West Bengal Tour Packages - Get Upto 12% Off

The state of West Bengal lies amidst the eastern region of India. It has a lot to offer to both domestic and international visitors in the form of its diverse culture and tradition, rich history, hill stations, forests, deltas, wildlife, beaches, cuisines and much more. All these varieties of experiences make West Bengal a marvellous holiday location within India. To enjoy your vacations to the fullest, you can go with the West Bengal tour packages provided by Thomas Cook India. These West Bengal tour packages with well-researched travel itineraries are offered at great prices. So, instead of handling the complicated core planning process, you can just relax and enjoy your ultimate holidays in West Bengal. You can also get the option of “customised holidays” with certain West Bengal tour packages for a more personalised travel experience. Take a look at our handy West Bengal tourist guide for a more prompt overview. 

Table of Content

• Most Popular West Bengal Tour Packages
• Best time to visit West Bengal
• How to reach West Bengal
• Best honeymoon destinations in West Bengal
• Best places to visit in West Bengal
• Best hill stations / best beaches in West Bengal
• What to Eat in West Bengal
• Shopping in West Bengal
• Things to do in West Bengal
• Adventurous things to Do in West Bengal
• Interesting facts about West Bengal
• People also ask about West Bengal Tour Packages

Most Popular West Bengal Tour Packages

Thomas Cook India offers over 20 West Bengal holiday packages that you can pick from. Among them, here are the most popular West Bengal travel packages:

Best time to visit West Bengal

The three main West Bengal tourism seasons are winter, summer and monsoon. Winter, usually ranging from late October or November to March, is often considered the best time to visit West Bengal. The temperature varies between northern and southern West Bengal but usually remains within the low 20s overall. Foggy mornings and chilly weather are its main features. Days remain clear, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploration. The key attractions of this period include the snow-covered hill station experiences and tons of delightful festivals and events, including Durga Puja, Christmas, New Year, etc. 

Monsoon in West Bengal usually stretches from July to September. The temperature is hot but not unbearable in the southern part of the state, while the northern region experiences a cooler range of 13 to 19°C. Rain showers are typical throughout, adding to the region’s natural beauty. Many tourists consider monsoon the best time to visit West Bengal for its exuberant greenery, mesmerising village-side sightseeing, outdoor activities, shoulder season crowd and much more.

Summer in West Bengal, usually from April to June, offers a different perspective on tourism. The average temperature runs very hot and can reach around 45°C during the daytime. Summer heat and high humidity make sightseeing and exploration quite difficult for tourists. Its main attractions are hill stations, beaches and wildlife watching. During this time, you may find some good discounts on West Bengal tour plans and hotels. Also, check out our detailed West Bengal tourist guide to find more details on the best time to visit the destination. 

How to reach West Bengal?

Here are the best ways to reach West Bengal for your vacation:

• Reaching West Bengal by air
• Reaching West Bengal by rail
• Reaching West Bengal by road
• Reaching West Bengal by road
• Travelling within West Bengal

Reaching West Bengal by air:

Airports in West Bengal offer both domestic and international air connectivity. Some of its main airports include Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Asansol-Durgapur. For instance, if you are travelling from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, etc., you can easily get a direct flight to Kolkata, which can take anywhere between 2-3 hours. Don’t forget to book your flight tickets for the trip in advance.

Reaching West Bengal by rail:

There are various major railway stations operating throughout the state, including Howrah Railway Station, Sealdah Railway Station, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, Asansol Junction, etc. All these stations connect West Bengal with almost every major city in India, including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, etc., with daily and weekly trains.  

Reaching West Bengal by road:

Individuals travelling to West Bengal by road from neighbouring states, like Bihar, Orissa or Jharkhand, can easily opt for interstate buses or hired cabs to reach the state by road. In addition, West Bengal also has great road connectivity with other major Indian cities. For example, if you travel from Chennai to Kolkata, you can easily take the NH 16 route along the east coast. While visitors from New Delhi can opt for NH 2 to reach West Bengal, and so on.

Reaching West Bengal by water:

If you want to travel to West Bengal by water, you can do so to some extent. For example, if you are travelling from Andaman and Nicobar islands, you can opt for a passenger ship service to Kolkata. 

Travelling within West Bengal

For the aspect of travel in West Bengal, you can opt for domestic flights, rental cars, taxis, intercity trains, rickshaws, and so on. Tram and underground metro rail services are also available in major cities, including Kolkata. 

Best honeymoon destinations in West Bengal

The soaring high hill stations, lush green forests biome and serene beaches make West Bengal a fantastic location for a dream honeymoon. The most popular destination of which is Darjeeling, covered with beautiful snow-capped mountains, gorgeous views, rich local culture, delicious cuisine and so on. If you are interested in spending a lovely time with your partner in this hill station, consider this special honeymoon West Bengal tour package that includes Darjeeling. Some other prominent honeymoon destinations in West Bengal are

• Lava and Lolegaon- Located within Kalimpong district, Lava and Lolegaon make up for a fantastic getaway for newlyweds. Some of their key attractions include scenic views, beautiful lakes, mesmerising forests, etc. 
• Bakkhali- It is a small beach town along the coastline and a perfect place for a slow-paced honeymoon experience. Some of its main attractions are bike rides along the beach, dense mangrove forest, delectable local dishes, etc.
• Purulia- It is one of West Bengal’s 23 districts and a famous honeymoon destination. The jaw-dropping beauty of lakes, forests, hills, historic landmarks, etc., are some of its main attractions. 

