I never imagined that one day I will be travelling to Bihar on my own. But then I thought ‘Why the hell not?’ It is not considered a tourist destination yet and not so much of a safe place for solo female travellers as well. But still, this eastern state has its charm. Along with being the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment, Bihar is a foodie’s paradise as well.
Another state in eastern India, West Bengal was my next stop. I relished mouth-watering Bengali sweets including Roshogulla and Shondesh and enjoyed dream-like sunset in Kolkata. Oh yeah, can’t forget about strolling around Park Street and checking out stationery shops and bookshops there. I gathered stacks of spellbinding moments in Bihar and West Bengal over 10 days. Here I am highlighting some of the epic ones.
Bihar
1. Golghar
Golghar, a simple yet charming architecture, was my first stop in Patna. It is an amalgam of history and natural beauty. Established in 1786, it served as a magnanimous granary. This stupa-shaped structure rises from the midst of a lush green garden and is encircled by a flight of 145 stairs taking you up to the top. From there, I witnessed the wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges.
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Also read: I Travelled Solo To UAE & Explored Sharjah, Abu Dhabi & Dubai Under ₹90,000
2. Bihar Museum
I really liked this place. Bihar Museum is completely different from all the other museums that I have ever visited date. The way it has made use of modern technology to keep the visitors engaged is commendable. There are touch screens and other tools that explain history in a very interesting way. The museum is spread across a huge area and showcases several diverse aspects of the state. Don’t miss it when you are in Patna.
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3. Bodh Gaya
Interested in knowing about Buddhism in detail? You should visit Bodh Gaya as it is the origin place of this religion. A Buddhist pilgrimage site, it is popular for Mahabodhi Temple—where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. The wide area around the temple has Buddhist temples and monasteries from various countries like Japan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, and Sri Lanka.
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Also read: I Travelled Solo To Chhattisgarh And Here Are The Most Enchanting Places I Discovered!
4. Buddha Smriti Park
For a peaceful evening, I went to this urban oasis that sprawls across a generous area of 22 acres. This multi-purpose park highlights the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. I visited Pataliputra Karuna Stupa, which is a 200-feet high circular structure and the most incredible feature of the place. There is also a meditation center, a library with several books on Buddhism, and a museum. Attending the laser show in the evening is a must-do here.
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West Bengal
1. Victoria Memorial
When I was in the ‘City of Joy’, I ensured to visit the incredible Victoria Memorial. This enormous, gleaming white building is a must-see in the capital of the Old British Raj that was built to celebrate the life of Queen Victoria. The museum artifacts are very interesting and one can gather a lot of information about the colonial times, given that you are a history buff. There are huge gardens as well where you can sit and relax. One of the top attractions in Kolkata, you should visit this place.
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2. Prinsep Ghat
I wanted to wind up my day at a peaceful place, and Princep Ghat is an ideal choice for that. It is a romantic place in Kolkata as looking at the sunset over the Vidyasagar Setu is simply magical! I was surrounded by couples indulging in PDA and here I was on my solo trip, which in a way was a good thing. I feel that some places in this world should be cherished alone. This lovely ghat along the banks of the beautiful Hooghly River is one of them. Don’t forget to try scrumptious phuchkas and bhelpuri here!
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3. Darjeeling Ropeway
The ‘Queen of the Hills’ is among the most picturesque hill stations in India and is popular for its exquisite landscapes that include glorious snow-capped mountains and verdant tea valleys. I got to admire all this via the ropeway and witnessed the divine panoramic views across the magical valley. This is the best way to experience the beauty of Darjeeling’s scenery. The view of tea gardens from above is mesmerizing, and if you want to see them closely, then you can do so after the cable car drops you at the bottom end of the trip. Enjoying refreshing hot tea at a cute restaurant while playing with super-friendly dogs and chatting with little kids is an unforgettable part of my journey.
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4. Darjeeling Toy Train
I saved the favorite part of my entire journey for the last day. I took this joyride in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) from Darjeeling to Darjeeling. The train stops for 10 minutes at Batasia Loop en route and 25 minutes at Ghum, which is the highest heritage railway station in the world. Here, you can also visit the museum. The loud horn of the engine, cool breeze laden with the fragrance of coal, and fog transported me to a peaceful place in my mind!
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Also read: I Travelled To Darjeeling &Gangtok For 12 Days Under ₹25K Including Flights, Stay & Meals
How Much Did It Cost?
I spent a total of ₹30,000 on the entire trip. The breakup is as follows:
- Conveyance (flights, trains, cabs, and autos): ₹10,000
- Accommodation: ₹14,000
- Others (food, shopping, entry tickets, etc.): ₹6,000
Happy travelling!
First Published: March 31, 2022 5:12 PM