Luxury holidays in West Bengal

When to go

To avoid the summer heat, visit between September and June – late February to early March the state’s perfectly balmy; bring jumpers if you visit during the winter months, as it can be as cold as England. July marks the start of the rainy season, so you’ll be battling heavy storms.

Getting there

• Planes

  Fly to Kolkata with Air India or Etihad. There are no direct flights from England, but connecting flights from Bombay are regular and reasonably priced.

• Trains

  Kolkata Railway Station is large and well-served, for those exploring more than one destination in India.

• Automobiles

  Driving in India is notoriously difficult, but if you’re up to the challenge, rent a car at Kolkata airport. Avis India has a range of cars available (www.avis.co.in).