Places to visit in Eastern India

West Bengal

Attracts tourists for pilgrimages to the holy places of different religions

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Odisha

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a heritage & culturally enriching state

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Bihar

Bodh Gaya, where the Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment

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Jharkhand

Over thirty indigenous communities exist harmoniously in Jharkhand

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Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Comprising of 572 islands, of which only 38 are inhabited

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East India

East India comprises the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand, along with the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Known for its cultural heritage, natural beauty, historical landmarks, and spiritual significance, East India offers a diverse range of attractions.

1. West Bengal

  • Population: ~100 million
  • Famous For: Cultural heritage, literature, sweets, festivals, and the Sundarbans.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather).

Highlights:

    • Kolkata: Known as the “Cultural Capital of India.”

      • Tourist Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and Eco Park.
      • Activities: Tram rides, exploring College Street for books, and savoring Bengali sweets like rosogolla and sandesh.

    • Darjeeling: A scenic hill station.

      • Tourist Attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
      • Activities: Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), tea plantation tours.

    • Sundarbans: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

      • Tourist Attractions: Mangrove forests, wildlife safaris.
      • Activities: Boat safaris and bird watching.

2. Odisha

  • Population: ~46 million
  • Famous For: Temples, beaches, and classical dance (Odissi).
  • Best Time to Visit: October to February (cool and dry).

Highlights:

    • Bhubaneswar: The “City of Temples.”

      • Tourist Attractions: Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauli Hill.
      • Activities: Heritage walks, temple tours.

    • Puri: A coastal city famous for the Jagannath Temple.

      • Tourist Attractions: Puri Beach, Chilika Lake, Konark Sun Temple (nearby).
      • Activities: Attend the Rath Yatra festival, explore sand art on the beach.

    • Konark: Famous for the Sun Temple.

      • Tourist Attractions: Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach.
      • Activities: Enjoy cultural programs during the Konark Dance Festival.

    • Chilika Lake: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.

      • Activities: Dolphin watching, birdwatching, and boat rides.

3. Bihar

  • Population: ~125 million
  • Famous For: Ancient history, Buddhism, and Jainism.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather).

Highlights:

    • Patna: The state capital.

      • Tourist Attractions: Golghar, Patna Museum, Gandhi Ghat.
      • Activities: River cruises on the Ganges.

    • Bodh Gaya: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage center.

      • Tourist Attractions: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Great Buddha Statue.
      • Activities: Meditation, temple visits.

    • Nalanda: The ancient seat of learning.

      • Tourist Attractions: Nalanda University ruins, Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall.
      • Activities: Explore the museum showcasing ancient manuscripts and artifacts.

    • Vaishali: Associated with Buddha and Mahavira.

      • Tourist Attractions: Ashokan Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa.

4. Jharkhand

  • Population: ~40 million
  • Famous For: Forests, waterfalls, and tribal culture.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to February (mild weather).

Highlights:

    • Ranchi: The capital city, known for its waterfalls.

      • Tourist Attractions: Hundru Falls, Dassam Falls, Rock Garden.
      • Activities: Trekking, nature walks.

    • Deoghar: A prominent pilgrimage center.

      • Tourist Attractions: Baba Baidyanath Temple, Naulakha Mandir.
      • Activities: Participate in religious rituals.

    • Netarhat: A quaint hill station.

      • Tourist Attractions: Sunrise Point, Magnolia Sunset Point.
      • Activities: Scenic photography, trekking.

    • Betla National Park: Known for wildlife safaris.

      • Activities: Jeep safaris to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife.

5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  • Population: ~380,000
  • Famous For: Pristine beaches, marine life, and historical significance.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to May (ideal weather and calm seas).

Highlights:

    • Port Blair: The capital city.

      • Tourist Attractions: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
      • Activities: Light and sound show at Cellular Jail.

    • Havelock Island: Renowned for its beaches.

      • Tourist Attractions: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach.
      • Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea walking.

    • Neil Island: A tranquil retreat.

      • Tourist Attractions: Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge.
      • Activities: Relaxation and underwater activities.

Tourist Activities Across East India

  1. Heritage and Temple Tours: Explore ancient architecture and temples in Odisha and Bihar.
  2. Wildlife Safaris: Sundarbans and Betla National Park.
  3. Cultural Events: Attend dance and music festivals in Odisha and West Bengal.
  4. Adventure Sports: Trekking in Darjeeling, scuba diving in Andamans.
  5. Pilgrimage: Visit holy cities like Bodh Gaya, Puri, and Deoghar.

Key Festivals Celebrated

  1. Durga Puja (West Bengal): October.
  2. Rath Yatra (Odisha): June/July.
  3. Chhath Puja (Bihar & Jharkhand): October/November.
  4. Konark Dance Festival (Odisha): December.

East India offers a mix of spiritual landmarks, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. From the serene beaches of the Andamans to the architectural wonders of Odisha, this region provides an unforgettable journey.