Most of us eagerly wait for the weekend so that we can spend time with our family or loved ones. And to enjoy the weekend with the family, what could be better than a weekend trip?
After a hectic week, we all want to sit back and relax during the weekend. So if you are from Kolkata and want to go on a weekend trip but are having difficulties choosing the perfect getaway destination, then you have come to the right place. This article explores the best weekend destination ideas.
Weekend getaways from Kolkata:
1. Bakkhali (132 kms)
Bakkhali is probably one of the most popular destinations near Kolkata. It is a small beach that centers on the south-western tip of the enthralling Sundarbans. This white beach in Bakkhali entwines itself against the environs of the Delta Forest, which offers the tourists both the allure of the greenery and the warmth of the beach.
- Location: South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India
- How to reach: Bakkhali village is just 125 km from Kolkata. You can go there by private car on NH12. You can also take a bus from Esplanade, or you can take a train from Sealdah to Namkhana. If you are going on a train, after reaching Namkhana station, you have to take a bus or an autorickshaw to go to the hotel.
- Travel duration: 4.5-5 hours
- Best time to visit: Preferably July to March
- Major attractions in Bakkhali: Frasergunj, Henry’s Island, Jamnu Dwip, and Kargil Beach.
- Things to do: Enjoy the afternoon on the Bakkhali Sea Beach, where you can explore many local food stalls. You can find a variety of seafood, like freshwater fish fries, prawns, squid, and crabs.
- Hotels to stay: Hotel Amrabati, Hotel Deepak, Hotel Sanjog, Hotel Dolphin.
- Average cost: Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per person (for a two day trip, depending on various factors)
2. Sundarbans (130 kms)
The Sundarbans were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. If you want to stay very close to nature and wildlife, you can even spot the Royal Bengal tiger, the pride of West Bengal, roaming around the forest. Then you need to go to the Sundarbans to enjoy the glory of the mystical forest.
- Location: South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India
- How to reach: At first, you need to go to Canning (the nearest railway station), Sonakhali, Jharkhali, or Gadkhali, then you have to take a ferry.
- Travel duration: 4-5 hours
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Major attractions in the Sundarbans: Sajnekhali watch tower, Jhingekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Marichjhapi, New Moor Island, Netadhopani, and Ghoramara Island.
- Things to do: Although the tigers are not easily found, you might need the favor of luck to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger. The Sundarban is one of the few places in India where you can spot river dolphins. You can also do bird watching, night safari, and village tour.
- Where to stay: Sundarban Riverside Holiday Resort, Sundarban Tiger Safari Resort, Sunderban Jungle Camp.
- Average cost: 4,000-5,000 rupees per person (depends on various factors)
3. Mayapur (130 kms)
If you are looking for a holiday destination near Kolkata where your soul can feel the spiritual energy, then Mayapur might be a suitable choice for you. Mayapur is one of the nine islands of Nabadwip and is one of the holiest places across India. The pure and positive religious atmosphere has the power to ease away the work stress you had in Kolkata.
- Location: Nadia district of West Bengal, India
- How to reach: You can go there by road via STKK Road or State Highway 6. Apart from that, you can also go there by train from Sealdah or Howrah to Nabadwip Dham, and then from there you need to take a cab to Mayapur.
- Travel duration: 3-4 hours
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Major attractions in Mayapur: Chandrodaya temple, Samadhi of Prabhupada, and Shree Chaitanyamath.
- Things to do: Feel the connection with God by going to the ISKON temple, taste Bengali food, enjoy boat journeys, and watch the sunset by the river Ganges.
- Where to stay: Ishodyan Bhavan, Hotel Nilachal.
- Average cost: 5,000-6,000 rupees per person (depends on various factors)
4. Junput (158 kms)
Junput, a serene, offbeat sea beach, is the ultimate choice if you want to spend the weekend relaxing in the calming atmosphere. This gorgeous and pristine beach in Junput will give peace to the soul. If you look for the unspoiled beauty of nature, then Junput is a must visit.
- Location: East Midnapore district of West Bengal, India
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 16 and NH 116B. You can also go there by train from Howrah to Kanthi (Contai), and then you need to get a cab.
- Travel duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Major attractions in Juput: Kapalkundala temple and the Dariapur lighthouse.
- Things to do: Visit the Kapalkundala temple and Dariapur lighthouse, and check out the rare species of fish.
- Where to stay: Junput Resort
- Average cost: Approx 2,000-2,500 rupees per person.
5. Mandarmani (170 kms)
Mandarmani is now getting admiration because of its scenic and unspoiled beauty. If you want to go somewhere to spend some time and relax in the serene landscape, then you should visit Mandarmani.
- Location: East Midnapur district of West Bengal, India
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 16 and NH 116B. You can also get a train from Howrah to Contai and then take a cab to Mandarmani.
- Travel duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Best time to visit: July to March
- Major attractions in Mandarmani: Mandarmani Beach, Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, and Chandaneswar Shiv Temple.
