Kolkata the city of joy, capital of west Bengal draws in millions of tourists every year. The cultural capital of India is the top priority of tourists who seek to enjoy a "laid back" sojourn. Kolkata epitomizes warmth and amiability which is also replicated in the tourist sites near Kolkata. Shantiniketan, mirik, malda, Darjeeling are some of the tourist sites near Kolkata that add to merriment of the tourists visiting Kolkata.

Shantiniketan: The tourists on their Kolkata trip must have Shantiniketan on their itinerary. This township built by Rabindranath Tagore, still adheres to education, discipline and culture as the bed rock. The principles are disseminated through the established Rabindra Bharati University. It takes two and a half hours to reach Shantiniketan by rail. Tagore's residence in the uttarayan complex contains a museum. Fro Shantiniketan one may take a trip to Bakreshwar where one finds the temples of Kali and Shiva. The hot springs are said to cure dangerous diseases.

Darjeeling: The silence of the mountains is palpable in this munificent hill station in North Bengal. Darjeeling tea is savored by millions across the world. The Himalayan Mountaineering institute is a place for trekkers. The Tibetan center is known for its embellished carpets. Mirik is famed for its oranges. Kalimpong is known for its orchids and rare shops. Kurseong in the same area oversees the beautiful gangetic delta from eagle's crag.

Malda: The history of Bengal is well entrenched in the district of Malda. Muslim culture is embedded in the Bara sona mosque. Behrampur not far from malda is another epitome of Muslim culture. The Hazarduari palace and khush Bagh in Murshidabad uphold the remnants of the past.

Sunderbans tiger reserve: It is a home to the biggest Royal Bengal tigers. The region embraces evergreen mangrove forests. It is said that the goddess of the forest protects the woodcutters, fisherman and honey-collectors on their journey through the forest because it is believed that the "tiger is always watching you in this region".

Bishnupur: Your stay in Kolkata is made more exciting if you visit Bishnupur, a site for excursion near Kolkata. The place houses terracotta temples. Balucheri saris and the rare Ganijifa are the specialties that the region offers.

Chandennagar: 35 kilometers from Kolkata, the buildings of Chandennagar speak volumes of the French life. Formerly a French settlement Chandennagar retains some of the French traits and habits. The striking places one must see on a tour to Chandennagar are Quai Dupleix, Eglise du Sacre, and image of Joan of arc.

Digha, Siliguri, Gaur, Pandua and Haldia are some of the places that tourists must visit in order to make their itinerary more memorable.

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