WEST BENGAL
 Geographically, the state of West Bengal is beautifully nestled in the northern side of Himalayas and in Bay of Bengal from its southern side. The state is internationally bordered with Nepal and Bangladesh including some Indian states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam and Meghalaya. The state had witnessed the tremendous historical emergence of some greatest figures like Subhash Chandra Bose, Ravindra Nath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and those whose contribution to raise the voice for social reformation is esteemed high in the soil of the nation. At the time of India’s freedom, the state was divided into two segments – one is called East Bengal and the second one was known as West Bengal. Later, West Bengal became the part of India while the East Bengal merged with neighbouring nation Pakistan.
West Bengal was a linguistic based state and hence it was declared as a separate state in Indian Union on the date of 01.05.1960. After some time, the East Bengal came into existence as a separate nation called Bangladesh followed by the dissatisfaction arose against Pakistan which resulted a war in 1971. Known for its beauty and prosperity, the state of West Bengal has majority of its population depended on agriculture.
History
The name of Bengal or Bangla is said to be a derivative form of the kingdom Vanga. More so, the state also finds its descriptions in premature Sanskrit literature but most of its earlier history remained unknown till 3rd century BC. This was the same period when Ashoka the great extended his Mauryan Empire to the territory of West Bengal. After some time, the anarchy befallen on the state followed by the demise of Mauryan Empire which blanketed the then period of history of the state into darkness.
Most of territories of Bengal were part of Magadha sovereignty during 6th century BC. Magadha is described in Ramayana and Mahabharata as an ancient Indo-Aryan Kingdom of erstwhile India. More so, during the reigns of Bimbisara and his son Ajatshatru, the state was one of the four key territories of India. The Greek in 100 BC had nick named the state as Gangaridai, a derivative form of the word Gangahrd meaning Ganges in the heart said to be denoting sense of area in Bengal.
Culture of the State
Most of the cultural aspects of West Bengal are displayed through its festivals, folk songs, dances, music and films, and literature. Durga pooja and Kali pooja, the famous festivals of the state are celebrated with great devotions and pomp and shows. This is the very land which gave birth to many distinguished faces like Subhash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chaterjee and the contemporary form of Indian literature. The people of Bengal hail from different social backgrounds displayed in their various fairs and festivals.
In addition, theatre and dramas are integral parts of Bengali culture and accordingly you will see the various theatre groups located in different parts of the state. Apart from that, music and dances are also considered essential parts of Bengali culture with majority of population having affinity with Ravindra dance and music composed by Tagore. Rice and fish curry are favourite dish of Bengali including other varieties of cuisines flavoured with traditional taste.
Sightseeing Highlights
Hill Stations
Darjeeling and Kalimpong are the major hill stations of the state offering blends of majestic charms to eyes. A tour to the state takes you breathtaking attractions of sprawling tea gardens, chain of mountain slopes, UNESCO declared world heritage Toy Train and the colonial legacy. Quite true that visiting these places to spend vacations or holidays unwinds the soul by infusing a pristine delight.
Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, offers blends of awesome sightseeing attractions making it one of the most sought after tourists destinations of the state. Enriched with tremendous amount of cultural elements, the place is also famous for being the birthplace of many great poet, painter, filmmaker and intellectuals who were famed worldwide for their remarkable quality. Catch an awesome view of Shantineketan, world’s famous university founded by Tagore and the temple of Vishnupur enlightening you the traditional aspect of the state.
Sightseeing of Wildlife
Kolkata is naturally endowed with rich forestlands comprising rare view of wildlife like elephants, one-horned rhinos and many more; all offering quite an unforgettable wildlife experience. But the main wildlife famous here is the Royal Bengal Tiger found in the Sundervans located in the southern part of the state.
Beaches
A tour to West Bengal takes you some awesome sites famous for their scenically beautiful beaches. Digha and Shankarpur are areas which are quite famous for offering eye-catching view of beaches. Lots of tourists come to visit this place to celebrate their respective occasions. You could also be part of them and get delighted with such charm after visiting the site.
Some Religious Sites
Like most other states of India, West Bengal has also kept its religious sanctity alive; evident with presence of quite aplenty of temples like Kalighat, Belur and Dakshineswar Kali Maa. The temples hold special venerations among devotees who come here to seek divine blessings of deities enshrined into these temples. Take the blessing of deities and make your life full with pristine serenity, an asset quite impossible to buy with physical means.
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