7 Most Beautiful Cities In West Bengal

 The eastern Indian state of West Bengal is known for its vast fertile plains drained by the tributaries of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers. The state also has a coastline to the south and the lofty peaks of the Himalayas to the north. Its Sundarbans mangrove forest is the largest of its kind in the world. West Bengal is also called the cultural hub of the country with its Rabindrasangeet, folk songs and dances, and more. Thus, it is no wonder that the state hosts several beautiful cities as well that attract tourists from not only India but also from other parts of the globe. Here are the seven most beautiful cities in West Bengal:

Kolkata 

Kolkata on the banks of the Hoogly River.

Of course, Kolkata, the state capital, finds a mention on this list. Steeped in history, this city on the banks of the Hoogly River is remarkable for many reasons. It is a major cultural hub with numerous art galleries, theaters, museums, music halls, and more strewn across the city. It was home to historical figures like Netaji and Tagore and India's former colonial capital city. The confluence of faiths is easily visible here in the numerous religious buildings, including temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, Jain temples, Chinese temples, and more, dotting the city. This city's street food is unforgettable, and so are the strolls by the vast green spaces like the Maidan. This city has a great lot to offer to anyone visiting this place.

Darjeeling

View of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas from Darjeeling.

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas at an elevation of around 2,045 m, Darjeeling sits pretty as West Bengal's most popular hill station. Always bustling with tourists, the Darjeeling Mall is the town's most happening place. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the Mall houses numerous boutique restaurants, antique shops, and souvenir stalls. With its numerous accommodations to fit all kinds of budgets, Darjeeling welcomes all kinds of tourists, from backpackers to luxury-seekers. The city offers truly awe-inspiring views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks on a clear day. Numerous sightseeing options in and around the city, like monasteries, museums, nature walks, tea estates, etc., increase the allure of this beautiful city of West Bengal.

Digha

Beachside scene in Digha.

West Bengal's prime location for those in love with the sea, Digha, is a resort town along the Bay of Bengal, around five hours drive from Kolkata. Like Darjeeling, this town remains full of tourists all through the year. Numerous hotels and resorts are spread across it where people from across the state and outside it come for a relaxing beach getaway. The warm waters here, plenty of sunshine, lots of good seafood, and a wide array of stay options make Digha one of the state's most visited places.

Bishnupur

Beautiful terracotta temples in Bishnupur. 

This quaint temple city of West Bengal is unlike any other. Scattered throughout the city are exceedingly beautiful temples made of terracotta amidst patches of wilderness. These temples were built by the Malla rulers who ruled in the 17th and 18th centuries, with Bishnupur as their capital. Being Vaishnavites, many of these temples are dedicated to the Hindu deity Krishna. The terracotta carvings on the walls and facades of these temples remind us of the excellent craftsmanship skills of those who built these temples. They also tell stories of the yore- tales of kings and kingdoms, princes and princesses, and life as it was in ancient Bengal.

Malbazar

A river flowing near Malbazar. Image credit: Rajdwip Chowdhury via Wikimedia Commons

For nature lovers, Malbazar is one of the best towns in West Bengal. Although the town itself does not host any major attractions, it is surrounded by some breathtaking locations for both wildlife watching and spending time in the heart of nature. Malbazar serves as the gateway to the state's prime wildlife locations like Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Reserve Forest. One can also go up the nearby hills to view some stunning sunsets and sunrises in Jhalong, Bindu, Samsing, and others. Malbazar itself houses a government tourist house ensheathed in greenery that can serve as the base for traveling to all the mentioned destinations.

Murshidabad

An erstwhile zamindar's mansion in Murshidabad and the location of a popular Tollywood movie.

A city with grand palaces, mausoleums, mosques, temples, and more, Murshidabad is indeed beautiful for its many architectural marvels drenched in history. As the former seat of the Nawab of Bengal, Murshidabad witnessed several important historical events. Its downfall was demarcated when Nawab Siraj-ud Daulah lost to the British at the infamous Battle of Plassey. Today, the city is a tourist magnet attracting visitors with its unique ancient charm and architectural splendor. 

Kalimpong

A colonial-era cottage in Kalimpong.

Another hill station in West Bengal, Kalimpong, sits in the Himalayas at an elevation of 1,250 m. This beautiful town is known for its many charming colonial-era cottages and bungalows, now turned into boutique hotels. There are also many tourist spots in and around Kalimpong, including monasteries, museums, viewpoints, and local eateries serving mouthwatering momos and other delicacies.

These seven cities in West Bengal come with their own charm and attractions that make them truly beautiful. The state also has numerous other cities that have more to offer should one want to explore and unravel more about the fascinating culture, history, and nature of Bengal.