West Bengal

With a unique geographical presence and an unmatched historic appeal – the long, narrow state of West Bengal is different in its own way. Being the most densely populated state- it stretches from the tempestuous Bay Of Bengal in the south to the mighty Himalayas in the north and in between stretches across the vast Gangetic plain.

At the south, where the land meets the sea lies Sunderbans – the World Heritage listed delta, formed by the super confluence of Padma, Brahmaputra and Meghna. It not only boasts of being the most extensive mangrove forest of the world, but it is also the home of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

The long stretching Ganges plain runs through the state with panorama of green paddy fields and mud-thatch villages on its shores before it rises abruptly to the mighty ramparts of Himalayas.
Famous for its tea gardens and Darjeeling Himalayan Railways – Darjeeling is one the most popular summer retreats of India. Apart from the breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges – the town bears the quintessential romance of the British remnants and anglo culture of the convents.
Not only the chilling hills, Bengal boasts of a fantastic sea beach at Digha. Extending the coastline with more attractive beaches of Shankarpur, Mandarmani etc. – the hard sandy beach with waves crumbling on them are a toast for the eyes. The luxury resorts at these places have made these a popular weekend trip destination for the people.

Bengal is a state of sheer contrast. When the mall of Darjeeling bustles with the crowd – the nearby orchid growing haven Kalimpong plunges in deep silence of serenity. When the roar of a Royal Bengal Tiger chides the maze of mangroves – the cool breeze of Shantiniketan freshens and revitalizes the soul and mind. When the “city of joy” ornates itself with the sprawling shopping malls – the Rarh and Gangetic plains still embellishes the vestiges of old Terracotta tiled temples or the remnants of the palaces of the Nawabs. And, here lies the uniqueness. It can be felt – The people- The political activism-The rasagollas and Mishti Dahis – The nostalgia – And, above all, the unbearable lightness of being in Bengal.