Travel

CChander Pahar, written by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, has been a source of courage, dreams, and discovery for generations. For most, Shankar's journey through

Experience Lamahatta, the mountain streams, eco-parks, and boutique hospitality create an unforgettable Himalayan retreat

Jhargram is often called the heart of Junglemahal. This district of West Bengal is blessed with the spellbinding beauty of nature.

A meditative hill, and at its base, a river rests in silence. As far as the eye can see, stretches

Nobody does terracotta (burnt clay) quite like Bengal. And this skill has stood the test of history. For centuries, Bengal’s craftspeople

Uttar (North) Dinajpur would probably not feature prominently on a list of Bengal’s most popular tourist destinations. But that trend

Marble Lake is Purulia’s monsoon masterpiece

Remember that scene from Feluda movie Sonar Kella? Where peacocks reigned? Peacock, the National Bird as pompously explained by Jatayu in his

Bijanbari is a peaceful hamlet situated at a height of 2,500 feet, only 15 kilometres from Darjeeling. It is one of

Should we call it soul food? Comfort food? Or just an easy recipe to soothe you down when you catch

The twin towns of Gaur-Pandua, medieval capital of Bengal are probably the least known historical sites of India, though it

Bengal is experiencing a boom in tourism. According to data from the Union Ministry of Tourism's ‘India Tourism Statistics 2023,’

Just about 1 km from Jor Bangla Temple and 2 km from Bishnupur bus station stands an extraordinary building -

The history of Bengal, of India, actually, changed with the Battle of Plassey. And most of us probably know that

Avillage comprising almost entirely of temples. And very old ones at that. Welcome to Pathra, in Paschim Medinipur district, possibly unique in

Tarafeni Barrage is a small picturesque dam of Jhargram on a quiet river named Tarafeni. It is called quiet as

“Gentlemen passing up and down the river may be accommodated with breakfast, dinner, supper, and lodging, and may depend on

Ajanta Sinha is a veteran journalist and compulsive traveller, who has retired to the mountains of North Bengal after a

Exterior of Palace The Cossimbazar Palace of the Roys is one of the most exquisite palaces of Bengal. It is not

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its nets of wonder forever” ---- that’s what Jacques Yves

Devrali Dara is a scenic viewpoint in North Bengal, bordering another Himalayan town of Sikkim. In Nepali language, ‘Devrali’ means

Nestled in the arms of Panchet Hill, lies what used to be the fort of one of the most formidable

Algarah is a tiny hamlet on way to the famous Silk Route. Strategically placed, it is the highest point in

Prabha Shankar, Anupam, Bhaduri, Bhawani. These are just random proper names, right? Wrong. These are four of the more than

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) is all set to reintroduce the early morning service in the Hills from tomorrow, 26th March 2025,

West Bengal witnessed an all-time high in tourism, both domestic and foreign, last year, with 18.5 crore visitors, placing the

For a nature buff, the mere opportunity to spend time among rare species of flora and fauna co-existing in their

For someone like me, who stays in Thailand, enjoying the snow-laden peaks and the vastness of the Himalayas is not

Imagine you are staring at all the 108 Shiv Mandirs standing in the middle of the courtyard and even can

The bare facts about Maithon are that it is a town on the West Bengal-Jharkhand border, and that it is

Amere three-hour drive from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station. That’s all you need to travel to a seemingly parallel reality, where

Nobody really seems to know where the name ‘Buxa’ comes from. Which is surprising, considering that long before there was

A slice of history enveloped in antiquity, art and architecture -- that is what sums up Hetampur in Birbhum district

‘Imambara’, meaning ‘abode of the angels’, a congregation hall of Shia Muslims which is mostly in use during the holy

An exclusive photo feature by ace photographer Pradyut Choudhury for GetBengal Gangasagar is not just the confluence of the mighty Ganga

Happy Valley! Does the name resonate some warm charm? It does, doesn’t it? With a legacy of history mixed in

Atiny Buddhist shrine is tucked away in a Burmese guest house in front of Central Metro Station's Gate No. 5. It's

Sittong is well known for its orange orchards Come November-December and the verdant hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts are resplendent

At the close of the 16th century, around the year 1592, Emperor Akbar sent his famous Rajput commander Man Singh

We probably use the words ‘virgin beach’ too loosely. But when you visit Bankiput sea beach in Purba Medinipur district,

Armenian Church “Our next walk will begin from Old China Bazar Street.” That is how the last edition of our walk

Speaking of tourism in West Bengal, most people probably think of north and south - the Himalayas and the Bay

Kizom,the ‘Switzerland of Darjeeling' The mighty Kanchenjungha does not play peek-a-boo with the mist and clouds here, nor does the gushing

