Weekend getaways or destinations near Kolkata for a short two days one-night tour with friends or family are what many people look forward to during the week.
Weekend trips have always been a stress reliever.
The tiring and busy schedule and the daily hustles in our lives have widened the gaps between nature and us. With the increasing work pressure, we have less time to nourish our relationships with friends and family.
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A perfect weekend trip to a good destination helps bridge this gap.
During weekends, we want to get the backpack off and completely relax body and minds. But why not turn the wanderlust mode on and add some memorable moments?
If you also think the same, jump off that bed and arrange a trip for 1-2 days to refresh your mind and soul. I will help you select your destination.
In this article, you will get to know the following weekend getaways from Kolkata,
- Digha
- Mandarmani
- Taki
- Santiniketan & Sonajhuri Forest
- Bishnupur
- Jayrambati – Kamarpukur
- Mousuni Island
- Garh Panchkot
- Ajodhya Hills
- Mayapur
- Bagda Beach
Let’s see each of these destinations in detail.
1. Digha
| Distance of Digha from Kolkata | 182 km |
| Best Time to Visit | July – March |
Whenever we hear about popular weekend destinations near Kolkata, the first name that comes to mind is the Goa of Bengal, Digha.
Digha is a seaside resort town in West Bengal, India. It is located in the Purba Medinipur district. It is quite popular among youngsters who visit this place with their friends on the weekends.
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This place is about a 4 hours drive from Kolkata and is, therefore, one of the best places to visit near Kolkata. Trains and Buses to Digha from Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal are also available.
It is also considered one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in West Bengal.
Various other sea beaches like Tajpur beach and Talsari Beach are just a few km away from Digha.
You can check out the best places to visit in Digha in this article: Top 10 Places to Visit near Digha.
2. Mandarmani
| Distance of Mandarmani from Kolkata | 160 km |
| Best Time to Visit | July – March |
Mandarmani, located just a few kilometers from Digha along the seashore, is a less crowded alternative to Digha.
There are a lot of resorts in Mandarmani where you can spend quality time with your loved ones, especially during weekends.
This fast-developing beach seaside resort village is located in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal.
Mandarmani beach is one of India’s longest (13 km) drivable beaches.
3. Taki
| Distance of Taki from Kolkata | 68 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March |
Taki is another beautiful but not-so-popular weekend destination located in West Bengal.
The town of Taki is located on the India – Bangladesh Border, on the banks of the Ichamati River. It falls under the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
Here you can take a boat ride on the Ichamati river and go pretty close to the India – Bangladesh Border, which is in the middle of this river. It gives you a serene feeling.
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Also, you get to explore the history of this place through various places of historical importance, like the Jora Mandir and the Zamindar Bari.
There is also a forest of Golpata and Sundari trees with a trail you can take under the dense canopy. This forest is also known as the Mini – Sundarban.
This place is about a 2 hours drive from Kolkata, making it a perfect destination for a short weekend trip.
You can learn more about Taki in this article: Taki, Hasnabad – Places to visit, Picnic Spot – Weekend Destination near Kolkata.
4. Santiniketan and Sonajhuri Forest
| Distance of Santiniketan from Kolkata | 160 km |
| Best Time to Visit | November – March |
Santiniketan is a small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. This town is located at a distance of about 200 km from Kolkata.
It is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata during winter and Basanta Utsav.
Santiniketan is famous for the Viswa – Bharati University, founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
The town is also famous for its Pous Mela, which takes place in December, and Basanta Utsav, which takes place in March.
Sonajhuri Haat, also known as Khoai Mela or Sonibarer Haat, is a small fair organized by the local artisans on the banks of the Khoai River.
You can learn more about my visit to Sonajhuri Haat in this article: Sonajhuri Haat Khoai Mela Santiniketan, Bolpur.
5. Bishnupur
| Distance of Bishnupur from Kolkata | 140 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March |
Located in the Bankura district, Bishnupur is another weekend destination in West Bengal.
Bishnupur, one of the popular cities in West Bengal, is the capital of the Mallabhum Kingdom. It is known as the “City of Terracotta Temples.” Malla Dynasty was a prominent Hindu Dynasty of Bengal.
These temples, which attract thousands of tourists, were built by the Malla king and were dedicated to the Hindu god and goddess, Radha-Krishna.
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You can visit this town to explore its rich heritage and past. The city is also popular for its famous Baluchari Sarees and terracotta works.
You can learn more about Bisnupur and the terracotta temples in this article: Bishnupur – Terracotta Temples details, History, and Tour Guide.
6. Jayrambati – Kamarpukur
| Distance of Bishnupur from Kolkata | 110 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March |
Jayrambati and Kamarpukur are the birthplaces of Sarada Devi and Sri Sri Ramakrishna, respectively. These places are considered holy and are visited by lakhs of devotees.
Both these places are located close to each other and are perfect for a weekend tour from Kolkata.
The village of Jayrambati is located in the Bankura district, whereas Kamarpukur is located in the Purulia district.
You can see the details about my Jayrambati – Kamarpukur Tour in this article: Jairambati and Kamarpukur Tour – Where to stay, how to reach, and timings.
