West Bengal Hotels for Your Next Holiday
Why Tourists Visit West Bengal
- • Explore the colonial architecture and vibrant street food of Kolkata.
- • Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- • Go tiger spotting in the Sundarbans National Park.
- • Relax amidst the tea plantations and stunning views of the Himalayas in Darjeeling.
- • Visit the cultural hub of Santiniketan, the home of Tagore's legacy.
West Bengal is home to over 1,500 hotels ranging from luxury accommodations like The Oberoi Grand ($150-$400 per night) in Kolkata to affordable mid-range options such as Cedar Inn in Darjeeling ($50-$120 per night). Most hotels are concentrated in Kolkata, Darjeeling, Santiniketan, and along the beaches of Mandarmani, offering diverse options like boutique stays, heritage resorts, and eco-lodges. New additions like The Rajbari Bawali, located near Kolkata, stand out for their heritage charm and luxurious amenities.
West Bengal offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, drawing millions of visitors annually to its diverse landscapes ranging from the Himalayas to the Sundarbans.
Kolkata, often called the 'City of Joy,' features iconic sites like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum, while the tea gardens of Darjeeling provide a serene retreat in the hills.
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a chance to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, and the cultural haven of Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, is a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.
West Bengal Tips You Must Know
• Book hotel rooms at least 3 months in advance for peak seasons like October-November (Durga Puja) and March-April (Bengali New Year).
• Use local transportation like yellow taxis in Kolkata but consider pre-booking cars for rural areas and hill stations.
• Carry cash for smaller towns and activities like local markets or nature treks, as card acceptance may be limited.
• Visit Darjeeling from March to May or October to December for clear views and pleasant weather.
• For safety, use certified guide services for activities like Sundarbans boat tours or hiking in hill regions.