The heritage of West Bengal is immensely deep and long. The cultural heritage of West Bengal is very diverse and hence deserves immense study. To illustrate the Heritage destinations of West Bengal include snow-capped peaks of Himalayas in Darjeeling to Indo-Islamic architecture, terracotta temples to the modern city of Kolkata where the past is intertwined, West Bengal has a lot to offer. Here are the five best heritage destinations of West Bengal.
Chandannagar
Chandanagar is if a very famous cultural heritage of India. This town holds immense historical significance over India. This destination is mainly known for being the headquarters of the French East India company in the 17th Century. Due to prolonged colonization by the French, in contrast to British colonization in the rest of the country, the heritage of this place is very different from Indian heritage and culture. A lot of monuments churches, factories, and even houses in Chandannagar have been constructed with high influence from European architecture.
In fact, even today the blend of the bygone era along with a modern Bengal is visible quite vividly. Chandannagar was under French rule even after India’s independence. This heritage destination got independence in 1957 along with Puducherry. Sites like the French cemetery, Chandannagar Strand, Sacred Heart Church, and other places especially help get insight into the colonial culture of the town. Additionally, the Underground House in Chandannagar is a very good example of the advancement in the field of architecture. The lowest flowers of this house remain submerged in the River Ganges.
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Murshidabad
Murshidabad is one of the best Indian destinations to get a glimpse of the life of the Nawabs of Bengal. This cultural heritage of India has many beautiful mosques, tombs, museums etc. The name “Murshidabad” originated from the place called “Musudabad” which was the capital of Bengal before the arrival of the British during Murshid Quli Khan’s, the Dewan of Bengal during Aurangzeb’s reign, rule. The eventful Battle of Plassey against Nawab Sirajuddaula and the English East India Company took place in this destination.
The Azimganj- Jiaganj in Murshidabad is not just an interesting sight in West Bengal but in the entire Indian heritage and culture. This place has households and temples that are maintained by Jain merchant families who arrived in Murshidabad from Rajasthan centuries ago. They are known as the Sheharwalis. It is also very famous for decorative terracotta panels. The cuisine of the Sheherwali is considered one of the finest vegetarian cuisine. These heritage foods are an excellent blend of the cuisines of the Rajasthanis and the Bengalis. The Annual Murshidabad Heritage Festival is an excellent treat as it includes Heritage walks, with visits to ruins, and also monuments, boat cruises along the Ganges, weavers locality, art and craft created by local artisans, boat races, kayaking display and even local Sheerwali food tasting.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong, at an altitude of 5,591 is an important cultural heritage of India. It is located on a ridge between Durpin and Deolo. Kalimpong is famous for its natural beauty. The lush green forests with a view of snow-capped mountains of west Sikkim are indeed breathtaking. Here, you will find Pre-independent style build of houses, churches, and bungalows. Neora Valley National Park or the Rishi Bankim Chandra Park are the perfect places to enjoy the natural beauty of Kalimpong. The influence of Colonial architecture is very evident in the city because of the Scottish missionaries that helped in the construction of schools and churches in the area. There is also a lot of Tibetan influence in the culture of Kalimpong.
Places like Dr. Graham’s House, Crookety House, Tagore Villa, and several monasteries. make Kalimpong historically and culturally enriched. The Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel has a very Scottish-style build with hills and trees around.
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Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is in Bolpur, Birbhum district, West Bengal. It is the home of the Nobel Laurette poem, Rabindranath Tagore. It is one of the most important sites in the Indian heritage and culture. Debendranath Tagore founded Shantiniketan in the year 1883. It is one of the most important educational institutions in West Bengal. And India. Viswha Bharati University came into existence in this town making the tiny place one of the most unique university towns in the world. Additionally, Shantiniketan has the beautiful landscape of rural Bengal with forests, rivers around it. Chhatimala, Rabindranath Tagore’s home in Vishwa Bharti is specifically a very special place to visit for people who love literature. Even Mahatma Gandhi stayed there in his visit to Shantiniketan. Vishva Bharti university unlike other university believes in practical outdoor learning so most of the classes there are in the open.
Cooch Beach
Cooch Beach is one of the most famous heritage destinations of West Bengal. This district is specifically famous for its heritage and history. This beach was particularly famous for being the headquarters of the Koch dynasty from the 4th to the 12th centuries. Cooch Beach is full of interesting and full of magnificent. Monuments here helps one witness the immense influence of the European Renaissance, Mughals as well as Mughals.
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Bishnupur
Bishnupur, in Bankura district West Bengal is famous for its terracotta temples. The temples are made from locally available laterite stones. The Malla rulers built these temples in Bishnupur in the 17th and 18th centuries. These structures indeed are mesmerizing.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also known as “Toy Train”, paved its way into the heritage destinations of West Bengal. Vintage British-built B Class steam locomotives are used to run the train and it has been listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
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Bargabhima Temple
Located in Tamluk, near Medinipur in West Bengal Bargabhima Temple is one of the most important in Indian Heritage and culture. This temple was built for the worship of Goddess Shakti. Oriyan architecture style also influenced the architecture of the temple, displaying interesting engineering features.
Bardhaman
Bardhaman, in Asansol West Bengal is famous for its Natungram cluster. Likewise, this place is famous for its woodcraft, which is an age-old tradition over there.
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Malda
Malda, a town in West Bengal is located at the confluence of the rivers Mahanadi and Kalindi. Along with its rich heritage and culture, Malda is also popular for its mango and mulberry plantations.
These places in West Bengal make the land even more gracious to visit. The places have such great history, Getting to know the back story truly enlightens the visitors and they come back to West Bengal again and again.
Make sure to check out 10 Famous Festivals of West Bengal
For a relaxing stay guide, you can check Top lavish resorts in Kolkata for relaxing stay.