Kolkata – West Bengal

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and cultural heritage. It is often called the “City of Joy” and is famous for landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Current Time & Time Zone

• Kolkata follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30.
• There is no daylight saving time observed in Kolkata.
• The current local time in Kolkata can be checked.

Sunrise & Sunset Timings

• Sunrise: Around 4:55 AM IST.
• Sunset: Around 6:10 PM IST.

Darjeeling – West Bengal

Darjeeling, often called the “Queen of the Hills,” is a stunning hill station in West Bengal, famous for its tea gardens, breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, and colonial-era charm.

Current Time & Time Zone

• Darjeeling follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30.
• There is no daylight saving time observed in Darjeeling.
• You can check the current local time.

Sunrise & Sunset Timings

• Sunrise: Around 4:49 AM IST.
• Sunset: Around 6:17 PM IST.

Sundarbans National Park – West Bengal

The Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest mangrove forest, located in West Bengal, India. It is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystem.

Timings & Entry Details

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sunday – Closed.
• Boat Safari Timings: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (No boats allowed after 6:30 PM).
• Entry Fee: ₹60 for Indian visitors, ₹200 for international tourists.

Best Time to Visit

• The ideal months to visit are September to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Shantiniketan – West Bengal

Shantiniketan, meaning “Abode of Peace,” is a cultural and educational hub in Birbhum district, West Bengal. It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and is home to Visva-Bharati University, which follows Tagore’s philosophy of open-air education.

Timings & Entry Details

• Visva-Bharati University is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: Free for visitors.

Best Time to Visit

• The ideal months to visit are July to February, covering the monsoon and winter seasons.
• Major festivals include Poush Mela (December) and Basant Utsav (Holi celebration).

Digha and Mandarmani – West Bengal

Digha and Mandarmani are two of the most popular beach destinations in West Bengal, offering scenic beauty, water sports, and a relaxing coastal experience.

Digha

• Location: East Midnapore district, West Bengal.
• Timings: Open 24 hours.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.
• Attractions: New Digha Beach, Old Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium, Amrabati Park.

Mandarmani

• Location: Near Digha, East Midnapore district, West Bengal.
• Timings: Open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Best Time to Visit: September to March for ideal beach weather.
• Attractions: Mandarmani Beach, Mohana Estuary, Red Crab Beach, Water Sports.

Bakkhali – West Bengal

Bakkhali is a serene seaside destination in West Bengal, known for its pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere. It is located in the South 24 Parganas district and is a perfect getaway for nature lovers.

Timings & Entry Details

• Beach Access: Open 24 hours.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
• Nearby Attractions: Henry’s Island, Fraserganj Wind Park, Jambu Dwip, and Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project.

How to Reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Namkhana, with regular trains from Sealdah via Lakshmikantapur and Kakdwip.
• By Road: Well-connected to Kolkata via Diamond Harbour and Kakdwip. A ferry service operates from 7 AM to 11 PM to cross the Hatania-Doania creek

Tarapith Temple – West Bengal

The Tarapith Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in Birbhum district, West Bengal, dedicated to Goddess Tara, a powerful form of Goddess Kali. It is known for its Tantric rituals and spiritual significance.

Timings & Entry Details

• Darshan Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
• Most Auspicious Day: Thursday.
• Special Occasion: Bhado Kaushiki Amavasya – Temple remains open for 24 hours.
• Entry Fee: Free for devotees.

Best Time to Visit

• The temple is open year-round, but festivals and Amavasya nights are considered spiritually significant.

Location & Contact

• Address: Near VIP Road, Tarapith, Birbhum, West Bengal, 731233.
• Phone: +91 98007 77677

Rabindra Bhavan Museum – West Bengal

Rabindra Bhavan Museum, located in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, is a significant cultural site dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore. It houses original manuscripts, letters, paintings, and personal belongings of Tagore.

Timings & Entry Details

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
• Weekly Off Days: Wednesday & Thursday.
• Closed on: Government & University Holidays.
• Entry Fee: ₹40 for visitors, ₹10 for students (with valid ID), ₹300 for foreign tourists.

Best Time to Visit

• The museum is open year-round, but visiting during winter (November to February) is ideal for comfortable weather.

Chhatimtala – West Bengal

Chhatimtala is a historically significant site in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, where Maharishi Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore, used to meditate under a Chhatim tree. It symbolizes peace and spiritual contemplation.

Timings & Entry Details

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: Free for visitors.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.

Location & Nearby Attractions

• Address: Vishwa Bharati Campus, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235.
• Nearby Attractions: Visva-Bharati University, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, Tagore’s Ashrama, and Sonajhuri Forest

Attahas Temple – West Bengal

Attahas Temple, also known as Phulara Devi Temple, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds great spiritual significance in Katwa, West Bengal. It is believed that Devi Sati’s lower lip fell here, making it a sacred pilgrimage site.

Timings & Entry Details

• Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM (After evening Aarti).
• Entry Fee: Free for devotees.
• Best Time to Visit: August to March, especially during Durga Puja and Navaratri.

Location & Nearby Attractions

• Address: Dakshindihi, P.O.- Roundi-Srirampur, East Burdwan, West Bengal – 713140.
• Nearest Railway Station: Labpur Railway Station (Approx. 29.7 km away).
• Nearest Airport: Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (Approx. 113 km away).
• Nearby Attractions: Ishani River, Nirol Gram Panchayat, and the surrounding forests.