Kolkata, the ‘City of Joy,’ is beckoning to you when the aroma of Machher Jhol and Lobongo Lotika begins to tempt you, when Rabindra Sangeet begins to float in your ears, and when you can nearly smell the waters of the Hooghly. From all around the nation, or possibly the world, Kolkata is a treasure trove of different delights for visitors. However, there is always the allure of traveling to weekend getaways from Kolkata for someone who lives there. ‘Weekends away from Kolkata’ offer the perfect escape from the monotony of the tram’s roar and a chance to quench your wanderlust.
For the majority of us, Kolkata is the cultural and historical center of Bengal, a Mecca for Bengalis. However, people who have been through Kolkata’s center know that the city and its surroundings are abundantly decorated by nature. We have put up a list of popular and unique places for weekend getaways from Kolkata for you. All of these are fantastic options for a family vacation since they will all refresh you and give you the energy you need to go through another week of the monotonous daily grind.
Near Kolkata, there are some places that are well-known and frequently visited.
Weekends away from Kolkata:
1.Bishnupur
When the Malla dynasty ruled, Bishnupur was once known as Mallabhum and its history begins in the 17th century. It is also home to a multitude of religious sites in Kolkata, which is well-known for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. To be fair, this town’s alternate moniker of “Temple Town” comes from the Pancha Ratna Temple (Shyam Rai Temple), Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, and Radhe Shyam Temple. The Panch Ratna Temple dates back over four hundred years.
The best time to visit these temples is on the weekend, when they are lit up with unique lights. The location is a sanctuary for art and craft enthusiasts, and you can purchase handcrafted Dashavatar cards and ornamental things made of burnt clay from here. Another significant attraction in Bishnupur is the Dolmadol Kaman, the largest cannon produced by the Malla Kings and fashioned of wrought iron.
Separating Kolkata from: 141 km
How to get there: You can travel between Bishnupur and Kolkata on the Howrah express. Alternately, you might take a taxi to cut down on journey time.
Steps to take: Heritage walk and temple hopping
2. Digha
Digha is one of the most well-liked weekend getaway destinations for families from Kolkata, making it an ideal choice for ‘Weekends away from Kolkata.’ Situated in the East Midnapur district near the Odisha border, the beach, which is bordered by swaying Casuarina trees, envelops you in tranquility. Digha is divided into two sections: the old and the new. Ruins define the older portion of Digha, although the beaches in the newer area draw tourists and are more popular with families. The seafood is mouthwatering, and the accommodations are reasonably priced. You won’t find the range of seafood specialties served in the beach shacks on Kolkata’s streets.
Enjoy a daab while the waves caress your feet! Don’t forget to bring some cashew nuts from these farms back with you.
180 km separate you from Kolkata.
How to get there: Digha is a four-hour drive from Kolkata, and it is easily accessible by bus and train as well.
Activities include horseback riding on the sand, buying shell-made trinkets and mementos, and visiting the Digha Science Center and Marine Aquarium Research Centre.
3.Sundarbans
The majestic Bengal Tiger, which was featured in the well-known Hollywood film Life of Pi, is a representation of the Sundarbans, making it an excellent choice for those seeking ‘Weekends away from Kolkata.’ It is a UNESCO World Heritage Center hidden amid a ring of mangrove trees. Take in the expansiveness of the sanctuary’s lush, green wildlife while basking in the lovely weather. Waterways, canals, creeks, and islands make up the national park. The Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, which houses over 200 bird species including whimbrels, sandpipers, plovers, herons, and kingfishers, is located on the river island of Sundarbans. The annual Gangasagar fair is held on Sagar Island in the Sundarbans in January, which is Makar Sankranti festival season. Be astounded at the Olive Ridley nesting location.
During the Olive Ridley turtle nesting season, which lasts from December to March, be surprised at the Olive Ridley turtle nesting site at the Kanak islands in Sundarbans. Sundarbans is a top choice for family weekend getaways from Kolkata because it offers a wide range of activities. Enjoy a dugdugi ride while you’re here.
Separating Kolkata from: 109 km
How to get there:
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is the closest railroad station to Canning. Between Sealdah Station in Kolkata and Canning, there is train service; the trip takes just over an hour to complete. Especially when traveling on a weekend getaway with the family, taking the train is a practical form of transportation. You can also drive yourself or hail a cab to get there.
Steps to take: Enjoy the wildlife and plants, and take a boat ride along the winding canals.
4.Chandipur
This beach location is fantastic, especially if you want to go on a weekend getaway with your family and kids, making it a popular choice for ‘Weekends away from Kolkata.’ The beach has plenty of red crabs and seashells to keep the kids busy and entertained. Even though the location is in the state of Odisha, people from Kolkata often frequent it. You can see the confluence of the river Budhabalanga or Buribalam with the sea at Balaramgadi, which is close to Chandipur. Low tides at the beach will draw you in more since the retreated waves leave behind a stunning silvery sheen on the sand.
