Bengal / Department of Tourism
Malda, the ancient pride of of Bengal
Malda was once the hub of Bengal’s flourishing cotton and silk industries
Visit Bishnupur not just for its temples, but for the Heemputul
Heemputul of Bishnupur seems to be enjoying a revival of sorts
A magical cruise through the Sunderbans
Take a two-day boat trip through the world’s largest mangrove forests
Kagey, the village with a view
Kagey is a predominantly agricultural village, where all farming is strictly organic
By Ajanta Sinha
Hetampur – the cultural heritage site of Birbhum
Hetampur is undoubtedly a tourist destination and a history lover’s delightful journey to the past
Shankarpur, the still hidden jewel
This quiet fishing town has come into its own as a tourist destination
Bishnupur Music Festival gears up for another edition
Bengal’s only classical music gharana is alive and well
Across all its properties, the WBTDCL scripted a success story in the latte...
Despite the gloom of 2020, the state’s Tourism Department staged a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the year
Lamahatta, the ‘accidental’ tourist destination
One of the newest entrants on Bengal’s tourism map, Lamahatta is unspoiled and picture perfect
Kolkata Christmas Festival gets underway
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the annual Christmas Festival at Allen Park
A trip to Bagora, a trip to paradise
The little village of Bagora is the highest point in Kurseong, offering unparalleled views across a stunning valley
By Ajanta Sinha
Covid or not, Kolkata will get its Christmas Carnival
Kolkata will end the year on a high with the Park Street Christmas Carnival 2020
Kolkata kicks off the winter with season’s first tourism fair
The Nandan complex has just hosted a tourism fair. Several more are scheduled across various districts
This winter, go places you have never been before
Three rarely frequented destinations in Bengal offer the chance of a perfect getaway
The ‘fair’ season begins in Bengal
Like every year, the state government will organize winter fairs across the districts this year
Business conference on the Hooghly, anyone?
The state tourism department has launched an all new river cruise
Joynagarer Moa-the brand that defines a town
Joynagar is also about stalwarts and an illustrious past
By Shuvra Dey
Where in Bengal peacocks reign? Visit our very own Mayur Mahal
Bask in the glory of colourful plumes
Hospitality and folk culture, Bengal’s perfect recipe for tourists
The next time you stay at a WBTDCL property, you may well be in for a cultural treat
As Darjeeling is set to host tourists again, let us look back at a few lost...
The Darjeeling agitation of 2017 cost the Queen of the Hills a few losses to its heritage
Exploring the forests of Kankrajhore
Off the beaten track, Kankrajhore is a perfect example of everything that embodies Jhargram
The perfect Tibetan monastery in the heart of Kolkata
Very few Kolkatans know about this Buddhist monastery and stupa on a quiet south Kolkata bye-lane
Rishyap, from where you have the best Himalayan view
Unknown until the late 1990s, the little hamlet of Rishyap is today a gem of the mountains
Lepchajagat, the land of golden silence
Not too many tourists visit Lepchajagat, which is what keeps its pristine serenity intact
Connect with a Kolkata you’ve never seen before
The West Bengal Tourism Department is launching a unique tour of Kolkata, taking in some of the city’s most prominent heritage landmarks
Post lockdown, tourism in Bengal tells a story of hope
As the state government's tourism properties reopen, many of them are witnessing a surge in occupancy rates
Kolkata’s iconic Double-Decker buses launched today! Brings Nostalgia bac...
