Looking for some amazing yet offbeat tourist places in West Bengal?
The state offers a blend of various kinds of tourist destinations. These range from serene sea beaches and dense forests to mighty historical places and misty, snow-capped mountains. You can explore almost any of them for a short tour in West Bengal. However, while planning your short tour in West Bengal, you might not be interested in something that has become too much mundane. These popular places are too crowded with tourists on a regular basis. Therefore, you must try something new for your short tour in West Bengal. You must try some offbeat places in West Bengal.
Here's a list of a few awesome offbeat places in West Bengal to satiate your thirst for travel.
Latpanchar
Latpanchar is one of the most beautiful offbeat places in West Bengal. Nestled at an altitude of about 4500 feet above sea level, Latpanchar is a small town in the district of Darjeeling. It is a part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and forms the highest point of the sanctuary. The hamlet is surrounded by forests. The charm of this place is surely going to mesmerize you. If you have interest in wildlife and bird watching, you must include Latpanchar in the itinerary for your short tour in West Bengal.
When you're in Latpanchar, you must visit the Ahal Dara View Point, which offers a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, popularly known as The Sleeping Buddha. The view of the sunrise from this place is mesmerizing. You can also watch the River Teesta from this view point. You can also go to the Namthing Lake, located in magical wilderness. There are pine forests all around the lake. Some of the other places you can go from Latpanchar include the Sitong Orange Garden and Sarsari Dara.
Lepchajagat
When you're looking for offbeat places in West Bengal, you will surely want to go to a place that lets you spend some time alone, away from the crowd. Lepchajagat is one such place.
From the popular and crowded town of Darjeeling, a short ride of less than an hour across 19 kilometers can take you to a completely different world. A small mountain hamlet called Lepchajagat awaits you with its beautiful wilderness.
There are forests of pines and oaks all around. You can also stroll around and watch the blossoming rhododendrons that fill the landscape with color. You can book the WBFDC Forest Lodge at Lepchajagat and spend a relaxing holiday at Lepchajagat.
Dawaipani
Most of the hill stations in West Bengal become over-crowded during the summer months. However, there are still a few, which remain unexplored and are among the best offbeat places in West Bengal. Dawaipani is one such mountainous village. Located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Darjeeling, this place is nestled in the hills and offers a captivating view of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Dawaipani, one of the most picturesque and offbeat places near Darjeeling for travel, is perfect for spending a lazy vacation. You can book one of the many homestays for a cozy stay. Taking a stroll down the winding mountainous roads and walking in the nearby forests of this offbeat place can help you get rid of all the stress.
Takdah
Close to the busy mountainous town of Darjeeling is Takdah - one of the major offbeat places in West Bengal with a characteristics completely different from the more popular town close by. There are forests and tea gardens all around Takdah. This place is mostly covered in blankets of fog, giving it a mysterious appearance. An army cantonment was set up here during the British rule. If you visit Takdah, you can see signs of the British era even today. You can even stay in bungalows of the British era while enjoying your time here.
When you're in Takdah, ensure that you visit the Tahdah attractions, which include the tea gardens, Takdah Orchid Center, the Tinchuley Gumbadara Viewpoint, and the Takdah Monastery. You can even book a car and go to Tiger Hill to view the breathtaking sunrise from there.
Pedong
Located close to the busy town of Kalimpong is Pedong, a relatively unexplored and serene destination, located at an altitude of 4070 feet on the historic Silk Road. One of the best offbeat places in West Bengal, Pedong is surrounded by forests of oak, pine, and birch trees. This place offers the perfect spot for spending a lazy vacation. All you can do is sit on the banks of River Teesta, which flows through Pedong or gaze at the number of small but beautiful streams that gushes through the surrounding mountains.
You can also visit various attractions of Pedong. Some of these are Ramitay View Point, Lampokhari Lake, Sangchen Dorjee Monastery, Silence Valley, Mankhim Hilltop, Cross Hill, Changey Waterfall, and Deolo Hill. You can also go for a short trip of the relatively popular destinations, such as Lava and Lolegaon.
Lamahatta
The Himalayas in West Bengal have many things in store for adventure seekers. However, you can head to the mountains even if you're not that adventures but enjoy the closeness to nature. Lamahatta, close to Darjeeling, is such a village that helps you relax and unwind through lazy walks on mountainous roads.
This village is being developed as a spot for eco-tourism. The Lamahatta Eco Park, which has been created as a part of this endeavor have several plants and orchids. If you're planning to visit Lamahatta during your next vacation, book one of the Lamahatta homestays that offer cozy lodging options.
