A weekend getaway from Kolkata is always a welcome and refreshing change from the harsh reality of city life and the City of Joy has plenty to offer by way of quick short trips. Kolkata may not seem like a place with much lying beyond its boundaries but don’t be fooled by what you see. There are many places to visit near Kolkata which make for a great weekend escape. Durga Puja is a wonderful time to visit Kolkata. The city is bustling with activity and there is a palpable excitement in the air. However, for those that do not necessarily like crowds and noise, Durga Puja can be overwhelming. Have you ever considered taking a weekend off to escape from the puja madness?
Are you looking forward to taking off for the weekend to beat the city crowd? There are a few great options you can choose from. All you need is a plan and maybe company for a road trip. You could really use the time off to just relax and breathe easy. If you’re looking for a place of rest, and solitude, the city of Kolkata has plenty weekend getaways to suit your mood. Take a look at some of the best places near Kolkata for a short weekend trip. Escape to places of fun and leisure when you travel to these top weekend getaways which Kolkata has to offer.
Kolkata does justice enough to all environment lovers. Even though a crowded city, there’s life in this metro like no other in India. When it comes to holidays, the people here are always up for it. The blues of a metropolitan resident is now a common issue. The same routine everyday does bring quite an amount of money but what is the use of money if we are not happy. The same is with the busy life of Kolkata, where a weekend getaway is like a breath of fresh air. Tired of visiting Mandarmani or Shantiniketan? There are a few offbeat places near Kolkata that merit attention. Take a chance and plan your next weekend trip to these relatively unknown destinations.
The cure for a hectic week is a weekend away from the city. Turn off your mobile data and immerse yourself in the journey. You will be surprised at how rejuvenated you feel. Take a solo trip to really unwind and enjoy yourself. A weekend at any of these places will give you the impetus to tackle another crazy week of work. You will get a number of options being a Calcuttan starting from the fresh air of the Himalayas or the lush greenery of forests. Besides you can also opt for sea beaches or river banks as weekend getaways from Kolkata.
For a vacation like never before, here comes a list of 7 places that you absolutely cannot miss out on in your lifetime. All lying in close proximity to Kolkata; these spots are easily affordable and convenient to reach.
1. Sunderbans -
Sunderbans offers travellers an opportunity to escape from the festival crowd. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park is spread over 54 islands and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The tiger reserve is also a must to visit. The mangroves are home to mammals, the Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, jungle fowl and Siberian ducks. If you are lucky, you might also spot Batagur baska, king crab and Olive Ridley turtle. The rural vibe of the place is perfect for a weekend getaway. It has the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to the famous Bengal tiger and the saltwater crocodile. The Sundarbans offers one of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata. Its wildlife sanctuary houses an appalling variety of predators, bird, reptile and invertebrate species. Get as close to nature as possible when you visit this group of islands which lies scattered over the Bay of Bengal. Home to the largest mangrove forest in the world and the Royal Bengal tiger, Sunderbans continues to be one of the prime weekend getaways from Kolkata.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxing weekend if you’re looking to give yourself up to nature and wildlife. Deemed as the largest tidal mangrove forest in the world, Sunderbans have made its way into the UNESCO heritage site. It is a known habitat to the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers, and also houses quite a number of crocodiles and snakes. An ideal tour around the place takes around 2 days, thus making it an ideal weekend spot from Kolkata. Not far away from the city, traveling here is easy, and so is finding a place to stay through the nights. Bengal is home to the biggest mangrove forest cluster in the world. More endearingly known as the Sunderbans, this place is a must visit weekend destination. It was imperative that we included this place on my list of best weekend trips near Kolkata. Well, the zoological gardens in Kolkata may have a Royal Bengal Tiger in one of its cages there, but of you wish to see the beast in action while in its natural habitat, there is no better place than the Sunderbans. The place lies 125 kilometres or 4 hours away and one needs to travel by boat to get there. Now this doesn’t get any more exciting than this, doesn’t it. If you love seafood, then work up a great appetite as one gets nothing but the freshest catch of fish, lobsters and prawn here.
2. Talsari Beach -
A beach vacation is always welcome. Situated in Baleswar district of Odisha, Talsari beach is a great place to unwind and get away from the puja rush in the city. The pristine, serene surroundings and spectacular sights is sure to transport you to another world. There are quite a few secret beaches, beaches which are free from litter and animals, beaches that calm your nerves – Talsari is a combination of all three. This virgin beach is also home to sand dunes, relaxing waves and a line of palm trees, cashew trees and coconut trees.
