Road trips and long drives are the best way to escape boredom and gain freedom.
Tourists and explorers often set for unplanned road trips and enjoy every bit of the journey.
If you want to escape from the busy and chaotic life in Kolkata, then there are many scenic and intriguing spots to visit near the city of Kolkata that is easily accessible by car or bike.
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There are various types of road trip possibilities to meet every traveler’s passion, whether you prefer the excitement of forests, the tranquility of beaches, or the mystery of historical places.
Halting in the middle of the road and taking a small break in a roadside Dhaba or a small tea stall is equally refreshing.
Then why wait for it? I have a list of places that are worth visiting via a road trip by car and bike.
If you stay in Kolkata, there are a plethora of fantastic road trips that will appeal to your inner traveler!
In this article, you will get to know the about road trip to the following locations,
Let’s see each of these places & the road trip to these places in detail…
1. Kalimpong
| Distance from Kolkata | 645 km |
| Approximate driving time | 15 hrs-16 hrs via Badshahi Road |
| Best time to visit | All throughout the year, summers are pleasant and winters are cool as usual. |
| What to enjoy on a road trip | Terrace farming, cool breeze, tea estates and gardens, Teesta rivers, small hamlets, Mt. Kanchenjunga, monasteries, viewpoints, sunrises, sunsets, and Local artisans’ shops |
Driving to a fantastic location, enjoying good weather, and viewing the charming colonial-period structures are one of the prime reasons why you should set on a road trip to Kalimpong.
It is one of the greatest spots to visit by road from Kolkata.
This lovely town, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and overlooking the deep gorges and flowing Teesta River, attracts a large number of nature lovers.
If you’re looking for adventure, you can go on hiking, trekking, or river rafting.
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There are numerous monasteries, animal parks, and vantage sites with breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, big tea estates, as well as sunsets and sunrises.
Enjoy shopping from the local handicraft and artisans’ shops selling souvenirs while traveling.
If you don’t lake driving on the hill, you can park your car at Siliguri and travel the rest by a local car.
You can also visit a number of offbeat destinations near Kalimpong.
2. Dooars
| Distance from Kolkata | 707 km |
| Approximate driving time | 12 hours 50 minutes |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
| What to enjoy on a road trip | Verdant forests, various flora, and fauna, views from Coronation Bridge, hiking trails, hilly terrains, tea estates, villages, Teesta barrage |
The tea estates, dense forests, quaint villages, and wildlife are all concentrated in the Dooars region of West Bengal.
There are many attractions in Dooars such as the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Teesta Barrage, Buxa Fort, and other spectacular spots.
A trek through the hilly terrain can offer you majestic views of wildlife Deer, elephants, one-horned rhinos, guars, and reptiles. This place is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The Dooars region is known as the doorway to the Himalayas.
Along the way, you’ll be able to view the magnificent hiking trails of Sevoke Kalamandir as well as the breathtaking views from the Coronation Bridge.
Watch the wonderful sceneries of the dense forests while you drive to Doors.
3. Bodh Gaya
| Distance from Kolkata | 470 km |
| Approximate driving time | 10 hours |
| Best time to visit | All throughout the year, especially in winters when the temperature remains comforting. |
| What to enjoy on the road trip | The atmosphere of Rajgir, beautiful landscapes, coal fields, small villages, and old Dhabas. |
Traveling to one of the abodes of Lord Buddha can purify your soul and mind. And such a holy place which is a famous weekend getaway destination from Kolkata is Bodh Gaya.
This peaceful community is home to the renowned Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which was built with bricks and is a popular pilgrimage place for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
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It is the location where Buddha is said to have obtained enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree.
The entire road trip from Kolkata to Bihar via Dhanbad will include beautiful landscapes, barren lands, coal fields, and also a famous destination called Rajgir which has a hot spring.
Halt in some of the renowned Dhabas like the Chandravanshi Dhaba or some other restaurants to have some delicious foods.
4. Digha
| Distance from Kolkata | 185 km |
| Approximate driving time | 5 hours |
| Best time to visit | During winters, as the weather remains preferable |
| What to enjoy on the road trip | Having lunch or snacks at Sher-e-Punjab (Koalghat), scenic panoramic views of the paddy fields, sea beaches (while entering Digha) |
Being a wanderlust, I personally love to make unplanned trips to sea beaches.
Everyone has heard the name of Digha and it is one of the favorite spots among beach enthusiasts.
Digha, which overlooks the Bay of Bengal, allows visitors to simply relax, splash in the waves, and photograph stunning sunrises and sunsets.
The most fascinating part of the road trip to Digha is halting in Sher-e Punjab, Kolaghat, and having delicious food.
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Taking photographs of the scenic beauty of the paddy fields on both sides of the road trip can make your trip more amazing!
The long seaside view as you enter Digha is breathtaking too.
You can also see this list of the best places to visit near Digha.
5. Bishnupur
| Distance from Kolkata | 140 km |
| Approximate driving time | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Best time to visit | During the autumn, winters, and early spring (October to March) |
| What to enjoy on a road trip | Lovely rural communities, Dams, lush green forests, hillocks, Red laterite soil (Lal Mati), and rich architectural & cultural edifices. |
The road trip from Kolkata to Bishnupur in Bankura is mesmerizing.
This picture-perfect city of Bishnupur is known for its intricately carved Hindu temples made of terracotta.
While entering Bankura, view the beautiful forests of Sutan and Jhilimili on both sides of the winding pitch paths of Bankura.
Click awesome photos of the sal and mahua trees flooded with red and yellow flowers in the backdrop of green hills.
Those interested in history, architecture, and art should plan a trip to Bishnupur to learn more about the rich culture of the city, which dates back to 1600 AD.
Many temples here have distinctive architectural designs, including domed roofs, curving cornices, stucco artwork, and Purana stories.
If you’re looking for adventure, nature photography, or tranquility, you can continue forward from Bishnupur and visit stunning hills and forests like Susunia Hill and Jhilimili.
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All of these above-mentioned road trips from Kolkata are easily accessible and well-connected by National and State Highways.
These locations provide you with a variety of homestays, hotels, and resorts, leaving you feeling refreshed and stress-free at the end of your journey.
Plan these fantastic road trips right now to escape from the humdrum of city life.
You may easily schedule any of the above road excursions from Kolkata and rediscover new places and yourself on the way.
Plan these trips on the weekends without waiting for long vacations.
Take a look at these places. Choose the one that speaks to you the most, pack your belongings, and prepare to travel.
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