Baranagar village in Murshidabad Jiaganj, located at 24.2556°N 88.2416°E in West Bengal, has been selected as the “Best Tourism Village

Sarada Devi, often known as the Holy Mother, was Sri Ramakrishna's spiritual partner and an important figure in the Ramakrishna

Religious tourism is one of the oldest forms of tourism that exists. Since the dawn of time, pilgrims have travelled

If you wish to recreate Tagore’s Shesher Kabita on the foothills of the Himalayas in North Bengal instead of Shillong,

A story that plays out eerily similar to Shah Rukh Khan’s 2007 film Om Shanti Om, Prayag Film City was

From the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata to the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, a group of 15

Raimatang, a newfound paradise in the heart of Dooars The silence of dense forests can be deafening at times, making one

Yelbong Canyon Cave, Kalimpong, North Bengal As I walked past the slippery grounds surrounded by steep walls of rocks made by

Kiriteswari Temple, Shakti Peeth , Murshidabad West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is currently in Spain on a 12-day visit

To the people of Charida, a sleepy village of Bengal, masks mean ancient tribal Chhau masks, that are colourful and

Chamurchi is famous for its musical stone cave Known for its panoramic beauty and lush green tea gardens, North Bengal’s mystical

Jhandi,an offbeat destination in Dooars Jhandi is a living, breathing, spectacular Himalayan paradise, where you can spend a weekend surrounded by

Twelve Mile Forest, Ranibandh-Sutan When you think of Bankura, you probably have in mind a vague collage of red earth, rugged

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) launched the ‘Best Tourism Villages’ Award in 2021 to make tourism a driver

Lava Let us start with the mountains and move towards the seaside. Mountains are an all-time winner, and contrary to popular

In a clearing amidst mango orchards and fields stands a golden coloured statue. The subject of the statue is the

Normally, you would have little reason to visit Keshiary community development (CD) block. Located 40 km from Medinipur, the district

Gajoldoba Ecotourism is a word that first came up in the West in the 1980s, and has since made its way

It has been just a year that India has begun observing National Tourism Day on January 25. So not much

St Olav's Church From 1755 to 1845, the town of Serampore (pronounced in Bengali, as Srirampur) in Hooghly district was known

Jhargram royal palace Kolkata has traditionally been known as a ‘City of Palaces’. While the sobriquet is undoubtedly justified, it runs

Benaras - the very name brings up a lot of emotions, especially for a Bengali girl like me. Growing up

You may not be able to plan a long-distance trip throughout the year. But as the holiday season approaches, here

It all started in 1972 and will end in 2024. Bengal is set to get the world’s largest religious monument

Recently, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) identified two geological heritage sites in the Indian Himalayan Region of India. The

Happy days are here again for tourists who have been counting months and days on their fingertips, waiting for governments

Zoological Garden, Alipore As we near the end of our walking tour of Kolkata, it is now time to venture to

Hastings Chapel As we near the end of our walking tour of Kolkata, it is now time to venture to the

Loreto College We ended the previous edition of our walk at Russell Street, which leaves us free this week to continue

St Thomas’ Church, Middleton Row We ended last week at New Market, and if you have had your fill of shopping,

Having ended last week’s walk at Hatibagan, from where you can take the Metro from Shyambazar station and travel back

Thanthania Kali Temple Last week, we had begun walking down College Street, and covered a substantial chunk of it. This week,

Our last walk before Durga Puja had ended at the Rameswar Shiva temple on Nandaram Sen Street, off Chitpur Road.

Rameswar Shiva Temple Last week, we left off at the Siddheswari Kali Temple, on Madanmohantala Street near the Shyambazar crossing. Just

At about this time last year, there was fear. That there wouldn’t be enough visitors, that the beautiful properties would

Minerva Theatre This week’s walk may well be called the ‘temple trail’, because though it is a continuation of our Chittaranjan

The hill springs suddenly come alive through dense forests, a deciduous canopy touch the roof of the coach you travel

This is going to be a slightly longer walk, so it is perhaps best split into two. We will begin

Our weekly walk has brought us to what is one of Kolkata’s most fascinating neighbourhoods, though we perhaps do not

Jorasanko Thakurbari Having entered the ‘native’ quarters on last week’s walk, we will continue our round of some of Kolkata’s grandest

Chitpur Road Last week, we had said we would be starting this, the eighth edition of our walk around our city,

Siddeshwari Kali Mandir  Four days from today, on August 24, we will have completed 331 years since Job Charnock landed at

Located on the banks of the Ichamati River in Basirhat subdivision of North 24 Parganas district, Taki is a city

Resuming our walk along the waterfront, we will focus on some of the city’s most famous ‘ghats’ this week, and

