West Bengal is a state in the eastern part of India. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal. In 2011, its population was around 91 million in an area of 88,752 km2 (34,267 sq mi), while the population estimate as of 2026 is 100.6 million. West Bengal is the fourth-most populous and thirteenth-largest state by area in India, as well as the eighth-most populous country subdivision of the world. As a part of the Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent, it borders Bangladesh in the east, and Nepal and Bhutan in the north. It also borders the Indian states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Sikkim and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata, the third-largest metropolis, and seventh largest city by population in India. West Bengal includes the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region, the Ganges delta, the Rarh region, the coastal Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal. The state's main ethnic group are the Bengalis. West Bengal sits at an elevation of 9 m and is typically explored in about 5-6 days. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, February, and November, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and Victoria Memorial. Other notable highlights include kolkata’s Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, darjeeling’s tea gardens and the UNESCO toy train, and royal Bengal Tiger habitat in the Sundarbans mangroves. It falls within Kotulpur district.
State: West Bengal
Ideal Duration: 5-6 Days
January, December, February, November
A week lets you combine Kolkata, Darjeeling and the Sundarbans; shorter trips can focus on just one region.
Kolkata and Darjeeling are comfortable for most travellers; Sundarbans boat safaris and hill treks suit more active groups.
Kolkata (CCU) is the main gateway; Bagdogra (IXB) is closest for Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Kolkata’s colonial architecture and cultural life, Darjeeling tea and its toy train, and the Sundarbans’ Royal Bengal Tigers.
October to March offers pleasant weather across Kolkata and the plains, while March-May and October-December are best for clear Darjeeling views.