Escape The City: The Best Weekend Trips From Kolkata

An image of a grand temple in Kolkata having a dull golden dome and lots of people.

Kolkata, one of the bustling cities in India is filled with an exhilarating legacy and culture. It offers wonderful places that attract tourists for their weekend trips from Kolkata which remain the best parts of the city life. These weekends retreat from the city hustle and quiet sandy beaches, hilly places, or thick dense forests. Out of many reasons to be in the wilderness, the effort is to search for nature, adventure or simply peace.

Popular Places For Weekend Trips From Kolkata

Some of the top places for weekend trips from Kolkata mainly include:

1. Sundarbans

An image of Sundarban with a bunch of spotted deer grazing in a beautiful green forest.

Photo: Kazi Asadullah Al Emran / Wikimedia Commons

Sundarbans is the most popular option for weekend trips near Kolkata. It is not the place you go on a reading spree but it is for all the nature and adventure enthusiasts. Sundarbans is no doubt a combination of beauty, nature and romance, it is also a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and ideal for families and couples who are looking for breathtaking weekend places near Kolkata. Engage in a boat safari to witness some of the wildest wildlife or indulge in the native beauty of this unique biosphere.

Distance From Kolkata: 110 km
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Things To Do: Jungle safaris, boat rides, birdwatching

2. Bakkhali

An image of a sand beach in Bakkhali, which is perfect for weekend trips from Kolkata.

Photo: খাঁ শুভেন্দু / Wikimedia Commons

Lake Bakkhali is a perfect weekend getaway for couples and a great place to visit if you’re planning to explore beach weekend trips near Kolkata. The more deserted beaches provide an ideal environment for those seeking relaxation and a slightly slower pace. Walks down the shore, engulfing the picturesque sunset, and soaking in the infrequent pace of life on the sea are alternate options for things to do in Bakkhali. The calmness in Bakkhali makes it one of the perfect choices if you want to explore weekend places near Kolkata.

Distance From Kolkata: 125 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: Beach walks, cycling, visiting the Bakkhali Watchtower

3. Bardhaman

An image of a few buildings, visible in the blue water of a deep lake in Bardhaman.

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Bardhaman is a town which is quite charming and historic, dedicated to not only deep-rooted traditional values but also endowed with plenty of greenery and stunning sites. One of the best weekend destinations from Kolkata, this is best suited for taking the whole family out as there are multiple sites to see including temples, parks and even the occasional zoo. For all of those out there who appreciate historical journeys and stunning architecture, Bardhaman is listed among the best weekend destinations from Kolkata for you.

Distance From Kolkata: 101 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Things To Do: Visiting Curzon Gate, exploring the 108 Shiva Temples

4. Talasari Beach

A picture of a large expanse of Talasari beach near Kolkata lies along the coastline.

Photo: Dr. Subhransu Mishra / Wikimedia Commons

Contested by the southern part of the state of Odisha, Talasari Beach is one of the most underrated locations for weekend trips from Kolkata to West Bengal. The many beaches add a myriad of relaxation options that are compelling to most people. For couples, Bakkhali is also popular with those who wish to avoid large crowds and take advantage of the region’s natural beauty while it is not too busy. Going for a walk along the beach or simply lying down and just appreciating the breathtaking views makes Bakkhali Beach a great escape.

Distance From Kolkata: 190 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Things To Do: Beachside picnics, fishing, exploring the Talasari Delta

5. Ghatshila

An image of a large bridge over a river in Ghatshila including rapids and debris.

Photo: Nilenduguha / Wikimedia Commons

Ghatshila is one of the top weekend trips from Kolkata for couples which is both beautiful and rich in culture. It is located in the lap of nature with hills and thick trees making it a great location for exploring. Visit the breathtaking sights of Burudi Lake, Phuldungri Hills and Dharagiri Falls. It was also the centre of tribal art and culture. It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find peace.