- Things to do: Visit Mandarmani Beach, indulge yourself in water sports, dig into seafood, and go shopping in the Mandarmani market. You can also go to the nearest beaches, such as Digha, Shankarpur, Tajpur, and Talsari.
- Where to stay: Hotel Sonar Bangla Mandarmoni, Mohana Beach Resort, Dolphin Beach Stay Resort.
- Average cost: 7,000-9,000 rupees per person (Depending on various factors)
6. Tajpur (171 kms)
Most people are still unaware of the beauty of the pristine beaches of Tajpur. Here, you will not find any crowd like Digha, which makes it the perfect getaway for the weekend to celebrate some quality time with your partner or in solitude.
- Location: East Midnapore district of West Bengal, India
- How to Reach: You can go there by car via NH 16 and NH 166B. You can also go by train from Howrah to Kanthi or Digha Flag Station, and after that, you may require an autorickshaw to go to Tajpur.
- Travel duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Major attractions in Tajpur: Amarabati Park and nearby beaches, including Digha, Mandarmani, and Udaipur.
- Things to do: Enjoy the calming sea beach and also visit the nearby beaches.
- Where to stay: Sagar Kinare Hotel and Resort, Aahar Guest House, Swastik Resort, Galaxy Hotel.
- Average cost: 7,000-8,000 per person (Depending on various factors)
7. Digha (183 kms)
Digha is probably one of the most known seashores across India. If you are in a party mood and want to have a weekend getaway for celebration, then Digha is a suitable option for you. However, Digha is a little more crowded than Shankarpur, Tajpur, and Mandarmani.
- Location: East Midnapore district of West Bengal, India
- Travel duration: 4 hours
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 16 and NH 166B. You can also go by bus or train from Howrah to Digha Flag Station.
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Major attractions in Digha: Talsari, Mohona, Chandaneswar, and nearby beaches.
- Things to do: Experience the various water sports, have a walk in the sunset, and get the taste of local sea foods.
- Where to stay: Hotel Santiniketan, Hotel Coral, Hotel Neel Samudra, Monalisa Inn, and Abhyagama Hotel.
- Average cost: 4,000-6,000 rupees (depending on various factors)
8. Talsari Beach (190 kms)
Talsari Beach is just a few kilometers away from Digha. On this pristine beach, you can witness the hide and seek of the red crabs, and Casuarina Forest. This beach is well known for its clean atmosphere and surroundings.
- Location: Balasore district of Odisha, India
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 16 and NH 116B. You can also go by bus or train. The nearest train stations are Digha and Balasore; from there, you need to book an auto or rickshaw to go to Talsari.
- Travel duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Best time to visit: July to March
- Major attractions in Talsari: Lankeswari Temple, Bichitrapur Nature Camp, and Marine Aquarium.
- Things to do: Experience the scenic beauty of sunrise or sunset on the serene beach, and taste the local delicacies. The best part is that you can hire a bike to ride on the beach.
- Where to stay: Hotel Shree Inn, Modern Hotel and Restaurant
- Average cost: 5,000-7,000 rupees per person (depending on various factors)
9. Shantiniketan (161 kms)
If you are a history buff, then Shantiniketan will be a perfect weekend getaway for you. The history of Shantiniketan began in 1862, when Debendra Nath Tagore brought land there. If you are a shopaholic, then do not forget to visit Sonajhuri Haat in Shantiniketan.
- Location: Birbhum district of West Bengal, India
- How to reach: You can go to Bolpur by car via NH 19 and NH 144. Trains are also available from Howrah to Bolpur.
- Travel duration: 4 hours
- Best time to visit: July to March
- Major attractions in Bolpur: Khoai Mela, Rabindra Bhavan, the Kankalitala Temple, Shayor Bithi Park, Sonajhuri Haat, and Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Things to do: Visit the Tagore Museum, art gallery, and shaktipith. Also, do not forget to attend Khoai Mela or Sonajhuri Haat.
- Where to stay: Hotel Royal Bengal, Hotel Central Plaza, Kolam Shantiniketan.
- Average cost: 4,000-6,000 rupees per person (depending on various factors)
10. Roopark village (274 kms)
To escape from the chaos of the city, Roopark Village is the best weekend getaway option for you. This tribal village is surrounded by a pure atmosphere, far away from the polluted and maddening crowd of the town.
- Location: Balasore district of Odisha, India
- How to reach: You can go by car by NH 16. You can also get there by train; the nearest station is Balasore, and after that, you have to book a cab to go to the destination.
- Travel duration: 5 hours
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year, avoid the summer
- Major attractions in Roopark Village: Deokund Falls, Shiva Temple in Panchalingeswar, and Chandipur Beach.
- Things to do: Admire the picturesque view of Deokund Falls at Simlipal Forest, go bird watching, and visit the nearest Chandipur Beach, which is just 16km away.
