Facts about West Bengal

West Bengal is known for its remarkable geographical features, delectable cuisine, and low-cost transportation. The local culture is distinct, and travelling in the city is almost like travelling back in time. Amid the hustle, individuals find simple pleasure in small talk, laughter, eating street food, and using trams rather than buses. West Bengal is also known for being the birthplace of various political uprisings and serving as a gateway to European education. There are a lot of facts about Kolkata that people may not know. This article will explore some facts about Kolkata and other unknown features of West Bengal. 

Oldest and Largest Museum 

One of the most interesting facts about Kolkata is that it is home to the country’s oldest and largest museum. The Indian Museum, one of the places to visit in West Bengal, is located in central Kolkata. It houses a diverse collection of antiques, fossils, art, historical documents, and more. The Asiatic Society of India founded the museum in the year 1814. The Indian Museum is the first and largest multipurpose museum, not merely in the Indian subcontinent, but in the entire Asia-Pacific region. Textiles, carpets, lacquer work, glass, and pottery are among the highlights of the museum’s art department. The museum features Persian and Indian paintings, and its geology portion is Asia’s largest and one of the world’s most important. 

Largest Banyan Tree 

The world’s largest banyan tree is found in West Bengal. Ficus benghalensis is the botanical name for the banyan tree, which is native to India. The banyan tree can be seen in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah. It is one of the best-known facts about Kolkata that has attracted much global attention. The botanical garden, which is close to Kolkata, is a lovely place to spend some quiet time, surrounded by natural beauty. The tree dates back to 1800, and it was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989 as the world’s largest tree specimen. 

Beautiful Beaches

In West Bengal, places to visit will definitely include the spectacular beaches. West Bengal’s beaches are ideal for a weekend getaway. Digha, Shankarpur, and Mandarmani, to name a few, are some of the most beautiful beaches in West Bengal. These beaches are great spots to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Bengal. 

West Bengal’s most famous sea beach is Digha beach. It features gently rolling waves and shallow sands that stretch up to 7 kilometres. At the Digha sea beach, people can enjoy both the dawn and sunset. 

Shankarpur is a seaside village in West Bengal that is 14 kilometres east of Digha. It also serves as a fishing port. The mornings are cold, when fishermen can be seen bringing in their massive nets from the sea. The eastward reflection of the early sun on the sea waves, as well as the local fishing boats on the coast, provide fantastic opportunities for photography. The beach is also known as Digha’s twin beach. 

Mandarmani Beach is India’s longest drivable beach, and is famous for its long stretches of sand and water sports activities.

Highest Railway Station

The Ghum Railway Station in Darjeeling is the world’s highest railway station, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty of West Bengal is not only about Kolkata; the state’s beauty is found in other locations as well. You may either drive through the hills in a modern vehicle or ride the Toy Train, as it is known, across the Himalayan mountain range and marvel at its numerous wonders. The train climbs steeply through a series of loops and then reverses, giving people a thrilling view of nature. The Batasia Loop which is between Ghum and Darjeeling is one of the most breathtaking sights to see. Construction of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway began in 1879, and it reached Ghum on April 4, 1881. Ten years of meticulous hard labour has resulted in one of India’s most celebrated architectural designs which is considered a work of art. 

World-Renowned Festival of Durga Puja

UNESCO has designated Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The religious celebration of Durga Puja is also a big cultural event that brings all the state’s communities together. The city of Kolkata is covered in lights and colours for the week-long celebration, and it is a time of great delight for all. The world-renowned festival is mainly celebrated in West Bengal, but includes other states as well. Durga Puja is one of West Bengal’s most important festivals, and it is celebrated in Kolkata with unrivalled fervour. The event commemorates Goddess Durga’s five-day return from Mount Kailash to her matrimonial house. As the goddess defeats the demon Mahishasura, it is a celebration of good triumphing over evil. The idols are decorated and transported home or set up in public places on the first day of Durga Puja which is called Navaratri.

Conclusion 

There are a lot of places to visit in West Bengal. Unique and interesting facts about Kolkata and West Bengal centre around its rich history. Besides the places to visit, it has a unique culture of festivals and celebrations that is known worldwide. West Bengal is one of the best places to visit in India because its local culture is distinct, and travelling in the city is almost like travelling back in time. It gives visitors amazing experiences and memories to cherish.