Planning a weekend trip from Kolkata is a cheap thrill that lets us explore West Bengal on a budget. From beaches being 4 hours away and mountains being 8 hours away, weekending in Kolkata is quite a scene. Check out the list of the top places and reasons why they are worth a visit.
Offbeat places near kolkata
While Mandarmani Beach comes to our minds at first, it is sometimes better to explore offbeat places near Kolkata to delve into culture and history.
1. Mukutmanipur
Don’t confuse this place with the state Manipur, as they are not related. Located in the Bankura district in West Bengal, Mukutmanipur is an ideal weekend trip from Kolkata.
Mukutmanipur dam is the country’s second largest dam situated on rivers Kumari and Kangsabati.
In Mukutmanipur, there are rocky hills in the backdrop, making your stay relaxing and rejuvenating. Here you can explore:
- Deer Park
- Parasnath Hills
- Kangsabati Dam
- Ambikanagar
The term Mukut stands for crown in Bengali. As the hills surround the dam, the drone-view looks like a crowned jewel due to the hillocks. Bankura is the nearest railway station to this place. When visiting here, make sure you try authentic Bengali food, including sukto, chingri r mach er malai curry, and brinjal fry.
2. Bijanbari
Situated at a height of 2,500 feet from sea level, Bijanbari is a little town nestled in Darjeeling. The location is surrounded by lush green tea gardens. Even if you don’t want to spend time sightseeing on your two-day trip, just consider curling up with a book with a gorgeous view right in front of you.
If you are the adventure kind and want to make the best of your time:
- Check out Singalila National Park, known for its variety of wildlife and trekking trails
- Witness the Kanchenjunga from the Happy Valley Tea Estates
- Visit the Hima Falls where you can arrange a family picnic as well
- Spend some time by the Chota Rangit river
3. Gangani
Is the Grand Canyon the only thing that can pick your interest? If so, then you need to pay a visit to Gangani, a natural grand canyon formed by the Shilabati River. Select a couple of days during winter months to this wonder that resides in Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal.
- Visit the canyon in Gangani, 70 feet deep and the Shilabati River that flows beneath it.
- Check out Sarbamangala Temple, a centuries-old temple dedicated to Devi Durga
- Witness Raikota Fort, a testament to Oriya architecture, an ideal spot to watch sunset
Weekend trip from Kolkata by car
Here are the descriptions of some locations where you can take a weekend trip from Kolkata by car.
4. Sundarbans
Home to the world’s largest Mangrove forest, Sundarbans is located in the delta of Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It also serves as a tiger reserve where the world-famous Royal Bengal Tigers nest. It is shared between two countries, India and Bangladesh while the majority of the forest lies in Bangladesh.
For its exceptional ecosystem and biodiversity, Sundarbans was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Because of a plant named “Sundari”, the place has got its name.
In Sundarbans, you can take part in lots of activities —
- Get on a boat to explore the Mangrove forest since you won’t find a jeep to take you there
- Explore the outstanding islands of the Sundarbans and talk to locals about how they have to fight to make a living
- Visit Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary where a variety of birds can be seen
- Climb on the top of a watchtower, and you might get a chance to visit a Royal Bengal Tiger
- Reach Kanak Island where Olive Ridley Turtles are in plenty, and the fact that they travel a distance of 100 km to get here is just fascinating
2 night 3 days tour from kolkata by car
Want to learn more about any 2 night 3 days tour from Kolkata by car? Then start reading this section.
5. Shantiniketan
If you want to explore authentic Bangali-ana, what better way than to delve into the red sands of Bolpur.
Shantiniketan, located in Birbhum district in West Bengal, was once home to none other than Rabindra Nath Tagore. Now it has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the state. Visva Bharati University, one of the most respected universities in the world, is here in Shantiniketan, established by Tagore.
If you decide to spend a couple of days in Shantiniketan, here’s what you should do —
- Explore the Visva Bharati campus by visiting the multiple departments
- Check out the Tagore’s Ashram where Tagore used to live, and you will still see his personal belongings
- Visit the Rabindra Bhavan Museum where the lifeworks of. Tagor are there as a great collection
- Witness the Poush Mela, an outstanding display of diversity and culture, if you visit during the month of January
6. Bishnupur
Located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, Bishnupur is well-regarded for its terracotta temples and handcrafted items. The town was once the capital of the Malla Kingdom which was the reason behind the prosperity of this place. During this time, Bishnupur was able to showcase a different style of architecture which is still admired today.
The Malla kings worshipped Lord Krishna, so they established temples to pay homage to him. You will get a glimpse of the glorious past of the Malla kingdom while visiting Bishnupur.
Here’s what you should do visiting Bishnupur for a weekend trip from Kolkata.
- Visit Rasmancha, the oldest pyramidal tower in Bishnupur, once established to hold the Ras festival
- Shop for some handcrafted items, including sarees, pottery, or jewellery
- Check out Jor Bangla Temple, a uniquely designed two cottages where terracotta art is the main attraction
7. Mayapur
Mayapur, known as the spiritual capital of the world located in the Nadia district of West Bengal. Established by Bhakti saint Vinod Thakur, Mayapur is a sacred place for followers of the Vaishnavism tradition. It is also the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 16th-century saint who was actually an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
This place would be no less than a paradise if you are a Lord Krishna devotee. If you’re not, then it might as well make you one.
