western part of the state, a festival is held in the honour of the serpent-deity Manasa on the last day of the Bengali month Sravana (mid-August). But the most spectacular is the one held at Vishnupur in the district of Bankura, with its shows of live snakes on open platforms.
Bera Utsav
Every year on the last Thursday of the Bengali month of Bhadra mid-September), Bera Utsav is held at Lalbagh on the river Bhagirathi near the palace of the Nawabs. Fireworks of various size and colour add to the gaiety of the festival.
Durga Puja & Deepavali
The largest Bengali festival is Durga Puja, held in the Bengali month of Aswin (October). Images of the ten-armed goddess are worshipped in ancient houses and at pandals, erected specially for the Puja. After the four-day ceremony, the images are immersed in the river. Durgapuja is the most important festival in the city of Calcutta.
The festival that follows is Deepavali, the festival of lights. The worship of goddess Kali is marked by display of fireworks and crackers.
Rash Mela
On the occasion of Rashyatra (November), a fair is held at Cooch Behar in North Bengal. The month-long fair is one of the most important fairs in the area.
Jagaddhatri Puja
Goddess Jagaddhatri is worshipped in the Bengali month of Kartick (November). At Chandannagar near Calcutta imagesof the goddess are tall, pandals spectacular and the illumination unique. in fact, the illumination part is the most attractive feature here.
Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival
Held in a series at Darjeeling, the Dooars and in Sikkim, the Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival is celebrated with a view to promote tourism in this region as a composite tourist destination, with its bounties in tea, timber and tourism. The festival is held every year in November - December.
Poush Mela
Between the 7th and 9th of Poush (end-December). Poush Mela is held at Santiniketan in the district of Birbhum. Of the many seasonal festivals celebrated at Santiniketan, this is perhaps the most important, with cultural programmes consisting of folk music & dance, folk theatre and Baul songs.
Vishnupur Festival
In the temple town of Vishnupur a festival is organised every year between 27 and 31 December. Characterised by exhibition and sale of local handicrafts and performance of the rich musical tradition that Vishnupur boasts, this is an immensely popular festival.
West Bengal's climate is transitional between tropical wet-dry in the southern portions and humid subtropical in the north. Throughout West Bengal there is a pronounced seasonal disparity in rainfall. For example, Kolkata averages about 64 inches (1,625 mm) per year, of which an average of 13 inches (330 mm) falls in August and less than 1 inch (25 mm) in December. The state also is subject to considerable variability from year to year. In the sub-Himalayan region, rainfall is considerably greater.
The year may be broadly divided into three marked seasons—the hot and dry season (March to early June), with dry sultry days and frequent thunderstorms; the hot and wet season (mid-June to September), when rain-bearing monsoon winds blow from the southwest; and the cold (cool) season (October to February), when days are dry and clear and stable atmospheric conditions prevail. Average high temperatures at Kolkata range from about 80 °F (27 °C) in December and January to nearly 100 °F (38 °C) in April and May.
The year may be broadly divided into three marked seasons—the hot and dry season (March to early June), with dry sultry days and frequent thunderstorms; the hot and wet season (mid-June to September), when rain-bearing monsoon winds blow from the southwest; and the cold (cool) season (October to February), when days are dry and clear and stable atmospheric conditions prevail. Average high temperatures at Kolkata range from about 80 °F (27 °C) in December and January to nearly 100 °F (38 °C) in April and May.
By Air:
West Bengal is very well connected with the national and international air network. The international (Netaji Subhash International Airport) and domestic airports of Calcutta are at Dumdum, located 15 km from the city center. The Bagdogra airport at Siliguri connects the state with places in and around the state. Three more airports, namely, Balurghat, Coochbehar and Malda also operate scheduled domestic flights.
By Railway:
West Bengal runs a major railway network that connects the rest of the country. Kharagpur railway station has the longest railway platform in India. Moreover, the Howrah railway station is one of the most accessed railway heads in India. New Jalpaiguri railhead connects the rest of the country to Darjeeling by toy trains.
By Road:
West Bengal is also well connected by means of national as well as state highways with major places of interest in and around the state. The state transport corporation runs regular buses connecting these places. There are also private tour operators that provide luxury coaches to access the nearby places of importance.
West Bengal is very well connected with the national and international air network. The international (Netaji Subhash International Airport) and domestic airports of Calcutta are at Dumdum, located 15 km from the city center. The Bagdogra airport at Siliguri connects the state with places in and around the state. Three more airports, namely, Balurghat, Coochbehar and Malda also operate scheduled domestic flights.
By Railway:
West Bengal runs a major railway network that connects the rest of the country. Kharagpur railway station has the longest railway platform in India. Moreover, the Howrah railway station is one of the most accessed railway heads in India. New Jalpaiguri railhead connects the rest of the country to Darjeeling by toy trains.
By Road:
West Bengal is also well connected by means of national as well as state highways with major places of interest in and around the state. The state transport corporation runs regular buses connecting these places. There are also private tour operators that provide luxury coaches to access the nearby places of importance.