It is also regarded as the last beach on the north east coast of India. This beautiful beach is situated in Odisha’s Baleswar district and is proximate to Digha. It is serene, pristine and provides beautiful views of sunset and sunrise. The secret beaches are contamination-free and will help you relax and unwind. Talasari is a virgin beach which also has sand dunes, palm trees, and calm waves. You can choose to unwind by reading a book in your hotel room or take a long stroll on the beach. Avoid visiting the during the peak seasons. It is among the best beaches of north eastern India.
3. Bakkhali -
When the puja commotion gets too much to bear, you can visit one of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata – Bakkhali. Although proximate to West Bengal, this beach destination gives you the opportunity to stay away from it all. This quaint beach town is located on the West Bengal coast. If you want to escape loud music, alcoholic revellers and the crowds, take a short trip to Bakkhali. Try some of the local cuisine in the area. The seafood is fresh and prepared well. Another favourite beach destination in West Bengal which calls for a short weekend getaway from Kolkata is the small yet captivatingly beautiful seaside town of Bakkhali. The place is famed for its long stretches of clean beaches which you can have almost to yourself if you visit during off season. Other tourist attractions include the Bishshalakshmi Temple and a crocodile park. Bakkhali beach is located on the south-western tip of the Tiger-populated Sunderbans.
The white beach touches the forest delta, offering a tropical experience like no other. This place is fuss-free and weekend travellers will enjoy the solitude it offers. It derives its name from the word bak, or red-beaked seagull which can be found here. It is among the best places near Kolkata. October to March would be the best time to visit. The makeshift tea stalls here have a charm of their own. Want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a short 4-hour road trip to Bakkhali in West Bengal. You will feel that you are in a world of your own. This small beach town, located along the West Bengal coast, is the perfect place to unwind and just let loose. If you want a weekend away from parties, alcohol and noise, Bakkhali is just the place for you.
4. Shankarpur -
Most of the places near Kolkata do not match up to Shankarpur’s charm or open beaches. While most beaches near the city tend to get crowded with people during the festive season, Shankarpur remains calm. Enjoy the thrill of isolated beaches, calm breeze and old world charm. The place is known for its scenic beauty. The picturesque surroundings give Shankarpur an edge over the other beach destinations in West Bengal. With so many beaches in the world being turned into artificial poolside, Shankarpur is a welcome relief. This beach town gives you the chance to breathe in the fresh sea air. You will enjoy taking long strolls along the isolated beaches with calm winds blowing in all directions. Shankarpur is famous for its picturesque beauty and is perfect for a short break from the city.
5. Kalimpong -
An escape to the hills is always welcome. Kalimpong is a quaint town 50 kilometres from Darjeeling. It is home to Buddhist monasteries, multiple nurseries and flower markets. Apart from relaxing, one can also make a short trip to Darjeeling. It ranks as one of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata, What are you waiting for? Pack light and escape from the festival crowd this Durga Puja. If you want to extend your holiday, do it. The places near Kolkata are waiting to be explored.
6. Digha -
One of the most famous beach haunts around Kolkata, Digha attracts tourist year in and year out. Situated just 186 km away you can reach this famous beach of Bengal by bus or by rail. Hotels are plenty and the food equally good. Enjoy sea food delicacies especially during the evenings where stalls lined around the beach fry everything from fish to prawns and lobsters making it a mouth-watering treat. When in Kolkata you absolutely cannot miss a trip to Digha, one of the city’s most sought after beach destinations. Plenty of hotels and beach side resorts cater to the crowds which Digha pulls in year in and year out. You can wallow about in its cool waters by day and shop at its local stalls at night which sell handmade crafts and keepsakes.
Food stalls lining the beach in the evenings have their own share of mouth-watering seafood delicacies that are fried to a crisp to tickle your taste buds. If you are looking for a weekend of sand and beaches, then Digha is the place for you to go to. The place is ideal if you plan to spend the weekend there. This little beach town off the shores of the gigantic Bay of Bengal is quite popular among the tourists and is a great weekend retreat destination for you and your family. Around 181 kilometres or 5 hours away from the noise and crowds of the city of Kolkata, Digha is a wonderful place to spend time playing around in the water and having a taste of what a fishing village is all about.
