10 Places To Visit Near IIM Calcutta For A Refreshing Time

Places to visit near IIM Calcutta offer a great blend of cultural attractions, a nature’s paradise, and historical gems, all within convenient travel distances from the IIMC premium campus in Joka, Kolkata. Whatever your preference is to view the colonial charm of Kolkata’s core, unwind in riverbank villages, or feel wildlife and temples, all these spots are ideal for leisure weekend trips or worthwhile weekend escapes. From country charm to heritage walks, the setting of IIM Calcutta has a good mix of new and old, country and city, divine and secular.

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10 Places To Visit Near IIM Calcutta

Discover the top ten places to visit near IIM Calcutta, which blend nature, divinity, culture, and heritage, guaranteeing varied activities between sacred temples, mangrove forests, and peaceful riverbanks.

1. Indian Museum

The Indian Museum Kolkata, a historic attraction among the top places to visit near IIM Calcutta.

Photo: Priyodorshi 10 / Wikimedia Commons

The Indian Museum ranks among the most notable places to visit near IIM Calcutta. Founded in 1814, India’s biggest and oldest multipurpose museum is a repository of over one lakh artefacts in six departments, such as art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and economic botany. Moving through its stately marbled corridors displays Indus Valley artefacts, coins of ancient India, Egyptian mummies, Mughal miniatures, and intricately carved Buddhist sculptures. The museum has an interesting natural history gallery and an independent children’s gallery, thus making it a whole learning experience.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 16 km
Major Attractions: Egyptian mummy, Bharhut Gallery, Ashokan edicts

2. Victoria Memorial Hall

Victoria Memorial Hall with its grand architecture surrounded by gardens under a clear sky.

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Victoria Memorial is one of the most visited and historically significant places close to IIM Calcutta. The grand white-marble structure, built between 1906 and 1921 as a memorial to Queen Victoria, is a blend of British and Mughal in mere loveliness. Inside the complex lies a huge collection of artefacts from the colonial times-oil paintings, statues, memorabilia of royals, and galleries depicting British India’s past. The past of Bengal, the freedom struggle, and happenings during the Raj are presented before the visitors.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 14.2 km
Major Attractions: Royal Gallery, garden stroll, Light & Sound show

3. Alipore Zoological Gardens

Alipore Zoological Gardens, a popular spot among the best places to visit near IIM Calcutta.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons

Alipore Zoological Garden is a highly popular and family-friendly place to see near IIM Calcutta. It is India’s oldest zoological garden, established in 1876, and still melts the hearts of many. Spread over 46 acres of land, the zoo is inhabited by over 1,200 animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, Indian elephant, leopard, giraffe, and a wide variety of exotic and native birds. In winters, it’s a paradise for migratory birds with the aviary being a big splash of colours and chirping birds.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 13.9 km
Major Attractions: Royal Bengal Tiger, reptile house, aviary

4. Kalighat Temple

Kalighat Temple features traditional architecture and a peaceful atmosphere in an urban setting.

Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons

Kalighat Temple is one of the most sacred spiritual destinations and one of the most visited landmarks among the spiritual destinations to see near IIM Calcutta. As one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple has a tremendous religious importance as the location where the right toe of Goddess Sati had fallen. Goddess Kali is the commanding deity of the temple, the mighty symbol of Shakti. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees flock to the temple daily. The temple’s Kali idol is special in that it features hanging long tongues and gold ornaments, carved out of black stone.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 11.5 km
Major Attractions: Principal temple, Kalighat painting stalls, temple pond

5. Diamond Harbour

Bridge over the Hooghly River at Diamond Harbour, among the scenic places to visit near IIM Calcutta.

Photo: Srijan Kundu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Diamond Harbour is one of the most serene and scenic tourist attractions near IIM Calcutta. Encircled by the Hooghly River mouth and the Bay of Bengal, this riverfront resort town gives an ideal weekend getaway from urban life. Diamond Harbour is perpetually fashionable with the student community and youth travellers and is thus ideal for group retreats and convenient day trips. It is also famous for stunning sunsets, peaceful ferry rides, and a laid-back atmosphere. Tourists might see what remains of an old Portuguese fort, go on a boat trip over the river, or just sit on the peaceful banks gazing over water that stretches to the horizon.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 33 km
Major Attractions: Lighthouse, remnants of Portuguese fort, Riverwalk

6. Achipur – Chinese Temple & Riverside Escape

A peaceful riverside view at Achipur with lush greenery and calm waters under a clear sky.

Photo: Ethan Sarkar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Achipur is a lovely riverside village, rich in culture and one of the most unusual sites near IIM Calcutta. As it has its ancient Chinese colony, this unusual place evokes the lost Chinese heritage of Bengal. The centrepiece here is the centuries-old Chinese immigrant Sea Goddess Tien Hou temple, emblem of the intimate cultural bond between pioneering Chinese settlers and Bengal. The Chinese New Year is ritually observed every year here with robust dragon dances, incense-burning prayer ceremonies, and traditional food offerings, and modest but dedicated local crowds congregate here.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 28.7 km
Major Attractions: Chinese temple, view from the riverside, local market

7. Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, Indian Botanic Garden

Colourful flower walkway at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, one of the places to visit near IIM Calcutta.

