Explore West Bengal
West Bengal is a state located in the eastern part of India, bordered by the countries of Bangladesh and Bhutan, as well as the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, and Assam. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage and is known for its diverse landscapes, from the lush Sundarbans mangrove forests to the towering Himalayan mountains in the north. The capital city of West Bengal, formerly known as Calcutta, is one of India's largest cities and a major cultural, educational, and economic hub. It has a vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, and is renowned for its literary heritage, being home to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and many other eminent writers. West Bengal has a rich cultural heritage, deeply influenced by its history of Hindu, Muslim, and British rule. The state is famous for its festivals, including Durga Puja, which celebrates the goddess Durga's triumph over evil, and the Bengali New Year, known as "Poila Boishakh." Bengali literature, music, dance, and theater have made significant contributions to Indian culture. West Bengal has a mixed economy with agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors contributing to its GDP. The state is known for its production of rice, jute, tea, and fisheries. Kolkata is a major center for trade and commerce, with industries ranging from textiles and chemicals to IT and finance. West Bengal has a strong educational infrastructure with several prestigious institutions like the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University, and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C). The state has a high literacy rate compared to the national average. The political landscape of West Bengal has been dominated by the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by Mamata Banerjee, since 2011. However, the state has a history of political activism and has seen significant influence from various political parties over the years. West Bengal attracts tourists with its diverse attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Sundarbans National Park (home to the Bengal tiger), the hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and the historical sites of Murshidabad and Shantiniketan. Overall, West Bengal is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, offering visitors a unique glimpse into India's past and present.
Overview
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Country
India
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Best Time to Visit
January, February, March, October, November, December
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Ideal Duration
n/a
Visa Rules
Last updated: 2025-04-23 03:41:06
Tourist Visa
You can apply for a tourist visa if you're visiting India for recreation, sightseeing, or to meet friends and relatives. You can also apply for a tourist visa if you're attending a short-term yoga program or medical treatment.
You can apply for an e-visa
online.
Mandatory Documents:
1. Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 3 blank visa pages, plus a photocopy of the passport's data page.
2. Photographs: Two passport-size photographs (2x2 inches) glued to the visa application form as per instructions.
3. Visa Application Form: Fill out the Indian Government visa application form online at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in. Ensure your signature matches your passport signature and validate the data with a declaration signature at the bottom of page 2.
Additional Documents (Depending on Applicant's Situation):
• For Applicants of Indian Origin (Born Indian):
o Surrender Certificate or cancelled Indian passport copy or sworn affidavit.
• For Applicants of Indian Origin (Naturalized):
o First passport copy (if issued in India), Nationality Certificate, or sworn affidavit.
• Explanation for Birth in India (if not of Indian origin): Letter in English addressed to consular services explaining details and reasons.
• Parent of Indian Descent Born in France: Statement confirming no previous Indian passport or nationality.
• Joining Specific Organizations in India: Official invitation letter in a sealed envelope from the organization.
• Property Ownership Intention: Letter from Reserve Bank of India granting permission to acquire property and proof of property ownership in India.
• Minor Applicants: French "livret de famille" or birth certificate, ID proof of each parent, and travel authorization letter signed by both parents.
• Dual Nationality: Copy of the second passport.
• Applicants of Pakistani Origin: Reference form as per current nationality and additional documents based on current or previous nationality.
Declaration:
Certification: Acknowledgment of submitting a complete application and acceptance of the minimum processing time required.
Make sure to gather all necessary documents according to your specific situation and follow the guidelines closely to ensure a smooth visa application process. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any of these requirements, feel free to ask!
Disclaimers
The above list of documents is the standard requirement for the visa application. The Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Application Centres reserve the right to request additional documents for verification.
Travelspoc does not guarantee the outcome of any visa application. Decisions on visa applications are at the sole discretion of the respective Embassy/Consulate/High Commission.
The official website for applying for an Indian visa is: