Best Inexpensive Places to Visit in West Bengal
Have you ever imagined how vast our country is? Starting from the great Himalayas in North to the gigantic Indian Ocean to the South; from the Bay of Bengal to the East to the Arabian Sea to the West, India is a country filled with diversity and rich culture. It is nearly impossible to visit every tourist destination in India during a single life. Here, I’ll discuss some places which are still offbeat but are a real treat for eyes and soul.
Bishnupur
First start with a place, which is rich in culture and tradition, Bishnupur. It is a town which has a sound presence in art and architecture. The prime attraction of this place is its classical music, paintings and Baluchari sari.
Places to Visit
Rasmancha
It is the oldest brick temple. Rasmancha was built by the order of Malla King Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. The temple has an inner chamber which is the room of the idols of Radha-Krishna. It has an extended tower surrounded by hut shaped towers.
Jorebangla Temple
Constructed by Malla King Raghunath Singh in 1655 AD, it is ihe temple made of laterite bricks and looks like two thatched huts joined together. The roofs and walls of the temple have Chala style of terracotta architecture. The walls portray the lives of the Royals and classics tales.
The Food
The famous food is local sweet Mecha Sandesh, Pera and Posto-r Bora a must try, while in the town. Nearly all of the hotels also have their own eateries and offer good food in Bengali cuisine.
How to Reach
Bishnupur can be reached by buses or cars from Kolkata (150 km). It also has a railway station which is connected to the major cities of the country.
Accommodations
Bishnupur has countless homestays available. There are also budget hotels in Bankura which would offer you with the basic facilities.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a hill station on the foothills of Shivalik ranges at an altitude of 1250 m, 50 meters east of Darjeeling, overlooking the Teesta Valley. The place is scattered with ancient Buddhist monasteries, centuries-old churches and beautifully respected temples.
Places to Visit
Tashiding
It is one of centuries-old British Bungalows in the middle of Kalimpong. Tashiding is famous for the western architecture decorated by blooming garden in the front yard and overlooks the Himalayas.
Galingka
Another Bungalow built by the British, Galingka offers remarkable views of the Kanchenjunga peak.
Ringking Farm
A famous farm Bungalow built by the British. Ringking farm on the Himalayan foothills is famous as a holiday resort and trekking.
The Food
The food which you get here are mostly from Bengali, Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. You can also have some exotic and fine Darjeeling tea to relish here. The famous items are Momos, Thukpa and Churpee.
How to Reach Kalimpong
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, approximately 67 km away from Kalimpong. Taxis charge about Rs 1,500 to reach Kalimpong from NJP.
Accommodations
Many hotels and luxury resorts are available in Kalimpong.