From the slopes of the lesser Himalayas to the deltaic islands in the mouth of the Ganges, West Bengal boasts a biosphere extremely rich in flora and fauna. Being a potpourri of highly diversified history, culture and nature, West Bengal has flourished as one of the major eco-tourist destinations in India. With its broad network of river channels and geographical features, the deltaic region in South Bengal is renowned for exhibiting the largest mangrove forest in the world.

Santiniketan

The small and sleepy town of Santiniketan is more commonly known as being Rabindranath Tagore's eternal abode. Located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, Santiniketan has acquired the status of a unique tourist haven where knowledge and aesthetic brilliance merge. The university set up by Rabindranath Tagore's father radically changed the concept of education in India. Places like Kala Bhavan and Amar Kutir exhibit the artistic prowess of the people in the state. Home to one of the most renowned poets in the world, Santiniketan is bound to stimulate individuals interested in history and heritage. Santiniketan also has a wide variety of lodges and hotels to suit its guests apart from a variety of eating places and cuisines that it has to offer. It plays host to different kinds of festivals which give the traveler a unique insight into the flavours of the nation. The most popular item on sale, especially during the fares, is the rice beer which is lighter than normal beer but is only brewed in this region. Santiniketan can be reached either by well-connected roads or by rail from the city of Kolkata.

Kolkata

Labelled as the "City of Joy" and lauded as the "cultural capital of India", Kolkata is a city with a soul. Famous for its diversity in language, religion, history, culture, cuisine and lots more, its heritage is as dense as its population. Located on the banks of the river Ganga and once the capital of the British Raj, Kolkata perfectly portrays a balance between pre-independence and post-independence. This confluence of native as well as western culture can be seen in the Victorian style architecture of British monuments and the Native aura of temples such as the Kali temple and the Dakshineshwar temple. Being one of the most colourful and vibrant cities in India, Kolkata also houses lush green fields which stretch for kilometres. Open to the public, mornings are filled with eager youths playing cricket or football. Apart from structurally being a beautiful city, the people of different cultures and religions are extremely friendly and live in perfect harmony. Kolkata's accommodation ranges from 7star hotels, semi luxury hotels, resorts, cheap lodgings and Dharamshalas making it a packageforeveryone. Apart from the finest and sweetest Bengali cuisine, one can enjoy fine English cuisine, continental, North Indian, South Indian, Mexican and Italian cuisine at various restaurants around the city. Tibetan, Chinese and Mughlai are the most popular among city dwellers and can be found in almost any locality or area.