Here are some activities you can do while in Mayapur —
- Visit the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, one of the largest temples in India and perhaps the most famous Krishna temple in the world
- Take a boat ride on the river Ganges to explore the nearby areas
- Participate in Kirtans where devotional songs are sung to pay respect to Lord Krishna
- Attend the Rath Yatra festival in Mayapur, where millions of people gather to witness the extravaganza
8. Henry’s Island
Henry’s Island, located near Bakkhali, is 140 km from the city of Kolkata. The location is ideal to take a weekend trip from Kolkata.
Your mind and soul will get refreshed in no time by the sight of crawling crabs on the remote beach. Visitors from all across the globe prefer this location to get some fresh air.
The island got its name from a Britisher named Henry who discovered the place way back in the nineteenth century. You can stay here for a couple of days, and take part in different activities such as —
- Taking a walk along the serene coastline to enjoy the surroundings, enjoy the sun, and the sand
- Watching the migratory and local birds as the island is home to a variety of birds
- Opting for a boat ride to catch some of them just in case you want to experience the thrill
- Arranging a picnic in middle of the nature as there is plenty of spaces
- Capturing some memorable moments if you are passionate about photography
Tourist places in West Bengal for 2 days
This section is about some tourist places in West Bengal for 2 days. You can take a 2 days trip from Kolkata, and you will be ready to take on the upcoming weekdays.
9. Panchalingeswar
Panchalingeswar, located in the Balasore district of Odisha, is famous for having surreal nature, serene landscape, and the Panchalingeswar temple. The temple is situated on a hilltop named Devgiri where five Shiva Lingas are worshipped. These five lingas represent five elements of nature as well.
This place is a popular destination among nature lovers and Lord Shiva devotees. Here’s what you can do while you’re visiting Panchalingeswar —
- Visit the Panchalingeswar temple to offer a prayer to Lord Shiva
- Take a walk into the luxurious green forests and explore the natural beauty by hiking
- Arrange a picnic near the temple where the waterfall is cascading
- Enjoy the beauty of surrounding from the hilltop of the temple
10. Bagora
Located at an altitude of 7100 feet above sea level, Bagora is a small village close to Kurseong. It is such a remote location that not many people are aware of it. However, this place catches you off-guard once you take in the mountains, clear sky, and green meadows.
While in Bagora, you can explore places and indulge in a lot of activities. It’s a refreshing location visited by taking a weekend trip from Kolkata.
- Witness snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga which is the main attraction around here
- Explore the outstanding beauty of Bagora by visiting the variety of Himalayan flowers
- Watch the most memorable sunrise and sunset along with the mesmerizing view of Kanchenjunga
- Check out the nearby attractions like Kurseong or Ghoom
Short trip near Kolkata for 1 day
Want to take a short trip near Kolkata for 1 day? We have you sorted!
1. Belur Math
Belur Math is a religious institution located on the bank of the river Hoogly. Established by Swami Vivekananda, it is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math. This could be your ideal spiritual destination where you will have a chance to meditate as well.
The architecture of Belur Math is unique since it’s a blend of Hindu, Islam, and Christian elements. The premises include a garden and the Ganga is flowing nearby. While in Belur Math, you have a chance to—
- Visit the library where you can read about Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda
- Check out the museum to learn more about the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna
- Visit the Sri Ramakrishna temple where devotees pay homage to him
2. Diamond Harbour
Located in the southern coastal area of Hooghly, Diamond Harbour could give you the perfect weekend trip from Kolkata. Of course, everyone would be happy to witness the Ganges on its way to emptying into the Bay of Bengal. This place is enough to feed your weary soul from a hectic week.
While in Diamond Harbour, you should definitely —
- Take a boat ride on the river while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings
- Go for a walk along the coastline to watch the sunset
- Arrange a family picnic on the bank of the river Hooghly
- Explore the market to buy some souvenirs or some handcrafted items
3. Chandannagar
Once a lovable place for the French, the town of Chandannagar is an important location in Hooghly district. Hop on a car and visit Chandannagar where a different kind of vibe is waiting for you. You can still see some French influence in some places there.
Chandannagar offers you plenty of attractions and activities.
- Visit the Sacred Heart Church, also known as Chandannagar Church, where stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere await you
- Explore the Chandannagar Museum to discover more about the history of the town
- Take a walk along the Chandannagar Strand to watch the sunset, and stunning view of the Ganges or to taste a local dish
4. Tarkeshwar
The town of Tarkeshwar is famous for having an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is an immensely popular location for Hindu people and attracts a lot of worshippers throughout the year. Especially during Mahashivratri and Gajan, thousands of pilgrims come here to pay their respect.
You can choose Tarkeshwar as your weekend getaway. There are plenty of things to do here including —
- Visit the fair that is held in Tarkeshwar during Monsoon
- Check out the Tarkeshwar temple to pay a visit to Lord Shiva
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the state of West Bengal has a variety of locations ideal for a weekend trip from Kolkata. Make sure to book your accommodations in advance before visiting.
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