West Bengal’s culture is both fascinating and extensive. Several monarchies, including the Palas, Guptas, Senas, Mughals, and British governed Bengal’s area. Each of these kingdoms left an impression on the region’s architecture and civilization, which combined to create Bengal’s diverse legacy.
West Bengal’s rich artistic heritage demands extensive research from the state’s north to south. This state of India is rich in attractions, ranging from the snow-covered mountains seen from Darjeeling to Indo-Islamic buildings and terracotta shrines to the contemporary metropolis of Kolkata, which blends history and modernity. So, here are the top 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore in West Bengal.
- Santiniketan
Santiniketan, an internationally recognized educational hub, ranks among the top tourist destinations in West Bengal. Maharshi Debendranath Tagore constructed it in the 19th century’s second half, where individuals, irrespective of religion and caste, could visit and spend time comfortably indulging in meditation.
After a few years, Santiniketan was branched out by the Maharshi’s son, beloved & renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. He was the prime character of the Bengali Renaissance, whose idea brought forth Visva-Bharati, an educational hub today. The ashram region of Santiniketan includes the magnificent stained glass mandir, Dinantika, Patha-Bhavana, Singha-Sadan, and more.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Nestled between the verdant tea estates of Kurseong and Kalimpong and the snow-covered slopes of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling and its sister districts provide an outstanding exploration of West Bengal’s rich cultural legacy.
The first amazing toy train to catch the public’s attention was the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which debuted in 1879 and 1881. This toy train ride was made even more spectacular by the Indian Railway’s 2-foot narrow-gauge railway track.
Reaching more than 7,000 feet in altitude, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the globe’s oldest and longest railroad, making it one of the most popular things in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was inducted into the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1999.
- Sundarban National Park
It’s a Tiger Reserve, and a leading Biosphere Reserve situated on West Bengal’s Ganges Delta. Being the most substantial estuarine mangrove jungle globally, along with India’s ancient and most prominent national parks, Sundarban National Park boasts a wide array of reptiles, birds, aquatic creatures. It was recognized as a National Park in 1984, but in 1987, it got the UNESCO World Heritage Site appellation.
If you belong to West Bengal or are thinking about traveling here soon, these are the top 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to dive into the state’s culture.
