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Turn your eyes to the East – where the delicate notes of the Ektara instrument play. Where the waves of the rivers slide their way through the thick tangle of the mangrove forests. Where a toy train puffs cheerful clouds into the skies of Darjeeling. Where sound, colour and celebration… read more
Bustling sunny cities, cool mountain tops, humid forests and plains, pristine windy beaches and everything in between; West Bengal is blessed with a diversity that can satisfy just about any traveller. Layered over these changing landscapes is an effervescent culture, ranging from tribal to urban, royal to rural, culinary to creative. While time is of the essence on any journey, here is a place you should take the time to enjoy. Spend hours soaking in historic Kolkata’s little lanes and large landmarks, savour every sip of Darjeeling’s famous freshly grown teas, watch life stand still as you gaze upon a royal Bengal Tiger in the magnificent Sundarbans, observe the endless rhythm of the ocean on the beaches of Digha, lose yourself discovering the regal past of Cooch Behar or find yourself in the peaceful surrounds of Kalimpong’s monasteries. West Bengal Tourism is indeed spectacular and is a must visit
Surely these spectacular experiences have got you excited about making the journey to the East Coast of India. But before you go, here’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit West Bengal. Given the mixed topography, the climate of West Bengal varies from place to place throughout the year. Reading this guide can help you plan the ideal visit.
Disclaimer – West Bengal temperatures, seasons and climatic conditions are estimates and can vary. Please complement this guide with some research of your own for a thorough understanding of when to visit.
|
Season |
Month |
Average Max. & Min. Temperature |
|
Summer |
March to June |
15-25°C |
|
Monsoon |
July to September |
12-17°C |
|
Winter |
December to February |
2-12°C |
Temperature - Looking at the table above will give you a basic idea of yearly temperatures in the northern and mountainous regions of West Bengal, including places like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong.
Weather - The northern regions of West Bengal experience humid subtropical climate, with three main seasons — summer, monsoon and winter. There is a very short transitionary spring and autumn, but temperature averages remain the same. As one can expect, the higher altitude means the West Bengal weather sits well within the pleasant range for most of the year, with winters getting slightly chilly. It’s important to note that with the Himalayas looming further above, this region receives heavy rainfall.
Significance - The best time to visit this region of West Bengal is between September and December, after which the heavy snowfall can hamper activities and travel routes. While cool summer getaways are a great idea, it is during the popular visiting season that one can attend the unique Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival or Darjeeling Carnival, which showcase amazing acts, exhibitions, activities and more.
Why you should visit - The northern hill stations of West Bengal offer some of the most beautiful sights in the country, with rolling tea plantations, Buddhist monasteries, world heritage sites, nature and wildlife — and a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga Peak. One can just as easily come here to relax and unwind or pump up the adrenaline. There are really amazing places to visit in West Bengal,so make sure to check it out
Things to know before the visit - Much of these destinations of West Bengal are visited throughout the year, since the weather is favourable. However, that means it can get crowded and booked pretty soon, so you’re advised to make all arrangements in advance.
Tips - When packing for your visit to this region, account for the season and carry clothing and shoes that match. You should be comfortable in the summers, protected in the monsoons and warm during winters. Don’t forget a sunscreen and bug repellent — you’ll need it for spending long hours in the outdoors.
|
Season |
Month |
Average Max. & Min. Temperature |
|
Summer |
March to June |
38-45°C |
|
Monsoon |
July to September |
26–33°C |
|
Winter |
December to February |
12-16°C |
Temperature - The table above captures the average temperatures across the low-lying and coastal areas of West Bengal, including cities like Kolkata and Howrah, the marshy Sundarbans or the beach haven Digha.
Weather - The climate of West Bengal’s plains and low-lying areas are quite similar to the rest of the country with scorching, humid summers, heavy rainfall during the monsoon and a pleasant mild winter. It is often labelled as Tropical Savannah climate.