Photo: Caroline Ashley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden is among the quietest and knowledge-rich attractions near IIM Calcutta. It is home to the legendary Great Banyan Tree, which is a 250-year-old monster that sprawls more than 3.5 acres of land and looks like a thicket of trees. This garden has a mix of natural marvels and flower diversity. Spread over 273 acres, it contains more than 12,000 plant varieties from across the globe, including rare orchids, a giant Amazon lily pond, unusual palms, and medicinal plants. It is a popular haunt among students of biology, nature lovers, and tourists during the weekend, seeking a green outing.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 18.8 km
Major Attractions: Great Banyan Tree, orchid house, lily pond

8. Bakkhali Beach

Bakkhali Beach with its sandy shore, gentle waves, and a calm, cloudy sky above.

Photo: Lopez Robin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Bakkhali is an extremely laid-back beach town that is very highly rated as one of the most laid-back holiday places to visit. Ideal for night outs or quiet weekend getaways, Bakkhali boasts a huge, expansive beach with calm waves and fewer tourists, ideal for those seeking tranquillity from city mayhem. It is renowned for its sunset and sunrise, which colour the sea golden, and is suitable for excellent photographs. They enjoy slow beach walks, a visit to the nearby Henry’s Island, which is a serene mangrove-covered island with watchtowers, and freshly prepared seafood served at plain beachside restaurants.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 107.4 km
Major Attractions: Bakkhali Beach, Henry Island, mangrove walk

9. Sundarbans National Park

Dense mangrove forest of Sundarbans National Park, one of the places to visit near IIM Calcutta.

Photo: Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Sundarbans is the largest estuarine mangrove ecosystem in the world and a World Heritage Site under UNESCO. The geography of Sundarbans itself is a gigantic delta, which has a rare Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, spotted deer, and numerous rare avifauna. The most perfect way to experience its very special habitat is by way of a guided boat safari that navigates through the twisting network of rivers, creeks, and canals. October to March is the optimal time to visit, with tolerable weather and higher chances of wildlife spotting.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 112 km
Major Attractions: Boat safari, tiger reserve, mangrove walkways

10. Taki

Calm waters of the Ichamati River flowing gently through lush green surroundings.

Photo: Gláuber Sampaio / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Taki town is one of the not-so-evident but culturally enriching sites to visit around IIM Calcutta. Along the picturesque Ichamati River, which serves as a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh, Taki provides a compelling and poignant view of both nations’ collective heritage. Tourists from the riverbanks can normally greet opposite river people or take peaceful boat trips that wind through the borderline, offering a wholly indigenous travel experience. Taki is most enchantingly visited during Durga Puja, when idol immersions on either side take place in the same water, placing Taki at a point of cultural and emotional unity.

Distance From IIM Calcutta: 80.8 km
Major Attractions: Ichamati boat ride, Rajbari ruins, Eco Park

Places to visit near IIM Calcutta offer a rich blend of nature, heritage, and culture. From serene wetlands and historic temples to charming countryside villages, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking peace, spiritual vibes, local crafts, or unique photography spots, these destinations have it all. Explore these offbeat gems and enjoy day trips filled with Bengali tradition, history, and scenic beauty—perfectly curated for you by TripXL.

Cover Photo: Amartyabag / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to travel to these destinations near IIM Calcutta via public transport?

Yes, the metro or bus can go to those areas-Victoria Memorial, Kalighat, and Indian Museum. Sundarbans and Bakkhali are reachable through a combination of ferries, local trains, and road transport. Public transport is extremely affordable and convenient for most of these destinations.

Are there any spots around IIM Calcutta useful for students?

Alipore Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Achipur are some such places which can be suitable for student groups for outings or weekend trips. They are not expensive, are within easy reach using public transport, have the proper combination of entertainment and educational interest and are thus ideal for day picnics.

Can areas around IIM Calcutta be made accessible to guided tours?

Yes, some of the more popular spots, such as the Indian Museum, Sundarbans National Park, and Victoria Memorial, do offer guided tours. These allow the tourists to make the most of their visit and gain more information about history, culture, and ecology. Local guides or audio guides are provided by most places for a better experience.

Can I find local food and handicrafts near these places?

Yes, many places like Kalighat and Diamond Harbour have local markets where you can enjoy Bengali cuisine and buy traditional handicrafts.

Are there guided nature walks available in the Botanical Garden or the Sundarbans?

Yes, guided nature walks and boat safaris are offered in the Botanical Garden and Sundarbans, helping visitors learn about local flora and fauna.

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