Eastern India Tourism- Top Tourist Places to Visit in East India

The eastern india Tourism

The eastern part of India is a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, architectural marvels, and warm hospitality. This region, nestled in the Indian subcontinent, is graced by the majestic Eastern Ghats, verdant meadows, and evergreen forests. Bihar proudly hosts the world’s oldest university, Nalanda University, while being the sacred place where Lord Buddha attained nirvana, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Jharkhand, meaning ‘the territory of forests,’ is blessed with rare dense evergreen forests, offering a unique charm. Puri in Odisha stands as a revered destination for Char Dham Yatra, attracting Hindus to its sacred sites. Odisha, with its iconic Konark Temple, not only boasts religious significance but also presents scenic hills, beaches, and secluded woods. The journey through East India concludes in West Bengal, renowned globally for its lush tea plantations, picturesque hills, green landscapes, and colonial-era architecture—a treasure trove awaiting exploration.

As eco-tourism gains momentum, the natural bliss of the Eastern region entices global travelers. The lush Eastern Ghats grace Odisha, while Jharkhand’s dense evergreen forests offer a rare spectacle. A sojourn in Eastern India bestows a sense of inner calm, rejuvenating both body and soul. The Himalayan range forms a breathtaking backdrop in West Bengal, adding to the region’s allure. Darjeeling, where the first tea garden was planted in 1857, stands as the second-largest tea producer in India. Bihar’s lesser-known eco-tourist destinations, from Telhar Kund to Barabar Caves, showcase offbeat natural beauty.

The rich cultural heritage further elevates the appeal of Eastern India, making it one of the most sought-after destinations. Bihar, with its Mahabodhi Temple and historic Nalanda, holds a wealth of heritage. Jharkhand’s Maluti boasts terracotta temples narrating tales of the past. Odisha, known as the ‘Temple City of India,’ houses around 500 ancient temples, including the UNESCO-listed Konark Temple. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal weaves through scenic valleys and tea plantations against the backdrop of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga. Murshidabad in West Bengal, a historic town, echoes with the times of Nawabs through ancient tombs, mosques, and museums.

Eastern India significantly contributes to India’s pilgrimage tourism, steeped in diverse religious beliefs and spirituality. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple in West Bengal draws devotees seeking blessings from Goddess Kali. Jharkhand’s Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, holds immense importance for Hindus. Odisha’s Jagannath Temple is a key site for Char Dham Yatra, while Bihar is home to the ancient Patan Devi Temple, one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas. Takht Sri Patna Sahib stands as a vital pilgrimage site for Sikhs. The ancient and revered religious sites of Eastern India attract a multitude of devotees, creating a spiritual tapestry woven with the blessings of countless deities.

States of Eastern India

• Bihar- A place that even the great Chinese explorer, Hieun Tsang couldn’t resist. Home to the place where Lord Buddha attained nirvana, Bihar is not only a religious destination but also a heritage one. With the ruins of Nalanda and Vaishali, this state whispers stories of the glorifying past of India.
• Jharkhand- Jharkhand literally means the ‘abode of forests. With tribes as a majority, this state is popular for tribal tourism. Also, it is one of the most religious destinations in India because of the presence of one of the twelve ‘jyotirlingas’ of Lord Shiva.
• Odisha- A land of unspoken beaches, scenic hills, tribal charms and architectural brilliance, Odisha should surely be on every traveler’s bucket-list. One of the auspicious pilgrimage sites of the Char Dham Yatra, this state welcomes thousands of tourists all year-round.
• West Bengal- Land of tea gardens, lush green hills, white cascading waterfalls and glorifying rich culture and history, West Bengal is a must visit for all the travelers out there.

Journeying through the Eastern Zone of India offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, blending the allure of beaches, the serenity of temples, the spiritual essence of monasteries, and the profound Buddhist circuit, all with a touch of rural authenticity. Among the foremost tourist destinations in this region are Kolkata, the former capital of India, and the twin cities of Puri and Bhubaneshwar. Travelers can explore the Buddhist circuit in Bihar, traverse the monasteries nestled in the hills of Sikkim, and marvel at the breathtaking Kanchenjunga Range in Darjeeling. As you depart from the vibrant energy and warmth of Kolkata, a city steeped in history and marked by its British colonial past, you quickly find yourself immersed in the cool embrace of the Darjeeling mountains. The journey unfolds against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas in Sikkim, where one can encounter the enchanting wildlife reserves and spot the elusive one-horned rhinoceros.

The ancient holy towns scattered across the plains of rural India transport visitors to a bygone era, allowing them to dream amidst the echoes of history. Kolkata, once a British trading post in the 17th century, has evolved into one of the world’s largest cities. Its pulsating life and vibrancy are evident in the historic districts of Chowringhee and Clive Street, now known as Jawaharlal Nehru Road and Netaji Subhash Road, respectively. Kolkata is a city that evokes diverse emotions – a fascinating mosaic of life, cultures, and peoples. The initial sensory overload of rickshaws, cars, painted lorries, and the clamor of street vendors gradually gives way to a harmonious blend. The bustling New Market, the ongoing construction of a vast underground railway, and the vivid tapestry of crowds contribute to the city’s distinctive charm. In essence, exploring the Eastern Zone promises a journey through time and tradition, where every destination reveals a unique facet of India’s cultural richness and natural beauty.