A land of immense scenic splendor and rich cultural heritage, West Bengal is situated in eastern India. An agriculturally prosperous state, West Bengal is bordered by Bangladesh in the east, the states of Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar in the west and Sikkim and Assam in the north and north east respectively. The state also shares international borders with Bhutan and Nepal. One of the foremost tourist destinations in eastern India, West Bengal lures tourists in large numbers to the land where culture and literature reign supreme. Touristplacesinindia offers relevant tourist information on West Bengal.

There are a number of features of West Bengal which lends it a distinct identity of its own. The state flaunts a colorful heritage whereby human values are still regarded in high esteem. The Durga Puja is the most important among the festivals celebrated in West Bengal. Celebrated in autumn, Durga Puja is celebrated with great fervor on a mass scale, and the puja unites people from all communities irrespective of caste, creed and economic background.

Make yourself well equipped with tourist information on West Bengal before embarking on a tour to West Bengal.

History of West Bengal:
A historically important state, West Bengal is believed to have its origin in the pre Vedic age when the land was known as Vanga. Ever since, various races and communities have come to West Bengal and set up their dynasties. Some of these dynasties managed to gain significant foothold in the course of time, but some others lost their identity as years progressed. Among the important dynasties that ruled West Bengal were the Mauryas, Palas, Senas and the Guptas. The medieval period witnessed even the Delhi sultanate and the Mughals making West Bengal part of their empire.

Kolkata, the state capital, was originally the capital of undivided Bengal as well as the whole of British India. However, after partition, the city became the capital of only West Bengal. Founded 300 years ago by Job Charnock, Kolkata at that time comprised of three villages, Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kolikata. Ever since its inception, Kolkata has been one of India�s richest intellectual and cultural centers. The city boasts of a truly significant participation in the Indian independence movement. Today, Kolkata is the hub of commerce, culture and tourism in eastern India.

How to get there:
Situated in a strategic position, West Bengal is easily accessible from the rest of India as well from major international destinations. The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose international airport located at Dumdum in Kolkata serves as the main entry point to Kolkata by air. Besides, there is yet another airport at Bagdogra in northern Bengal. The main railway stations in the state, namely the Howrah station and Sealdah station near Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri station near Siliguri link major destinations within the state as well in other parts of the country. An extensive road network runs through West Bengal, making transportation within the state very convenient.

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