Discovering the Arts of West Bengal
This one-week itinerary is an invitation to delve into the heart of West Bengal’s exceptional cultural heritage, discovering ancestral skills and unique forms of expression, with a stop at the famous terracotta temples of Bishnupur.
Our exploration of the arts of Bengal will begin in Natungram, a charming village where the tradition of woodcarving comes to life. Here, local artisans transform wooden blocks into small, colorful dolls and figurines, a legacy of an art passed down from generation to generation.
Then, we will head to Nanoor, a place steeped in spirituality and creativity. This village is renowned for its connection with the medieval poet Chandidas and for its traditional kantha embroidery on throws.
After a stop in Santiniketan, founded in 1921 by Rabindrinath Tagore, our third artistic stop will be Chhau, a form of masked theatrical dance, listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site. “Chhau” means “mask or shadow” according to ancient Sanskrit texts. The dance’s choreography is drawn from ancient rituals associated with the worship of Lord Shiva. Mask making has become an art form in itself, a specialty of the region.
After a break in Bishnupur, our journey will continue to Panchmura, a small hamlet 20 km from Bishnupur, a stronghold of terracotta artisans; 70 families make their living here from this folk art. The famous, world-renowned “Bankura” horse is produced in Panchmura.
Nearby, we will visit the village of Bikna, known for the art of Dokhra. We’ll stroll through the village’s narrow streets while admiring its houses delicately decorated with tribal motifs.
Our next stop will take us to Midnapore, a district known for its “patuas,” artists who create paintings (pattachithra) on a roll of cloth or palm leaves. This ancient art form uses natural plant and mineral colors to create detailed paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and daily village life.
Who is this trip for?
Anyone who enjoys traditional arts, as well as historical and sacred heritage.
When is the best time to travel to West Bengal?
From October to March
As each trip is tailor-made, the price shown is an estimate. Your final quote will depend on your choices, such as hotel category, number of participants, vehicle type, and time of year. We will provide you with a personalized (and free) quote after discussing your preferences in detail.
THIS TRIP INCLUDES (for 2 people):
- Double room at a 3-star hotel type
- All breakfasts
- All transportation by Toyota Innova Crysta with private driver (all expenses included)
- English-speaking guide for the entire trip
- Chhau dance performance in Purulia
- 24/7 concierge service, we are in constant contact with you.
THE TRIP PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Any arrangements not included in the program that result in additional costs (itinerary changes, hospitalization, etc.)
- Any personal expenses
- Tips
- Anything not listed in the “included” list
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ART / PATRIMOINE
PHOTO / FESTIVAL
PHOTO / FESTIVAL
WILDLIFE
HERITAGE / CULTURE
Kolkata > Itachuna Rjabari (2-3h)
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Then we'll travel along the Hooghly River north of Kolkata, exploring towns that bear witness to West Bengal's colonial past.*
Our first stop will be Serampore, with its Danish architecture. After the tour, a coffee break awaits you at the Danish Tavern, a historic hotel and restaurant dating back to 1786.*
We will continue to Chandannagar, a former French colony, then Chinsurah, where the Dutch settled, and finally to Bandel, a former Portuguese colony.
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After this cultural immersion, we will spend a dreamy night at the ITACHUNA RAJBARI Heritage Hotel, a charming 18th-century residence.
Itachuna Rjabari > Natungram > Nanoor > Santiniketan (5h)
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On the way, we will stop in villages renowned for their crafts: Natungram and Nanoor.
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In Natungram, an artisan village located east of Burdwan, wood carving is a living tradition, with the owl as the dominant motif. The carvers of Natungram perpetuate an ancestral skill passed down for around 250 years.
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In Nanoor, women continue to practice traditional kantha embroidery on blankets. Long before the concept of recycling became popular, women in Bengal were already using We use old saris and dhotis to create kantha quilts for the family, used as blankets during the winter.
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We will spend the night in Shantiniketan in a 3-star hotel.
Santiniketan > Ajodhya Hills (5h)
- Lahariya Temple (active):This temple dedicated to Shiva is believed to have been built by the Chero dynasty, which ruled the region in the 10th and 11th centuries.
- Bamni Waterfalls, Barria Lake, and Marble Lake
Ajodhya > Charida > Murguma > Matha > Ajodhya (3h30)
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We continue our exploration of the Purulia region towards the Murguma Lake and Dam, through enchantinglandscapes, where the inhabitants are predominantly of the Santal ethnic group.*
Depending on time, we will continue our journey to the Deulghata temples, still little-known gems from the 7th-8th century CE.*
Evening: Private Chhau Dance Show*
Overnight stay in a 3-star hotelAjodhya > Bishnupur (3h)
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After lunch, we will begin visiting several temples, the most famous of which are the Ras Mancha with its pyramidal bell tower, the Shyam Rai, and the Madan Mohan.*
Overnight stay in a 3-star hotelBishnupur > Panchmura > Bikna > Bishnupur (3h)
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First, Panchmura, a small hamlet 20 km from Bishnupur, a stronghold of terracotta artisans; 70 families make their living here from this folk art. The famous "Bankura" horse, known worldwide, is produced in Panchmura.*
We will continue to the village of Bikna, known for the art of Dokhra. We will stroll through the village's narrow streets while admiring its houses delicately decorated with tribal motifs.*
Return to Bishnupur at the end of the day.Bishnupur > Midnapore (2h)
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This ancient art form uses natural plant and mineral colors to create detailed paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and daily village life.*
Check-in at your 3-star hotel, take a break, then head out to meet the pattachitra artists.*
Then we will visit some of the city's temples, including the temple in Natun Bazaar, one of the oldest temples dedicated to Kali.Midnapore > Kolkata (3h)