Rajabhatkhawa
Love to spend time in the silence of the forests?
Then Rajabhatkhawa, an offbeat place in the northern fringes of West Bengal, can be your next destination.
It's a small town located in the district of Alipurduar in North Bengal. The town is the gateway to the dense forests of Buxa Tiger Reserve. If you plan to go inside the Buxa Tiger Reserve, you have to get the permissions and arrange the logistics from the town of Rajabhatkhawa.
Rajabhatkhawa can be the perfect starting point for trekking inside the Buxa Forests. You can trek to the Buxa Fort, which is of utmost importance in the history of India's freedom struggle. If you're planning to stay inside the forest, you can book the Buxa Jungle Lodge from Rajabhatkhawa.
At Rajabhatkhawa, one of the best offbeat places in West Bengal, you can even have some sudden encounters with wild animals. In fact, encountering herds of wild elephants crossing the roads is quite common here.
Gongoni
Did you know that West Bengal has a Grand Canyon of its own?
Yes, Gangoni, also known as Gongoni Khola or Gangani Danga, near Garbeta in Pashchim Medinipur district, is a natural canyon formed by the Shilabati River. The river meanders through a number of laterite cliffs present in the area. These cliffs have been formed by water and wind over a million years. If you visit the Gongoni Canyon, you can take the stairs developed by the local administration to go down the gorge, which is extremely deep.
Once you go down and look up at the walls of the gorge around you, it will be easier for you to appreciate its true elegance. You will see innumerable variants of yellow and brown on the soils that build the walls of the grand canyon of West Bengal.
Raiganj Wildlife Santuary
A lot of people visit bird sanctuaries every year as they love to watch different kinds of birds. Yes, watching birds in the wild is wonderful. That's why many people visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan. However, there's one bird sanctuary in West Bengal, which is great as well. The Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kulik Bird Sanctuary as it is situated on the banks of the river Kulik, is one of the best bird sanctuaries is Asia.
If you're looking to spend a few days watching some interesting resident as well as migratory birds, such as flycatchers, kites, openbill storks, night herons, and others, Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary or the Kulik Bird Sanctuary can be a great destination.
Khuttimari Forest
There are several forests in North Bengal in the Dooars region. These include popular forests, such as the Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Forest, and so on. However, if you're looking for some pristine forests that aren't much visited, visit Khuttimari Forest.
This forest offers you a chance to experience different kinds of wildlife. Besides, if you're visiting the Khuttimari Forest, ensure that you go to Panbari as well. It's the spot where three rivers - Jaldhaka, Murti, and Diana - meet. This spot of confluence offers some enchanting views.
Mausuni Island
When it comes to sea beaches in West Bengal, it's difficult to find any virgin one. However, if you're really looking for a less visited beach in West Bengal, you're in luck.
Not many people visit Mousuni Island, which is an island nestled close to Namkhana in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. This island is almost adjacent to the world's largest delta, the Sunderbans. Located close to the mouth of River Hoogly, you can have the opportunity to enjoy the soothing presence of a river bank close to the beach on the Bay of Bengal. No wonder, Mousuni Island is often listed as one of the best weekend destinations from Kolkata for travelers.
There are several lodging options in Mousuni Island, which include the Mousuni Island Sand Castles Beach Camp, Mousuni Island Skyler Nature Camp, Mousuni Island Teentara Adventure Camp, Winterfell Beach Camp, Hotel Nil Diganta, Olivia Camp Mousuni Island, Sonar Tori Resort, and so on. So, you won't have any problem to stay on the island for a couple of nights. However, it's always a good idea to book your stay before you go there.
Garh Panchkot
The district of Purulia in West Bengal has many stunning places to offer the tourists. Garh Panchkot is surely one of them. It's a fort that stands in a dilapidated condition inside the forests of Panchakot Hill. Nestled about 600 feet above sea level, this fort has many parts, most of which are in ruins.
Some of the most interesting parts of the fort include the Sigha Dwar or the Main Gate, the Adi Kalyaneshwari Temple or the other temples, the palace or Rani Mahal, and so on. In addition to this fort, the hills and forests of Garh Panchkot are also equally exciting. You can go up the hills and enjoy the sunrise and the sunset from there.
Baguran Jalpai
Digha and Mandarmani have been quite popular of all the sea beaches in West Bengal. However, these are extremely crowded. Therefore, if you want to spend a quiet time on a sea beach in West Bengal, it's always a good idea to avoid these. Instead, you can head to the Baguran Jalpai sea beach, which is a virgin beach located in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal.
