Universities and colleges of West Bengal the universities are conducted with the aid of specialized institutes. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal has played a pioneering role in the development of the modern education system in India. Western models of education came to India through Kolkata. Many of the first schools and colleges were established by the missionaries and reformists. Sir William Jones (philologist) established the Asiatic Society in 1784 for promoting oriental studies. People like Ram Mohan Roy, David Hare, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, asutosh mukherjee and William Carey played a leading role in the setting up of modern schools and colleges in the city. The
Tourism in West Bengal hard enough for cars to drive on. There are many hill stations in North West Bengal, of which Darjeeling is world-famous. Others are Kurseong, Kalimpong, Rimbick, Lava and Loleygaon, Mirik and Sandakfu. West Bengal has 3.26% of its geographical area under protected areas comprising 15 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks — Sundarbans National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Singalila National Park, and Jaldapara National Park. West Bengal also has wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries like Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary and Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary. As of 2009, recorded forest area in the state is