CM Mamata Banerjee flags off this special service
Enjoy a peaceful Puja at Murshidabad, away from the big city
The Bohor Tourism Property at Baharampur offers you a chance to soak in historic
You now have a sweet reason to visit Santiniketan
The West Bengal Tourism Department is promoting signature dishes from all its properties
Spend the Pujas at Bakkhali, without missing out on anjali and bhog
As you travel to Bengal's favourite holiday destinations, take the Puja with you
Durga Puja conducted tours by the Department of Tourism
West Bengal Tourism Department announces its Puja parikrama, 2020
Destination Jhargram, seat of Bengal's 'Rajput Malla' kings
There's much more to Jhargram than its forests, as a weekend trip will tell you
On World Tourism Day, go local with pride
Given the travel bans worldwide owing to the Covid crisis, this year is a great one to explore our own state
Sonajhurir Haat, Santiniketan, reopens its golden doors
One of the star attractions of Santiniketan, Sonajhurir Haat has remained virtually unchanged through the years
Film tourism in Bengal follows the shooting trail to iconic locations
Thanks to a recent initiative by a Kolkata-based company, you can now travel to some of Bengal's most famous shooting locations
Bengal's Pathasathi motels make your road trip even better
This state government initiative has resulted in a series of motels along the state's most travelled highways
Majestic Murshidabad, the capital that the British destroyed
Once one of the grandest cities in the world, Murshidabad still reminds us of its former eminence
As Digha reopens for tourists, a road trip is in order
Now that tourists are once again making their way to Digha, why not book a stay at Dighali?
Light Makers of Chandannagar and legendary Sridhar Das. How illumination ar...
From 6.2 lights to LED
In North Bengal's forests, Aranya waits to welcome you
North Bengal's magnificent forests are only a drive away
Maithon, a rare combination of technology and natural beauty
Maithon was independent India’s first hydel power plant. It is also one of the most beautiful weekend destinations you can find
Vishnu on a playing card, the 'Dashabataar tash' of Bishnupur
A nearly 500-year-old art form of Bengal needs our support to survive
Prakriti Bhavan, a little gem of a museum
Rabindranath Tagore's vision comes alive in this unique museum dedicated to Nature
St. Andrew’s Church, Darjeeling's history cast in stone
Nothing, not even lightning strikes and earthquakes, have been able to diminish the beauty of this Anglican church
Lost in divine lunacy, the Bauls of Santiniketan
Scattered across many parts of West Bengal, Bauls nevertheless have a spiritual home in Santiniketan
Murshidabad’s Kherur Mosque, a vision in terracotta
Though the terracotta temples of Bengal have received greater fame, the state’s terracotta mosques came earlier
Walking among the clouds at Delo
Long known as an attraction near Kalimpong, Delo is carving a niche for itself as an independent destination
The fascinating birds of Kulik Bird Sanctuary
Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary is gradually gaining in popularity
The amazing natural heritage of Jaldapara
Famous for the one-horned rhino, Jaldapara is a treasure trove of other attractions as well
Mukutmanipur, the charm never fades
Mukutmanipur’s reputation as the perfect weekend destination has strengthened over time
Jalbhora Taalshash – the sweet made to dupe a son-in-law!
Still remains a favourite sweet from Bengal
By Shuvra Dey
Celebrating Tagore, and the legacy we have inherited
Rabindranath Tagore’s death anniversary as observed at Santiniketan over the years, seen through the lens of Tanmoy Chatterjee
The unspoilt beauty of the Ayodhya Hills
For sheer natural charm, few destinations can rival Purulia’s Ayodhya Hills
Bengal seeks to improve the homestay experience
Thanks to a revised policy, the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal can now make the homestay tourism even better.
Majestic Himalayan villages of North Bengal open to tourists
Healing hill-rural tourism is the new normal in COVID season
By Bapi Ghosh
Was it the British who named Kolkata’s favourite Mughlai paratha?
How did this delicacy make its way to Bengal
A day before Guru Purnima, let us take a virtual tour of Mogalmari in Benga...
Buddhist site that also acted as a major international trade route
Monsoon Getaways close to Kolkata that are ready to accept tourists post CO...
Head back to nature as life unlocks
Head to Bengal’s Hilsa hotspots this monsoon
From Diamond Harbour to Kolaghat, this year its raining Hilsa
In search of a forgotten zamindari --- Parbatipur near Bolpur is a historic...