Distance From Kolkata: 239 km
Best Time To Visit: March to November
Things To Do: Visiting Burudi Lake, trekking at Phuldungri Hills

6. Shankarpur

An image of an ocean where waves thoroughly bounce against each other in Shankarpur.

Photo: Tarunsamanta / Wikimedia Commons

Shankarpur is a beautiful unspoiled beach that serves as a less commercialized counterpart to its glowingly popular sister, Digha. It is calm and pleasant, making it a great place for families and couples looking for weekend vacations close to Kolkata. Get some peaceful views of the sunrise at Shankarpur along with activities like fishing and beach walks. The calm surroundings set them apart and are among the reasons why Shankarpur has been loved the most among weekend trips from Kolkata.

Distance From Kolkata: 175 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: Swimming, fishing, watching the sunrise by the beach

7. Jhargram

A view from the top of the hill in Jhargram in a lush green environment.

Photo: Vikramaditya Malladeb / Wikimedia Commons

Jhargram is a beautiful town situated between Kangsabati and Subarnarekha rivers in the hills surrounding district Jhargram. It is also one of the top weekend trips from Kolkata. From the ancient Kanakdurha temple to royal palaces, this place is full of surprises. Tourists can also enjoy boating at Chilkigarh. Check out Mini Zoo, Chilkigarh, Deer Park, Belpahari, and Ghagra waterfall, and go for some nature walks in the forested area. Eco-tourism and communities’ efforts in the town support eco-friendly practices.

Distance From Kolkata: 173 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
Things To Do: Boating, visiting ancient temples, exploring the Ghaghra waterfall

8. Henry’s Island

An image of Henry's Island with a water body and a walk ship near the shore.

Photo: খাঁ শুভেন্দু / Wikimedia Commons

Henry’s Island is very famous for couples travelling for the weekend from Kolkata and nearby places. It’s famous for its picturesque scenery and coastal beaches, with plenty of stress-free activities as the island features a remote coastline, stunning mangroves, and various species of birds. The island is a perfect place for peace-loving people and takes the crown as the best weekend getaway from Kolkata for nature’s loving souls.

Distance From Kolkata: 140 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Things To Do: Birdwatching, exploring the mangrove forest

9. Mayapur

An image of a beautiful temple which consists of three domes and a few palm trees around Mayapur.

Photo: Joydeep / Wikimedia Commons

Mayapur does not need much introduction as it serves as the base for ISKCON and attracts both tourists and pilgrims. The calm aura it possesses alongside its pure spirituality makes Mayapur one of the go-to places for a weekend trip out of Kolkata. The impressive architecture of the ISKCON temple complex creates a sense of spirituality in visitors enabling them to enjoy a different side of the location which is why Mayapur is recommended as one of the go-to spots for weekend trips near Kolkata.

Distance From Kolkata: 130 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Things To Do: Visiting ISKCON Temple, boating

On the outskirts of Kolkata, adventure awaits you as tourists can experience the beautiful weekend getaways. These gateways are truly worth taking due to the abundance of nature, culture, and sheer leisure possibilities they each provide. Sunday excursions near Kolkata are a great way to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind away from the rush of everyday city life. Grab your bags and get ready to head off for a fantastic weekend exploring these breathtaking locations surrounding Kolkata. And what’s more the perfect view will prepare you well for the week ahead.

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

People planning to visit the weekend getaways near Kolkata should visit the Kolkata railway station and the Sealdah railway station.
As part of the weekend trip, Chandaneswar Shiv Temple, Amaravati Park and Tajpur can be also explored for some more variety to the coastal experiences.
Yes, there are many lodgings available in Bardhaman that do not require high expenses such as Hotel Koner Lodge, Shubham Guest House and Kalyani Hotel that are fit for fast weekend holidays.
Kolkata has some well-known places for shopping such as the New Market or Gariahat, City Centre Salt Lake, Dakshinapan and Quest Mall.
Two days is enough to know the major sights of Uttarey such as trekking trails, and local monasteries that can make it a perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata.

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