West Bengal

A land of the born legends like Rabindrnath Tagore, West Bengal is a state wrapped up in heritage and is also well-known for its warm and excellent hospitality. People here are sweet as the famous Bengali sweets. West Bengal is mesmerising, not just in its Durga Puja avatar but also in the hustle and bustle of its everyday living.

What can we say about West Bengal that has not been said before in his praise, honour and glory of this wondrous state?! Birthplace of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the place that is testimony to the humble work of Nobel laureate Mother Teresa. Home of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, Oscar recipient Satyajit Ray, Karmabhumi of Swami Vivekananda and Shree Ramakrishna Paramhansa and numerous others from the field of literature and more. Bengal is the region of the holy river Ganges and the mighty snow-capped mountain Kanchendzonga. The Royal Bengal Tiger in the world's largest Mangrove forest is found here. The revered temples of Goddess Kali, majestic Victoria Memorial, the towering Howrah Bridge, India's first underground Metro Rail, the Mecca of Cricket - the Eden Gardens, world's highest operational Railway Station and longest recorded Railway Platform, all can be found in this amazing land called West Bengal. The dilapidated buildings in some of the prime commercial areas speak volumes about the very core of the city. This can be summed up in terms of that very popular phrase we have all heard of, but can experience only in West Bengal - old world charm.

West Bengal has produced several exemplary individuals, who have by themselves in their own right been instrumental in leading a revolution. Whether litterateurs, national leaders or filmmakers, each of them have been laureates in their own right. Figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterji, lshwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Subhash Chandra Bose, Satyajit Ray, Raja Ram Mohan Roy have played a leading influence in shaping the thought process and the basic cultural fibre of the state at large. There are also several ashrams, universities and museums which dot different parts of the state where one can always find a vast treasury of this past wisdom and philosophy still intact. Some of the must-visit regions in the state include Kolkata, Hooghli, Howrah, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Bardhaman, which are the relatively more popular tourist hotspots in the state.

Kolkata lights up during the festive season of Durga Puja - around September – October every year. This is the best time to visit the city to catch the vibrant frenzy that the sits at the core of the city's pulse. The festive zest that brings the city alive at this time is both overwhelming and all-consuming.

West Bengal has something to offer to every kind of traveller. An avid traveller seeking to be shrouded in the lap of nature can head to the hills and mountains at Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Siliguri or the sea where there are several secluded beaches - Mednipur. A wildlife enthusiast can spend all their time exploring several biodiversity hotspots in and around the Dooars and the mangrove forests at the Sunderbans.

A history enthusiast and an art, literature and culture buff inclined towards heritage sites and monuments will find a bountiful abode in Cooch Behar, Malda and Murshidabad. The spiritually inclined can find beautiful pilgrimage spots in the North 24 Parganas home to the Dakshineshwar Temple and the South 24

Parganas - where the famous Gangasagar lies.

THE AMAZING WILDLIFE:

Wildlife in West Bengal is synonymous with the popular Sunderbans, which are vast tracts of mangrove forests that lie on the delta of the Brahmaputra and the Ganges. These forests are the largest tidal mangrove forests in the world and are known across the globe. Sunderbans have been made famous by the feline species of the white Bengal tiger, which can be spotted roaming through the forests, while taking a special safari tour. A trip here aboard a local cruise will take you to the periphery of the forests where you can spot the tigers, which is definitely once in a lifetime experience.

There are several places in West Bengal which are worth exploring besides the city of joy. Wildlife excursions and birding are popular activities worth exploring at the Dooars and the Kulik Bird Sanctuary at North Dinajpur. Taking photography tours through the thick of the jungles with guided elephant rides here are the best way to learn more about these biodiversity hubs. They are home to several rare species of birds and the one horned rhinoceros.

THE BENGALI CUISINE:

Food is perhaps the USP of the state. BengalI cuisine is rich, In terms of flavours, textures and varieties. Fish reigns as the queen of the cuisine with over a handful of varieties cooked and served during the course of a single meal. You can grab a plateful on a street corner or simply in a restaurant. Whatever you do, fish cannot be ignored. It is woven into the very fabric of every visual you will stumble into eventually, in this aesthetically alluring place.

A plate of fish curry over rice is a staple everywhere in the state. Cooked with slight variations based on the type of fish –freshwater or seawater, the meat is succulent with a burst of flavours. There is a strong mustard essence in most of the cooking in the state, owing to the domination of mustard oil for the preparation of the fish. Rohu, Catla, Rui, Pomfret, Bhetki are popular varieties of fish which are scrumptious. They are cooked in a variation -whether dry or fried for starters, semi-dry, or anywhere between thick to runny with gravy.

Loochi - aaloo, reigns as a popular breakfast option. Some other must-tries include - shingara, kochuri, chop (made with eggs, brinjal or potatoes) served as both breakfast savouries or tea time snacks Jhaal muri (puffed rice mixed with onions, chillies and other spices) is served a lot on sidewalks and on local trains. They are a very heartening snack for anyone looking to grab a quick bite. Rolls of a large variety (popularly egg based) are heavy and can fill you up instantly and are a steal at the cheap prices they can be bought for.

A plate of puchkas (dome shaped pockets stuffed with mashed potatoes and chickpeas and served with bittersweet water made of mint and tamarind) is the tastiest and most popular snack in the whole of the state. You will be tempted to keep asking for more, once you've adapted to the spicy yet refreshing flavours of a plateful. There is a popular drink known as "bel er shorbot," here which is made of a locally grown fruit known as "bel." It is a cooling summer drink and can be had as an accompanying drink with a variety of food items. Besides this, coconut water is available in abundance.

Bengali Sweets of a myriad kind simply add that sweetness to the end of your meal – literally and metaphorically. Some must-tries include - Mishti Doi (sweetened curd), Cham cham, Sandesh (which comes in an infinite variety! - both milk based and wheat based), Malphua top the list of popular everyday favourites among other local varieties. Gorge on!

Other attractions:

Besides this, the place is famous for cultural performances by Baul singers - local artists who render a mystical performance in the open The Joydev Kenduli Mela, held during January is a good time to catch the Baul singers and performers, who will charm you with their soulful music, setting the tone for a complete intoxication of the senses. Some of the other festivals to watch out for here include - Basanta

Utsav - Holi celebrations and Poush Mela – local harvest celebrations which call for a diverse range of fairs and festivals to watch out for. This is a great time to shop for some local souvenirs, typical fabrics, batik printed items and typical Shantiniketan leather bags.