Non-descript village steeped in 17th century history
MANGO MANIA! Two historical mango recipes from Bengal
Tracing the historical trail of how mango dishes were popularised
By Shuvra Dey
Bengal’s Dhaniakhali saree and dhoti are going global
Simple, yet comfortable, they are answer to Indian summer
Ramkeli – the Vaishnava heartland of Bengal famous for devotional fair
Where Rup-Sanatan embraced divine blessings
Cook up some Panta Bhaat with a dash of lime and onions this summer
Bengal’s indigenous ‘cool-cool’ dish
Devrali Dara – a dreamy escape on Bengal-Sikkim border
Where birds tweet and temple gongs send a divine charm
Mangolicious tales from Bengal – Kohitoor to Saranga, rare mango breeds o...
Tracing the history of 124 rare varieties of mangoes from Bengal
Algarah – the gateway to the Silk Route still holds on to Lepcha traditio...
Historical hamlet shrouded in clouds and conifers
Wrapped in peace – Kalimpong’s Katherine Memorial Chapel is a Heritage ...
Steeped in history and philanthropy
By Saheli Mitra
Picturesque Trek to Gumba Dara, the new jewel of North Bengal
The eye-catching view-point with a breath-taking experience
For art enthusiasts, Lepcha Museum of Kalimpong is a must visit
Preserving the culture and heritage of an ancient tribe
Wasef Manzil – Enjoy the grandeur of Bengal’s Nawab era
The ‘New Palace’ of Murshidabad, the lesser-known gem
Divine tourism circuit of Bengal – Jairambati and Kamarpukur
Seat of Ramkrishna Paramahamsa and Ma Sarada
This summer do not miss the rare Poppy Seed Fritters of Bankura
Bengal’s Posto Bora can beat any yummy fritter
The famous Sundial of Hooghly Imambara came from Big Ben’s makers of Lond...
Try a half day road trip from Kolkata to this historical site
Samsing – the land of verdant tea gardens and colourful butterflies
Enjoy the bliss of solitude at Samsing
Kolkata’s nearby Bibhutibhushan Abhayaranya --- ideal weekend getaway
Where birds, photographers and ornithologists meet
Get lost with feathered friends at the swamps of Gajoldoba
Birder’s Paradise to be turned into International Tourist hub
Visit the ruins of Dacoit Ratnakar at Gopiballavpur
Did sage Valmiki live amidst the mysterious temple ruins?
Udaipur Beach --- virgin stretch of untamed waves and sand dunes
Best destination for a romantic honeymoon
Enjoy a weekend at more than two-centuries old Danish Tavern
Have a coffee date or just stay by the blissful river
Dance with the waves, sing with the sea at Henry’s Island
Pristine beach destination of Bengal
By Shuvra Dey
How Murshidabad’s new gem Bari Kothi is unlocking the heritage tourism po...
Speaking to the Dudhorias of Azimganj
By Saheli Mitra
Baguran Jalpai – the new virgin beach destination of Bengal
Secluded and un-spoilt, Baguran is paradise on earth
Silence of the graves – Khosh Baag maintained by Siraj’s Begum once upo...
Murshidabad’s lost legacy of a beautiful graveyard
Enjoy a slice of a breath-taking sunrise at Tiffin Dara, Rishop
Hike through the picturesque jungle trail
Dasghara – the Victorian village of Bengal that has terracotta temples
Blend of East and West at its best
Nimak Haram Deori – the gate that scripted end of Bengal’s last Nawab
Bloodbath during Mir Jafar’s reign
Where Eagles Dare – a trip to Eagle’s Crag, highest point of Kurseong
Enjoy the quaint hill-top café
Enjoy a quiet summer on the banks of Reli river in Bidyang
Lose yourself amid livestock farms and orange orchards
Have you heard of a Terracotta Palace! Be at Gour’s Lottan Bai Manzil
Exquisite architecture blended with Bengal’s Terracotta art
Walk along the misty trail to Kalimpong’s Kagyu Thek Chen Ling Monastery
Haven of peace and tranquil charm
Hanseshwari Temple of Bansberia reflects Russian architecture!
