10 Ideal Places To Visit Near Kolkata For 2 Days Filled With Nature And Culture

Mandarmani beach sunset on sandy shore, one of the serene places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days.

Kolkata is an ideal starting point to explore amazing places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days that offer a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. From the serene beaches of Mandarmani on the Bay of Bengal to the historic charm of Bishnupur’s UNESCO heritage sites, and the thrilling wildlife of the Sundarbans, these nearby destinations provide perfect short escapes. Whether you seek peaceful temple towns, lush green countryside, or exciting adventures like tiger spotting, these spots near Kolkata promise unforgettable experiences just a short drive or train ride away from the city.

10 Amazing Places To Visit Near Kolkata For 2 Days

These expertly selected places offer stunning scenery, appealing culture, and spiritual richness for the perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata.

1. Sundarbans

Group of deer at Sundarbans, one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days.

Photo: Ashique Anan Abir / Unsplash

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The home of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and saltwater crocodiles, this region offers hundreds of species of birds and aquatic life. The boat safari through the creeks is surreal; the sight of the intermingled plant roots and muddy banks of the region sets the tone of the adventure. They often show you animals in their natural environment. While there, schedule time at the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary or, for tremendous nature and photo opportunities, the Dobanki Watch Tower.

Distance From Kolkata: 103 km
Top Highlights: Tiger sightings, boat safari, mangroves, wildlife sanctuary, bird watching

2. Mandarmani

Scenic view of Mandarmani Beach with waves crashing over the sandy shore.

Photo: PhanDinhChuong / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Mandarmani is a tranquil beach destination recognised for its clean coastline and drivable beach. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a peaceful yet entertaining weekend getaway with your family, friends, or alone. You can traverse the long shoreline via an ATV, or have a thrill out on the water, or simply chill at one of their numerous beach resorts, enjoying a coconut. Mandarmani is less boisterous than Digha but just boisterous enough to keep you entertained. It is a popular beach getaway from Kolkata and one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days.

Distance From Kolkata: 171.8 km
Top Highlights: Clean beach, ATV rides, water sports, beach resorts, sunsets

3. Bishnupur

Terracotta temple in Bishnupur, one of the historic places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days.

Photo: Amartyabag / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bishnupur is an enthusiastic lover of history’s delight and is well-known for terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. Terracotta temples form architectural wonders created of baked clay with embellishments of epics like the Ramayana that usually date back to the Malla dynasty. The Rasmancha is the main attraction, along with the Jor Bangla Temple and Madan Mohan Temple. Other unique attractions include the handwoven saree shopping and hearing up-close Bishnupur, Gharana classical music. Bishnupur is a very calm place, and the slow pace of life here gives one access to resonate more with Bengal’s ancient culture.

Distance From Kolkata: 140.7 km
Top Highlights: Terracotta temples, heritage architecture, Baluchari sarees, classical music

4. Raichak

Colonial-style Raichak Fort is surrounded by greenery under a bright blue sky.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Raichak is a small riverside escape located just 50 km from Kolkata along the banks of the Hooghly. We believe Raichak is the perfect escape for luxurious, quiet solitude. The Fort Raichak resort, which resembles a colonial fort, is situated by the riverside and has stunning sunset views, spa services, and riverside locations for evening strolls. It is one of the most peaceful places to see near Kolkata for 2 days. The areas near Diamond Harbour and the lighthouse also make good pit stops. If you’re up for it, you can take short boat rides, drink coffee by the water, or take a stroll along the picturesque river banks at sunrise.

Distance From Kolkata: 52.3 km
Top Highlights: Riverside resort, sunset views, spa, boat rides, quiet walks

5. Digha

Digha beach waves crashing on the sandy shore, one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days.

Photo: Clem Onojeghuo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Digha is West Bengal’s most popular beach destination. Digha encompasses all the elements of a beach destination- beach fun, delightful cuisine, budget hotels, and vivid nightlife. New Digha Beach is relatively cleaner and better equipped for water sports; however, Old Digha Beach is lined with stalls and great views of people enjoying the sea breeze. Explore Amarabati Park and/or Marine Aquarium and Research Centre. A must, if you wake up early enough, is to take in Digha’s stunning sunrises in tranquillity. Digha is great for vacations with family and friends, or just about anybody who is seeking a safe, seamless trip to the sea.

Distance From Kolkata: 184.1 km
Top Highlights: Popular beach, water sports, seafood, parks, sunrise views

6. Taki

Ancient temple in Taki with traditional architecture under a clear sky.

