West Bengal’s rich history lives on in its colonial architecture, centuries-old temples, and legacy of icons like Rabindranath Tagore. Here, art isn’t confined to galleries - it spills into daily life. While the streets of Kolkata hum with music, theatre, and literature, Bengal’s villages preserve age-old crafts and vibrant folk traditions. As you travel through the region, you’ll see the past and present merge in a rich cultural symphony. It’s an experience where every moment is worth remembering. Let’s check out a few highlights.
History and Heritage in Kolkata
Most tours of West Bengal start in this erstwhile British capital. Every street corner in this city holds a story. Joining a heritage walk will open your eyes to stories of colonial grandeur as told by landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and those around Dalhousie Square. The city’s museums and bustling bazaars are a hub for Bengal’s textile arts. Marvel at the intricacy of traditional embroidery and weaving traditions before picking up a few souvenirs.
When it comes to food in the city, Kolkata spoils you for choice. On one hand, heritage cafes offer a peek into the British bakery culture, while on the other are century-old restaurants and sweet shops where every serving brims with traditional Bengali flavours. And then, there’s the street food that can’t be left out.
Shantiniketan’s Artistic Legacy
What was once a quiet Santhal tribal village was transformed by Rabindranath Tagore to become Shantiniketan - one of the most renowned centers for progressive education. Even if you’re not a student, a visit to the Visva Bharati University and the Kala Bhavan can be eye-opening. Tagore’s enduring presence can be felt throughout the campus, especially at the Uttarayan Complex, his former residence. Don’t miss the Bichitra Museum, where his personal letters, manuscripts, and belongings are on display.
And later, step into the present with a visit to local designers and artists’ studios and the vibrant Shantiniketan Haat.
Murshidabad’s Regal Past
Traveling further north will bring you to Murshidabad. Once the flourishing capital of Bengal under the Nawabs, Murshidabad is dotted with grand reminders of its past. The iconic Hazarduari Palace, with its thousand doors and extensive collection of antiques, is probably the most impressive. Not far from here are the grand Nizamat Imambara and Wasif Manzil. These architectural marvels, together with the historic Katra Mosque and Fauti Mosque, reflect the town’s architectural and spiritual legacy. You can also stop by restored Nawabi-era mansions - now charming hotels and museums, for a closer look at aristocratic life from centuries past.
Beyond its palaces and monuments, Murshirabad’s legacy lives on in nearby villages. Here you’ll find weavers spinning fine silk threads into exquisite Garad, Baluchari, and Murshidabad sarees. You may also get the chance to participate in traditional Alta ceremonies before sitting back and relaxing on a gentle sunset cruise over the Hooghly River.
Bengal’s Villages of Living Tradition
Bengal’s stories can be heard not just in its cities but also in its villages. The quiet village of Katna is home to the Katna Kantha Revival Project - a project focused on reviving the traditional art of Kantha embroidery and stitching.
Similar sounding yet with its own distinctive character, Kalna is known for its exceptional Jamdani and muslin weaving centers. Kalna is also home to the 108 Shiva Temples, an extraordinary circular cluster of shrines that offer both architectural harmony and spiritual significance. Just across lies the Rajbari Complex, a group of temples showcasing Bengal’s distinctive terracotta artistry.
Another tucked-away village, Maheshganj, gives you a peek into colonial indigo plantations. Restored heritage homes in the village give you the opportunity to enjoy regional flavours in a serene, historic setting.
Planning Your Tour of West Bengal
Exploring all of West Bengal on a single trip is next to impossible. While Kolkata, Shantiniketan and Murshirabad celebrate Bengali culture and its artistic legacy, the tigers of the Sunderban mangroves, the tea estates of Darjeeling and palaces of Cooch Behar will call you back for a second and third trip. So, how do you plan a holiday that’s immersive yet easy-paced? An organized tour is the ideal solution.
The Odyssey Stories of Bengal tour gives you a beautiful overview of the state’s heritage and artistic legacy. Alternatively, could plan a holiday as a cruise down the Hooghly. The 7-night Artisans of Bengal and 7-night Princely Murshidabad cruise are popular choices.
At Odyssey, we go beyond planning a tour itinerary. Our small group journeys are inclusive of accommodation, your meals, and all the sightseeing mentioned on the itinerary. And you’ll have a local tour guide guiding you along every step of the way. We’ll even help you plan flights to and from Kolkata. It’s the simplest, most stress-free way to go on a holiday. So, are you ready to experience the best of Bengal?