Century old temple of Bengal brings the state’s rich heritage forward
Try out a group picnic at Barbotey - The Rock Garden of Ghum
Offbeat destination close to Darjeeling
Doladanga – the new tribal paradise of Bengal
Spend the hues of Spring at the quaint hamlet of Doladanga
Head for a fairy-tale romance in the Land of Castles, Dhanyakuria
English-styled castles and mansions built by Bengal’s traders
Live like a Maharaja at Kalimpong’s ‘Dinajpur House’
Of mist, clouds, Mt Kanchenjungha and royal charm
Far from the madding crowds, the Lepcha village of Charkhole is the new hot...
Do not miss the panoramic view of Mt Kanchenjungha
107 delegates from 37 countries joined Destination 2020
An International Tourism Buyer-Seller Meet in Kolkata
Connect to silence of the hills at Kalimpong’s Tharpa Choling Monaste...
Enjoy one of the best views of Kanchenjungha
Enjoy scientific feats in the backdrop of the Himalayas at Kalimpong Scienc...
From 3D dinosaurs to science workshops!
On Christmas Eve attend a special mass at the first Roman Catholic Church o...
St Patrick’s Church – the Irish Catholic shrine of Dumdum
This Christmas travel to Chinsurah and discover Bengal’s Dutch connec...
Look out for the oldest grave in the Dutch cemetery
This Christmas participate in a special prayer mass at The Bandel Basilica ...
Thriving Portuguese town that received Bengali name from ‘Bondor’
Greek Orthodox Church of Kolkata still bears testimony to the city’s ...
From Grecian shores to Kolkata’s Murgihatta
Land of Tamang tribe, Darjeeling’s Tamang Gaon still retains a libera...
Where clouds enter your homestay
This Christmas if you are heading to St John’s Church do not miss fam...
The church of Kolkata that houses a priceless painting of Zoffany
This winter savour Bengal’s date palm jaggery through famous Joynagar...
Seasonal sweet of Bengal, famous worldwide!
Enjoy a gurgling Mal River at Bengal’s Toonbari
Perfect getaway for an adventure loving trekker
By Shuvra Dey
Escape Kolkata’s pollution and be at Chhibo over a weekend getaway
The lazy virgin hamlet near Kalimpong
This winter enjoy some lost Pithe recipes of Bengal
Delicacy that is intrinsic to Bengal’s own brand of desserts
Calling all lovebirds! Be at Peshoke’s Lover’s Meet
Where Rangeet and Teesta meet in an eternal confluence
Almost century-old Barua’s Cakes of Bow Barracks! Try out this Christ...
Not to miss the Chhena Pora Cakes
Meet the family with a Baghdad connect! All roads lead to Nahoum’s th...
A look at when and how this iconic New Market shop started
Play a game of hide-and-seek like Nawabs at Malda’s Lukochuri Gate
Ancient gate of Bengal’s Gaur kingdom
Wish to see a Portuguese village in the heart of Bengal? Visit Mirpur
Band of ‘Portuguese-Bengalis’ will welcome you this Christmas
Bengal’s Tea Tourism gets a big revenue boost: State Government eases...
Rule Rejig for Allied Tea Tourism Industry
Vidhyang – Lesser-known Jewel of North Bengal
If you love adventure, you must be at Vidhyang this winter
Midnapur’s famous sweet Babarsa might have got its name from Mughal E...
On the trail of a famous heritage sweet of Bengal
Wish to be part of the oldest domestic Kali Pujo of Bengal?
Then be at the Bandopadhay residence of Somnagar
This winter be at second oldest tea estate and highest tea factory of the w...