Photo: Sukhpreet Lotey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Taki is one of those rejuvenating riverside destinations along the Indo-Bangladesh border on the Ichamati River. If you need a break from the buzz and hustle, Taki is the place where time almost stops. You can take a boat ride along the border, waving at the people across the river, or visit the Jora Shiv Mandir, dating back about 300 years, or see the ruins of the zamindar houses from the past. For a two-day, no-rush trip, Taki has it all: peaceful river banks, friendly locals, cheap sweets, fresh water fish, and a scenic setting.

Distance From Kolkata: 70.1 km
Top Highlights: Riverside calm, boat rides, historic temples, local sweets, fresh fish

7. Henry’s Island

Henry’s Island beach sunset with tranquil shores, one of the amazing places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days.

Photo: Jeremy Ricketts / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Henry’s Island is a small but tranquil neighbouring coastal paradise of Bakkhali. Bakkhali is the less-visited neighbour of some beaches in West Bengal. Henry’s Island is known best for the quiet beaches, mangroves, and red crabs that dot the beachside. You can stay at the forest department lodges, walk the firmly elevated forest trail, and eat great seafood prepared Bengali style. Since the beach at Henry’s Island is untouched and often empty, you can relax and take photos without feeling crowded or hearing the sound of people. Initiating a trip to Henry’s Island could alleviate your stress with its silence, ocean breeze, and nature.

Distance From Kolkata: 125.3 km
Top Highlights: Quiet beaches, mangroves, bird watching, seafood, forest lodges

8. Bakkhali

Wide view of Bakkhali beach with calm sea and sandy shore under a clear sky.

Photo: Adriel Kloppenburg / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Bakkhali is a quiet, wide-beach destination, with a slow pace and far fewer people than Digha. It is the place for limitless hours of watching the sea drive-in. Visit the Bakkhali beach at sunrise or take a detour to the crocodile breeding centre at Henry’s Island, which is really near it. Walkers and cyclists will benefit from the long beach promenade. Visit Frazerganj fish harbour to see local life, fishing boats, and how it all works. Bakkhali is a great, very peaceful 2-day offbeat journey to the beach, where you can discover and connect with Bengal’s slow shores.

Distance From Kolkata: 124.1 km
Top Highlights: Wide beach, crocodile centre, fishing harbour, beach promenade

9. Joypur Forest

Open trail through thick green land in Joypur forest, one of the most beautiful places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days.

Photo: Soumen Maity / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Joypur Forest is another wildlife and forest enthusiasts’ go-to place. This sal forest is very dense, quiet, and full of trails to walk through, tribal villages to visit, and maybe some deer to see. Joypur Forest is perfect for camping or staying with family or friends in a forest lodge. It also stands out as one of the lesser-known tourist attractions near Kolkata for 2 days, offering both adventure and solitude. The best thing about this place is that it is only a short drive to Bishnupur, meaning you can club the two places together. The sight of early morning mist through the trees is a treat for anyone with a camera, though much more than that.

Distance From Kolkata: 128 km
Top Highlights: Dense forest, trails, tribal villages, wildlife, camping

10. Mayapur

Samadhi Mandir in Mayapur with cool poles and winged trees, standing up against the sky.

Photo: Joydeep / Wikimedia Commons

Mayapur is a spiritual hub located on the banks of the Ganges. It is best known for the grand ISKCON temple and, of course, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The temple complex is gorgeous, with its golden domes, kirtan halls, and beautiful grounds. Many people come here to spiritually recharge and find some calming peace. You can take strolls riverside, enjoy an evening aarti, and sit down to a nice satvik meal. The town is usually quiet, and you can feel its spiritual energy in the temples and around and above the Ganges.

Distance From Kolkata: 136.9 km
Top Highlights: ISKCON temple, spiritual vibe, riverbank, evening aarti

From the soulful streets of Shantiniketan to the quiet shores of Henry’s Island, these places to visit near Kolkata for 2 days offer rich heritage, nature, and peace. Whether it’s Sundarbans for adventure, Mayapur for spiritual calm, or Bishnupur’s timeless art, each spot brings a refreshing break from the city. Reconnect through forest trails, river sunsets, or culture. Plan your perfect weekend escape with TripXL’s best-curated getaways near Kolkata.

Cover Photo: Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Some options for romantic weekend getaways: the quiet of Henry's Island, luxury riverside stays at Raichak, and the soulful walks of Shantiniketan.
Don't miss Bakkhali's seafood or Bishnupur's sweets, or even better, have a Bengali thali in Sundarbans and at Taki.
Shantiniketan, Bishnupur and Mayapur have cultural, historical and spiritual experiences that celebrate what Bengal is.
The best visual experiences are in Sundarbans for wildlife, in Joypur for forest trails, and on the beach at Mandarmani.
Digha, Mandarmani, and Raichak are great for families with children due to clean beaches, parks, and safe resorts.

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