The Baguran Jalpai sea beach is completely secluded and helps you have the time for yourself. The only other creatures you might have during your beach vacation in West Bengal at Baguran Jalpai are the crabs that come out in millions to color the beach red. If you're lucky enough, you might catch a glimpse of the sea turtles that frequent this beach too.
Chandraketugarh
Located beside river Bidyadhari at a distance of only about 35 kilometers from the state capital of Kolkata, Chandraketugarh is an archeological site of national importance. This place is about 2500 years old and was earlier known as Gangaridai.
The mention of Chandraketugarh can be traced back to ancient Roman and Greek writings. This place is linked to famous historical characters, such as mathematician and astrologer Varahamihira and a medieval astrologer and poet Khana. This site is also called Varahamihirer Dhipi or Khana Mihirer Dhipi, which means the mound of Varahamihir or Khana-Mihir.
Chandrakeugarh has a temple that belongs to the Pala period of Bengal. Not many were aware of the significance of this site even a few years ago. However, this has changed with time and a museum has also been set up. Chandraketugarh and the museum can be visited on a day trip from Kolkata.
Taki
Located on the banks of the Ichamati River on the India-Bangladesh border, Taki is one of the most popular spots for picnics during the weekends. It is also well known as a destination for one day trip near Kolkata. However, as the picnic parties return home during the afternoon, it mostly wears a deserted look after sunset. If you're looking for a weekend getway from Kolkata, you can visit Taki and halt for a couple of nights there.
In Taki, you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset while boating on the Ichamati River. You can also visit a few of the popular tourist places of Taki, such as Golpatar Jungle, the Roychowdhury Zaminder House or the Taki Rajbari, Juleshwari Kalibari, and so on.
When you're in Taki, you can hire a boat from the Taki Jetty to visit the Machranga Dwip or the Machranga Island. This island is located close to the meeting point of the two rivers - Vasa and Ichamati. The Machranga Island offers excellent opportunities for the bird watching and walking amidst nature. There's Mini Sunderban, a park where you can have a glimpse of the mangrove trees, which grow in the Sunderbans delta.
If you've time, you can also visit Hasnabad, another tourist spot, which is not very far from Taki.
Duarsini
The district of Purulia has a few hidden gems of West Bengal for the travel-thirsty souls. Duarsini is one such wonder. Located on the border of West Bengal and Jharkhand, Duarsini is a forested place. It's full of various kinds of trees, which include Sal, Teak, and others. Once you reach Duarsini, the lush green vegetation of the place will comfort your eyes strained from the sights of the grey cities.
Duarsini is inhabited mostly by the tribal people. You can visit their villages to watch their way of life. You can also have a look at the arts they create.
Duarsini forest is also known for its flora and fauna. You will surely see lots of birds and might even come across a few wild animals, such as wolves, bears, elephants, and so on. While planning your stay in Duarsini, you can book the wonderful cottages belonging to the West Bengal Forest Department.
Murguma
Located close to the more famous Ayodhya Hills, Muruguma is another outstanding but hidden tourist spot in Purulia district of West Bengal. Although the roads leading to this remote place are not in great condition, yet you can try to visit Muruguma. It's one of the best places for travel in West Bengal.
Murguma Lake or the Dam at Murguma is surrounded by the hills and dense forests. If you're looking for Murguma Purulia hotels, you can find quite a few of them. Some of the best Murguma Purulia hotels that you can visit during your trip to Murguma include Murguma Eco Hut, Bon Polashi Eco Hut, Palash Bitan Jungle Eco Huts, and Lal Pahari Eco Resort.
If you're planning to visit Murguma, remember that you just can't miss the sunrise and the sunset on the Murguma Dam. You must also visit various Murguma view points to get the best experience that you'll cherish throughout your life.
Jhilimili
Among the various forests and national parks in West Bengal, the Jhilimili forest range remains quite unexplored. Also known as the 'Baro Mile-er Jungle' or the 'Baro Miles Forest', the king-sized trees of this forest mostly belong to specii, such as Mahua, Shimul, or Sal.
The forest has varied landscapes that can attract your attention the moment you enter it. Before you visit Jhilimili, you should book a room at the Jhilimili Treehouse. It offers comfortable accommodation options and ensures that you have an experience to remember during your visit to Jhilimili.
Tabakoshi
You might have gone to the mountains a number of times.
But have you ever stayed at a tea village on the mountains?
It's almost completely different from your experience at the mountains, yet attractive in its own way.