7. Tajpur -
A lesser known beach destination of West Bengal just 17 kms from Digha is Tajpur, a serene and pristine beach resort. Encompassed by a dense forest of tamarisk trees, Tajpur is a delight for visitors looking for some weekend adventure. It offers various adventure sports like rafting, rock-climbing and para-gliding. Winter is the best time to visit Tajpur to make the best of what this place has to offer. Tajpur is a relatively unknown sea-beach. It definitely does not draw large crowds like Digha or even tourist haunts like Mandarmoni and Shankarpur. It is among Bengal’s recently discovered destinations and is now becoming one of the places near Kolkata people want to visit. A short 4-hour journey from the city will not take the wind out of you.
There are quite a few water sports activities like paragliding that one can indulge in. A little further away from Digha is one of the most serene and pristine beach resorts you will find. Surrounded by a dense forest of tamarisk trees, Tajpur offers an idyllic weekend getaway from Kolkata. It is an absolute delight for adventure seekers looking for exciting water sporting activities. You can go rafting, para-gliding and even rock-climbing or you can simply laze around on its beach or take an early morning stroll on its stretch of sand if you want to catch an army of red crabs scrambling about. Closer to the popular sea beach of Digha in West Bengal is Tajpur- another shore that’s nothing like it. There’s not a sign of an exasperating crowd, there’s no commercialized resort and you can have all day by yourself and your loved ones to relish and enjoy the beauty of this place. Filled with red crabs, it might not be an ideal beach to take a dive in, but your peaceable strolls will make only good come out of it here. Expect to munch on a lot of fresh fish and there will be coconuts for you as well, if you want to take the Vegan way.
8. Shantiniketan -
Just a three hour’s drive from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is an ideal weekend retreat. Once the peaceful abode of Bengal’s famed poet Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan still exudes a peaceful calm. If you’re up for some sight-seeing, Tagore’s ashrama, Rabindra Bhaban museum and the Visva Bharati university, one of the finest universities of Bengal, are just some places you might want to see. There is also the deer park and natural bird sanctuary if you want to spend your day admiring the beasts and birds of creation. There is not a single person who isn’t familiar with the name ‘Shantiniketan’. Known for all good reasons, the place is serene and quiet and an abode to the renowned Viswa-Bharati University established by ‘Kavi guru’ Rabindranath Tagore. Indira Gandhi, Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen are among its most celebrated students.
Also famous for its festivals like Poush Mela in December and Basanta Utsav performed by the students, worth checking out are the Baul singers of Sobujban, another similar place close from here. Shantiniketan is famous for being the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore and university. It is located in West Bengal’s Birbhum district – a quaint town that boasts peace and quiet and an introduction to the arts. The town is home to the famous Visva Bharati University. This university was established by Rabindranath Tagore's father and was patronized by him throughout his life. Through this university, Tagore brought about many changes to the education system in India. It is one of the more well-known weekend getaways from Kolkata. If you wish to get acquainted with Bengali culture and literature then you must drive 4 hours and 164 kilometers away to a place that birth a noble laureate. The Birbhum district of West Bengal is famous for its town – Santiniketan; the birth place of Rabindranath Tagore. The best time to travel here would be round the months of August to March and one must visit the house of the famous literary giant. Reading up on him and his works will help get you familiarized.
9. Golpatar Jungle -
One of the least well known places around Kolkata but certainly one of the most peaceful is the Golpatar Jungle. This place flourishes with an abundance of Golpatar and Sundari trees. Lying on the fringes of the Bangladeshi border, the Ichhamati river alone separates it from India’s neighbouring country. Enjoy boat rides on this river and get as close to the countrymen of Bangladesh as you can or rest in a bagan bari near the banks of the river. The trip to the Golpatar jungle itself is unique with a newly made canopy jungle path lining the walk inside the jungle. Do remember to carry a proof of identity card as you might need to deposit it at a BSF checkpoint located along the way to the forest.
10. Chandipur -
Take a drive down to Chandipur in nearby Orissa and give yourself up to the calm and serenity which this place offers. Clean beaches and clear waters have turned Chandipur into a popular sea resort. Watch red crabs and horse-shoe crabs crawl in and out of the sand as you take a walk along the beach distinctly marked by Casuarina trees. The Bhitarkanika delta region is another experience in itself with its thriving forests and wildlife. Enjoy a boat ride to the delta as you visit the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary for a glimpse of endangered and exotic species of wildlife as well as resident and migrant birds. Although in Orissa, being in the border areas makes it easier to travel to Chandipur from Kolkata.