GB takes you on a trek to Happy Valley Tea Estate
Tarun Niketan, the century-old pice hotel near Rashbehari
Established in 1915, the hotel still serves meals at throwaway prices
Royal Panchkot Durga Puja where even Gauhar Jaan had performed
Month long musical Durga Puja at the Royal Panchkot Thakurdalan
Around 450-year-old Haldarbari Pujo of North Kolkata
Famous Bonedi Bari pujo with Koshtipathhor idol
Durga Immersion! Watch from a launch at Taki on River Ichhamati
WBTDCL Packages for Dashami Ichhamati immersion
From Tea Bush to Tea Cup – Enjoy Damdim’s Super Tea Trail!
Far from the madding crowds, serene nature and experience awaits!
Enjoy a Kolbalish hug at West Bengal Tourism hotels
Romancing Bangaliana, enjoying with the side pillow
Bonedi Bari Bakulia House Pujo started by famous Bengali entrepreneur
House of Bishweswar Mookerjee serves a special Panta Bhog
Not to miss the Durga Puja conducted by Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa ...
Be at Janbazar’s Rani Rashmoni household
Bengal learnt kite flying from Nawab Wajid Ali Shah!
Fly your kites high today and remember the historical tale
Kulik Bird Sanctuary is the largest Heronry of India!
Next time you are in North Bengal, drop in at this birder’s paradise
Hungry Calcuttans love gorging on crispies at century old Dilkhusha Cabin ...
110 year old eatery where poet Nazrul Islam frequented
Tracing the history of Bengal’s famous sweet Chom Chom!
Unique sweet, that has an interesting brown appearance
Walk through the exquisite Rose Garden of Kathgola Palace
Pray at the quiet temples within the palace ground before a 900-year-old idol
Not Cinderella’s carriage, Kolkata has its own old-world horse carria...
Exclusive video on horse carriages that ply around Victoria Memorial
Enjoy romantic Santiniketan this monsoon
Not just land of Tagore, it is also an abode of peace complete with natural beauty
By Aparupa Basu
Dariyapur – the Dokra Village of Bengal that holds on to a 5,000-year...
Do not miss this photo-story on Dokra craftsmen of Bengal
By Santanu Paul
Sleepy hamlet of Mongpu still preserves Rabindranath Tagore’s dreams ...
Not to miss more-than-a-century old Cinchona factory
Rajabhatkhawa, the gateway to Buxa Tiger Reserve has a rich history
Not to miss the museum and orchid garden!
Dance, acting and songs – Malda’s Gombhira is three-in-one pack...
One of the oldest folk dances of Bengal in praise of Lord Shiva
Enjoy Bengal’s tribal life at Jhargram’s Tribal Museum
Drop in for a taste of tribal dance, music and food
Birder’s Paradise, Coochbehar’s Rashikbil is a haven for feathe...
Pack your cameras and head to exotic and quaint Rashikbil
250-year-old Dhatridebata; novelist Tarashankar Bandopadhyay’s house ...
Restored house will have a museum. Do not miss this gem of Labhpur!
Try a typical Bengali breakfast at 250-year-old Adi Haridas Modak
Bangaliyana on a Kolapata – luchi and kochuri to die for
Want a healthy holiday? Visit Tinchuley, the organic village of Bengal
From breathtaking mountain views to organic food
By Urvashi Basu
Do not miss the Grand Canyon of Bengal!
Gangani – where river Silabati makes deep gorges like Colorado of USA
By Saheli Mitra
If you are a history-heritage addict, do not miss Bengal’s Andul Rajb...
185-year-old grand palace of Howrah
This Hilsa season try some lip-smacking Ilish recipe
Bengal’s kochu and hilsa go so well! Like fire on ice!