Tabakoshi in West Bengal is one such tea village that offers tourists an experience to remember for a long time. Located close to Mirik in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Tabakoshi is a quaint village on the banks of a rough, mountainous Rangbhang river. Tabakoshi gets its name from this river, as its color turns copper during monsoon. In the local Nepali language, river is called Koshi and copper is known as Tamba. The two words merge to form Tabakoshi.
The village of Tabakoshi is surrounded by tea gardens. While in Tabakoshi, you can visit those tea gardens or spend your time walking on the winding mountainous trails. Spending some time sitting on the boulders on the bed of the river can also be relaxing.
Ghaghor
The district of Bankura in West Bengal is known for many outstanding tourist places. These include Bishnupur, the town of terracotta temples, and Mukutmanipur. However, there's another unknown place where you can visit to view River Shilabati creating an interesting landscape. It's Ghaghor - also referred to as Ghaghar - the unexplored spot in Bankura.
In Ghaghor, River Shilabati flows through the undulating, rocky surfaces, creating cascades and mini waterfalls here and there. There's also a picnic spot in Ghaghor. You can visit the places to get the right view of the river ravishing through the place with all its charm.
Gour
If you're interested in history and want to travel to a tourist place in West Bengal that has historical importance, Gour is surely going to interest you. Also known as Gauda or Gaur, this is a historic city in the district of Malda. Almost always mentioned in the same breath as its twin city Pandua, Gour was the medieval capital of the state of Bengal. Located close to the city of Malda, Gour extends to present-day Bangladesh as well. This place was the centre of culture during the Buddhist period as well as the under the Hindu regin of the Palas and Senas. However, except the Ballal Bati or the house of Ballal Sen and Nandadirghi Vihar, most of the sites of this period are in ruins. The relics that remain in Gour are from the time of the Muslim sultans, under whom Gour flourished significantly.
Some of the places of interest in Gour include the Bara Sona Masjid or Baraduari, the Lottan Masjid, Chika Masjid, Adina Masjid, and the Tantipara Masjid.
A few darwazas or gates, such as the Dakhil Darwaza, Gumti Darwaza, or the Lukachuri Darwaza are also popular. Some of the other Gour attractions include Quadam Rasul Mosque, the Lukachuri Darwaza, and the Tomb of Fateh Khan.
The most famous architecture of Gour is the Firoz Minar, which is five-storeyed tower. It was built in 1489 by Firoz Shah II as a way to celebrate his victory over Barbak Shah. This tower, which stands on a high mound, has a spiral staircase with 73 steps. However, visitors are not allowed to visit the top of Firoz Minar. You can take a glimpse at it and be enthralled by this architectural wonder of Gour.
Deulti
A little over 60 kilometers by car from Kolkata is Deulti - a spot known among the tourists for its beauty and culture. Deulti is known for its temples. The Radha and Madangopal temple of the village is almost 370 years old. It was established by Mukundaprasad Roychoudhury, a zaminder, in 1651. The excellent terracotta decoration of temple attracts the attention of every visitor.
Close to Deulti is a small locality called Samtaber. It is known for having the house of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, one of the leading Bengali novelists of all time.
When you're in Deulti, you can visit the Leisure Park. One of the best ways of spending your time in Deulti is to sit on the banks of River Rupnarayan and relax. You can even enjoy the sunset on the river and be spell-bound by the charming scenery. You can hear the chirping of different types of birds and enjoy the silence of nature.
There are quite a few Deulti resorts where you can book your stay. These include the Deulti Prantik Resort, Nirala Resort Deulti, and so on. They will help to make your stay cozy and add to the entertainment quotient during your stay at Deulti.
Dhanyakuria
Don't have enough time to spend a night away from your home in Kolkata?
You can head to Dhanyakuria - a village of castles and mansions located at a distance of about 60 kilometers from Kolkata. Founded at around 1742 by clearing out the marshes and forests of the Sunderbans, Dhanyakuria was once a thriving community.
A number of rich families had built their palaces, mansions, and garden houses in this village. Those mansions are mostly deserted round the year these days. However, you can visit Dhanyakuria for a one-day trip near Kolkata and have a look at those mansions that speak of Dhanyakuria's glorious past.
West Bengal has some fascinating places for the travelers. That's why it has been visited by tourists from all over the world for a long time. However, if you search thoroughly, you can still find some wonderful places that you're surely going to like and which are unexplored and offbeat as well.
Do you know of any other offbeat places in West Bengal?
Have you been to that offbeat tourist place in West Bengal?
Let us know about your experience in the comments.
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