Interesting facts about West Bengal State in INDIA

Facts about West Bengal

One of the most culturally rich states of India, West Bengal is all about blissful Baul music, women dressed in white and red saris, striped Bengal tiger, views of gigantic Khangchendzonga, a legendary history and some jaw dropping modern day wonders. With some of the most sought-after places to visit such as Darjeeling, Sundarbans, Kurseong and Kalimpong, West Bengal remains on the travel itinerates of every tourist seeking real India.

Here are the top places to visit in West Bengal:

Kolkata

The face of West Bengal, Kolkata is one of the oldest cities in India. This capital city is rich in modern Indian cultural, poetic and artistic lures. Many legendary movements took shape here and made it a historically rich city. The Howrah Bridge of Kolkata is a masterpiece and is known for being the sixth longest cantilever bridge on the planet. It suspends over the Hooghly River. Jorasanko Thakurbari is another caretaker of history where the ancestral Tagore family used to reside. It is now home to the Rabindra Bharathi University and a museum with exhibits depicting the life of the Tagores. Do visit the Park Street of Kolkata that remains buzzing with restaurants and pubs all night and day. The Indian Museum of the city is the largest and the oldest museum of India with 35 grand galleries flooding with antiquities, artefacts, paintings and mummies. History seekers must also visit Victoria Memorial, a museum dedicated to Queen Victoria. The museum has been made in Mughal and British architectural styles and houses 25 galleries.

Darjeeling

Renowned for its tea industry, Darjeeling is nestling with the lower Himalayas. The town has an old world charm which makes it culturally rich. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway remains the main attraction here also known with the name of the ‘Toy Train’. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a beautiful train journey amidst sprawling landscapes. Wildlife enthusiasts must visit the Singalila National Park and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park housing some rare and endangered species of animals. Also, spend some moments of peace while gazing at the setting sun at the very beautiful Tiger Hill.

Bankura

A pleasurable retreat for nature devotees, Bankura is all about relaxing amidst ample of nature. Travellers visit here to unwind their soul and explore the most magnificent sites of forests, temples and festivities of the region. Jhilmili is perhaps the most beautiful place to fall in love with Bankura at once. The forested area is an ideal place to rejuvenate and experience some unseen facets of nature. Also visit the spectacular looking Gokul Chand Temple having spiritual as well as historical values. The temple fort stands 64 feet high and looks impressive in architecture.

Siliguri

A trip to Siliguri promises you astonishing sites of temples and tea gardens. Siliguri houses a range of attractions under its horizon. Start with the very popular Kali Mandir, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali. Chilapata Forest also lures many nature devotees with its bounty of flora and fauna. It houses a beautiful forest bungalow where a peaceful stay can be enjoyed.  History lovers must also explore the Nalraja Garh which is a 2000 year old fortress built inside the dense forest.

Midnapore

 A delight for wanderers, Midnapore is an old-fashioned town with untouched natural vistas. Visit the very beautiful Jora Masjid of Midnapore flaunting ancient Islamic style of architecture. The mosque is a significant one and is visited by thousands of devotees. Kali Temple also holds great religious significance in Midnapore. With its stunning architecture and beautiful location, it is visited by many people throughout the year.

Murshidabad

Murshidabad has a great historical significance as it was once the capital during the Mughal rule.  It still mirrors history of this place with some prominent places like the very majestic Hazaarduari Palace. This palace was built in the 19th century. Today it has been transformed into a museum with exhibits belonging to the times of the Nawab rule. The largest Imambara in India, Nizamat Imambara also looks impressive due to its old world appeal. It was constructed by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. The original structured was destroyed twice and later in 1847, a new shrine was made. Other must visit places in Murshidabad include Khushbagh, Katra Mosque, etc.

Food

The food of West Bengal is very traditional. Most of the locals here are in love with Luchi alur dom made of potatoes. Keemar Doi Bora is also cooked in every household made with a combination of minced meat and sweet and spicy curd. Also, do try out the delectable Kathi Rolls stuffed with meat kebabs. Jhal Muri is another common street food in West Bengal made using rice flakes mixed with spicy chutney. For the lovers of mutton, tasting Kosha Mangsho is must. The locals of the state have a deep fascination for fish which is made on every special occasion. Try Ilish Maach made with deep-fried Hilsa fish. It will not be wrong to say but this state is in love with sweets. Sweets like Rasgullas, Chamcham and Sondesh grace every occasion celebrated here.

