Tag: West Bengal

Five Offbeat Destinations in West Bengal for Adventurous Travelers


West Bengal, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers much more than its popular tourist spots like Kolkata, Darjeeling, or the Sundarbans. For travelers seeking unconventional experiences, the state is home to a range of offbeat destinations that combine natural beauty, history, and tranquility. From hidden hill towns to ancient ruins, these lesser-known spots are perfect for those looking to explore West Bengal beyond the beaten path.

Shankarpur – The Unspoiled Beach Escape For beach lovers looking to avoid the crowded shores of Digha, Shankarpur is an idyllic alternative. Located around 14 kilometers from Digha, this quiet beach destination is known for its pristine sands, swaying casuarina trees, and serene atmosphere. Shankarpur is largely untouched by commercial tourism, making it a great spot for solitude, long walks by the sea, and fresh seafood straight from the fishermen’s boats. It’s an ideal getaway for those who want to relax by the Bay of Bengal without the hustle and bustle of more popular beaches. Accommodation: Govt. Property Kinara & Tatini by Benfish Lodges (West Bengal Fishery Department), Pvt Property Nest & etc. Contact for Reservation Assistance 9477476376 (WA)

Garh Panchkot – A Historical Retreat Nestled at the foot of the Panchet Hill in the Purulia district, Garh Panchkot is a hidden gem that blends history with natural beauty. The ruins of the Panchkot Palace, dating back to the 16th century, are a major draw for history enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush forests and hilly terrain, Garh Panchkot is a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy trekking, birdwatching, or simply immersing themselves in nature. The nearby Panchet Dam adds to the scenic beauty of the area, making it a perfect offbeat destination for travelers seeking a mix of history and tranquility. Accommodation: Govt. Property Nature Resort by West Bengal Forest Department (WBFDC), Pvt Property Panchet Residency & etc. Contact for Reservation Assistance 9477476376 (WA)

Tinchuley – A Secluded Hill Hamlet For travelers who love the mountains but want to avoid the more touristy spots like Darjeeling or Kalimpong, Tinchuley offers a serene alternative. This small village, located around 32 kilometers from Darjeeling, is tucked away in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas. Tinchuley is known for its panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, peaceful tea gardens, and fruit orchards. It’s an excellent destination for eco-tourism, with homestays offering a warm local experience. The calm atmosphere, fresh mountain air, and stunning landscapes make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Accommodation: Home Stay: Gurung Guest House, Classic Guest House etc Contact for Reservation Assistance 9477476376 (WA)

Gajoldoba – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise Gajoldoba, located on the banks of the Teesta River near Jalpaiguri, is an offbeat destination that’s a haven for birdwatchers. This lesser-known wetland is home to a variety of migratory birds, especially during the winter months, attracting birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from across the country. The serene waters of the Teesta Barrage also provide opportunities for boating and angling. With the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas, Gajoldoba is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, nature-centric getaway far from the crowds. Accommodation: Bhorer Alo by West Bengal Tourism Department (WBTDC). Contact for Reservation Assistance 9477476376 (WA)

Mukutmanipur – A Scenic Reservoir Town Mukutmanipur, situated in the Bankura district, is a scenic town built around the second-largest earthen dam in India. The Mukutmanipur Dam, constructed at the confluence of the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers, forms a large reservoir surrounded by lush hills, offering stunning views and calm waters. The area is perfect for boating, trekking, and picnics, and the nearby forests are home to a variety of wildlife. Mukutmanipur’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a great offbeat destination for travelers seeking to unwind in nature. Accommodation: Govt. Property Nature Resort by West Bengal Forest Department (WBFDC). Pvt Lodges: Peerless Resort, Aparajita & Amrapali, Mili Resort etc. Contact for Reservation Assistance 9477476376 (WA)

These offbeat destinations in West Bengal provide unique travel experiences for those who want to step off the traditional tourist trail. From coastal retreats to mountain hamlets, these hidden gems showcase the diverse beauty and culture of the state, offering an alternative perspective for adventurous explorers.

Reservation Assistance: Earth & Sky
WhatsApp Number: +91 94774 84136
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Bengal :: History

The State has the alluvial plains known as the “dooars” in the South & the mountainous Himalaya in the North. The diversed geography of Bengal is always fascinating. The Darjeeling district is known as her scenic beauty & the tea. The dence forest region of Dooars is renowned by its collection of rich flora & fauna. The alluvial plains in the South are the basin of river Damodar, also known as the “Sorrow Of Bengal”. Other main rivers are Ganga & Hoogly. The coastal fringes of Midnapore have a curios mix of large shifting sand dunes & marshes. The district 24 pargana (South) has Sundarbans, the largest delta consists of swamps, quick sand & thick, impenetrable mangrove forest belt.


The region has its beginning in the Vedic times and was known as Vanga. The Aryans settled here after the Vedic period and many principalities and kingdoms were formed. The dynasties of Palas, the Pundras, Guptas, Mauryas and the Sens ruled over the region before the Mughals took control. The strategic location led to trade with the South East Asian countries especially Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. Muslim influence was responsible for a rich culture and art. The ease of access brought the Portuguese, Dutch and French influence to its art and culture. The British successfully brought the modern education to Bengal and to this date, Calcutta has been considered the land of intelligentsia. No wonder that most of the Nobel Prizes for India have come from this State; Tagore, Bhabha, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen.

The State has the alluvial plains known as the “dooars” in the South & the mountainous Himalaya in the North. The diversed geography of Bengal is always fascinating. The Darjeeling district is known as her scenic beauty & the tea. The dence forest region of Dooars is renowned by its collection of rich flora & fauna. The alluvial plains in the South are the basin of river Damodar, also known as the “Sorrow Of Bengal”. Other main rivers are Ganga & Hoogly. The coastal fringes of Midnapore have a curios mix of large shifting sand dunes & marshes. The district 24 pargana (South) has Sundarbans, the largest delta consists of swamps, quick sand & thick, impenetrable mangrove forest belt.

The history of Bengal is intertwined with the history of the broader Indian subcontinent and the surrounding regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It includes modern-day Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and Assam’s Karimganj district, located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, at the apex of the Bay of Bengal and dominated by the fertile Ganges delta. The advancement of civilisation in Bengal dates back four millennia. The region was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Gangaridai, a powerful kingdom whose elephant forces led the withdrawal of Alexander the Great from Eastern India. The Ganges and the Brahmaputra rivers act as a geographic marker of the region, but also connects the region to the broader Indian subcontinent. Bengal, at times, has played an important role in the history of the Indian subcontinent. – WIKI

The area’s early history featured a succession of Indian empires, internal squabbling, and a tussle between Hinduism and Buddhism for dominance. Ancient Bengal was the site of several major Janapadas (kingdoms), while the earliest cities date back to the Vedic period. A thalassocracy and an entrepôt of the historic Silk Road, Ancient Bengal established colonies on Indian Ocean islands and in Southeast Asia; had strong trade links with Persia, Arabia and the Mediterranean that focused on its lucrative cotton muslin textiles. The region was part of several ancient pan-Indian empires, including the Mauryans and Guptas. It was also a bastion of regional kingdoms. The citadel of Gauda served as capital of the Gauda Kingdom, the Buddhist Pala Empire (eighth to 11th century) and Hindu Sena Empire (11th–12th century). This era saw the development of Bengali language, script, literature, music, art and architecture

Reservation: Khorlo Tours & Travels (Private) Ltd

We are officially approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. We are Registered with Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal. Also we are a Authorised Marketing Agent (AMA) of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation – WBTDC, &  Benfish-in-Tourism Lodges)

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