Cooch Behar (West Bengal) can be considered to be the cultural capital of the region. It was home to the famous Cooch Behar kingdom, and is a town planner's delight. The North Bengal State Transport Corporation operates its services from all over the region. It has its headquarters here. It also features the North Bengal State Library.
Darjeeling (West Bengal) is the largest hill town of the region. It was once the summer capital of Bengal.
Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) was once the most important town and home to the tea industry. The title has since shifted to Siliguri, but this little town is still the divisional headquarters of the region and seat of the Kolkata High Court Bench.
Kalimpong (West Bengal) is a hill stations of the region.
Kurseong (West Bengal) is another hill stations of the region.
Malda (West Bengal) was once the capital of Bengal, and an important commercial town today.
Naxalbari (West Bengal) is a small hamlet near Siliguri is the place from where the Naxalite movement draws its name, and was the scene of the first Naxal agitation.