Shopping

West Bengal is highly popular for its arts and crafts such as clay, conch, shoal, conch-shell, jute, etc. Also, no traveller visiting here ever misses the chance to bag authentic Bengali silk saris and Batik work Saris which look extremely traditional. Also look for fabrics with Kantha, Chikan, Kashida and Zari work which can be turned into beautiful Indian outfits. Kolkata has numerous places to shop around such as Bara Bazaar, Esplanade and Gariahat. Jute grows in West Bengal and thus, jute fabric and handicrafts remains very popular among locals.

Some Little Fascinating Facts about Kolkata:

1. Calcutta was the first Capital under British India. Even they were smitten by her beauty. So much was her importance that she was the second city of the British Empire, after London of course.

2. Calcutta is the second largest Indian city, after New Delhi. Size matters and we are proud of ours.

3. Calcutta was home to 5 Nobel Laureates – the most in any Asian Mainland city (apart from Tokyo and Kyoto).Sir Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Sir C V Raman, Amartya Sen and Mother Teresa.  No wonder we are called the cultural and intellectual city.

4. The World’s largest tree in terms of area covered, The great Banyan Tree, Botanical Garden, has its roots fixed firmly in Kolkata.With around 14,500 square meters, It is estimated to be around 1200 years old tree with around 3300 roots falling to the surface. It is almost a mini forest in itself.

5. The Khidderpore Port is the oldest port in India besides being the only riverine port in the country.

6. Kolkata has the largest Chinese population among other states in India.So,it is no surprise that Calcutta is considered the birthplace of a fusion cuisine, now popular as ‘Indian-Chinese’.

7. Kolkata houses the office of the Overseas Chinese Commerce of India, the only Chinese newspaper published in India.

8. Kolkata is the only city in India with Hand pulled Rickshaws.So, don’t be surprised if you are caught in traffic with a rickshaw on one side and a horse-carriage on the other side while you are amidst buses, cars, trams and two-wheelers.

9. Kolkata is the only city in South Asia and India with Trams.While, the world is running a race, Calcutta prefers its easy pace with its rustic charm.

10. There was no “Kolkata” Railway station till the year 2006, the current Kolkata station was previously called Chitpur Station and was only used as a Rail Yard and a goods terminal.Since, time immemorial, we have been commuting through two stations in Kolkata, namely Sealdah station and Howrah Station , which is the busiest railway station in  India, in terms of unique trains it handles daily. It also has biggest station complex and is the second oldest railway station in India. Also, the second passenger train in India plied from Howrah to Hooghly on 15th August, 1854. Quite some history there!

11. Kolkata was the first Indian city to have the metro train. Our metros have been plying over two decades now. Calcutta has tracks running on the surface as well as below the ground.  Isn’t that fascinating?

12. We might look all geeky but trust us when it comes to sports.We have enthusiasm running in our veins. Here, each game is given its due importance therefore; our Salt-lake stadium is the Football stadium with second highest seating capacity in world. The Eden Gardens Cricket Ground is the stadium is the third largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity. The Calcutta football league is the oldest football league in Asia and the second oldest football league in the World, it was started in the year 1898. The Calcutta Cricket and Football Club is the second oldest cricket club in the world, second only to the MCC, the rule makers of cricket. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club, was the first Golf club outside the United Kingdom. The Calcutta Polo club is the oldest extant polo club in the world.  Phew!

13. When we have characters like Feluda and Bomykesh, who fascinate us, how can you expect us not to have a little bookworm in each one of us?Calcutta provides us with enough resources to cater to our needs. College street in Kolkata is the largest second hand book market in the world and the largest book market in India, there is a saying in Kolkata that if you can’t find a book in college street, it probably doesn’t exist! The National Library of India, Kolkata is the largest library in India. After the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair, Kolkata Book fair is recognized as the world’s largest conglomeration of books! Besides, it’s one of a kind and Asia’s largest book fair—it is also the most-attended book fair in the world! It is also the world’s largest non trade Book fair!!

 14. Kolkata holds the Second Largest Planetarium in the world, and the largest planetarium in Asia: Birla Planetarium, Kolkata.

15. Kolkata has many museums but among them it houses the Largest museum in India – Indian Museum, Kolkata.

16. Did you know the Howrah Bridge is one of the world’s largest cantilever bridge? and perhaps the only one in India? Well, it is!

17. Alipore Zoo, Kolkata is the oldest zoo in India. Yes, you read that right. You should see the crowd it still gets.Oh Calcutta!   We never seem to get enough of this charming city. The beauty lies in its old world charm. Calcutta is a city where life is too fast and too slow simultaneously. You can call it a city of extremes or an artists’ paradise but there is no escaping its spell. It is the very soul to our existence.

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