If you want to rejuvenate and unwind after a long work week by planning a weekend getaway from Kolkata, you have come to the right place! If you are planning a one-day trip near Kolkata or a weekend trip from Kolkata, read this blog all the way through to find the best places you can visit.
Find Your Perfect Weekend Getaway from Kolkata Here!
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Raichak Fort
If you love royalty, you will love Raichak Fort. Situated at a distance of just 50 Kilo Meters from Kolkata in Diamond Harbour, Raichak Fort, also called the F Fort, is a fort built during the British Raj for surveillance of the Hooghly River that has now been turned into a luxurious resort. You can visit this beautiful fort on a one-day tour near Kolkata within 50 Kilo Meters. If you have a budget of approximately INR 6000, you can also spend a night here to experience luxurious royalty first-hand.
One of India’s most stunning forts is Raichak Fort and the amazing architecture with the greenery around it will give you a mesmerizing and relaxing experience. It is sure to be a perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata!
Distance from Kolkata: 50 Kilo Meters. Getting here will take you an hour to an hour and a half.
Timings: The Fort is open 24×7
How to Reach: Buses and taxi services are available from Kolkata to Raichak Fort. One can get to Achipur by bus and then take a taxi to Raichak Fort.
Things to Do: Leisure activities, Visit Diamond Harbour, Visit Museums
Entry Fees: No entry fees for the fort. The room tariff is charged based on the rooms you book.
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Mandarmani and Tajpur Beaches
Mandarmani and Tajpur Beaches, located within 15 Kilo Meters of each other, are hidden gems one can visit for their weekend trip from Kolkata. They do not attract as many tourists as other beaches near Kolkata do; hence they are quieter and cleaner, and more peaceful, being an ideal weekend getaway from Kolkata for enjoying and unwinding.
Mandarmani is especially known for its serene outlook and for being the longest motorable beach in the country, with a length of roughly 13 Kilo Meters. The scenery at sunset is particularly lovely. In addition to wonderful food and indigenous culture, Mandarmani is a destination where visitors and travellers may engage in water sports and other adventurous activities.
Tajpur Beach is also a secluded beach near Mandarmani. It is also quiet and clean and offers a magnificent experience of the beaches of West Bengal. Many activities can be enjoyed at the beach, and one can stay the night in budget hotels and resorts around both beaches.
Distance from Kolkata: 170-180 Kilo Meters. It takes approximately 4 hours to reach here.
Timings: There are no particular times to visit the beaches. It is recommended that one should only visit when the weather is clear.
How to Reach: You can reach Mandarmani and Tajpur beaches from Kolkata by road and rail. One can travel from Howrah Junction to Kanthi (Contai) railway station by rail and book a taxi to the beaches. One can also travel by booking a taxi directly from Kolkata.
When to Visit: October through February is an ideal time to visit these beaches.
Things to Do: Adventure Sports, Camping, Shopping from the Stalls Nearby
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee.
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Roopark Village Resort:
Roopark Village Resort:
Roopark Village Resort is a resort for a stay with a rustic outlook to it. The 18-year-old resort has everything one looks for in a weekend getaway from Kolkata: clean air, a cosy setting, delicious food, and the serenity of the countryside. The resort offers ample opportunities for adventure sports and relaxation for a relaxing stay. The resort also hosts yoga classes, camp craft programs, rock climbing, culinary classes, and more. Prices start at INR 8000.
One can also choose to explore around and visit Devkund Waterfall, Panchlingeshwar Temple, and Kuldiha Sanctuary, which are situated near the resort. You should take advantage of this heavenly experience if it comes within your budget. A trip to this resort is one of the best weekend trips from Kolkata.
Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 300 Kilo Meters from the City of Joy. To get here, it will take 7 to 8 hours.
Timings: There are no particular timings. Roopark Village Resort is open 24×7.
How to Reach: Balasore Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the resort. It is approximately a 7-hour drive by car.
Things to Do: Relaxation, Picnic Outings, Yoga, Adventure Sports
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee. Room tariff rates start from INR 8000.
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Henry’s Island
The crescent beach of Henry’s Island is lined with pure white sand, crashing waves, and plenty of mangroves and Casuarina trees. It is a private beach situated at about 130 Kil Meters from Kolkata where one can relax in the lap of nature, making it a fascinating weekend getaway from Kolkata.
The island is named after a British explorer who first visited it in the 19th century. It is a heaven for birdwatchers. It is considered one of the best locations for a one-day trip near Kolkata. Even though it is a small area, it contains a wide variety of trees, including Palm and Gora. As it is an extension of the Sunderbans, this island is home to various wild creatures, including deer and snakes. A watchtower is nearby, from whose advantageous height you can see the whole region like a bird’s-eye view.
Distance from Kolkata: 130 Kilo Meters. To get here, it will take 4 to 5 hours.
Timings: There are no particular times for visiting the island.
