The eastern state of India, West Bengal, boasts of cultural remnants of the British Raj with the capital city of Kolkata showcasing architectural marvels. On the other hand, the tea town of Darjeeling is home to monasteries and a peace pagoda. The culture and heritage of this part of India lies in its old buildings and sites of religious worship, among other things…

West Bengal is a treasure trove of heritage and culture. The capital city, Kolkata, also known as the city of joy, enjoys a mix of British and Bengali. Spots like the Town Hall, Writer’s Building and Marble Palace bring forth the colonial architecture of the city while streets like Park Street and College Street are famous; the former for Christmas celebrations and restaurants and the latter for its second-hand book market. Closer to the Himalayas, Darjeeling’s beautiful monasteries, reflect on its mixed cultures. Besides the famed two, Dali, Samten Choling and Aloobari are also worth a visit.

Bishnupur’s terracotta temples and Balachuri sarees add to the vibrant cultural thread of West Bengal while Kalimpong’s landscaped views of the Himalayas and monasteries make for a quick three-day getaway.