- Where to stay: Roopark Village Resort
- Average cost: 4,000-7,000 rupees per person (depending on various factors)
11. Puri (499 kms)
Puri is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations across the country. If you want to spend a weekend in a spiritually inclined culture, then Puri is a must visit destination. Do not forget to visit the famous Jagannath Temple of puri.
- Location: Odisha, India
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 16. The best way to go to Puri is by train. You need to take a train from Howrah or Sealdah to Puri.
- Travel duration: 12 hours by road and 9 hours by Train
- Best time to visit: Although the summer is hot, you can go there anytime throughout the year.
- Major attractions in Puri: Konark Temple, Udaygiri, Dolphin Point, Nandan Kanon, and Chilka Lake.
- Things to do: Visit the Jagannath Temple, take a swim in the sea, and contact local fishermen who will take you deeper in the water for a remarkable experience.
- Where to stay: Hotel Sonar Bangla, Hotel Landmark Puri, La Platina.
- Average cost: 7,000-10,000 rupees per person (depending on various factors)
12. Mukutmanipur ( 230 kms)
Mukutmaniour is one of the popular weekend destinations near Kolkata. If you wish to escape from city life and spend some time in solitude, then do visit this small, tranquil village in Bankura.
- Location: Bankura district in West Bengal, India
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 16, or you can go there by train. Bankura is the nearest station; after that, you need a bus or cab to reach Mukutmanipur.
- Travel duration: 5 ½ hours
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Major attractions in Mukutmanipur: Kangsabati River, Parasnath Hills, Deer Park, and Ambikanagar.
- Things to do: Visit the nearby Kangsabati Dam and the famous deer park.
- Where to stay: Peerless Resort, Aranyak Resort, Hotel Pink Rose.
- Average cost: 3,000-5,000 rupees per person (depending on various factors)
13. Purulia (250 kms)
Purulia is blessed with the scenic beauty of the hills and nature. Ajodhya Hill is a well known attraction in this place. If you admire the green aesthetic, and are fond of tribal culture, then Purulia is a good weekend getaway option for you.
- Location: District in West Bengal, India
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 19. Trains are also available from Kolkata to Purulia.
- Travel duration: 6 hours by train and 7 to 8 hours by road.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Major attractions in Purulia: Ajodhya Hill, Baranti, Murguma, Surulia, Rakab Forest, Gajaburu Hills, and Garpanchkot.
- Things to do: Witness the charm of Chao dance and pata nach.
- Where to stay: Kushal Palli Resorts, Hotel Rupasi Bangla, Allure De Baranti, Pearltree Hotels and Resorts.
- Average cost: 7,000-9,000 rupees person (depending on various factors)
14. Vetnai (602 kms)
Vetnai is an off-beat weekend destination in Odisha, which is famous for blackbuck. Here, you can witness thousands of blackbucks roaming freely. If you want to spend a weekend surrounded by wildlife, then do visit this place.
- Location: Ganjam district in Odisha, India
- How to reach: You can go by car via NH 16, or you can take a train from Howrah to Brahmapur (Odisha). After that, any local bus or cab can take you to Aska and then to Vetnai.
- Travel duration: Howrah to Brahmapur by train will take 10 hours. Aska is 50 km away from Brahmapur, and Vetnai is only 12 km away from there.
- Best time to visit: Anytime throughout the year, avoid the summer.
- Major attractions in Vetnai: Chilika Lake, Monglajodi Bird Sanctuary, Kaliamba Rest House, and Russelkonda Reservoir.
- Things to do: Witness the view of several black bucks and go birdwatch.
- Where to stay: Manglajodi Eco-Tourism, Saluapalli Nature Camp, Bhanjanagar Dam Nature Camp, Chemaria Nature Camp.
- Average cost: 6,000–8,000 rupees per person (depending on various factors)
15. Lolegaon (672 kms)
If you are seeking solace in nature, then you should experience the ethereal mountain aesthetic that embraces Lolegaon. Situated at an altitude of 1850 meters, this place is blessed with attractive slopes, and picturesque valleys.
- Location: Kalimpong district in West Bengal, India
- How to reach: You can go there by car via NH 12 and NH 116A, or you can take a train from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri and then book a car to Loegaon.
- Travel duration: Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will take 10 hours by train, then 4 hours by car from NJP to Lolegaon.
- Best time to visit: Anytime of the year, avoid the monsoon.
- Major attractions in Lolegaon: Rishyap, Changey Falls, Lolegaon Viewpoint, Canopy Walk, and Neora Valley National Park.
- Things to do: Go for a walk in Ralli Valley and Heritage Forest and witness the view of enchanting hills.
- Where to stay: Hotel Pride, Resort Tree Fern, Mystic Orchid Retreat.
- Average cost: 7,000–9,000 rupees per person (depending on various factors)
So, these are all the places near Kolkata that you can consider for a weekend trip. Head to your favorite place for the weekend and make memories that will be cherished.
