Top West Bengal Culture - page 3

See some of the most popular sites in India, plus some that aren’t on the typical tourist track, with this 6-day private Golden Triangle tour. Stop by Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and tour them with your personal guide. Also head out to Chand Baori step well in Abhaneri village, where you can check out the ancient architecture and explore. Accommodation is up to you, giving you the freedom to choose any type of hotel in each city.

Explore the best of Gangtok and Darjeeling on this 4-night, 5-day tour, featuring private transportation and stays in 3-star hotels with breakfast included. Highlights include a visit to the sacred Tsomgo Lake, sunrise at Tiger Hill with views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and stops at iconic sites like Ghoom Monastery and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. With scenic drives and curated experiences, this tour offers a seamless way to experience the beauty and culture of these Himalayan destinations.

A UNESCO World heritage site. Shantiniketan means the abode of peace – long before it became the name of a place, was the name of the guest house Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, father of poet Rabindranath Tagore had built. It is believed that Rabindranath’s father had chanced upon an uninhabited land with red soil and paddy fields while on a boat ride and took the decision to purchase the land. Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of setting up a school along the lines of the previously existing system of gurukul - a residential school where students lived with their teacher/guru – was the foundation stone of Visva-Bharati. To actualise this vision, the ashram set up by his father was converted into an open air school. When Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize and went on to utilise the funds received further expand the school and rename it from Visva-Vidyalay to Visva-Bharati – meaning communion of the world with India. It was recognised as a central university in 1951.

Kolkata is a melting pot of cultures, some harking back to before British colonial rule. On this walking tour, discover the influences that make the city so colorful and compelling, with a guide to spotlight detail you’d miss alone and ensure you cover the must-sees without getting lost. Learn why Chinese breakfast rules at Tiretta Bazaar, see an original Armenian Church, and delve deep into the Anglo-Indian Bow Barracks and other culturally distinct neighborhoods.

Learn about the influence of the British in Kolkata with this guided tour, which can be booked with or without hotel transfers. You'll visit a number of historic attractions, including the Great Eastern Hotel, St. Andrew's Church, St. John’s Church, and Government House as you learn about history and architecture.

Stray from the beaten path and see a different side of India on a day trip to Bishnupur from Kolkata. A great choice for travelers that have already ticked off Kolkata’s top sights, this tour lets you avoid the hassle of advance planning, and transports you to lesser-known attractions such as the 17th-century terracotta temples of the Malla Kingdom.

Hike through a thrilling full-day journey in Singalila, the exquisite Indian town known for its trekking trails. With a local guide by your side and the comfort of an air-conditioned car, you'll have the chance to explore Singalila National Park, a treasure trove of natural wonders. Marvel at the majestic rhododendron forests, traverse alpine valleys, and spot rare animals and orchids. Indulge in the tantalizing local cuisine as you delve deeper into this enchanting destination.

Explore the captivating Krishna-focused Terracotta temples of the Malla Kingdom, dating back to the 17th century. These temples are distinguished by their distinctive brick and clay construction. Enjoy a guided historical immersion with your knowledgeable guide. Enter the imposing Malleshwar temple, built by Bir Singha in 1622. Discover the Rasmancha Temple, which is well-known for its pyramidal shape and roof in the Chala style, and discover how the Malla King converted to Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Discover the background of the 1500s and 1600s terracotta art. The region's charm is enhanced by the aluchuri-style silk sarees of Bishnupur. Finish your journey by visiting local weavers and seeing firsthand how passionately they create these beautiful sarees.

Kolkata is one of India's most photogenic cities, and with this full-day tour, you can see it through the lens of a photographer. You'll visit stellar sights including the local flower market, the action-packed Sudder Street, and College Street, lined with myriad book stalls. After an included lunch, you'll continue on to Park Street, with its trendy cafes and shops, and on to the iconic Victoria Memorial, surrounded by gardens.

Witness a spiritually and environmentally important site on this day trip from Kolkata to Ganga Sagar, without the worry of arranging transportation. Whether you’re on a religious pilgrimage or are just curious about this important place, this private full-day tour makes visiting easy. See where the Ganga (Ganges) River meets the ocean at the Bay of Bengal and stop at temples, marine parks, a lighthouse, and other landmarks around Ganga Sagar.

Experience Kolkata (Calcutta) with a guide who can provide context, translation, and transportation. With this private tour, you'll have your very own guide on hand to meet you at your hotel and take you out to see local highlights, including the Victoria Memorial hall, the Malik Ghat Flower Market, the Parashnath Jain Temple, and the tomb of Mother Teresa, all in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

With so much going on in Kolkata, it can be difficult for first-time visitors to capture its essence. This private customizable full-day tour does the trick: making it easy to view the city’s landmarks and get a handle on its cultural mix and heady street life. Plan your itinerary with suggestions from your personal driver-guide, and travel between the sights by private car—experiencing everything from the vibrant Malik Ghat Flower Market to the Mother House and College Street.

On this full-day tour, discover the hill-town of Darjeeling situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Once a summer resort of the British in India, the town has a distinct charm of its own. Drive through narrow sloping streets that offer fabulous views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visit a tea garden and take a ride on a ‘Toy Train’ that takes you past some memorable views. Highlights • Sunrise at Tiger Hill • Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (Park Remains Closed on Thursday) • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Institute Remains Closed on Thursday) • Visit to a Tea Estate • Tenzing Norgay & Tibetan self-help center -(Remains Closed on Sunday). •

Darjeeling is known around the world for its fine teas, and is a popular destination for international and domestic visitors alike. With this private tour of the city, you'll get to see and experience attractions that interest you, including an early-morning visit to see the sunrise from Tiger Hill. Options range from tea gardens to parks; just pick what interests you and your guide will do the rest.

