The state of West Bengal falls in the eastern region of India and also stands with holding a sobriquet of the nations fourth-most populous state. The state is also the seventh most populous, sub-national entity in the world, having over 91 million people in it. This eastern state of the country takes a considerable piece of land of about 88,750 sq km and is partially infringed by the neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and is partially surrounded by the Indian states such as Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta is a metro city.
Till the year 1947 the state of West Bengal had a larger area, which was then split up into west Bengal and East Pakistan which later became an individual kingdom known as Bangladesh. The partition separated the two parts of the state, with joining it by a narrow which ranges from 21 km to 40 km in width.
To the south of this narrow street, the fertile land of West Bengal and is famous for its ample production of rice. This plain land of the state ends in the Ganges delta. This point also stands as the opening of the mighty river Hooghly, which further flows into the Bay of Bengal. The state also houses an estuary known as the Sunderbans, which is the largest mangrove forests in the world and is also accredited as the UNESCO Heritage Site.
At the northern side of the state, there lies the Himalayan Region with the hill stations like Darjeeling, Kuseong and Kalimpong. The state is well known for its tea production with its own brand name as the Darjeeling Tea. Another thing that makes the state is its association with a Communist Party, the CPI (M), which has been governing the state since 30 years now, standing as the longest ruling democratically elected communist regime in the world.
In a nutshell, West Bengal is the land of metamorphosis with its changing lifestyle and upcoming modernization enables it to be an updated country. The state is entrenched with deep history and culture and also boasts its diversity in ethnicity, culture, religion, beliefs and languages.
West Bengal travel and tourism is a popular among the Indian and foreign tourists alike and for that the West Bengal tour packages are a perfect way of exploring the splendor of the destination in North-Eastern India.
General facts about West Bengal Location: North-East India Area: 88,270 sq km Language: Nepali, Bengali and Rangpuri Climate: Cold and moderate Major Attractions: Sundarbans National Park, Ambhotia Shiva Temple, Bardhman Science Centre Ideal Time to Visit: March to June
Tourist sightseeing in West Bengal The state with rich history and culture boasts for hosting a cornucopia of destinations that interests tourists. Some of the famous places to visit in West Bengal are Darjeeling, South 24 Parganas, Sundarbans National Park, Ambhotia Shiva Temple, Bardhman Science Centre, Bhangzang Salamander Lake, Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary, Biharinath, Birla Planetarium, Cooch Behar Palace, Eden Gardens, Esplanade, Jaldapara, Wildlife Sanctuary Jorbangla Temple, Madanmohan Temple, Mati Jheel, Mirik Lake, Mrinmayee Temple, National Library of India Alipore, Nicco Park, Rasmancha, Shyamrai Temple, Singalila National Park, St Pauls Cathedral, Terracotta Temples, The Kalighat Temple, Victoria Memorial, Vidyasagar Setu, Zoological Garden, Adyapeath Temple, Badamtam Tea Estate, Bara Imambara, Bara Sona Masjid, Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha, BBD Bagh, Bengal Natural History Museum, Central National Herbarium, Eagles Crag Eagle’s Craig View Point, Everest Museum, Gangdua Dam, Garh Jungle…to name a few.
Climate of West Bengal The climate of the state of West Bengal ranges between tropical savanna in the southern parts and humid sub-tropical in the northern parts of the state. Here in the state summers are quite hot with high humidity in the atmosphere, with its temperature ranging from 38 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius. The nights in the state are experiences comparatively cool with the winds which carry moisture from the Bay of Bengal. During the early summer period, the state is hit by a thunderstorm called as Kalbaisakhi (Norwesters). The monsoons are from June till September. Winters here arrive in the month of October and remains on the scene till February. During this period, the southern part of the state receives heavy snowfall.
How to reach West Bengal West Bengal by Air: West Bengal has its international airport at the state capital, Kokata known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport; it also has a domestic airport at Bagdogra, near Siliguri. West Bengal by Rail: West Bengal has a well organized network of railway, which connects it to different parts of the country. At the state capital itself there are two major railheads such as Howrah railway station and Sealdah railway station. West Bengal by Road: The state has a well planned and extensive road network which links to the different parts within the state. The neighboring state like Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa can be reached via road. Some neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh can also be reached by road from the state of West Bengal.