For a history geek with a penchant for historical towns, ‘rajbaris’ and tales of kings and queens, it doesn’t get

Fort William At the end of our very interesting walk last week, we had headed back to Esplanade, and it is

Thanks to the overwhelming focus on the British when it comes to colonial powers in Bengal, most of us tend

Beth-El Synagogue  We have now arrived at the fifth episode of our customised walk around Kolkata, though there’s a long way

For a long time, Mirik was only a location you checked into on your way to Darjeeling. Beautiful and scenic,

Darjeeling is well known not only for the dazzling snow peaks of the Kanchenjunga range overlooking it, the beautiful tea

Metcalf Hall With apologies for the hiatus between our last edition and this, we return to our walkabout of Kolkata’s oldest

In the autumn of 1872, Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay launched a magazine which was to create a new epoch in the history

Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee has launched an initiative to firmly establish the state on the international

Tanmoy Chatterjee A photographer of national repute, Tanmoy has taken some beautiful shots of Kurseong in the rains, and GetBengal is

In the second episode of our walking tour of Kolkata, we cover the rest of the BBD Bag area, where

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic has taken over our lives, the definition of what is normal has changed almost daily.

Baranti (or Barhanti) is a small tribal village in Raghunathpur subdivision of Purulia district. Situated beside Baranti Lake, it is

Travellers to and from Sikkim have long been aware of the hardships involved in covering the last mile from West

For most of us, Barrackpore probably brings to mind Mangal Pandey and his famous act of rebellion that led to

It is tempting to begin this piece with a detailed description of the beauty of Darjeeling, but we suspect that

U nder the inspiration of Hon'ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a statewide Covid-19 vaccination programme for tourism and hospitality sector

“Other than dessert, I don’t think there is anything you can’t do with ilish,” declares Subhajit Bhattacharya who, along with

Carron Where does the word ‘bungalow’ actually come from? From the Hindi ‘bangla’, actually, meaning ‘belonging to Bengal’, to describe a

What combines acting, singing, and also a bit of dancing? A Bollywood or Tollywood film, you may well answer. But

IIcche Gaon seems a name straight out of a poem (‘icche’ means wish in Bengali, and ‘gaon’ is village), and

What exactly does one do in Diamond Harbour? You may well ask if you have never been there. As is

In September 2020, six travel agents from Gujarat embarked on a road trip around India to promote domestic travel as

It was perhaps owing to Satyajit Ray’s iconic Bengali film ‘Abhijan’ (1962), shot largely in Birbhum district, that the ‘Mama

Deulti is an otherwise nondescript village on National Highway 6, in West Bengal’s Howrah district. However, what makes it unique

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary Sitting snug amid the Himalayan foothills of the Dooars region in Jalpaiguri district, the small town of Chalsa

Udaipur Trivia question: how is Junput linked to one of the greatest classics of Bangla literature? Some of you may know

In a tropical country like ours, summer really isn’t the season for travel, or so says conventional wisdom. However, the

At an altitude of 3,636 m (roughly 11,000 ft) above sea level, Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal,

In the early 9th century, the northern Indian subcontinent was ruled over by the Pala Empire, whose territory stretched across

As palaces go, Coochbehar Palace is not all that old - only about 135 years or so. However, its historical

“When we drink a glass of water, write in a notebook, take medicine for a fever or build a house,

Heritage is about a sense of pride in one’s past, heritage is about aesthetics, heritage is about linking past to

In 2013, the West Bengal government introduced the concept of ‘tea tourism’, given the numerous tea gardens in North Bengal

Geographically speaking, Gajoldoba is a village near Odlabari in the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. Like many

Among other good things, Darjeeling is justifiably celebrated for its oranges. But not many of us may be aware that

Today, March 3, was officially declared World Wildlife Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, in response to

Devi Bargabhima temple For those who think Kolkata is old, a visit to Tamluk would probably be instructive. Actually, a good

Chandannagore is not just an erstwhile French colony, but the Town that redefined ‘Light.’ It is a glowing example of

Birsingha - Birth place of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar On January 1, 2002, West Bengal’s Medinipur district was split in two halves -

Nobody had really heard of Lamahatta before 2012. That year, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, passing through the village,

Launched this weekend, on 14th February 2021, you get an opportunity to hop and set sail on the European Settlements

Indian one horned rhino For most of its lifetime, Gorumara National Park was actually called Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary. Properly speaking, it

If Kolkata has a Floatel, the erstwhile French colony of Chandannagar will now have Joloshree, the premium restaurant boat giving

In a first of its kind, a three-day ‘Bengal Himalayan Carnival’ was held in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gajoldoba in Jalpaiguri

There seems to be no clear theory about how the district of ‘Bankura’ got its name. One possible clue may

As of now, the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited (WBTDCL) is running a one night-two day and two night-three

Aradhana (1969) In November 2019, actors Dev and Paoli Dam were in Darjeeling, shooting for their Bengali film ‘Sanjhbati’, which eventually

Nobody seems to be quite sure why India observes January 25 as National Tourism Day every year. However, the day

Adina Mosque No matter which way you look at it, Malda is special. Not only is the district headquarters one of

The Sunderbans, a miracle of nature which perhaps not many of us in Bengal fully appreciate. They say familiarity breeds

A view of Mt Kanchenjunga Pedong, in Kalimpong district of West Bengal, is a fairly bustling settlement. Yet, just 30 minutes

For the knowledgeable tourist, Shankarpur is probably just another add-on to Digha. For the more discerning traveller, however, this quiet

As the name suggests, the Bishnupur gharana of Hindustani classical music originated in Bishnupur, West Bengal, possibly way back in

Morgan House in Kalimpong When a nationwide lockdown prompted by the Covid pandemic was declared in India at the end of

It came as an artfully tranquil story of grounded tones, healthy hues, starry nights, of owl hoots and pre-dawn chirps.

Have never seen an ascetic sage meditating in some unknown cave of the Himalayas, but have read about it in

On Monday, December 21, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the tenth edition of the Kolkata Christmas Festival on Park Street.

The year that has caused such misery and brought a pandemic upon the world is finally nearing its end, having

Be it Chinese, Japanese or Tibetan, Kolkata has always been open and shown a lot of enthusiasm when it comes

‘Bangla Moder Gorbo’ is an initiative launched by the West Bengal government to highlight the traditional arts and crafts and

As every year, the state government will organise tourism fairs this winter, spread across the districts and Kolkata. The only

  Sailing down the Hooghly in a vessel of any kind is something many of us have done at some time

To call the Dooars in North Bengal a nature-lover’s paradise is but an understatement. Hemmed in on all sides by

There’s a reason why sunsets are timeless and a constant encouragement for poets and writers, as they are for romantic

The European country of Portugal and Bandel, the beautiful town of Bengal, may be separated by continents, but are united

LPP programme at Bishnupur Tourism propoerty A few years ago, the West Bengal government had announced a unique project titled Lok

If the British gave Kolkata its erstwhile colonial architecture, it is often believed the Portuguese much prior to the British,

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration partially opened a tourist site that had been lying abandoned for three years, at Jamuni, approximately

Close to Santiniketan in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, the village of Mahishdal has rail tracks running along one of its

Just a river separates Gadiara from Geonkhali, the first in Howrah district, the second in Purba Medinipur. When we say

Jhargram district in West Bengal is popular for its forests, wildlife, royal palaces, and ancient temples. Carved out of Paschim

If you were to compile a pie chart showing the numerous ethnic groups who call Kolkata home, Tibetans would perhaps

Rishyap (most Bengalis think of, and pronounce it, as Rishop) isn't what you'd call a typical tourist destination. Having made

Picture this: an early autumn or winter morning at New Jalpaiguri (NJP), steaming cups of tea, and the prospect of

The West Bengal Tourism Department is calling it ‘Ajana Kolkata’ (literally, unknown Kolkata) or ‘Kolkata Connect’. Whatever you call it,

Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away…  –Holy Bible.  Time indeed moves on and every moment passes by,

They say numbers tell a story. If that is true, then a few numbers generated by the West Bengal Tourism

The Tourism Department of West Bengal is introducing sightseeing services in two attractive double decker buses covering the Heritage &

During Durga Puja this year, all those who normally travel out of West Bengal for their vacations are looking inward.

Moglai Parota from Anadi. Kobiraji Cutlet from Basanta Cabin. Lyangcha from Sree Hari Mistanna Bhandar. Any Kolkatan will know instantly

The Bakkhali Pally Samaj Durgotsab is organised every year by the local Happy Club. The year 2018 marked the 25th

Many people in this city know that during Durga Puja, the state government's Tourism Department organises all-night tours of Kolkata's

How many destinations have you heard of that offer hills, forests, meandering rivers, ancient palaces and temples, and unique cultural

On September 27, 1970, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) adopted its statutes. And a decade later, this day

Acacia auriculiformis, or auri, or earleaf acacia, or earpod wattle, or northern black wattle, or Papuan wattle, or tan wattle,

Scene 1: Two men sit eating a sumptuous meal in the middle of a field. One of them, having eaten

Be honest, how many of you, particularly if you are a woman, have gone thirsty on a road trip, at

The 'travel-crazy Bengali' has long been a well established identity. So much so that tour guides in many parts of

If you were to draw up a list of the architectural wonders of Bengal, Murshidabad district would probably top it.