Separating Kolkata from: 257 km
How to get there: Unless you want to drive down to the beach, a bus or cab are your best bets.
Steps to take: Away from the crowds, visit the Balaramgadi confluence and unwind at the beach
5.Barrackpore
Weekend vacations are frequently spontaneous, and this location, being so close to Kolkata, makes it the ideal option for a day trip from Kolkata. Barrackpore is a fantastic family vacation location because of its temples, ghats, museums, parks, and gardens. It is impossible to study the history of the Indian liberation struggle without mentioning Barrackpore. The infamous Sepoy revolt began in this location. For those who want to learn a little more about Indian history and honor the freedom heroes, there are places like Dakshineswar, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Gandhi Ghat, and the Rishi Bankim Sangrahashala. The Mathura Beel is a great location for a picnic with the family.
distancing Kolkata from: 32 km
How to get there: It would be simple to go there by bus or taxi.
Steps to take: Explore Gandhi Ghat, Mangal Pandey Park, and the historic cantonment ruins.
6.Bakkhali Beach
Bakkhali Beach is the ideal destination for your weekend getaway, especially at the onset of the monsoon season, making it a perfect choice for ‘Weekends away from Kolkata.’ Located in a little beach town in West Bengal’s southernmost region, Bakkhali offers a unique experience with little Fiddler crabs scuttling about along the shoreline. Animal enthusiasts will delight in the Crocodile Breeding Farm in Bakkhali, which is not only the sole crocodile reservation park in West Bengal but also one of the few in the world. Here, you can witness crocodiles at various developmental stages. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Jambu Dwip, a unique island that stands independently off the main shore of Bakkhali.
The mystery surrounding the island stems from the fact that it is underwater for a portion of the year.
distancing Kolkata from: 125 km
How to get there: From Kolkata, you could either drive down to the location, which would take about 3.5 hours. Or you can take a bus for free. The closest train station to Bakkhali is Namkhana.
Actions to take: Visit Henry’s Island, the Temple of Bonbibi, the Bishalakshmi Temple, and the Fraserganj Wind Park.
The mystery surrounding the island stems from the fact that it is underwater for a portion of the year.
distancing Kolkata from:
125 km
How to get there
From Kolkata, you could either drive down to the location, which would take about 3.5 hours. Or you can take a bus for free. The closest train station to Bakkhali is Namkhana.
Actions to take:
Visit Henry’s Island, the Temple of Bonbibi, the Bishalakshmi Temple, and the Fraserganj Wind Park.
Sonajhuri
7.huri Forest
All of your senses will be awakened by a trip to the Sonajhuri Forest, along with all the enjoyment the wildlife has to offer. You won’t need anything else as you make your way along the twisting path through the deep forest of trees. You can get a glimpse into the Santhali Settlement’s way of life at this off-the-beaten-path locale. This forest, which is among the cleanest in India, gets its name from the sonajhuri flowers that decorate the woodland floor in the winter. This is primarily due to the area’s low foot traffic because it is still undeveloped.
165 km separate you from Kolkata.
How to get there
The closest stations are Prantik and Bolpur, with Bolpur offering luxury bus service to Kolkata. It takes 3 to 4 hours to get there.
Steps to take:
Visit the Saturday Haat, where countless artisans are selling their one-of-a-kind wares. Pay attention to the bauls’ songs as they sing along to their ektara.
8.Mukutmanipur, no
Plan ‘Weekends away from Kolkata’ to the unique picnic area situated at the confluence of the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers in West Bengal’s Bankura district. With its pristine forests and the azure expanse of the rivers, this destination offers a perfect escape. Don’t miss a serene boat ride on the calm waters, allowing the tranquility and peace of the location to envelop you. While you’re here, make sure to visit the Mukutmanipur Dam, one of the largest in the nation, adding another dimension to your memorable getaway.
The Parasnath Hills, a well-known Jain pilgrimage site named after the 23rd Tirthankara of the Jains, are just a few kilometers away. The magnificent architecture here blends flawlessly with the stunning surroundings.
separating Kolkata from:
250 km
How to get there
:The closest train station to Mukutmanipur is Bankura, which is around 55 kilometers away. The location has excellent road accessibility, and the trip by taxi from Kolkata would take about 4 hours.
Steps to take:
Visit the Parasnath Hills, Kangsabati Dam, and Banpukuria Deer Park.
Other places to visit on the weekend are Tajpur, Gopalpur, Shankarpur, Talasari Beach, and Mandarmani. The majority of these are beach destinations close to Kolkata, making them perfect for a family weekend getaway. The journey down is reasonable, but if you’re really in a relaxed mood, take advantage of Kolkata’s excellent bus and cab connectivity.
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