Best places to visit in West Bengal

Here are some of the best places to visit in West Bengal for an ideal vacation:

• Kolkata
• Sundarbans
• Shantiniketan
• Jaldapara National Park
• Murshidabad
• Chandannagar

Kolkata

Besides being a great starting point for the trip, Kolkata is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal. The hundreds of years old city history and rapid modern growth create a magnificent blend that attracts tourists from all over the globe. Some of its major attractions include Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Indian Museum, ECO Park, Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Alipore Zoo, street food and so on.  

Sundarbans

A prime West Bengal best tourist spot for nature and wildlife enthusiasts is the Sundarbans National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is popularly known for being the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest. It is home to a variety of regional wildlife, including Royal Bengal tigers, leopards,  saltwater crocodiles, olive ridley turtles, varieties of snakes, etc. It is also famous for its boat rides, trekking, and jungle exploration activities. You can look into West Bengal tourism packages that specifically include Sundarbans.

Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan is a  small town, amidst West Bengal’s Birbhum District, has a crucial link to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This is where he resided and established the world-renowned Visva Bharati University. It is now a massive tourist attraction in West Bengal, drawing the attention of both domestic and international visitors. Some key attractions of this place are Tagore’s Ashram, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, Poush Mela, Amar Kutir, Tagore’s artwork, etc. It is an ideal location for a small tour in West Bengal. 

Jaldapara National Park

Located on the Eastern Himalayas’ foothills within Alipurduar District, the Jaldapara National Park is a must-visit tourist place in West Bengal. Besides incredible views of nature, it is a key location for thrill-seekers to enjoy car safaris, elephant rides, wildlife watching, and so on. The rich biodiversity of Jaldapara National Park is home to various animals, including Asian elephants, swamp deers, bison, one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, and so on. You can add this key location to your West Bengal itinerary. 

Murshidabad

West Bengal’s Murshidabad is a sensational place for tourists who are interested in learning and witnessing the region’s history. From the ruling of Nawabs to life under British colonial rule, this historical city has gone through key phases of Indian history. You can find traces of bygone era reeking throughout the local architecture, culture and tradition. Some key tourist attractions in Murshidabad include Hazarduari Palace, Nizamat Imambara, Footi Mosque, Moti Jheel, etc. It is a popular destination for a weekend tour in West Bengal.

Chandannagar

Chandannagar, in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, was a major French Colony. Located on the bank of the glorious Hooghly river, this small city is a great off-beat location you can visit during your trip to West Bengal. You can find the French influence throughout the city’s architecture and key landmarks. Some major attractions in Chandannagar include the famous Strand Ghat, Chandannagar Museum, Sacred Heart Church, Patal Bari, etc. Make sure to check out our handy West Bengal travel guide on the best places to visit in the state. 

Best hill stations/ best beaches in West Bengal

The best part about a tour to West Bengal is that you can enjoy both hill station and beachside experiences. Here are the best hill stations and beaches in West Bengal:

Best hill stations in West Bengal

• Darjeeling- Darjeeling is the most popular hill station in West Bengal. Its authentic charm, local culture, bewitching mountain views, waterfalls, monasteries, etc., make it an astonishing holiday getaway. Some of its main attractions are tea gardens, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, toy train rides, and so on. Darjeeling is also a great location for a weekend trip in West Bengal.  
• Mirik- It is a popular hill town close to Darjeeling. Mirik is a perfect offbeat location for a short relaxing break, surrounded by magnificent lakes and mountains. Its main attractions include Orange Orchards, Mirik Lake, Pashupati Nagar, etc. 
• Other hill stations- Some other popular hillside destinations in West Bengal are Kalimpong, Kurseong, Siliguri, Dooars, Rimbik, etc.

Best beaches in West Bengal

• Digha- It is one of the most popular beaches and weekend destinations in West Bengal. The calming waves, beautiful sceneries, delectable seafood and other fantastic beachside experiences make it a famous vacation spot for couples and short family trips. 
• Mandarmani- It is another prominent beach destination you can visit during your trip to West Bengal. The serene waters, soothing atmosphere and brilliant accommodations attract visitors from all around. 
• Other beaches- Some other popular beaches in West Bengal are Shankarpur beach, Bakkhali beach, Tajpur beach, etc. 

What to eat in West Bengal?

