UNESCO Sites in West Bengal, Important Sites in West Bengal
Get details of UNESCO Sites in West Bengal and their importance. Know details of the structure, importance, and location of UNESCO Sites in West Bengal.
Priyanka Gupta22 Jul, 2024
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UNESCO Sites in West Bengal: West Bengal, India, is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Sundarbans National Park, renowned for its unique mangrove forests and Royal Bengal tigers, showcases rich biodiversity. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the "Toy Train," is celebrated for its engineering marvel and scenic routes through the Himalayan foothills. The terracotta temples of Bishnupur reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and intricate craftsmanship. The UNESCO Sites in West Bengal have diverse natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, attracting tourists and researchers who seek to explore and preserve these treasures.
List of UNESCO Sites in West Bengal
The list of UNESCO sites in West Bengal is discussed here. It includes the details of these sites, their location, what is the ideal time to explore, and the entry fees.| List of UNESCO Sites in West Bengal | |||||
| Site Name | Description | Location | Ideal Time to Explore | Hours of Operation | Entry Fee |
| Sundarban National Park (1987) | Renowned for its coastal biosphere and variety of flora and fauna, including Royal Bengal tigers, deer, monkeys, and reptiles. Also features saline water creatures. | Dayapur, Gosaba, West Bengal, 743370 | September to March | Mon-Fri: 8 am - 6 pm; Sat: 10 am - 4 pm; Closed on Sunday | Indians: ₹60 per person; Foreigners: ₹200 per person |
| Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (1999) | Famous Toy Train service covering 13 stations over 78 km, the world's highest and oldest mountain train route. Declared a World Heritage site in 1999. | New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal | March to October | Every day from 8 am to 12 pm | ₹805 onwards for diesel engine ride (first class); ₹1405 onwards for steam engine ride (first class) |
| Bishnupur Temples (1998) | Historical town famous for Terracotta temples, built by the Malla kings. The temples feature stories from great Indian epics. | Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal | October to March | Every day from 6 am to 5:30 pm | Indians: ₹25 per person; Foreigners: ₹300 per person; Children up to 15 years: Free |
| Neora Valley National Park (2009) | Protected wildlife sanctuary in Kalimpong, offering views of mountains, wildlife, butterflies, birds, and trekking opportunities. | Kalimpong district, West Bengal, India | October to April | Every day from 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm | No entry fee |
| Shantiniketan (2010) | Associated with Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, home to Visva-Bharati University. Offers local village tours, fairs, and museums. | Bolpur town, Birbhum, West Bengal | October to February | Open always | No entry fee |
Important UNESCO Sites in West Bengal
West Bengal, India, is rich in cultural and natural heritage, with several notable UNESCO sites. Here are the details of the UNESCO Sites in West Bengal and their importance in the state.Sundarban National Park (1987)
Sundarban National Park is one of the most captivating sightseeing locations in West Bengal, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Situated on the Ganges Delta, it extends to the Bangladesh border and is renowned for its unique coastal biosphere. Visitors can explore a variety of wildlife, including Royal Bengal tigers, deer, monkeys, and reptiles, as well as a range of saline water creatures within this biosphere reserve. The best time to visit is from September to March. The park operates Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, remaining closed on Sunday. Entry fees are ₹60 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners. Location: Dayapur, Gosaba, West Bengal, 743370, India.Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (1999)
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the "Toy Train," is a renowned narrow-gauge train service built between 1879 and 1881. It traverses 13 stations over a 78 km distance, making it the world's highest and oldest mountain train route, located at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Due to its engineering marvel and historical significance, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1999. The ideal time to visit is from March to October. The train operates daily from 8 am to 12 pm, with entry fees starting at ₹805 for a diesel engine ride (first class) and ₹1405 for a steam engine ride (first class). Location: New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.Highest Mountain Peak in West Bengal
Bishnupur Temples (1998)
Bishnupur, a historical town in Bankura, is famous for its exquisite Terracotta temples. Once the capital of the Malla Kingdom, the city showcases the art and architecture of the Malla kings, with beautifully carved designs and motifs on the temple walls depicting stories from great Indian epics. Bishnupur is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ideal time to explore is from October to March, with operating hours from 6 am to 5:30 pm daily. Entry fees are ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners, with free entry for children up to 15 years old. Location: Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal (139 km from Kolkata).Neora Valley National Park (2009)
Neora Valley National Park, situated in the Kalimpong district, is a protected wildlife sanctuary and a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers breathtaking views of the mountains and a refreshing atmosphere. Visitors can explore a diverse range of wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and flora, as well as enjoy trekking and nearby village tours. The best time to visit is from October to April. The park is open daily from 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, with no entry fee. Location: Kalimpong district, West Bengal, India.Shantiniketan (2010)
Shantiniketan is a prominent cultural and educational hub, associated with Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore founded the Visva-Bharati University here, attracting students from around the world to explore India's diverse education system. Tourists can also visit local villages, fairs, and museums in Shantiniketan. It is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ideal time to visit is from October to February, and the place is always open with no entry fee. Location: Bolpur town, Birbhum, West Bengal.UNESCO Sites in West Bengal FAQs
1. What are the operating hours for Sundarban National Park?
Ans. Sundarban National Park is open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The park is closed on Sundays.
2. Is there an entry fee for visiting the Bishnupur Temples?
Ans. Yes, the entry fee for visiting the Bishnupur Temples is ₹25 for Indian citizens and ₹300 for foreign visitors. Children up to 15 years of age can enter for free.
3. Can I visit Shantiniketan throughout the year, and is there an entry fee?
Ans. Shantiniketan is open year-round, with the best time to visit being from October to February. There is no entry fee to visit Shantiniketan.
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