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Winter brings the perfect chance to explore beautiful places to visit in winter near Kolkata. Whether you prefer quiet forests, artistic heritage, riverside strolls, or coastal breezes, the region around the city offers fantastic short getaways. These destinations provide just the right distance from city life, making your trip comfortable and memorable. From the foggy lanes of Santiniketan to the serene shores of Mandarmani, each place has a unique seasonal charm. All you need is a weekend and a warm cup of tea to enjoy the winter magic.
Top Places To Visit In Winter Near Kolkata
Each of these places to visit in winter near Kolkata lets you experience the season differently, from beaches to forests and riversides.
1. Raichak
Photo: Debabrata Hazra / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Raichak feels close enough for a day out but distant enough to make you forget city noise. Located along the banks of the Hooghly River, this quiet riverside town blends colonial remnants with a calm natural setting. You can begin your day at Fort Raichak, a restored 18th-century structure that now functions as part of a resort. Its brickwork and arches overlook the wide river, creating a strong sense of space and stillness. Walking paths by the fort lead to viewpoints ideal for sitting with snacks and watching passing boats.
Distance From Kolkata: 51.8 km
Cost: ₹30 – 300 (ferry)
Major Attractions: Fort Raichak, Ganges riverfront, luxury resorts
2. Sundarbans National Park
Photo: Shashank Hudkar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans tidal mangrove forest is the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger and a variety of other wildlife, including estuarine crocodiles, spotted deer, and mudskippers. The journey usually begins with a drive to Godkhali, followed by a boat ride through creeks lined with dense mangroves. Unlike standard safaris, here you explore via river, with trained guides navigating the narrow channels around islands like Sajnekhali and Dobanki. You can also stop at the Dobanki watchtower, which includes a raised walkway through the forest, giving you a clear view of the landscape without disturbing its natural rhythm.
Distance From Kolkata: 112 km
Cost: ₹950 (boat safari)
Major Attractions: Mangrove forest, Royal Bengal tiger, Dobanki Watchtower
3. Henry’s Island
Photo: Sreenivas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Henry’s Island is a coastal spot where you will not find markets, crowds, or beachside stalls, just the sound of water and a quiet line of casuarina trees. Situated a short drive from Bakkhali, the area is bordered by small water channels and thick mangrove cover that make the approach feel secluded. The beach stretches out wide and uninterrupted, giving you the space to walk undisturbed or sit near the tide line without any distraction. Henry’s Island offers a complete change of pace without long hours of travel.
Distance From Kolkata: 124.7 km
Cost: ₹30 (entry fee)
Major Attractions: Mangrove beach, Bakkhali backwaters, quiet shoreline
4. Joypur Forest
Photo: Subhadeep Dishant / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Joypur Forest is one of the most accessible forest stretches in Bankura, and winter is when the sal trees show their best form, tall, dry, and evenly spaced. The forest is crisscrossed by walking trails, jeep tracks, and narrow routes that are used by both wildlife and forest staff. You can head to the watchtower for a wider view or pause along the trail beneath the tall sal canopy. If you’re exploring places to visit in winter near Kolkata with an interest in natural landscapes, this forest gives you a good mix of silence and visibility.
Distance From Kolkata: 136.1 km
Cost: ₹20 (entry fee)
Major Attractions: Sal forests, wildlife trails, nature watchtower
5. Bishnupur
Photo: Leonie Clough / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Bishnupur’s charm lies in how much detail is packed into a small radius. The temples built by the Malla rulers in the 17th and 18th centuries are made entirely of terracotta, with carvings that depict episodes from epics and scenes from everyday court life. Each temple carries its own design, but the style is unified through the red clay medium and fine craftsmanship visible across every surface. You can start your walk from the Rasmancha, a low pyramid-shaped temple once used during grand festivals. As you move through the temple complex, you’ll see scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana etched into the red clay walls.