Significance - For those exploring these areas of West Bengal, it’s best to plan a winter vacation as the temperatures are ideal for a host of activities, whereas the summers can get uncomfortable. Post September is also when the state comes alive with festivals galore such as the ten-day celebration of Durga Puja or Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, the Rash and the Poush Melas. Even Makar Sankranti and Vasant Panchami are superb to witness here.
Why you should visit - From the wonderful history and culture of Kolkata to the lush and brimming flora and fauna of the Sundarbans and the frolic of sun and sand at Digha, there are incredible experiences to be had across the southern regions of West Bengal. It’s a wonderful place to make new memories.
Things to know before the visit - While you’re free to visit West Bengal at any time of the year, it is advised to plan according to the conditions you can handle. The extreme heat and humidity is not for everyone — especially if you want to see and explore as much as possible. If you’re visiting during an important festival or event, make your bookings as early as possible.
Tips - As West Bengal's weather is typically hot, it’s best to carry clothing that’s light and airy. It’s also important to carry sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses — anything that can help against the harsh sun. If you are visiting in winter, even basic layering will suffice. And don’t forget a hardy windcheater or umbrella for the rains.
Whether you’re a family looking to holiday, a couple seeking a getaway, friends out to make memories or a solo traveller in search of a new adventure, Thomas Cook has the best West Bengal Tour packages to make your next trip, a dream come true. And with this in-depth guide on the best time to go there, planning your trip is easier than ever before!
Also check out more ways on How to reach West Bengal
As you can imagine, West Bengal’s capital city is supremely well connected to the rest of the country, with the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Located in Dumdum, Kolkata, the airport welcomes flights from other major cities as well as from destinations around the world. Some of the popular airlines with flights to Kolkata include — IndiGo, Spice Jet, Vistara, GoAir, Air India and AirAsia India.
The duration of your flight will depend on the point of departure, since most cities offer a direct flight to Kolkata. From Mumbai, the journey takes about 2.5 - 3 hours, while from New Delhi it is just over 2 hours. It’s similar timings from Chennai and Hyderabad. While cities like Goa and Chandigarh offer direct as well as indirect flights, with a likely layover in Mumbai and New Delhi respectively.
With an air journey of just a few hours, most visitors to West Bengal opt to fly into Kolkata before switching to other means of transport. However, there are other smaller airports too, such as — Bagdodara Airport in Siliguri, Kazi Najrul Islam Airport at Asansole-Durgapore and one at Cooch Behar.
West Bengal touches the coastline of the Bay of Bengal, from its Gangetic Delta leading up to the border of Orissa. So, while there is some sea access to the state, it is rather rare for most to travel this way from other parts of the mainland. It is best to take detailed expert advice before opting for this mode of transport.
However, if what you’re looking for is an experiential journey, then we suggest that you club your visit to West Bengal with a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Between the two destinations, runs a passenger service ship leading up to the Kolkata Docks and Haldia Docks. It is truly one for the bucket-list!
The Indian Railways is hugely connected to West Bengal, with the major stations being Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata. For those visiting from the North East region, all trains depart and arrive into Sealdah. While those visiting from the south, central and western parts of the country will have their trains enter into Howrah Station. In fact, Howrah Station is the oldest and largest railway complex in all of India! So, it’s quite a historic beginning to one’s journey.
Other important stations within West Bengal include:
If you prefer travelling by road, there are many routes and national highways that lead to West Bengal from neighbouring states such as Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand. You could choose to drive yourself or opt for a hired car service, taxi or bus.
For those driving themselves, you’ll need to get onto the NH2 from New Delhi, NH5 from Chennai, NH6 from the western parts of the country and NH 31 from Guwahati. If you’re hiring a car or taxi, your driver should know the best and quickest routes.
Buses to Kolkata are available from every major city across India, but the lengthy duration of the journey can be a drawback. Though compared to hired taxis and vehicles, buses are much more economical. Once you reach Kolkata, there are local bus and taxi services to get you to other nearby towns.
.jpg "Darjeeling and Gangtok with Pelling")
