WEST BENGAL
TRAVEL GUIDE
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OVERVIEW
I was born in the ‘City of Joy’, and have watched travellers arrive wide-eyed and leave heavy-hearted. Not from exhaustion, but from the ache of having to say goodbye. West Bengal tourism is not about ticking boxes; it’s about letting Bengal bathe you in its culture.
Who is this guide for? Best for solo travellers on a budget who want to move beyond the postcard sights. I have walked these streets alone at midnight, eaten at stalls that do not have names, and taken trains that do not have reserved seats. If you trust the chaos, it will trust you back.
Getting to West Bengal
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata is the main international gateway, with direct flights from London, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, and major Asian hubs . Domestic connections are excellent. Hourly flights from Delhi (2 hours) and Mumbai (2.5 hours).
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) near Siliguri serves the Darjeeling hills, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
For budget travellers, booking 2-3 months in advance can secure return flights from Europe for under ₹40,000.
By Train: This is my preferred way to enter West Bengal, and it’s an experience in itself. Howrah Junction and Sealdah Station are Kolkata’s two mega-terminals, connected to every corner of India.
Key routes to know:
- Delhi to Kolkata: Howrah Rajdhani (17 hours), several overnight express trains
- Mumbai to Kolkata: Duronto Express (28 hours)
- Chennai to Kolkata: Coromandel Express (26 hours)
- Bangalore to Kolkata: Smriti Express (32 hours)
- For hill stations, take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – the gateway to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim. From NJP, it’s a 3-hour toy train ride or 2-hour taxi to Darjeeling.
Pro tip: Book train tickets on IRCTC at least 60 days in advance, especially during peak season (October-February) when waiting lists can stretch beyond 100.
Best Time to Visit West Bengal
As a local my favourite season is the winters! The air starts getting nippy from November and remains chilly from December till end of March. I would never suggest any traveller to visit during summers because humidity reaches a staggering 98%. And although monsoon feels romantic, the humidity post a shower only gets worse.
Towards end of September and beginning of October when its’s time for Durga Puja, the weather takes a pleasant turn.
Local Food & Drinks in West Bengal
Street Food (Kolkata Specialties) like Puchka, Kathi Roll, Telebhaja. Iconic Bengali Dishes like Machher Jhol (Fish Curry), Shorshe Ilish, Kosha Mangsho, Bengali Thali and sweets that’ll leave you craving for more – Sandesh, Mishti Doi and Rosogolla. And you cannot miss the authentic Chinese cuisine you get in Kolkata that people hardly talk about! But only from the old, authentic Chinese joints.
Types of Transportation in West Bengal
- Metro: The oldest underground railway in India. Cheap (₹5-30), fast, and air-conditioned. Blue Line runs from Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash – covers most tourist spots .
- Buses: Government and private buses go everywhere. Fares from ₹8-40. Women travel free on government buses from June 2026 with the Pink Card scheme .
- App Cabs (Ola/Uber): Reliable and affordable. A 10km ride costs ₹150-250 during normal hours. Surge pricing during rain or rush hour.
- Yellow Taxis: The iconic Ambassador taxis are disappearing. Take one for nostalgia, but negotiate or insist on the meter.
- Trams: Slower than walking, but wonderfully romantic. The Esplanade to Tollygunge route is my favourite for a lazy afternoon.
- Ferry: The Hooghly River ferry from Howrah to Babughat costs ₹10-20 and offers spectacular bridge views .
- Auto-rickshaws / Cycle-rickshaws: Best for short distances (under 3km). Agree on fare beforehand. ₹20-60 for cycle-rickshaws, ₹30-100 for autos.
Things to Remember When Travelling to West Bengal
- Cash is king in small towns: While Kolkata accepts cards and UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe) everywhere, smaller towns and hill stations run on cash. ATMs can run dry during festival weeks.
- Mosquito repellent: Non-negotiable, especially in Kolkata, the Sundarbans, and riverine areas.
- Sundarbans permits: Foreign tourists need to book through registered tour operators for Sundarbans entry. No special permit is required otherwise, but you must follow fixed routes and conservation guidelines.
- Language: Bengali is the state language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning “Dhonnobad” (thank you) goes a long way.
- Festival crowds: During Durga Puja (September-October), Kolkata becomes a human ocean. Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance. The experience is incredible but not for those who dislike crowds.
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes.
- The left hand is considered unclean. Use your right hand for eating, giving money, or accepting items.
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
POSTS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - West Bengal
How many days are enough for West Bengal?
International travellers typically need 10 to 21 days to explore West Bengal comfortably. This allows time for Kolkata (3-4 days), Darjeeling (3-4 days), the Sundarbans (2-3 days), and cultural towns like Shantiniketan (2 days) without rushing . A shorter 7-day trip works well for Kolkata plus one hill station or beach destination.
2. What is West Bengal famous for?
West Bengal is famous for its rich cultural heritage, the Sundarbans mangrove forest (home to the Royal Bengal Tiger), Darjeeling tea gardens, Kolkata’s colonial architecture, Durga Puja (UNESCO-recognised), and its legendary sweets
Is West Bengal safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, with caveats. Kolkata is generally safe, and solo female travellers visit regularly. Stick to well-lit areas after dark, use app cabs instead of late-night public transport, and book accommodation in central, reputable neighbourhoods. Avoid isolated beaches or forest trails alone .
Do I need a visa to visit West Bengal?
International tourists need a valid Indian visa. The e-Visa (available for citizens of over 160 countries) is easiest. Apply online 4-7 days before travel. It’s valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. Most travellers enter through Kolkata airport, where e-Visa clearance takes about 15-30 minutes.
What’s the best time to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in the Sundarbans?
The best time is November to February when the weather is dry and animals come to water channels more frequently. Tiger sightings are never guaranteed, but your chances improve with a 2-night, 3-day boat safari booked through a registered operator.
Is Darjeeling crowded?
Yes, during peak season (March-May and October-November). For a quieter experience, visit in December-February (cold but uncrowded) or try nearby Kalimpong (an hour away), which offers similar mountain views with far fewer tourists
What should I pack for West Bengal?
- For Kolkata (Oct-Mar): Light cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen
- For Kolkata (Apr-Sep): Linen/breathable fabrics, umbrella, mosquito repellent, hat
- For Darjeeling (Oct-Mar): Heavy woollens, gloves, scarf, sturdy walking boots
- For Darjeeling (Apr-Sep): Light jackets, raincoat, layers
- For Sundarbans: Neutral-coloured clothing (greens, browns), insect repellent, hat, binoculars
Is the Darjeeling Toy Train worth it?
Absolutely, but with one caveat. The full journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling takes 7-8 hours. It’s slow, scenic, and unforgettable but if you’re short on time, take the toy train from Darjeeling to Ghum (the highest station in India, 2 km away) for a 30-minute taste of the experience.
What are the must-try foods in Kolkata?
Top of the list: puchka (street-side pani puri), kathi rolls from Kusum Rolls, fish curry (machher jhol), and rasgulla from K.C. Das. For a full Bengali meal on a budget, head to these Pice Hotels. They won’y disappoint. If you want a delicate, upper-class, aesthetic feel then 6 Ballygunge Place or Oh! Calcutta is the place to be.
Can I visit the Sundarbans as a day trip?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. A day trip from Kolkata gives you 3-4 hours on the water—barely enough to reach the core forest area. Stay overnight on a boat or at a Sajnekhali resort for a proper experience (2 days/1 night minimum).