Here are some examples of food in West Bengal that you should try during your trip:

• Mochar ghonto- This scrumptious dish creates a delicate blend of spice and sweetness. Its main ingredients include banana flower, potato, minutely crushed coconut and a certain mix of spices.
• Mangsho kosha- It is a unique type of mutton curry made with various spices. It offers a massive burst of flavour and leaves a delightful taste in your mouth. It is an iconic local food item, popularly served alongside luchi, steamed rice and parathas.
• Roshogolla- The world-famous Bengali sweet dish, Roshogolla, is a must-try food during your trip. This chenna-made ball-shaped spongy dessert remains soaked in a sugary syrup, creating the ultimate food for people with a sweet tooth. 
• Chingri macher malaikari- For your tour to West Bengal, make sure to add this rich curry dish as a must-try item. It is prepared with Golda Chingri (large prawns), onion, ginger, red chilli, turmeric, coconut milk and a variety of other spices. 
• Misti doi- Among the famous Bengali desserts, Misti Doi is a common household favourite. It is a type of sweetened fermented yoghurt, often sprinkled with roasted almonds, cashew nuts, raisins, etc., on top. Also, check out our simple West Bengal tourist guide on restaurants and foods.

Shopping in West Bengal

Here are some iconic things you can go for shopping in West Bengal as gifts or souvenirs:

• Sarees- West Bengal is a hub for saree shopping with its variety of regional designs, distinct materials and intricate detailing. The three main traditional saree types you can buy in West Bengal are Tant, Kantha and Balachuri. They are available across various stores in Kolkata.   
• Darjeeling tea- The iconic Darjeeling tea is a must-buy item during your trip to West Bengal. Its signature aroma and taste have made it widely popular among tea lovers around the globe. It can be a bit costly but makes up for a great gift for yourself or family and friends. The best place to buy it is from shops in Darjeeling.
• Terracotta craftworks- Terracotta art pieces are cheap but beautiful craftworks you can buy as gifts or souvenirs in West Bengal. They are intricately designed pieces, often available in brown or black colour, capturing the regional art and history. Some popular terracotta items are horses, religious figurines, jewellery, etc., and can be found across Kolkata and Bankura.    
• Kalighat paintings- The Kalighat paintings are made with one of the most iconic art styles of the region. These paintings mostly incorporate a religious theme and help hold the essence of Bengal’s iconic culture and artistic heritage. They are widely available near the Kalighat temple.

There are tons of famous markets and shopping areas across West Bengal. Among them, the most prominent location for shopping in Kolkata, where you can find nearly anything. Some of the main markets in Kolkata are New Market, Gariahat Market, Hatibagan Market, etc.

Things to do in West Bengal

Here are some fun activities to do in West Bengal:

• Sunrise and sunset watching by the mountains- The majestic hill stations of West Bengal offer some breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. You can enjoy these views with your loved one and get some brilliant pictures to add to your West Bengal holiday collection.
• Experience the nightlife- The nightlife across major towns and cities in West Bengal is truly iconic. You can enjoy your evenings in the company of brilliant foods, drinks and live entertainment at popular restaurants, dance clubs and pubs. A key place with exuberant nightlife in West Bengal is Kolkata.  
• Explore the vintage side of the region on foot- A huge part of India’s history is captured within the admirable architecture of various cities and towns in West Bengal, which you can explore on foot. Some iconic locations include North Kolkata, Cooch Behar, Malda, Bankura, etc.  
• Catch a sports game- One of the best things to do in West Bengal is to watch a thrilling game of football or cricket in a massive stadium-filled atmosphere. You can find games across major stadiums in West Bengal, like Eden Gardens, Salt Lake Stadium, etc. 

Adventurous things to do in West Bengal 

Here are some adventurous things you can do in West Bengal:

• Snorkelling- If you are into the idea of snorkelling, you can participate in this fun activity at West Bengal’s Tajpur beach. It is a comparatively lower crowd area where you can enjoy this thrilling underwater activity in the serene waters.
• Paragliding- The adrenaline-pumping paragliding adventure activity is available at various places in West Bengal. Darjeeling and Kalimpong are the most popular choices due to their renowned beauty. 
• Rafting- You can go river-rafting in the Teesta river for an exhilarating rafting experience in West Bengal. This is also a perfect group adventure activity you can do during your holiday trip. 
• Trekking- It is one of the most popular adventure activities you can do in West Bengal. There are several mesmerising hiking trails and trekking destinations in the region, with the popular ones being the Sandakphu trek, Buxa-Jayanti trek, Darjeeling trek, and so on.

Interesting facts about West Bengal

Here are some interesting facts about West Bengal that you should know:

• The iconic Howrah Bridge doesn’t have a single bolt or nut and was built entirely by riveting.
• West Bengal’s capital Kolkata (Calcutta), was also the capital of British India before it was shifted to New Delhi.
• Kolkata is said to be the birthplace of Indian-Chinese cuisine in India.
• The oldest operating port in India is the Kolkata Port, founded in 1870 by the British East India Company.
• UNESCO declared Kolkata’s famous Durga Puja an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO.
• Darjeeling’s Ghum Railway Station is the highest railway station in India.
• The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the largest and oldest museum in the country.