Distance From Kolkata: 180.1 km
Cost: ₹25 (ASI monument access)
Major Attractions: Terracotta temples, Rasmancha, Baluchari weaving
6. Jhargram
Photo: Vikramaditya Malladeb / Wikimedia Commons
Jhargram gives you a balanced mix of natural forest cover and historical architecture without feeling commercial. The main highlight here is the Jhargram Palace, which still houses the royal family but allows access to parts of the building and its museum section. The grounds around the palace remain quiet and well-maintained, with flowering trees that tend to bloom during winter. If you’re searching for places to visit in winter near Kolkata that feel grounded in both nature and heritage, Jhargram fits that need without much travel stress.
Distance From Kolkata: 173.6 km
Cost: ₹20 (Jhargram Palace museum)
Major Attractions: Jhargram Palace, Sal forest, Kanak Durga Temple
7. Mandarmani
Photo: Nakkeeran Raveendran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Mandarmani is one of the few coastal spots where you can actually drive on the beach during certain hours, though that access has become more restricted over the years. What sets this place apart is the long, uninterrupted stretch of shoreline, which gives you plenty of space to walk or just sit near the water without background noise. The waves here remain calm, and the sand is firm enough to stroll comfortably even during high tide. Local stalls near the main beach section serve fresh fried fish, prawn cutlets, and coconut water.
Distance From Kolkata: 180 km
Cost: ₹200 – 1200 (Water sports)
Major Attractions: Long Beach Drive, seafood shacks, adventure sports
8. Digha
Photo: Nikhil V / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Digha has long been one of the most visited seaside towns in West Bengal, but winter makes the experience a lot more comfortable. The beach breeze stays steady, and mornings begin with clear views of fishing boats heading out across the horizon. You can start your day at New Digha Beach, which is wider and cleaner than the older section, especially since recent upgrades added paved walking paths and seating. If you’re travelling with kids, the Marine Aquarium nearby adds a short but interesting break, with displays of regional aquatic life.
Distance From Kolkata: 184.1 km
Cost: ₹10 (Marine Aquarium)
Major Attractions: New Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium, Amarabati Park
9. Santiniketan
Photo: Dhruba Saha / Wikimedia Commons
Santiniketan gives you a winter setting that leans more toward ideas and creativity than sightseeing. The town was developed by Rabindranath Tagore, and you’ll still see his influence in how Visva Bharati University functions, with classes often held in open-air spaces under trees. If you’re someone who enjoys craft, literature, or music, this is one of the places to see in winter near Kolkata, where every day has something handmade or meaningful to explore. You can walk through Tagore’s former residence, now turned into a museum that preserves his manuscripts, furniture, and personal items.
Distance From Kolkata: 193.1 km
Cost: ₹50 (Visva Bharati entry fee)
Major Attractions: Tagore’s Ashram, Sonajhuri Haat, Poush Mela
10. Mukutmanipur
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Mukutmanipur feels far removed from busy roads and structured towns, and that’s part of what makes it stand out. At the meeting point of the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers, you’ll find a long earthen dam that stretches for kilometres, holding back a reservoir that reflects the sky so clearly it often blends into the horizon. In winter, the area stays dry and cool, which makes it perfect for walking, cycling, or just sitting along the edge as fishing boats glide past. What also adds to its charm is the red laterite soil that lines the paths, making every frame vibrant even without greenery. Those who choose places to visit in winter near Kolkata for natural views often find Mukutmanipur underrated. Local lodges and guest houses stay open year-round, and some offer early morning boating on the reservoir for better views.
Cost: ₹300 (Boating)
Major Attractions: Kangsabati Dam, sunset point, deer park
Winter makes short trips from Kolkata feel fresh and enjoyable. Whether by Mukutmanipur’s calm waters, Bishnupur’s terracotta carvings, or Digha’s rolling tides, each spot suits the season perfectly. These places to visit in winter near Kolkata are close enough for comfort yet far enough to change your routine. Plan your perfect winter escape with TripXL and transform a regular weekend into a memorable getaway.
Cover Photo: Rohit Varma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
