People have begun arranging their vacation to West Bengal, one of India's most culturally rich states, with the onset of winter. The legendary poet Shri Rabindranath Tagore, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the Victoria Memorial, the Sundarbans, and, of course, the Bengal tigers are all reasons to visit. But how many of us have been on trails that lead to pristine Dooars areas, how many have attempted to unravel the enigma surrounding Chandraketugarh, and how many have heard of West Bengal's naturally gifted Duarsini? Yes, we're talking about West Bengal's unique attractions and experiences.There are so many offbeat side of West Bengal one cant able to finish.There are many hidden villages which are rarely discovered.
These are only a few of the lesser-known names. There is so much more for a traveller to discover and experience in West Bengal than the obvious. We've compiled a list of some of West Bengal's top unusual destinations.
Duarsini-
Looking for a less-traveled and unspoiled spot in West Bengal? Duarsini, on the other hand, might be your kind of place. This area, located in Bengal's Purulia district, is a work of God. This small village is surrounded by dark green forests of shal, shimul, piyal, and palash trees. Furthermore, few people are aware of the tribes that have settled in the forest. The region's main attractions are the Munda, Shabaradh, Santhal, and Kheriya tribes, which are noted for their distinct culture. Aside from humans, the forest is home to wolves, bears, elephants, and hyenas, among other animals!
The uncharted territory of Duarsini is both mysterious and potentially hazardous. As a result, it is not suggested to enter the jungle without the assistance of a qualified guide or a local. The distance between Kolkata and Duarsini is short, therefore getting there is simple.
Dooars-
The Dooars are one of the many mysteries and wonderful surprises that West Bengal has to offer. The location lives up to its name, which literally means 'doors,' and these doors, in our opinion, entrance to paradise. The area is a wonderland for environment aficionados and wildlife lovers, with lush green tea plantations, towering Himalayan mountain ranges, and multiple national parks. The Dooars also serve as a gateway to Darjeeling, Bhutan, and a number of other Northeastern locations. Visit the Gorumara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve, which are home to a variety of species, while you're in the area.
You'll fall in love with the roads that lead to this wonderful location, which is abundant in vegetation and fauna. There are various buses available between Siliguri and Jalpaiguri to Dooars, so getting here is not a problem.
Chandraketugarh-
Have you heard about West Bengal's Chandraketugarh archaeological site? This historical and lesser-known location, around 35 kilometres from Kolkata, originally served as King Chandraketu's dominion. There are several stories surrounding the presence of this location; with its antique temples and mediaeval constructions, it looks like a postcard from a colourful Indian history book. Several excavations have taken done in the area, indicating that Chandraketugarh contains ruins from various historical periods, making the site even more fascinating!
During the excavations, some exquisite terracotta art, showcasing the craftsmanship of bygone era artisans, silver punch-marked gold coins, semi-precious stone beads, and ivory and gold items were discovered. Because there are no lodging options in the area, you can make it a day trip from Kolkata, which is only 50 kilometres away. It only takes 2 hours to get there.
Garh Panchkot-
West Bengal is historically rich, despite the fact that most of us are unaware of it. We never try to look past the iconic buildings or the area's cultural DNA. Garh Panchkot is a destroyed fort in the Purulia region of West Bengal, around 220 kilometres from Kolkata. The fort, located in the Panchet Hill slopes, witnessed the notorious Barghi attack (a group of Maratha soldiers, who went plundering West Bengal for almost a decade). The location is peppered with temples constructed in a variety of architectural styles. If you enjoy history and want to learn about the lives of people from different times, you will enjoy your time here.
The crumbling fort looks very magnificent when surrounded by lush foliage. Aside from that, the area is abundant in medicinal plants and herbs. Garh Panchkot is an offbeat, ancient, and eerie place to visit.
Junput-
Junput is a wonderful off-the-beaten-path place in West Bengal that few people are aware of. It's one of the lesser-known beach places, which is ideal for those seeking quiet and avoiding crowds! This beach is located in the Midnapore area and is surrounded by swaying palm palms and white sand beaches. Junput is a fishing spot that is nestled in the middle of nature. The stillness and serenity that pervades the entire region is unlike anything else.
There aren't many tourist attractions; instead, it's all about living near the sea, listening to the symphony made by rising waves, and lying still on the soft beaches. The region does, however, have a magnificent Marine Biology Museum, the Kapal Kundala Mandir, and the Dariapur Lighthouse. A centuries-old Jagannath Dev Temple may be visited about 10 kilometres away, mostly because of the primal values associated with it.
Samsing-
What happens when beautiful mountains, breathtaking tea gardens, lush jungles, and little streams appear out of nowhere? It turns into Samsing! Yes, Samsing is a lovely hill village in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district. It's a fantastic spot where one can rest, relax, and forget about their troubles because it's safely hidden and offers mind-blowing views of unspoiled and colourful landscapes! The region, which is only 18 kilometres from the renowned Neora Valley National Park, has a very comfortable temperature. When a gentle breeze caresses your hair, all you want to do is lie down and let nature take care of your fatigue. The 80-kilometer drive from Siliguri to Samsing is breathtaking! After seeing Samsing, you'll forget about Darjeeling, Shimla, and Mussoorie.
Taki-
Taki, in West Bengal's Hasnabad district, is around 80 kilometres from Kolkata. Taki, which is located on the banks of the Ichamati River, is worth a visit for its beauty, culture, and authentic Bengali soul. This is the place to go if you want to spend some time with real people, away from all the worldly delights and artificiality. The villagers' hearts are infused with simplicity, which you'll appreciate. The area is also noted for having the oldest Ramkrishna Mission ashrams, as well as a 250-year-old government school. You can also pray at the more than three-century-old Kali Temple and Jora Shiv Mandir while you're in the area. Taking a local van, which is a very cost-effective choice, is the greatest way to see the entire region. You can also take a boat ride on the Ichamati River.
Jayrambati
Taki is located in the Hasnabad district of West Bengal, around 80 kilometres from Kolkata. Taki, on the banks of the Ichamati River, is worth a visit for its natural beauty, culture, and genuine Bengali soul. If you want to spend some time with real people, away from all the worldly pleasures and artificiality, here is the place to go. The hearts of the peasants are simple, which you will like. There are also two Ramkrishna Mission ashrams in the neighbourhood, as well as a 250-year-old government school. While you're in the region, you may also pray at the more than three-century-old Kali Temple and Jora Shiv Mandir. The best way to visit the entire region is to take a local van, which is a very cost-effective option. On the Ichamati River, you can also enjoy a boat ride.
While this brings our list of West Bengal's most unusual or offbeat attractions to a close, please let us know if you know of any others by leaving a comment below.Please do visit these beautuful hidden villages on this winter.
