Updated 9.8.22
West Bengal is one of the most diverse and beautiful states of India. Important facts about the state include that it is the nation’s fourth most populous state of India. It is marked by delicious, mouth smacking treats, distinctive geographic features, from the scenic beauty of the Himalayas with the tea plantations in Darjeeling to mangrove forests in Sunderbans. The interesting facts on West Bengal are as follows:
Geographical Facts
The important facts of West Bengal would include knowledge of its vast and diverse geographical features. To the South of the state lies the Bay of Bengal. The northern part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan mountain ranges. The foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal are famous for their tea plantations.
State Symbols
These interesting facts about West Bengal are that the state animal is a Fishing cat. The state bird is the White-throated Kingfisher. The state sport is football and the state river is Hooghly and Damodar. Some more unknown facts on the state are that the state flower is Night Flowering Jasmine. The state dance is the Gaudiya Nritiya and the state tree is the Devil Tree locally known as chatim.
Former Capital City
One of the most amazing facts about, Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal earlier known as Calcutta used to be British India’s capital city before it moved to Delhi.
Railway
The Howrah Station of West Bengal is the busiest station in India. This is among the important facts to know because it also has the largest station complex.
Howrah Bridge
Talking about Howrah, other interesting facts are that the Howrah bridge is the only cantilever bridge in India. It is also the 6th longest bridge in the world. It was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965. Other important facts about this are that about 1 lakhs vehicles and 1.5 lakhs pedestrians pass through this bridge daily making it the busiest bridge in the world.
Literature, Art and Science
Some interesting facts about the people of Bengal are that most of the people in the state are extremely passionate and loving towards their culture. Rabindranath Tagore’s music or Rabindra Sangeet is the key to a Bangali’s heart. Important facts on the love of literature in Kolkata is that it has the largest library by volume of books, The National Library of India. With over 2.2 million books and records, it was established around 185 years ago in 1836. Interesting facts about this are that it served as the residence of the Governer-General of India before a library. Amartya Sen, Satyendra Nath Bose, Jagdish Chandra Bose, are also some famous names that hail from Bengal. Intellectual reformers like Swami Vivekanand, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar are also from Bengal. Another one of the unknown facts are that Kolkata is home to Indian Museum, the largest and oldest museum in India.
Language
The interesting facts about Bengal include the fact that Bengali has been voted as the sweetest language in the world by UNESCO. Great Bengali poets like Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee contribute immensely to this.
Football
Interesting facts about Bengal include love for Football. What cricket is to the rest of the country, football is to Bengal. The important facts here are that Bengal has the oldest football club in India called the Mohun Bagan. Salt Lake Stadium, officially the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, West Bengal hosted the final match of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Some unknown facts are that it is one of the largest football stadiums in the world, having a seating capacity of 120,000.
Eden Garden
Sure football is Bengal’s favourite sport but its love for cricket is no less. The important facts to know here are that Kolkata is home to the oldest cricket stadium in India, the Eden Garden. It is the second-largest stadium in India and the third-largest in the world.
Gigantic Banyan Tree
Among the important facts about Bengal, this would definitely top. The botanical gardens of Kolkata are home to the world’s largest tree, a banyan tree whose circumference is more than 330 metres. It is believed to be more than 250 years old.
Ports
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust or the Port of Kolkata is the oldest operating port of India made by the British in 1870. The amazing facts about this are that around 126 mi away from the sea, the Port of Kolkata is the only major riverine port of India.
State Bank of India
Some interesting facts about the SBI are that it was initially founded as the Bank of Calcutta in 1806. This makes it the oldest commercial bank in the Indian subcontinent. It is also the 43rd largest bank in the world.
Fusion of Culture and influence of China
One of the most important facts about Kolkata is considered as the birthplace of fusion Chinese called, “Indian- chinese” now famous throughout the country as Indian Chinese. Other interesting facts are it is also the only city in India to have a China Town, officially known as Tiretta Bazaar it was once home to 20000 Chinese Indian Nationals.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
Important facts to know about Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is known for having the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is also home to the majestic Royal Bengal tiger. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with many birds and species like salt-water crocodiles. The Jalpdapara Wildlife sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park of Bengal are also famous. Amazing facts about them are that they are known to be the home of the one-horned rhinoceros. The Buxa Tiger Reserve in the northeastern corner of West Bengal was the 16th tiger reserve in the country. Some interesting facts about it are it is spread across an area of 759 sq km and was set up in 1983.
Places of Worship
West Bengal has many important places of worship. Dakshineshwar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, another form of Kali, is a holy place for the Hindus. Important facts about them are that it is built on 20 acres of land on the Eastern Bank of the Hooghly river. St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most renowned churches of the West Bengal state.
Make sure to check out Why Sundarban is famous in West Bengal?
For a relaxing stay guide, you can check Top lavish resorts in Kolkata for relaxing stay.