How to Reach: By rail and road, you can reach Henry’s Island from Kolkata. The nearest railway station to the island is Namkhana, from where you can take a cab to the island. Buses also ply the route to Henry’s island. One can take a bus to Bakkhali and travel to the island by cab. One can also drive to the island.
When to Visit: October to March are desirable times to visit this beautiful island.
Things to Do: Birdwatching, Relaxation
Entry Fees: Entry is free to the island.
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Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan, which translates to ‘Abode of Peace’, is an important institution in the history of both West Bengal and India. It was established by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, father of the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is one of the early institutions established in India dedicated to the education and empowerment of all. It was first built as a guesthouse and went through a tragic history of exploitation by dacoits. Later, Rabindranath Tagore turned it into a school, from whence it became committed to quality education.
If you wish to take an educational tour, Shantiniketan is one of the best weekend trips from Kolkata. Submerge yourself in knowledge here while also participating in regular festivals. Poush mela occurs between December and January to celebrate the arts. The Basant festival is also held during Holi.
Distance from Kolkata: It is approximately 200 KMs away and takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach.
Timings: Shantiniketan is open every day from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM.
How to Reach: One can easily take a train to Bolpur from Kolkata or arrive by road in a car or cab. Buses also ply.
When to Visit: July to February are ideal times to visit Shantiniketan.
Things to Do: Deer Park, Buddha Vihar, Kopai River Picnic, Amar Kutir, Kala Bhavan, Vishwa Bharati University, Tagore Museum
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee.
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Sunderban National Park
Sunderban is the world’s largest mangrove and a national Tiger reserve in India. The Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Meghna Rivers’ convergence in the Bay of Bengal forms the mangrove. It houses many wild animals, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, rhinos, crocodiles, and the endangered Batagur Baska turtles. Sunderban is home to 1,586 wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. The area also houses 102 islands, 54 of which are currently inhabited by humans.
At the Sundarbans, one can enjoy the spine-chilling and adrenaline-rushing sight of tigers and ride motorboats through the mangroves. The motor rides are also available for a Safari visit from 8.30 AM to 4.00 PM Sunderban also provides tour packages to visitors starting from 2 Nights and 3 Days to 10 Nights and 11 Days. They have many options for stays as well, like camps and resorts. The Sunderban National Park also houses attractions like Sajnekhali Watch Tower and Kalash Island. The variety of flora, fauna, and things to do here make this place an incredible weekend getaway from Kolkata.
Distance from Kolkata: 110 Kilo Meters. To get here, it will take 3 to 4 hours.
Timings: 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM from Monday to Saturday. The park is closed on Sundays.
How to Reach: You can reach Sunderban by road and rail. The drive to Sunderban National Park is approximately a 4-hour drive from Kolkata. The nearest railway station is Canning, where one takes a taxi to Godhkhali and then a motor boat to Sunderban.
When to Visit: December to February is the recommended time to visit Sunderban National Park.
Things to Do: Motor Boat, Boat Safari, Bird Watching, Photography, Tour Packages, Sajnekhali Watch Tower and Bird Sanctuary, Kalash Island
Entry Fees: INR 60 for Indians. INR 200 for foreign tourists.
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Belur Math
Belur Math is located in Howrah, the twin city of Kolkata, and is one of the most important spiritual places in the country. Founded by Swami Vivekananda, the Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and is an important architecture of Indian heritage. When viewed from multiple angles, the monument has features of a cathedral, a palace, and a mosque all at once, which symbolizes the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ and of all faiths being equal. Belur Math is a great place for a one-day tour near Kolkata within 50 Kilo Meters.
After a stressful week of working long hours in the office, you can find peace here by chanting Vedic Mantras and meditating. Belur Math has a rich history and just as beautiful architecture, and it can be your perfect place for a weekend getaway from Kolkata.
Distance from Kolkata: 10 Kilo Meters
Timings: Belur Math is open all week long.
Timings are from 6.00 to 11:30 in the morning and from 4:00 in the evening to 8:30 the night from April to September. From October to March, the timings are from 6.30 to 11.30 in the morning and from 4.00 in the evening to 8 at night.
How to Reach: You can reach Belur Math from Kolkata by car, train, bus, and metro. It takes approximately half an hour to arrive here.
Things to Do: Meditate, Attend Aarti, Chant Mantras
Entry Fees: Entry is free.
Conclusion
One may travel to many locations for a weekend getaway from Kolkata to rest, relax, and refresh the mind for the upcoming week. Raichak Fort and Roopark Village Resort are available for lodging and recreational activities. Additionally, you may enjoy the beaches of Henry’s Island, Tajpur, or Mandarmani. At Shantiniketan or Belur Math, you can enjoy a religious or educational experience. Sunderban National Park offers the chance to see wild animals surrounded by nature. Many places near Kolkata provide relaxing activities and views for individuals of all ages and types. We hope you found what you were looking for and wish you a happy journey!
