West Bengal

Bordering Bangladesh to the east, West Bengal’s capital, Kolkata, is a favourite amongst travellers for its antiquated architecture and welcoming inhabitants. Bengalis are some of the friendliest and most eloquent people you’ll meet in India, so it’s no surprise Kolkata boasts a strong café culture. The only thing they do more than talk, is eat, or so is the popular belief, so you’ll find plenty of excellent fish restaurants lining the streets. The Victoria Memorial and its manicured gardens are certainly worth a visit as is the morning Malik Ghat Flower Market, along the banks of the Hooghly River. Wildlife enthusiasts must explore the mangroves of the Sundarbans National Park, home to tigers, crocodiles, and the Ganges River Dolphin. Depending on where you’re visiting, the best time to visit is in the winter months of November and February.