West Bengal is a state that is blessed with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The monsoon season in West Bengal is a time when the state is transformed into a lush green paradise. The rains breathe life into the flora and fauna, making it a perfect time to explore the state’s stunning landscapes. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit in West Bengal during the monsoon season. From misty hills to tranquil beaches and vibrant forests, these destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience to travelers. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of West Bengal in the monsoon season.
10 Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in West Bengal
| Place | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Darjeeling | Lush green tea gardens, misty hills |
| Kalimpong | Waterfalls, monasteries, nature parks |
| Dooars | Wildlife, natural beauty |
| Jaldapara | Forests, wildlife |
| Shantiniketan | Monsoon-drenched gardens, cultural events |
| Gorumara | Vibrant greenery, wildlife |
| Sunderbans | Mangrove forests, wetlands |
| Mirik | Lake, hills, monasteries |
| Bakkhali | Tranquil beaches |
| Bishnupur | Terracotta temples, handicrafts |
1) Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station located in the northern part of West Bengal. Known for its lush green tea gardens, misty hills, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a popular destination for travelers during the monsoon season. The rains enhance the beauty of the tea gardens, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere
How to Reach:
Darjeeling can be easily reached by air, rail, or road. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across the country. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is connected to all major cities in India. From there, travelers can take a taxi or bus to Darjeeling. The town is also well-connected by road and can be reached by bus or taxi.
Accommodation:
Darjeeling has a variety of accommodation options, including luxury resorts, budget hotels, and guesthouses. Some popular options include Windamere Hotel, Mayfair Darjeeling, and Hotel Seven Seventeen. Homestays are also a popular option for travelers who want to experience the local culture.
Exploring:
There are many ways to explore Darjeeling during the monsoon season. Travelers can take a walk around the tea gardens and witness the beauty of the rain-soaked plants. The town has many beautiful viewpoints, including Tiger Hill and Batasia Loop, which offer stunning views of the Himalayas. Darjeeling is also home to several monasteries, including the Ghum Monastery and the Yiga Choeling Monastery, which offer a glimpse into the local culture.
Activities:
Darjeeling offers several activities for travelers during the monsoon season. Trekking is a popular activity, with several trails winding through the hills and forests. The town is also known for its adventure sports, including paragliding and river rafting. Visitors can also take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shopping:
Darjeeling is famous for its tea, and visitors can buy the local Darjeeling tea from various shops in the town. The town is also known for its handicrafts, including Tibetan carpets, shawls, and masks. Mall Road is a popular shopping destination, with several shops selling local products.
2) Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a beautiful hill station located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is a popular tourist destination, especially during the monsoon season when the town comes alive with lush greenery and misty landscapes.
How to Reach:
Kalimpong can be easily reached by air, rail, or road. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across the country. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is connected to all major cities in India. From there, travelers can take a taxi or bus to Kalimpong. The town is also well-connected by road and can be reached by bus or taxi.
Accommodation:
Kalimpong has a variety of accommodation options, including luxury resorts, budget hotels, and guesthouses. Some popular options include Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort, The Elgin Silver Oaks, and Hotel Tres. Homestays are also a popular option for travelers who want to experience the local culture.
Exploring:
There are many ways to explore Kalimpong during the monsoon season. Travelers can take a walk around the town and enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayas. The town has many beautiful viewpoints, including Durpin Dara and Deolo Hill, which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills. Kalimpong is also home to several monasteries, including the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery and the Tharpa Choling Monastery, which offer a glimpse into the local culture.
Activities:
Kalimpong offers several activities for travelers during the monsoon season. Trekking is a popular activity, with several trails winding through the hills and forests. The town is also known for its adventure sports, including paragliding and river rafting. Visitors can also take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shopping: Kalimpong is known for its handicrafts, including Tibetan handicrafts, handloom items, and wooden items. The town is also famous for its cheese, which can be bought from various shops in the town. The local markets are a popular shopping destination, with several shops selling local products.
3) Dooars
Dooars, also known as the “Gateway to Bhutan,” is a beautiful destination located in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in West Bengal. Dooars is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers. The region is blessed with dense forests, rolling hills, glistening rivers, and a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Dooars is a perfect destination to visit during the monsoon season when the region is at its lush green best.
Visitors can indulge in various activities such as trekking, bird watching, wildlife safaris, and river rafting. There are also several tea estates in the area that offer a glimpse into the tea-making process. The region is also known for its handicrafts, including bamboo and cane products, which make for great souvenirs. To reach Dooars, visitors can take a train or bus from Kolkata or Siliguri. There are also several accommodations available in the area, including resorts, lodges, and homestays, providing a comfortable and authentic experience.
4) Jaldapara
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination in West Bengal during the monsoon season. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Here’s more information on how to reach, accommodations, explore, activities, and shop in Jaldapara:
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is 150 km away. The nearest railway station is Madarihat Railway Station, which is 7 km away from the sanctuary. You can also reach Jaldapara by road from Siliguri, which is 135 km away.
Accommodation:
Jaldapara offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury hotels, resorts, and homestays. Some popular options include Jaldapara Tourist Lodge, Hollong Tourist Lodge, and Jaldapara Jungle Camp.
Exploring:
The main attraction of Jaldapara is the elephant safari that takes you through the sanctuary’s lush green forests and grasslands. You can also go for a jeep safari or take a nature walk to explore the sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna. Other nearby attractions include Chilapata Forest and Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Activities:
Apart from safaris and nature walks, Jaldapara also offers activities like bird watching, angling, and cultural performances by local tribes. You can also visit nearby tea gardens and indulge in tea-tasting sessions.
Shopping:
Jaldapara offers a variety of shopping options for tourists, including locally-made handicrafts, tea, and spices. You can also shop for traditional clothes and accessories made by local artisans.
5) Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is a small town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. It is renowned for being the home of the famous Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. Shantiniketan is also a popular tourist destination, especially during the monsoon season when the lush greenery is in full bloom.
The town is known for its cultural and educational heritage and is home to the Visva-Bharati University, which was established by Rabindranath Tagore. The university campus is a major attraction and features several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.
Shantiniketan is also famous for its annual Poush Mela, which is held in December and celebrates the winter harvest. The festival attracts tourists from all over the world and features folk music, dance, and handicrafts.
To reach Shantiniketan, one can take a train or bus from Kolkata, which is approximately 160 kilometers away. The nearest airport is in Kolkata as well. There are several accommodation options available in the town, including guesthouses, hotels, and resorts.
Visitors can explore the town on foot or hire a bicycle or rickshaw. Popular activities include visiting the university campus, exploring the museums and art galleries, and taking part in cultural events. Visitors can also shop for handicrafts, sarees, and other souvenirs at the local markets.
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6) Gorumara
Gorumara National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The park is especially popular during the monsoon season when the lush greenery is at its peak.
Gorumara is home to various species of animals, including the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, gaur, and numerous species of deer. Visitors can go on jeep safaris and elephant rides to explore the park and catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Apart from wildlife viewing, Gorumara is also known for its scenic beauty and offers a range of activities such as trekking, birdwatching, and nature walks. The nearby Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is also worth visiting, offering a similar experience to Gorumara.
Accommodation options in Gorumara range from government-run lodges to private resorts and homestays. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, which is approximately 80 kilometers away, while the nearest railway station is New Mal Junction, located around 13 kilometers from the park.
7) Sundarbans
Sundarbans is a vast delta region spread across West Bengal and Bangladesh and is known for its rich biodiversity and unique mangrove ecosystem. The Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, along with other endangered species such as the estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and numerous species of birds.
Visitors to the Sundarbans can explore the park on boat safaris, which offer stunning views of the mangrove forests and their inhabitants. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching and fishing.
Accommodation options in Sundarbans include forest lodges and resorts, which offer a comfortable and immersive experience in the heart of the mangrove forests. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, while the nearest railway station is Canning.
Visitors are advised to take precautions while visiting the Sundarbans, as the region is prone to natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. It is recommended to plan the visit during the dry season between October and March for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
8) Mirik
Mirik is a picturesque hill town located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is known for its serene natural beauty and pleasant climate, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The town is nestled amidst lush green forests and is home to the picturesque Mirik Lake, which is the main attraction for visitors. The lake offers boating facilities and is surrounded by a walking trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. The town also has several tea estates, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich tea culture and heritage.
Accommodation options in Mirik range from budget hotels to luxury resorts, offering something for every budget and taste. The town is well-connected by road and can be reached by taking a taxi or bus from Darjeeling or Siliguri.
Other popular activities in Mirik include trekking, birdwatching, and visiting the local monasteries and temples. Visitors can also indulge in shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at the local markets.
9) Bakkhali
Bakkhali is a seaside destination located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It is known for its long stretches of pristine beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and tranquil surroundings, making it a perfect destination for a quiet getaway.
The main attraction of Bakkhali is its beautiful beach, which stretches for kilometers and is ideal for long walks, swimming, and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the nearby crocodile sanctuary, which is home to a variety of reptiles, including the endangered saltwater crocodile.
Accommodation options in Bakkhali include basic lodges and guesthouses as well as more luxurious resorts, providing something for every budget. The town is easily accessible by road from Kolkata, and visitors can also take a train or bus to nearby Namkhana and then hire a taxi or take a ferry to reach Bakkhali.
Other popular activities in Bakkhali include visiting the nearby Henry’s Island and Frazergunj, which offer stunning views of the surrounding sea and marshy land. Visitors can also indulge in shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at the local markets.
10) Bishnupur
Bishnupur is a small town located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, known for its rich heritage and culture. This town is famous for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees and is a popular tourist destination in West Bengal. During the monsoon season, the lush green landscape of Bishnupur becomes even more beautiful, making it an ideal place to visit.
How to Reach:
Bishnupur is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is about 150 km away. From Kolkata, one can take a train or a bus to Bishnupur. The town has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in West Bengal.
Accommodation:
There are several options for accommodation in Bishnupur, ranging from budget to luxury hotels. Some popular options include Hotel Bishnupur Tourist Lodge, Hotel Mallabhum, and Hotel Annapurna.
Exploring:
Bishnupur is famous for its terracotta temples, and the best way to explore them is on foot. Some of the must-visit temples in Bishnupur include Jor Bangla Temple, Rasmancha Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, and Radha Shyam Temple. One can also visit the Bishnupur Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the town.
Activities:
Apart from temple-hopping, there are several other activities to do in Bishnupur. One can take a stroll around the Malla King’s Palace, or explore the nearby Panchmura village, which is famous for its terracotta pottery. For nature lovers, there is the Susunia Hills, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Shopping:
Bishnupur is famous for its Baluchari sarees, which are hand-woven silk sarees with intricate designs. One can also shop for terracotta artifacts, pottery, and other handicrafts at the local markets. The Bishnupur Mela, which is held annually in December, is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local products.
In conclusion, West Bengal offers a variety of options for travelers seeking to explore its beauty during the monsoon season. From the serene tea gardens of Darjeeling to the wildlife reserves of Dooars and Sunderbans, from the cultural hub of Shantiniketan to the tranquil lakes of Mirik, the state has something to offer for everyone. The lush greenery, the misty mountains, and the gentle showers of the monsoon season enhance the charm of these destinations, making them even more enticing. So, pack your bags and head out to explore these 10 best places to visit in West Bengal during the monsoon season, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the state.
