10 Offbeat Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

Are you sick of the chaos that is city life in Kolkata? Do you want a tranquil weekend escape? You've found it! We'll look at 10 unusual weekend trips from Kolkata in this blog article that can revitalize your body, mind, and spirit. This list has something for everyone, from charming hill villages to calm beaches.

1. The Mangrove Paradise

2. Shantiniketan: Tagore's Abode

3. Bishnupur: The Terracotta Town

4. Digha: Beach Bliss

5. Murshidabad: A Glimpse of History

6. Mayapur: Spiritual Retreat

7. Chandipur: The Disappearing Beach

8. Mandarmani: Serene Seaside Escape

9. Jaldapara National Park: Wildlife Wonderland

10. Raichak: Riverside Bliss

1. Sunderbans: The Mangrove Paradise

Located at the mouth of the Ganges delta, Sunderbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the dense mangrove forests, spot the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, and cruise along the meandering rivers. Sunderbans offers a unique and thrilling experience for adventure seekers.

• Distance from Kolkata: approximately 83 km

• The Best time to visit: between the months of October and March

• Things to do: explore the dense mangrove forests, spot Bengal tigers, and take a boat ride through the winding creeks.

2. Shantiniketan: Tagore's Abode

Visit the tranquil town of Shantiniketan, the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, visit the Visva-Bharati University, and witness the vibrant celebrations of the Poush Mela. Shantiniketan is a perfect blend of art, literature, and nature.

• Distance from Kolkata: 163 km

• The Best time to visit: October through February

• Things to do: visit the famous Visva-Bharati University, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and explore the various art galleries and museums

3. Bishnupur: The Terracotta Town

Step back in time as you explore the historical town of Bishnupur. Known for its exquisite terracotta temples and traditional handicrafts, Bishnupur is a treat for history and art enthusiasts. Marvel at the intricately designed temples and witness the unique Bishnupur Gharana music performances.

• Distance from Kolkata: approximately 135 Kms

• The Best time to visit: all time of the year; however, the winter months are the most ideal, which are November through February.

• Things to do: visit the famous terracotta temples and explore the Bishnupur Mela, a vibrant fair that takes place annually.

4. Digha: Beach Bliss

Escape to Digha, a popular beach destination near Kolkata. With its long stretches of golden sands, picturesque sunsets, and thrilling water sports, Digha offers a perfect weekend getaway for beach lovers. Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies and unwind in the soothing sea breeze.

• Distance from Kolkata: 182 km

• The best time to visit: October through February has pleasant weather, and March through June has moderate weather.

• Things to do: visit the beautiful beaches, enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing, and explore the Marine Aquarium and Research Center.

5. Murshidabad: A Glimpse of History

Step into the pages of history as you visit Murshidabad, the former capital of Bengal during the Mughal era. Explore the grand Hazarduari Palace, witness the magnificent Katra Mosque, and take a boat ride on the River Bhagirathi. Murshidabad is a treasure trove for history buffs.

• Distance from Kolkata: 209 km

• The Best time to visit: October to March

• Things to do: visit the Hazarduari Palace, the Katra Mosque, and explore the Nizamat Imambara.

Also read: West Bengal: Tagore's Residence Santiniketan Achieves UNESCO World Heritage Status

6. Mayapur: Spiritual Retreat

Embark on a spiritual journey to Mayapur, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This serene town is the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Visit the magnificent Chandrodaya Temple, immerse yourself in devotional chants, and experience inner peace.

• Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 130 km

• Best time to visit: January through February and October through December

• Things to do: visit the famous ISKCON temple, explore the serene banks of the Ganges River, and take a boat ride to witness the breathtaking sunset views.

7. Chandipur: The Disappearing Beach

Experience the magic of Chandipur, a unique beach where the water recedes up to 5 kilometers during low tide, creating the illusion of a disappearing beach. Take a leisurely walk on the wet sand, collect seashells, and witness the stunning sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Chandipur is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

• Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 260 Km

• Best time to visit: November to February

• Things to do: Apart from taking a stroll on the disappearing beach, visit the nearby Balaramgadi Fort.

8. Mandarmani: Serene Seaside Escape

If you seek solitude and tranquility, head to Mandarmani, a pristine beach destination known for its peaceful surroundings. Relax in luxurious resorts, indulge in thrilling water sports, and savor delicious seafood delicacies. Mandarmani offers a perfect escape from the chaos of city life.

• Distance from Kolkata: 170.5 km

• Best time to visit: October through February is the peak season, and July to September is the moderate season.

• Things to do: water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Also, exploring the nearby fishing villages and witnessing the local way of life can be fascinating experiences.

9. Jaldapara National Park: Wildlife Wonderland

For all wildlife enthusiasts, Jaldapara National Park is a must-visit destination. Home to the majestic Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and numerous bird species, this national park offers thrilling jeep safaris and elephant rides. Immerse yourself in the wilderness and witness the beauty of nature up close.

• Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 467 Kms

• Best time to visit: November through February

• Things to do: elephant safaris, jeep safaris, and birdwatching

Also read: Top 10 Wildlife Safaris that you must Experience in India

10. Raichak: Riverside Bliss

Escape to Raichak, a charming riverside town located on the banks of the River Hooghly. Indulge in luxury resorts, take a leisurely cruise on the river, and witness the breathtaking views of the sunset. Raichak is an ideal destination for a romantic and serene weekend getaway.

• Distance from Kolkata: 54 km

• Best time to visit: October to March

• Things to do: visit the historic Diamond Harbour and the Raichak Fort.

These offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata provide a refreshing break from the city's chaos and offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you are an adventure seeker, history buff, or nature lover, there's something for everyone on this list.

So pack your bags, plan your quick getaway, and create unforgettable memories in these hidden gems near Kolkata.