What can be written or said about Digha that hasn't already been written or said? One of West Bengal's most

Once a French colony, Chandarnagore aka Chandannagar is a thriving French language and cultural hub of Eastern India that flourished

While the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, is gradually opening up their properties for travel enthusiasts, it’s time

For those who don’t know this already, at an altitude of 3,636 m (roughly 11,000 ft) above sea level, Sandakphu

Nature can be a fearsome adversary, as human history has shown time and again. But it is also humankind's greatest

Not many people can claim an entire town as part of their legacy, but Lt. Gen. George W. Aylmer Lloyd

Travelling in a local or long-distance train through the vicinity of Santiniketan in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, it is almost

The word ‘terracotta’ means baked earth. Simply put, it is what you get when clay is hard-baked, producing a strong,

There are plenty of wonderful things to say about Delo (or Deolo), but the one that any traveller is likely

So inextricably is the name of Jaldapara linked to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros that one often tends to overlook the

Before you do anything else in Bakkhali, take a walk down its south-facing crescent shaped beach. Nothing short of a

Bankura in West Bengal is a land known for its red earth and rugged landscape, and yet it is also

Tanmoy Chatterjee An ace photographer of national repute, has captured some magnificent shots of 22 Shrabon observed in Santiniketan over the

Ayodhya (or Ajodhya) Hills are a range of hills in Purulia district. More properly speaking, it is a small plateau

Renowned American businessman and entrepreneur James Cash Penney once said, “Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.”Knowingly or

Ticking off the bucket list has become a fantasy. Confined within the four walls of our homes for the past

Trekking through pristine forests of Neora Valley National Park in Bengal is probably one of the best wilderness treks of

The world-wide Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown imposed to keep the virus at bay has affected the hospitality and

The highest point of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar also known as Latpanchor is a pic-turesque hamlet in the outskirts of

Calcutta is a gastronomer’s paradise. And one thing that we cannot get over are those deep-fried egg paratha loaded with

As rain pours down, the monsoon season brings out the true beauty of Darjeeling.  If you can brave the rain, Darjeeling

Buddhist site in West Bengal? When most tourists flock to Bihar to witness the famous Buddhist sites of India, there

The First Water Bus Service from Chandernagore to Kolkata made its official debut this morning. West Bengal is moving along with

• By the River Kansabati, let the rain drench you A vast water body surrounded by hills, the forests that turn

Wish to see a river gorge right here in the heartland of Bengal? Well, you must be at the Ghagra

Chilki Garh, famous for its forested cover and an ancient royal temple dedicated to Devi Mahamaya (a form of Durga),

Bengal’s monsoon is incomplete without a Hilsa dish. And this year, West Bengal is expecting bumper Hilsa catch, thanks to

Dark clouds looming in the horizon infused with intermittent rain. A peep at any Bengali kitchen would invariably be met

Sekempur bus stop on the Siuri-Bolpur Road in Birbhum district is a busy transit point and remains so, throughout the

There is something irrationally annoying about Indian summer in the plains. The never-ending season, the excessive, oppressive heat round the

Bengal has always been famous for its textiles and even the British frequently exploited the handloom weavers of this land

The flaming Gulmohar Avenue of Kolkata, popularly known as Red Road comes in all hues during summer. The trees in

Read of the fishermen’s cove in Enid Blyton? And always imagined to sit in one such cove overlooking a village,

Aatpur is a small village in Hooghly district of Bengal, closely associated with the great patriotic saint of India –

In the heart of Malda, lies the small village of Ramkeli, popularized on Bengal’s tourist map as the land of

If you wish to cool yourself from within this summer and keep your stomach healthy and happy, then try out

Twin lakes, forested tracks and vast stretches of virgin hilly tracts --- Jorepokhri is truly the Lake District of Bengal.

If you wish to escape to a thick canopy of greens then you must try out the extensive Joypur Forest,

Rare hornbills flying above, meandering their way through the tall trees, and the path infront of you glistening in the

As far as my eyes travelled, a valley of pink rain lilies, swept the green meadow hiding the church steeple

This is a new addition to the North Bengal circuit and indeed has captured the eye of tourists! Gumba Dara

Some places are defined by their breath-taking picturesque landscape, while some for their historical tales and others for their rich

When grandeur and history blend, it creates wonders. Just like Bengal’s Wasef Manzil, remnants of the Nawabi era. Syed Wasef

This is that part of Bengal, where thousands of pilgrims from across the world converge to pay their respects to

The Coronation Bridge near Sevoke is often referred to as an architectural wonder. Due to the rocky terrains of the

India’s Tourism and Aviation sector will be among the first industries to be hit by the ongoing crisis. Many believe

Wherever your sight travels, you get to see only undulating lush, verdant tea estates enclosed by misty blue Sivaliks in

A weekend trip far from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet close to one’s home is always welcome.

