West Bengal, the gateway to the exotic east - is a land of passion and poetry, natural beauty and strong people, marked by a humane element, evident in every facet of their life. Bengal has a long history that dates back, before the Aryan invasions of India. Known as 'Gauda' or 'Vanga' in ancient Sanskrit literature, Bengal had a well settled civilisation and culture, at the time of the Aryan penetration. An integral part of succesive empires of the Mauryas and Guptas, Bengal also had its own dynasty of independent rulers, the Palas, who extended the existing boundaries, considerably. The Senas and the Muslim Sultanate who occupied Bengal, shaped the distinct identity of Bengal. 

This fascinating land of the Hooghly, has a lot to offer to avid travellers. Calcutta, a unique city with its intriguing environs; Digha, the land of sand and sea; Vishnupur, an architectural treasure house; Shantiniketan, Tagore's abode of peace; the lost empire of Murshidabad; Malda-Gourand Pandua, relics of the Muslim rule; Darjeeling-a magnificent hill resort; the wildlife sanctuary at Doars, and the marshy mangrove jungles of Sunderbans, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, are some of the major attractions of this fascinating state.

How To Get There

Air: Calcutta, the capital of West Bengal, is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and other important cities. Calcutta also has a busy international airport.

Rail: Calcutta is connected with all major cities.

Road: Calcutta is connected by road with Delhi (1495 km), Mumbai (2060 km), Chennai (1734 km), Varanasi (676 km), Puri (555 km), Guwahati (1164 km) and Darjeeling (731 km).

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