West Bengal is located in the northeastern part of India. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy and the chief crops produced here are potatoes, oilseeds, tobacco, wheat, barley and maize. The state is well known for its arts and crafts made of silk, ivory, shoal and conchshell. The state has a rich culture, which is manifested in its art, music and drama. The capital is
Kolkata one of the four metropolitan cities of India.
The state is divided into eighteen districts.
Bankura District has the highest tribal population. It is known for its vast green forests, exquisite array of hills and sparkling rivers. Major industries of the district include cotton weaving, rice and oilseed milling. It is dotted with temples like the famous Raghunath Mandir, built in the year 1639 with terracotta sculpture and the Ekteshwar Mandir. The high-necked terracotta horse from Bankura is an exemplary handicraft.
Bardhaman district also known, as Burdwan is located on the banks of the river Damodar and is the biggest district in the state. It is also known as the granary of West Bengal because of its production of rice. It is also one of the mineral rich districts of India. The
Asansol and
Durgapur subdivisions are two important industrial regions of the state.
Birbhum District is situated in the western region of West Bengal. The district has a rich cultural tradition, which is reflected, in the temples of the district. Major tourist attractions of the district include
Shantiniketan, Tarapith, Kankalipith, Bakreswar, Masanjore, Kenduli, Nannur, Tarapith and Nolhati. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people and the major crops grown are rice, wheat, maize, legumes, sugarcane and mangoes.
Coochbehar district is located in the northeastern region of West Bengal with its headquarters in the town of Coochbehar. Handicrafts made of cane,
bamboo and jute, which include mats, bags, slippers, dolls and baskets are famous all over India. The soil and climate of the district favours the cultivation of crops like pulse,
tea, rice, jute, tobacco, wheat, and potatoes.
Darjeeling district is situated in the northern region of West Bengal. Tea, timber and tourism generate ample revenue for the district. The lofty peaks, green tea plantations and the sparkling rivers characterize this northern district. Major attractions of the district include Observatory Hill, Lloyd Botanical Garden, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Tiger Hill. The important towns of the district include
Kalimpong, Kurseong, Sandakphu, and Phalut.
Hooghly District is the most fertile district in the state and is spread over an area of 3,145 sq km. The district headquarters is Chunchura. The fertile land of the district favours the cultivation of rice, jute, sugarcane, and potatoes. Some of the important tourist attractions of the district are Bandel Church, Shiva Temple at Tarakeshwar, Imambara at Hooghly Devanandapur and Chandannagore. Important industries of the district are the automobile industry and a textile industry.
Howrah District is located in the western banks of the river Hooghly and the economy of the district rests on agriculture as well as industries. Rice, potatoes, coconut, and jute are among the major crops that are cultivated here. Major industries are cotton mills, iron and steel rolling mills, glass factories, and chemical production units. The major attraction of the district is the
Botanical Gardens.
Jalpaiguri District is a beautiful district with several tea plantations, deep forests with abundant wildlife. The district headquarters is at Jalpaiguri. Tea and tourism are the main sources of revenue in the state. Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa National Park and the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the interesting tourist destinations in the district. Siliguri is an important town of the district.
Kolkata District is spread over an area of 3150 sq km. with its headquarters in the city of palaces, Kolkata. Kolkata is the nucleus of commercial, administrative, academic and political activities in West Bengal. It is an exciting tourist destination and some of the prominent ones include Writers` Building, the Gothic-style High Court, Victoria Memorial, Zoological Garden, Dakshineswar Temple, Eden Garden, and Nakhoda Mosque. Kolkata is also known as the cultural capital of India.
Malda District is spread over an area of 3,733 sq km. The district headquarters is Engraj Bazar. The climate of the land favours the cultivation of mulberry and mango. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Malda is an important trading center for rice, jute, and wheat. Major tourist destinations include Gaur, Pandua, Adina, Malda town, and Farakka.
Midnapore District has its headquarters in the town of Midnapore. Kangsabati, Silabati, Rupnarayan, Haldi, and Subarnarekha are the rivers flowing through the district. The important crops cultivated in the district are rice, jute, potatoes, coconut, and rapeseed. A major attraction of the district is the sun-drenched beach at
Digha.
Murshidabad District is located at the center of the lower Ganges valley. The seat of administration is in the town of Berhampore. The district is primarily an agricultural district and the major crops produced here are rice, wheat, jute, legumes, oilseeds, and barley. This place is famous for its historical monuments, which include Nizamat Kila, Muradbagh Palace, and Khushbagh Cemetery.
Nadia District is a region of historical and spiritual significance. Nabadwip is an important religious destination in the district.
Krishnanagar is the district headquarters of the District.
North 24 Parganas District is situated on the eastern banks of the river Hooghly spread over an area of 4,094 sq. km. Industrial and agricultural activities are equally blended in the district. The major crops grown here are rice, jute, coconuts, potatoes, wheat, and rapeseed. Some of the important industries of the region include jute mills, petrochemicals, food processing and electronics.
North Dinajpur District occupies an area of 3,142 sq km. and has its headquarters in Raiganj. The soil and climate favours the cultivation of paddy, jute, mesta, and sugarcane.
Purulia District is located in the western part of West Bengal with its headquarters in the town of Purulia. Purulia is an important archaeological site. It is basically an agricultural district and the crops grown here are rice, maize, potatoes, groundnuts, and wheat. The district is famous for its Chau dance form. Pakhipahar and Ajodhya hills are exciting tourist destinations.
South 24 Pargana District lies in the southeastern region of West Bengal with its headquarters in Alipore. A large portion of the district is covered with forests. Sunderban forests are an exciting tourist destination with its exotic wildlife and mango groves. It is the home of the protected Royal Bengal Tigers. The northern part of the region is mostly cultivated land and rice, chilies, coconuts, and potatoes are the chief crops that are cultivated here. Bakkhali, Kakdwip, Sagardwip, and Chandraketugarh are the other tourist destinations.
South Dinajpur District has a rich cultural heritage, which is manifested, in the ruins of the place. It is one of the smallest districts of West Bengal with agricultural base. The district administration is at Balurghat. The major rivers flowing through the district are Atryee, Punarbhaba and Tangon.
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