If the eerie moors of Sherlock Holmes’ Hounds of Baskervilles had sent shivers down your spine, the swamps and grasslands

Here is a rustic village that gets its name from a ‘point….’ Bindu (in Bengali means point), where one gets

Gopiballavpur, approximately 200 kilometres from Kolkata, is a small village on the banks of Subarnarekha River, which presently falls under

Here the Reshi river gurgles down the hills in all its glory. By this mountainous river of Rishikhola, you can

Wish to laze on a beach, let the lilting waves lap up your tired feet as well as avoid the

Telkupi (or Tailakampi) is a small non-descript village on the banks of Damodar River under Raghunathpur police station in Purulia

If you wish to enjoy a Lepcha lifestyle in the heart of Bengal, then you must be amidst the picturesque

“Life takes you down many paths but my favorite ones lead to the beach…..” Nothing could be closer to the

Lipika and Darshan Dudhoria speak to Saheli Mitra about their new boutique and heritage hotel BARI KOTHI in Azimganj, Murshidabad

Are you trapped in a soul-sucking corporate job and desperately looking for ways to squeeze out a couple of days

This is a burial ground, where silence reigns and history speaks. Khosh Baag is the royal graveyard of Nawab Alivardi

Tiffin Dara is a picturesque viewpoint in the lap of Kolbong forest range of Eastern Himalayas. It can be accessed

Tucked in a corner of Hooghly district near Tarakeshwar, lies a small village that happens to be a treasure-trove of

At Jafarganj of Murshidabad, during early sixteenth century, a luxurious palace of the Najafi rulers was built by the patrons,

Image Courtesy - Reetwika Banerjee Chandraketugarh is an archaeological site located beside the Bidyadhari River, about 35 kilometres north-east of Kolkata

When you want to escape the summer heat, what is the foremost thought that comes to your mind? Ditch the

Sometimes, life becomes so convoluted and meaningless, that you feel the need to blow off some steam, or else you’ll

Perched on a cliff, the breath-taking view-point of Kurseong, gives a sweeping landscape of the surrounding mountain, hills, hamlets and

Just when summer threatens to knock at the doors and the urban milieu seems to snuff the very life force,

The word ‘Terracotta’ always brings a visual of the burnt clay temples of Bishnupur. But I was really amazed to

Kagyu Thek Chen Ling is an ancient Buddhist Monastery, located in the Eastern belt of Greater Himalayas, around 40 kilometres

Centuries ago, white lotuses bloomed on this serene lake water, which owes its name to the etymological history of the

Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Expecto Patronum! These magical words transport us from the real, mundane world to a fantasy land where boarding

Bengal is a land of architectural splendour and they are often found on the temple walls. One such unique temple

Often during our tour to Darjeeling, we miss the charm of its suburbs. The Himalayas never disappoints me and it

Have you seen the movie Sabuj Dwiper Raja? Well, if you have seen or been to Andamans, you will just

Spring comes in different hues at Doladanga, in the forests of Shonajhuri, Shimul, Palash and Piyal, far away from the

Some entries are always spectacular. One such is the entry point to Sandakphu Trek --- the quaint and sleepy hamlet

Long, Long ago a fairy-tale was woven in one corner of Bengal, 55 kilometres from Kolkata along the Taki Road

Kalimpong is not just a Land of Orchids, but also of many old mansions built by erstwhile royal princes and

Nestled amidst towering conifers, the quaint Lepcha village of Charkhole offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas throughout the year.

As you get dropped at the Shibtala bus stand of Burdwan, not only green fields will soothe your tired urban

Gour of Malda district was once the capital of ancient Bengal, from early 5th century till 16th century AD, being

This morning, one hundred and seven leading tour companies and their representatives from around thirty-seven countries attended the inauguration of

Imagine biking along a trail that passes through a wildlife sanctuary! Yes, you stand a chance to even have a

It came as an artfully tranquil story of grounded tones, healthy hues, starry nights, of owl hoots and pre-dawn chirps.

Destination East, one of the most sought-after annual tourism meet, will start in Kolkata from 11th January with the arrival

Perched on a hill-top with the magnificent Kanchenjungha playing peek-a-boo with floating clouds in the backdrop, Kalimpong’s Gaden Tharpa Choling

How about learning scientific techniques, feats and gaining scientific knowledge in the backdrop of snow-capped Kanchenjungha and the beauty of

St. Patrick’s Church, locally known as ‘Sadhu Patrciker Girja’ is one of the oldest Catholic churches of Kolkata. Located opposite

Santiniketan’s Poush Mela starts today, and will again see the whole global audience descending on the Mela Grounds. Poush Mela

Chinsurah, a small town in the Gangetic belt of Hooghly district, once used to be the centre of Dutch establishment

The Basilica of Holy Rosary, commonly known as Bandel Church, is one of the most revered Roman Catholic churches of

Secluded and serene, rarely beaches of Bengal are this picturesque. And what more, you have the confluence of a river

Amidst the chaos and din of Kalighat tram depot, stands an imposing building with majestic Doric columns. This is the

Nestled in the bosom of Singalila National Park at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet above sea level lies

With the arrival of East India Company officials and their families, Kolkata needed churches, where they could worship. The British

Every winter, markets in Kolkata and elsewhere in Bengal are flooded with packets of Jaynagarer Moa, a seasonal Bengali sweet

The Dooars is the floodplains of northern Bengal and eastern Assam. The name 'Dooars' is derived from ‘doors’ or ‘Dwar’

Chhibo, an anonymous hill station of North Bengal, can be a city traveler’s true hide out. With nothing much to

If you are lovebirds and wish to be at a lover’s paradise, then do not miss Peshoke’s Lover’s Meet. Yes,

All roads will again lead to Nahoum’s this Christmas and already the long winter queues for its plum cakes, almond

Imagine a village right here in East Midnapur where a slice of Europe’s Portugal, not only flows down through the

Gopegarh was once a fort of the Gope king, which is now transformed into an eco-tourism hideout for those who

The State Government eased Land Usage norms for North Bengal’s tea gardens that will help the industry to open doors

The first phase of infrastructure development of the historic Bhramri Devi temple of North Bengal is complete and the inauguration

If you love adventure and of course the tranquility of a Himalayan nook, then Vidhyang is surely a place to

While most of the Indian states observe Diwali, West Bengal witnesses a traditional style of worshipping Goddess Kali (also known

During early 18th-century, Eastern India was plundered by the ravaging Maratha warriors, prevalently known as the ‘Notorious Borgees.’ If any

The splendour and pomp of royalty is long gone, but it has left its mark on Garh Panchkot. Goddess Durga

Imagine an idol of Durga being worshipped for almost 450 years! And that too an idol made of Koshthipathor! Well,

At the end of Durga Puja, on Vijaya Dashami, the Ichhamati River at Taki offers a unique spectacle -- boats crammed

It’s often said, ‘Tea is for all occasions.’ Be it to lift your sombre moods or to experience an ecstatic

In this age of women empowerment, GB makes a special video on the Women Idol Makers of Kumartuli. Watch out!

Remember that scene from the all-time hilarious movie Sharey Chuattor where the forever lazy father of Suchitra Sen, loved snugging

In these days of reinventing and creating new rules out of old traditions, it is equally important to remember our

Bhog with a difference? If you are used to having the khichuri bhog every year along with that sweet savoury

Do not miss this exclusive video on Malda! Let it be your next tourist destination

If pandal hopping is a favourite sport during Durga Puja, so are the River Cruises to watch puja celebrations in

It seems like Kolkata celebrates some festival every two days. After all, her people luxuriate in "bhuri bhojon", and a

And here’s to the largest street festival of the world and the grandest festival of India. The worship of Goddess

On the banks of the rippling Kulik River, on an area of about 300 acres, lies one of the largest

Every time you visit the Dilkhusha Cabin, you will certainly leave with a content heart. Dil Khush, your hungry stomach

Porabari is a hamlet in the Tangail district of Bangladesh, on the banks of the Dhaleshwari River. It was a

For those who love palaces and flowers in all their hues, Murshidabad’s Kathgola Palace is their ideal destination. Popularly known

Kolkata often throws up timeless experiences where one feels the past has stood still. Just like it does, if you

One of the most picturesque drives in the Darjeeling Himalayas is the 40-km drive from Mirik to Darjeeling and vice

Santiniketan always has a different appeal. Not just because Rabindranath Tagore started the first Gurukul concept of education and established

Ace photographer Santanu Paul shares his exciting photographs from Bengal's Dokra Village, Daryapur Just a few kilometres from Guskara and around

If you have so long wished to ride a sea-plane but realized a trip to island countries of Maldives or

The serene temple town of Murshidabad, popularly known as Kumarpur or Kumarpara lies to the south of Baharmpur Railway Station.