See the must-see sites of Kolkata without worrying about haggling with taxi drivers or riding the crowded public transport. This private tour via an air conditioned vehicle is just for you and your party, so you can pick and choose which sites are most interesting to you, such as temples, markets, colonial-era mansions, viewpoints over the Hooghly River, and more, all with an English-speaking guide.

Explore the nature trails of a city and experience secrets in its kitty in the beautiful city of Darjeeling. Enjoy the company of trees, markets and beautiful landscapes with this spiritual walk. 1. The scenic green beauty of nature will give nature-lovers a small dose of wilderness needed to refresh their spirit. 2. Journey begins from Japanese Buddhist Temple with some easy steps going through a city nature beauty, narrow passages to reach at the beautiful temples and later explore the Peace Pagoda and Dali Monastery. 3. Experience the lush green plains, soothing and serene climate, mystical atmosphere of the city during the walking tour with our storyteller. 4. We follow a unique style of ‘infotainment’ to ensure that you enjoy the tour and don't get bored, irrespective of whether you love history or not.

Get to know Gangtok better on a private walking tour. Wear some comfortable shoes for a walk around this hilly city. Your guide will tell you stories about Gangtok’s heritage, show you the most beautiful and interesting buildings, and take you to the best viewpoints: when the weather is clear you'll be able to see mighty Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

History enthusiasts will enjoy this two-day tour from Kolkata to Murshidabad, the old capital of Bengal. Learn all about the layers of history in this beautiful city and listen to your guide’s fascinating stories. Visit the site of the Battle of Plassey, the grand Imambara, the beautiful Palace of a Thousand Doors, and more. Go at your own pace as this is a private tour.

Explore the highlights of the Golden Triangle with local guides on this private 4-day tour in an air-conditioned vehicle. Visit famous monuments in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, including the Lotus Temple, India Gate, the Taj Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, and Amber Fort while learning about India's history. Enjoy unlimited bottled water throughout the tour for your comfort.

Discover the Hidden Treasures of Bishnupur Step back in time on a Private Day Trip from Kolkata to the historic temple town of Bishnupur, renowned for its magnificent Terracotta Temples and world-famous Baluchari silk. Travel in comfort through the scenic Bengal countryside before exploring architectural masterpieces, including Rasmancha, Shyam Rai Temple, Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, and other remarkable heritage sites. Complete your journey with a visit to traditional silk weaving workshops, where skilled artisans create exquisite handwoven silk sarees using centuries-old techniques. Why choose this tour? • Private, personalized experience with an expert local guide. • Explore UNESCO-recognized heritage and stunning terracotta architecture. • Visit authentic silk weaving workshops and meet local artisans. • Comfortable private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off. • A perfect cultural escape from Kolkata for history, art, and photography lovers.

Religious travelers will enjoy this tour of Kolkata, which focuses on the city's beautiful churches, as well as the home of famous missionary Mother Teresa. You'll visit the historically significant St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Andrew's Church, and the beautiful South Park Cemetery. Your guide will tell you all about the history of these places, and give you insights that you may miss if traveling independently.

Located at an average height of 6700 ft, Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station that is famous for its scenic Himalayan trenches and sprawling tea estates. Here you also have the luxury of exploring its breathtaking beauty of the surroundings on the UNESCO acclaimed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is famous as the toy train. Gangtok is another beautiful destination. Both the Enchey and Rumtek are amongst the most significant of the monasteries located in Gangtok. The former is located at a distance of around 3 km from Gangtok. The legendary monastery is believed to be constructed 200 years back, and today it marks an important seat of Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. On the contrary, Rumtek monastery is open to every kind of a Buddhist. Little older than Enchey, Rumtek monastery houses relics of the 16th Karmapa. Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Chorten and Orchid sanctuary are among other attractions as well.

Embark on a spiritual odyssey with the Divine Mayapur Day Trip, commencing at 7:00 AM with a pick-up from your Kolkata hotel. The picturesque journey to Mayapur unveils the West Bengal countryside, providing glimpses of rural life. Upon arrival at 10:00 AM, explore the ISKCON temple complex, a marvel housing the Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir—aptly named the "Temple of the Vedic Planetarium." Delve into Vedic cosmology exhibits and ancient wisdom. Relish a delectable vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant at 12:00 PM, indulging in traditional Bengali dishes. Post-lunch, visit Sri Chaitanya Math, Sri Yoga Pith, and Srila Prabhupada's Pushpa Samadhi Mandir to deepen your spiritual experience. Bid farewell to Mayapur at 4:00 PM, relishing the scenic drive back to Kolkata and concluding your day tour at 7:00 PM, leaving you with cherished spiritual insights and memories.

The rail terminus for the east Indian railway is at Howrah. An estimated two million people (yes! you heard right!) pour into/out of Howrah station each day. To get to Calcutta, they walk or drive through the Howrah bridge, or take local ferries. For millions of people, Howrah bridge represents the quintessential image of Calcutta, the first thing they see when they arrive here. The area around Howrah station has grown into a self-contained mini-universe, catering to the needs of a huge floating population. At the base of the Howrah bridge, on the Calcutta side, is the city’s bustling wholesale flower market. Flowers are an essential part of life in the city, they are bought not just for temple prayers but also for wedding decorations, events and festivals. Each god or goddess has their own favourite flowers and leaves. Walking through the flower market is a colourful, fragrant experience.