Taking a train is easy and getting off at Balasore station is the quickest. Traveling by road isn’t a hassle either, and the sea is not like the usual at the Puri beach. What Tajpur is to Digha is Chandipur to the Puri beach. When the tide is low, the water falls back to almost 5 kms from the shore, making the sand out and about tempting to be walked on. Back to its original levels during high tide, the waves come crashing on the rocks making it a pleasant sight to witness.
11. Mandarmani -
Mandarmani lying at a distance of 171 kms from Kolkata at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal has rapidly developed into a beautiful seaside resort. Its 13 km long beach which is argued to be the longest driveable beach in India holds the greatest attraction. Its calm waters with low waves make it ideal to wallow about in all day long. The entire calm which descends upon this place is enough to rejuvenate your spirits. This beachside have is among the popular weekend getaway from Kolkata. A comparatively new but a strong contender in the list of weekend getaways from Kolkata, This beautiful beach in on the Kolkata- Digha Route and is one of the longest motorable beach in the country.
If you are travelling by train, Contai is the nearest station as Mandarmoni is in the East Midnapore District. The beach is pristine and the waves are gentler compared to Digha. There are a number of resorts here. A beautiful seaside resort which lies 171 kms from Kolkata towards the northern fringes of the Bay of Bengal is the ideal place to escape to if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Mandarmani boasts of the longest driveable beach in India stretching 13 kms long. Dotted with cottage style resorts and surrounded by calm waters, the place is a picture of tranquility as yet untouched by tourist population.
12. Joypur Forest -
If you’re idea of a perfect weekend break is dwelling amongst the splendor of nature and wildlife then Joypur Forest is just the place for you. Situated in the Bankura district of West Bengal it is just a 3 hour journey from Kolkata. Sal, teak and neem trees make up the dense overgrowth of the forest. Visit the wildlife sanctuary inside the forest and watch as deer herds cross the jungle path every now and then. A resort adjacent to the forest provides a pleasant stay complete with its own farm, a vegetable garden and an enormous lake where you can just sit by its bank and allow the peace and quietude to envelop you.
13. Murshidabad -
The city of Murshidabad in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal has seen a rich history right from the time of the Mughal Empire. Get a taste of a long gone era when you visit its historical places like the Hazarduari Palace, Nazamat Imambara, Katra and Madina mosques, Jafarganj cemetery and Khush Bagh cemetery which houses the graves of the Nawab Ali Vardi Khan and his mother Siraj ud Daulah. The place which is ripe with a glorious past is a welcome change from city life.
14. Tarakeshwar -
This is a very important place of worship especially for the Shavite sect. This is a beautiful temple on the banks of Ganges. It was built by Raja Bharamalla in the 18th Century. The temple can be visited the whole year round but the time of Shivaratri has a different charm altogether. There is also a fair that is organised at this time every year. Monday is considered to be the most auspicious day and bathing in the Dudhpukur Tank is said to be holy. It is said that the waters of the tank have divine powers which can fulfil your wishes. The Buddha temple nearby is also an attraction here. The Tarakeshwar Lodge is the only option to stay here though it won’t provide you with any fancy facilities.
15. Kamarpukur -
Situated on the banks of the river Damodar, this is the birthplace of the great saint Dri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The best attraction here is of course the temple dedicated to the saint with a beautiful marble statue of his holiness. Other than that there is also a library, dispensary and a school. The jute mill you find here is there to train young people and make them aware of our heritage. This is a nice and simple option among weekend getaways from Kolkata and the Deer Park is a cherry on the cake.
16. Tarapith -
On the banks of the Dwaraka River, this is a small village in the Birbhum District of West Bengal. The village is famous mainly for the beautiful temple of Maa Tara, a form of Goddess Kali. It is also a place where tantriks and astrologers crowd as this is their cult deity. There are two different idols of the goddess here. One is the stone idol in the Mother Goddess form and the other is the metal idol in the fiery form. The ashram of Bamakhepa is adjacent to the temple. Bamakhepa was an ascetic who devoted his whole life in the devotion of the Goddess. The tank in front is very important as the waters here are said to have healing powers.
