For the majority of us, Kolkata is the cultural and historical centre of Bengal, a Mecca for Bengalis. However, those who have travelled through Kolkata’s centre know that the city and its surroundings are abundantly decorated by nature. We have put together a list of popular and unique places for weekend getaways from Kolkata for you. All of these are fantastic options for a family vacation because they will all refresh you and give you the energy you need to get through another week of the monotonous daily grind.
Best Weekend Trips Near Kolkata:
- Bishnupur
Bishnupur’s history begins in the 17th century, during the Malla dynasty’s rule, when it was known as Mallabhum. A number of religious sites can be found in Kolkata, which is also known for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. This town is appropriately known as “Temple Town” because of the Pancha Ratna Temple (Shyam Rai Temple), Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, and Radhe Shyam Temple. The Panch Ratna Temple dates back nearly four hundred years.The best time to visit these temples is on the weekend when they are lit up with special lights. The location is a haven for art and craft enthusiasts, and you can purchase handmade Dashavatar cards and decorative items made of burnt clay from here. Another significant attraction in Bishnupur is the Dolmadol Kaman, the largest cannon produced by the Malla Kings and made of wrought iron.
Distance from Kolkata: 141 km
How to get there: From Bishnupur to Kolkata, you can take the Howrah express. Alternately, you could take a taxi to cut down on travel time.
Things to do: Temple hopping, heritage walk
- Digha
Digha is one of the most well-liked weekend getaway destinations for families from Kolkata and is situated in the East Midnapur district near the Odisha border. The beach, which is bordered by swaying Casuarina trees, envelops you in tranquilly. Digha is divided into two sections: the old and the new. Ruins define the older part of Digha, whereas the beaches in the newer area draw tourists and are more popular with families. The seafood is mouthwatering, and the hotels are reasonably priced. You won’t find the variety of seafood specialties served at 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.
Distance from Kolkata: 180 km
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.
- Sundarbans
The majestic Bengal Tiger, which was featured in the well-known Hollywood film Life of Pi, is a representation of the Sundarbans. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Center hidden in a ring of mangrove trees. Take in the expansiveness of the sanctuary’s lush, green fauna while basking in the pleasant 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 Sunderbans during the month of January, when Makar Sankranti is observed.During the Olive Ridley turtle nesting season, which lasts from December to March, be amazed 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.
Distance from Kolkata: 109 km
How to reach: The closest train station to the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is Canning. Between Sealdah Station in Kolkata and Canning, there is train service; the trip takes just over an hour to complete. Especially when going on a weekend getaway with the family, taking the train is a practical mode of transportation. You can also drive yourself or hail a cab to get there.
Things to do: Enjoy the flora and fauna, indulge in a boat cruise in the meandering waterways.
- Chandipur
This beach location is fantastic, especially if you want to go on a weekend getaway with your family and kids. 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 also 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 because the retreated waves leave behind a stunning silvery sheen on the sand.
Distance from Kolkata: 257 km
How to reach: A bus or taxi is the most viable option unless you wish to drive down to the beach
Things to do: Relax at the beach, visit the Balaramgadi confluence
- Barrackpore
Weekend getaways 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 destination because of its temples, ghats, museums, parks, and gardens. It is impossible to read the history of the Indian freedom struggle without mentioning Barrackpore. The infamous Sepoy mutiny began in this location. For those who want to learn a little more about Indian history and honour the freedom fighters, 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.
Distance from Kolkata: 32 km
How to reach: A cab or a bus would take you there easily.
Things to do: Visit Gandhi Ghat, Mangal Pandey Park, old ruins of the cantonment
- Bakkhali Beach
Bakkhali Beach is the place to be if you’re thinking about taking a weekend trip at the beginning of monsoon season. A small beach town in West Bengal’s southernmost region is called Bakkhali. Little Fiddler crabs scuttling about will keep you entertained as you stroll along the beach. The Crocodile Breeding Farm in Bakkhali will brighten your day if you love wildlife.The only crocodile reservation park in West Bengal and one of the few worldwide is located on this farm. At this farm, you can see the mighty crocodile in all of its developmental stages. The Jambu Dwip is a different exotic island that exists independently off the main coast of Bakkhali. The mystery surrounding the island stems from the fact that it is submerged for a portion of the year.
Distance from Kolkata: 125 km
How to get there: You can either take a 3.5-hour drive from Kolkata to the location. Or you can take a bus for free. The closest train station to Bakkhali is Namkhana.
Things to do: Visit Bishalakshmi Temple, Temple of Bonbibi, Henry’s Island and Fraserganj wind park
- Sonajhuri 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 winding path through the dense forest of trees. You can get a glimpse into the Santhali Settlement’s way of life at this off-the-beaten-path location. This forest, which is among the cleanest in India, gets its name from the sonajhuri flowers that decorate the forest floor in the winter. This is primarily due to the area’s low foot traffic because it is still undeveloped.
Distance from Kolkata: 165 km
How to reach: The closest stations are Bolpur and Prantik, and Bolpur connects to Kolkata via upscale bus services. It takes 3 to 4 hours to get there.
Things to do: Visit the Saturday Haat, where hundreds of artisans are selling their one-of-a-kind wares. Pay attention to the bauls’ songs as they sing along to their ektara.
- Mukutmanipur
This unusual picnic area is located at the confluence of the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers in the Bankura district of West Bengal. Forests and the azure expanse of the rivers paint the landscape. A boat ride on the calm waters is a must-do here. All you want to do is simply sail away as the tranquilly and peace of the location seep inside of you. One of the biggest in the nation, the Mukutmanipur Dam is worth visiting while you’re there. The Parasnath Hills, a well-known Jain pilgrimage site named after the 23rd Tirthankara of the Jains, are just a few kilometres away. The magnificent architecture here blends flawlessly with the stunning surroundings.
Distance from Kolkata: 250 km
How to reach: The closest train station to Mukutmanipur is Bankura, which is about 55 kilometres away. The location has excellent road accessibility, and the trip by taxi from Kolkata would take about 4 hours.
Things to do: Visit the Banpukuria Deer Park, Kangsabati Dam and Parasnath Hills
Other places to visit on the weekend include 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 drive down is manageable, but if you’re really in a relaxed mood, take advantage of Kolkata’s excellent bus and cab connectivity.