A walk down the historical streets of Murshidabad pops up shops that are seen preparing hot and yummy Chhanabora. Well

Situated at an altitude of 3,500-4,000 feet, Mongpu is a charming little hamlet steeped in history. Rather two chapters of

Rajabhatkhawa is not just famous for being the entry gate to Buxa Tiger Reserve, but happens to be the getaway

Jhargram, the tribal wonder of Bengal has a striking exquisite topography with undulating hills. But what attracts tourists to Jhargram

How about floating on the Ganga and dipping in your favourite dishes this Durga Puja? Well, mix and match gastronomical

Imagine waking up in a shady nook to chirping of birds and going to bed under the starry night listening

Now, here is a chance to jump around trees like Mowgli of Jungle Book. Or relive your childhood fantasy of

In Sanskrit, ‘a’ means complete while ‘rati’ stands for love. Aarti stands for complete love for the divine. You must

Novelist Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay will forever be loved for his ability to work with a vast panorama of life. He wrote

There was a time when a quintessential Bangali breakfast would ideally comprise of deep fried kochuri, delectable alur torkari, daal

“Mild the mist upon the hill  Telling not of storms tomorrow;  No, the day has wept its fill,  Spent its store of silent

After a back-breaking work schedule for months, me and my family decided to enjoy a quaint stay somewhere near. And

While devouring those juicy lyangchas, the favourite sweet of Bengal, have you ever wondered on how it received such a

It was a 180-degree visual treat, of red sandstone hills eroded by natural forces and the Silabati river cutting deep

She is a sheer beauty that stands still in its grandeur and opulence. The 185-year-old Andul Rajbari in Bengal’s Howrah

The monsoons are here and Bengal’s palate has been enriched by the King of Fish, Hilsa. Though there are various

This is the heavenly spot, around 30 minutes-drive from Kalimpong, where the might Teesta and Rangeet rivers meet. The confluence

If you want a heady mix of heritage, tradition, culture and nature, Jhargram is one of the best possible destination.

Travelling to Bishnupur is not just walking down annals of history, but revisiting the past. The land of Malla Kings

A quintessential Bengali adda is incomplete without exchange of rebellious ideas over deep fried telebhaja or fritters over a cup

The age -old tradition of Murshidabad Rathyatra Festival steps into its 250th year. Jafraganj Akra, Nasirpur of Murshidabad has been

Santiniketan is the abode of world poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is also about festivals celebrated in its own way, mingling

On the outskirts of Jalpaiguri town, stands the famous temple of Devi Chaudhurani, the ‘bandit queen’ immortalized by Bankim Chandra

Bakkhali, the serene and romantic beach of South Bengal is more accessible these days. Previously it required more than 6

53 College Street, Kolkata 700073… Mention this address to an old timer of the city and you will find their

Except for a few forms, folk art has always concerned itself with a definite purpose of its object, be it

Standing tall, at a height of 133 meters, the 30 storied ITC Royal Bengal’s magnificent and monumental edifice, inspired by

If you have always heard of the Valley of Flowers, then do not miss the Valley of Lillies at Deolo

A few kilometres from the centre of Kalimpong, stands the Durpin Dara Hills. Shrouded in mist, with a lovely ride

Ever imagined experiencing a surreal 360-degree view of the city while devouring scrumptious delicacies? The hanging restaurant at the Biswa

If you have ever travelled by Darjeeling’s toy train, you must have experienced the unparallel panoramic beauty of the rolling

The Makaibari Tea Estate is probably the most talked about and fabled tea garden of Bengal’s Hills. And there are

In today’s era of glamorous cafeterias, the cabin nostalgia has still not perished. The cabin restaurants which date back to

Doesn’t Mughlai food always ring a bell of different types of meat? It is a perception to relate food of

Kankrajhor, a small village located in the north west of Jhargharm district is a wondrous delight for those looking for

Bengal has manufactured textiles for many centuries, as recorded in ancient hand-written and printed documents. Though we have always equated

Kolkata’s love for biryani is simply inexplicable and uncontrollable. Be it any occasion, a sudden pang of hunger or a

If you are a wildlife lover and is an ardent birdwatcher then you cannot miss Latpanchar, the quaint paradise along

If you want a fairy-tale weekend this summer, do head to the quaint hamlet of Lava, and get lost in

If Maidan is the ‘Lungs of Kolkata,’ built by the British, then New Town-Rajarhat’s Eco Park laid by the West

If you love to take a hike along a mountainous village trail you should not miss Daragaon, a new paradise

A worn-out palace stands as testimony of its rich and glorious past. The ruins of a grand terrace, the staircase

The mist suddenly floats in and leaves you drenched. From the window of your homestay, you gaze at sailing clouds

My Bishnupur trail did not just end with the famous terracotta temples. It was also about the Baluchari Sarees, that

Mandarmani is not just about the silent waves, it is also about the life and times of the fishermen community

If you are heading to the Hills this summer, do not miss this innovative and happening tea lounge of Kurseong.

This is one place that has proved even terraces can be breath-taking. And that food can be mingled with the

Lost love has often been celebrated in history through poetry, stories or paintings. But here is the tale of a