Hook! Line! Sinker! Try some Mahseer fishing in Teesta
The angling destination of Bengal where you get the prized Golden Mahseer
By Saheli Mitra
Century-old telebhaja shop of Kolkata that was Netaji’s favourite
Lakshmi Narayan Shaw & Sons still distributes free telebhaja on his birthday
250-year-old Silver Rath of Murshidabad
Bengal’s famous businessman Jagat Sheth’s connection with this Rath
Howrah’s Deulti is all about author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya
Quaint village along Rupnarayan throws open Sarat Chandra’s memories
Bankim Chandra’s Devi Chaudhurani still alive in a Jalpaiguri Temple
Devi Chadhurani and Bhabani Pathak might have led the Sanyasi Movement
Almost century old Basanta Cabin of College street holds on to its charm
An eatery loved by Uttam Kumar and Basanta Chowdhury
Bengal’s eye of the needle – Kantha fabric art
From bedspread to ashon, Kantha has a universal appeal
Morgan House, the Ivy laced charming mansion of Kalimpong
One of the best WBTDC properties of Bengal
By Saheli Mitra
Biswa Bangla Restaurant: Kolkata’s world-class food hangout
Get an unforgettable view of 300-year-old Kolkata from the top
Sip that exotic cuppa and enjoy the lush Makaibari Tea Estate
The Estate of Kurseong that produces the world’s most expensive tea
Ninety plus, still running. Anadi Cabin’s Mughlai Paratha
The old-world charm of this cabin restaurant still holds true
If you are a Haleem addict, do not miss the Fishy Iftar this year!
Fish and Iftar? Zakaria Street opens up to a new food choice
Enjoy a heady tribal dance and nature’s splendour at Kankrajhor
The new travel destination near Jhargram
This Eid do not miss Royal’s Biriyani
The biriyani joint of Kolkata that started more than a century ago
If you are tired of the Hills, head to Birder’s Paradise Latpanchar
Watch the rare Great Hornbill amidst Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
By Aparupa Basu
Walk with red crabs at Bankiput – the serene beach of Bengal
This summer enjoy the tranquil charm of the shoreline
Buxa Tiger Reserve is about wildlife, fort and blue hills
Will the tigers return to Buxa?
By Saheli Mitra
The palace in Murshidabad where Satyajit Ray shot Jalshaghar!
On his birthday, let’s visit Nimtita Palace
When a saree tells a tale -- on a Baluchari trail
Bishnupur’s weavers script history on a six-yard wonder
By Saheli Mitra
Margaret’s Deck – exclusive tea-lounge of Kurseong
Sip on that hot cuppa while sitting within a tea estate!
By Saheli Mitra
Bakarkhani made by Murshid Quli Khan’s general immortalizes lost love...
Tale of love scripted on a flat bread
Did you know Emperor Akbar started Bengali New Year Calendar?
How was the Poila Baisakh calendar different?
This summer do not miss the 100-year-old sharbat joint of Kolkata
Paramount was once a meeting place for revolutionaries
Kantha – The intricately embroidered quilt of Bengal
Do not miss a visit to the Kantha Museum of Kolkata
What Flury’s is to Kolkata, Glenary’s is to Darjeeling
Yummy pastries that whip up childhood memories
Bengal is fast catching up on Tea Tourism
Sourenee Tea Estate of Darjeeling is one such upscale destination
Basanta Utsav of Santiniketan was started by Tagore’s ‘Shomi&rs...
The festival of colours that attract tourists from across the globe
More than 70-year-old Sabir’s restaurant and Kolkata Rezala!
Did you know Hazi Ali Sabir first cooked the Kolkata Rezala?
Classical maestros perform at the Bishnupur Music Festival
Bring to life the oldest classical gharana of Bengal
West Bengal Tourism Department awarded at the national level
Mangrove Forests of Sunderbans are the ‘Most Iconic Landscape’
Spirit of yuletide at Kolkata Christmas Carnival
Do not miss one of the largest Christmas Carnivals of India
Bengal’s tourism festivals in districts prove to be a big hit!
An umbrella where all converged and made it a success
India’s first integrated tourism hub comes up at Gajoldoba
Bhorer Alo – the mega-tourism hub of North Bengal
West Bengal has potential of a new Buddhist Tourist Circuit
Travel India 2019 brings forth Bengal’s link with Buddhism
Bishnupur Festival being launched with greater grandeur this year
Bengal government revives lost glory and heritage of Bishnupur Gharana