The word Bengal is derived from the ancient kingdom of Vanga or Banga. It is believed that the British named it as “Bengal” when they captured the land of rich cultural heritage.
It is here in West Bengal that the movement of revivalism of everything Indian took place which came to be known as “Bengal Renaissance” where the great figures of India like hundreds of great soul viz. philosophers, scientists, patriots, and many more personalities born who played a crucial role in the political and spiritual and economic reformation of India. The region of Bengal was strategic even to the British who establish the East India Company in India and started the process of colonization of India.
Tourist Attractions of West Bengal
Since the time immemorial Bengal remained the cultural hub of India which has been subjected to a variety of influences from diverse cultures. The state of West Bengal is one the states of Indian Union situated in eastern India and is surrounded by Assam, Sikkim and the international border of Bhutan to its northeast, Orissa to its southwest, Jharkhand and Bihar to its west and Nepal to its northwest. West Bengal has Darjeeling in its credit that is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations of the world with its sightseeing natural beauty that fascinate the minds of the tourist all over the world to have a glimpse of this natural site.
The famous attractions of West Bengal are Kolkata which is famous for Victoria Memorial, Eden Garden, Birla Planetarium, Fort William, Howrah Bridge etc.; Darjeeling is famous for hill station located 7,000 feet above sea level, flavored tea, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Tiger Hill etc. Some other attractions of West Bengal are Sunderbans which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shantiniketan, Mirik, Malda, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, Digha, Siliguri, Murshidabad, Bishnupur and Haldia.
Beaches of West Bengal
West Bengal is full of breathtaking beaches that extend from the Gangetic delta land to the border of Orissa. The famous beach tours of West Bengal are Digha beach tour, Shankarpur beach tour, Junput beach tour, Frazerganj beach tour, Sagardwip beach tour, Bakkhali beach tour etc. that lure the tourist from over the world for beach holidays in West Bengal.
Hill Stations in West Bengal
The northern part of West Bengal is famous all over the world for the most exotic hill stations tour of India. The famous hill stations of West Bengal are Darjeeling which is regarded as the “Dream-land of the East”. During the British Rule the hill stations of Darjeeling have been given more emphasis because the hill stations of Darjeeling served as the famous resort of the Governor Generals and Viceroys. Darjeeling hill station is also famous for trekking. Other famous hill stations of West Bengal are Tiger Hill, Observatory Hill, Mirik hill resort, Durpin and Deolo Hills in Kalimpong.