General

West Bengal Has Numerous Cultural Practices That May Appear Unusual To A Person On His / Her First Visit However, To Enjoy Your Stay In This Remarkable State It Is Important To Take Into Consideration The Different Cultural Aspects Of The State. Here Is A List Of Things, Which May Be Helpful To You.

• The Form Of Greeting Is "Namaste" And Is Performed By Joining The Palms Together.
• Before Entering Home, Temple, And Stupa Remember To Remove Your Shoes.
• Be Careful Not To Use Your Spoon, Fork Or A Hand Being Used For Your Eating To Touch Other's Food, Plate, Cooking Utensil Or The Serving Dish. Do Not Eat From Other People's Plate And Do Not Drink From Other People's Bottle Or Glass.
• Never Touch Anything With Your Feet. This Is Considered An Offence.
• While Travelling Dress Appropriately. Women Should Specially Avoid Dressing In Skimpy Outfits.
• Seek Permission First Before Entering A Temple.
• Walking Around Temples Or Stupas Is Traditionally Done Clockwise.
• Take Photographs Only After Receiving Permission For The Object Or Person Being Photographed.
• Public Displays Of Affection Between Man And Woman Are Frowned Upon. Do Not Do Something That Is Totally Alien To Our Environment.
• Remember, Many Times, When A Person Shakes His Head From Left To Right, He May Mean "Yes".
• Develop A Genuine Interest To Meet And Talk To Bengalis People And Respect Their Local Customs.

Do’s & Don’ts In Forest

Violations Of Any Provisions As Mentioned Below Are Punishable Under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

• Do Not Litter Plastic, Paper, Cans, Tins, Bottles, Etc.
• Keep The Area Clean And Peaceful And Keep Fire Away
• Please Do Not Light Fires, Throw Lighted Matches, Cigarettes, Etc.
• Do Not Wear Bright Colors Cloth While On Jungle Visit
• Keep Sober And Avoid Generating Sound
• Entering Inside The Forest Is Prohibited Without Permission
• Follow The Guide And Designated Road / Path
• Please Do Not Tease Animals, Watch And Observe Nature Silently
• Discipline And Orderly Conduct Is Solicited From All
• Do Not Remove Forest Product

Things To Carry - Do Not Forget

It Is Advisable For The Guest To Carry Photo Identity Card And Travel Documents If Possible (Passport Size Photograph Also). This Is Required While Traveling To Bhutan And Sensitive International Border Area Like Nathu La Pass, North Sikkim, Etc.

For Medicine The Area In Remote Sikkim, Bhutan, North Bengal And Nepal Drug Store Are Nearly Non - Existing. Other Than The Regular Medicine Please Try To Keep Some Of The First Aid Medicines, Etc.

March To October - Comfortable Trousers Or Tracks, Jeans, Shorts, Light T - Shirts, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Sunglasses, Sunscreen And Caps Are All You Require As Clothing. It May Rain Anytime And Any Day So Waterproof Or Umbrella Is A Good Option To Keep.

November To February - Warm Jacket Besides Heavy Woolens Is A Must, Inners And Layer Clothing Is Necessary. Cap, Sunscreen And Sunglasses, Umbrella During The Monsoon Months Is A Wise Decision. It May Snow / Rain Anytime And Any Day So Waterproof Or Umbrella Is A Good Option To Keep.

Other – Please Try To Carry Torch, Camera, Books And Cell Phone - Whatever The Season! Keep A Back Up Copy Of Travel Documents And Reserved Tickets. Road Map And Information Are Available In All Tourist Centers And With Most Of The Travel Agents / Operators. Preferably Carry A Medicine Kit And Medicines

It Is Advisable To Use Packaged Water Or Carry Water Purifier Tablets.

Avoid Taking Pictures Of People Without Permission, Ask For Permission.

Make Or Take Plans From Operators For Trekking Or Hiking, Taking Rest Is Better

Do Not Travel In Vehicles At Night In The Hills

What You Can Expect

Leeches During Summer & Monsoon
Heavy Rains During Monsoon
Heavy But Short Shower Anytime Of The Year Except Monsoon
Cold In Winter Months
Warm Hospitality
Delicious Local Food
Breathe Taking Views
Unique Experiences
Interesting Hikes & Treks
Friendship Time

What You Should Bring Along

Well Worn Walking Shoes Couple Of T-Shirts,
Heavy Woolens In Winter.
Sunscreen Lotion
Moisturizer / Cold Cream In Winter
Music If You Like
Caps And Sunglass
Camera, If One Like To Take Back Memories