7. Mousuni Island
| Distance of Bishnupur from Kolkata | 110 km |
| Best Time to Visit | July – March |
The Mousuni Island is a comparatively new addition to the list of Weekend Destinations near Kolkata. This Island is located near Bakkali and is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
You could see the sandy beach, green coconut trees and bushes, and the blue sky connecting with the serene waters, lying on cozy rope hammocks.
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The beautiful sunrise at dawn and the sunset with the orangish-red hue of the sky are mesmerizing.
You can see the details of my Mousuni Island Tour in this article: Mousuni Island- Everything you need to know- My tour of Mousuni Island.
8. Garh Panchkot
| Distance of Garh Panchkot from Kolkata | 250 km |
| Best Time to Visit | August – March |
Garh Panchkot is situated in the foothills of the Panchkot Hills, Purulia, and is one of the favorite weekend getaway destinations in West Bengal.
The place is a treasure trove of lush green valleys, dense forests, and pleasant weather.
A ribbon of valleys is set against the backdrop of blue or black skies, and this is a beauty to behold!
The place offers a perfect holiday vibe due to its splendid landscapes. Teak, sal, Palash, and mahoganies make this place more attractive. Therefore it can be a great option to relax from stress on a weekend.
The fort or “Garh” and ruins of the entire kingdom of Garh Panchkot today can only be seen as scattered terracotta temples on the Southern Panchkot foothills. The temples have unique architectural styles which resemble the beautiful architecture of Pancha Ratna, Jor-Bangla, and Pirha.
Therefore the temple ruins, springs, woods, and towering Panchet Hills are bound to rejuvenate your soul from stress.
You can learn more about the history of the place in the article: Garpanchkot, Purulia – Resorts, Things to see, How to reach
9. Ajodhya Hills
| Distance of Ajodhya Hills from Kolkata | 334 km |
| Best Time to Visit | August – March |
Ajodhya Hills is one of Purulia’s most attractive and famous tourist destinations. The hills are part of the Dalma mountain range and are a popular getaway destination for travelers.
Many believe this place has mythological importance as Lord Rama and Sita are said to have resided here during their exile. Therefore this place will greet you with a warming atmosphere of divinity and beauty.
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The panoramic view from the summits of these mountains will linger in your heart forever. The tops of the valleys resemble more like a tableland which is more intriguing. Ajodhya hill is surrounded by thick flora and views of the placidly flowing Kumari, Kangsabati, and Subarnarekha rivers.
The best time to visit here is just before sunrise. If you climb to the top, you will have a fantastic opportunity to see it against beautiful mountains and a clear blue sky.
Many adventurers come to Ajodhya Hills to sharpen their rock-climbing abilities.
10. Mayapur
| Distance of Mayapur from Kolkata | 129 km |
| Best Time to Visit | January – December |
Traveling to Mayapur will be a great option if you desire to spend your weekends in a peaceful and spiritual ambiance.
Mayapur ISKCON is one of the holiest places in West Bengal. It is a well-known Vaishnavite pilgrimage destination specially dedicated to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, known as Lord Krishna’s incarnate, and is said to have been born here in 1486 AD.
It is also famous for Chandrodaya Temple, Samadhi of Prabhupada, and Shree Chaitanyamath. Devotees visit the Chandradoya Temple, which is the main attraction of Mayapur. The temple’s main attraction is the idol of the magnificent and charming Radhakrishna, along with the Gopias. It is set on a platform decorated with flowers, along with Lord Nrisingha Dev and Srila Prabhupada, the magnificent deities of Panchatattwa.
You can spend your weekend simply strolling along the large temple complex, relishing the Mahaprasad, and having a glimpse of the mangal arati.
You can learn more about the history of the Mayapur ISKCON in the article: ISKCON Mayapur – Temple, Food, Place to stay.
11. Bagda Beach
| Distance of Bagda Beach from Kolkata | 245 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March |
Bagda Beach is a perfect getaway destination from Kolkata. It is located in Dublagadi and is 34 km from Balasore.
Being a quaint and serene beach of Orissa makes it a perfect weekend getaway destination to relax amidst the peaceful and natural atmosphere.
It is located 245 km from Kolkata and is an ideal destination to experience solace. The picturesque view of the thick Jhau Bon (Tamarix trees) bordering the long coastline is a treat to the eyes.
After a tiresome week, you can set off to this beach early in the morning and enjoy a laid-back life on the sandy beach or a hammock.
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Additionally, mornings are equally beautiful with sunrises, sails at the horizon, crawling red crabs, and crashing waves at the beach.
At night you would love listening to the sound of waves while gazing at the starry sky. On the new moon night, you might experience a magical phenomenon of luminescent waves.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a campfire and enjoy delectable seafood here.
You can learn more about camping on the beach in the article: Bagda Beach near Balasore, Odisha – Camping, Resort.
These are some of the best weekend destinations near Kolkata, where you can spend a day or two and have memorable experiences with your friends and family.
So head to any of these destinations for a perfect weekend getaway, and don’t forget to share your experience with me.
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