17. Bishnupur -
The land of the Malla Kings at one time, this is a beautiful town in the Bankura District. The town is famous for the Bishnupur designed silk sarees and the terracotta items made by the locales here. There are also a number of temples such as the Shyamrai Temple which is the largest temple here and was built by King Raghunatha Singha. It has murals and carvings based on the life of Lord Krishna. The other temples include the Madanmohan Temple and Jorbangla Temple. Bishnupur is a town in Bankura district- best when visited during the autumn. Famous among Calcuttans for the terracotta temples built here by Malla rulers, the place has much more to offer to its visitors. It finds its way in this list of weekend spots from Kolkata owing to the admirable terracotta pottery, jewelry, artefacts, tassar silk and finally baluchari sarees.
18. Ravangla -
This small village is located on a ridge at around 7000ft between Meanam and Tendong hills. Ravangla is now a well-known natural tourist resort. Once there, you can get spectacular views of snow while enjoying the tranquillity of the place. It is located in South Sikkim and is perfect for an extended weekend away from the city. The best time to visit would be February. You must also make a visit to Borong hot spring.
19. Roopark Village, Panchalingeswar -
This quaint and unique tribal village resort will offer weekend escapees an unparalleled experience. Located far from urban life, the mud and thatch dwellings resonates with the natural surroundings. One can also admire the tribal craftsmanship and way of living. The period from October to February is perfect for a trip here. If you are interested in bird watching, this is the place for you.
20. Henry’s Island -
Henry’s Beach is a mangrove forest that is perfect for some alone time over the weekend. It is situated on the western edge of the popular Sundarbans. It is fast becoming known as West Bengal’s favourite beach resort. October to March is the best time to visit the place. It is perfect for nature walks, bonfire nights and bird watching. If you are looking for places near Kolkata, this should feature on your list.
21. Raichak -
Just 50 kms south and a two hour drive from Kolkata is a sprightly luxury hotel situated on the banks of the River Hooghly. This stately hotel was once an 18th century fort built by the Dutch which fell to ruins. Transformed into a beautiful hotel which also has lavish bungalows overlooking the river, Raichak is one of the few places near Kolkata that offers a peaceful retreat from the mad rush of city life. About 50 kms from Kolkata is Raichak, right on the banks of the river Ganga. There are many resorts and luxury accommodations to take the pleasure of spending a day or two in the place. Overlooking the Ganges, boat rides here are popular around the time of sunset, and is a suggested activity by everyone who has been here.
22. Itachuna Rajbari -
The Itachuna Rajbari was built by the predecessors of Safallya Narayan Kundu in the year 1766 in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. Khanyan, a small village away from Kolkata falls in the district and that’s exactly where the Rajbari( palace) is built. The traditional home stay has been sponsoring rural tourism ever since it jumped to recognition after the shooting of the Bollywood film ‘Gunday’.
23. Deoghar -
If you need to be spiritually rejuvenated, a visit to one of the holiest shrines in India should be on the cards. Deoghar is located in Jharkhand is only 8 hours away from Kolkata. The entire area offers peace and tranquillity to pilgrims that descend here throughout the year. The month of Shravani is an important period in the town’s calendar. Pilgrims from around the country descend here to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The famous temple called Baba Baidyanath is the popular destination in the area. During your visit here, take the time out from religious duties and visit Deoghar Archaeological Museum, Chandrakoopa well and Sivaganga Lake.
24. Jaldapara -
Around 86 kilometers away is the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary that lies in the eastern foothills of the Himalayas. The place is known to be the home of the one horned rhinoceros and the Bengal Tigers. This place is apt for those who wish for a change from beaches and hill stations. Jaldapara can be reached by road within 3 hours and is a wonderful experience to behold. The abode of the mighty elephants, Jaldapara is sure to wow you. Yes, this place is in my list of best weekend trips near Kolkata.
Kolkata is not short on places to visit for quick weekend trips. These weekend getaways offer everything and more to cater to one’s whims and fancies. All you need is an overnight bag and you’re good to go. When long extended trips are impossible these places to visit near Kolkata make it possible to fit in a short weekend trip with equal pleasure.
There are plenty places around Kolkata which offer idyllic weekend trips. If you’re lost for places to visit however, I had just the answer for you with its repertoire of weekend escapes all across the city. If life in the city of Kolkata gets a little too rushed for you, there is always the option of packing up and heading off to a quaint destination to relax the weekend away. The monotony of life does get to a person at times and the best way to get rid of this is by taking a short break and moving to a place where one can relax. Here is our compilation of some of the best weekend trips near Kolkata.
These places for weekend getaways from Kolkata will help you relax, unwind and get away from it all. Start packing, peace and quiet awaits you.