Weekend Getaways From Kolkata

Travel To India > Kolkata > Weekend Getaways From Kolkata

Kolkata being the seat of the state government of West Bengal and the erstwhile capital of British India attracts a huge number of tourists all across the world. Apart from the historical monuments, buildings antique government offices and cultural and recreational centers, the city is also surrounded by several attractive destinations. The following are the major weekend getaways from Kolkata.

Bakkhali -

Bakkhali is about 130 kms away from Kolkata and it takes about 5 hours of driving to reach the spot. The place is a perfect picnic spot to enjoy the mild winter in Bengal. The place has the unique view of a long line of casurina trees standing on the white sand beach. There you will get the opportunity to taste mouthwatering seafood dishes. Bakkali in winter is a special place of interest for bird watchers as one will get to see there exotic species of migratory birds. The spectacular sunset is another attraction of Bakkhali.

Sunderbans -

Suderbans is at a distance of 131 kms from Kolkata and it takes around 4 hours to reach. The Sunderbans is actually a part of the world's biggest delta, the Ganga Brahmaputra delta. It is a mangrove forest where the saline waters allow only the growth of plants like the sundari trees from where the name Sunderbans has been derived. The forest is the natural habitat of the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers and other wild animals like the spotted deer, cat, monkeys, civets, lizards and ottars. The place also abounds in aquatic life like the endangered olive ridley turtles, crocodiles, river terrapins, dolphins, black porpoises, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, mudskippers and catfish.

Bishnupur -

Bishnupur is roughly 151 kms away from Kolkata and takes about 4 hours of driving from the city to reach there. The place is far from the pollution of the city life and has a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The place is noted for its historical significance. Here you will get to see the temples built during the dynasty of the Malla kings. The temples are dedicated to lord Krishna and exhibit brilliant terracotta architecture.

Digha -

This seaside spot was once hailed as the "Brighton of the East" by Warren Hastings. Digha is approximately 187 kms away from Kolkata and takes around 5 hours to reach the spot. The place has the unique combination of the roaring sea, whitish sand and the glowing sun. It is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or a weekend trip for tourists throughout the year.

Murshidabad -

The place is at a distance of 211 kms from Kolkata and takes about a 6 hours drive to reach. The place has immense historical importance. It was the last capital of independent Bengal before taken over by the British. Musrshidabad was set up by the erstwhile ruler of the Bengal Province, Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. The city houses several monumental buildings belonging to the 18 century.

Shantiniketan -

Shantiniketan is 213 kms away from Kolkata and takes a 6 hrs drive to reach there. The place is associated to the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The Vishva Bharati University is situated here.

Chandipur -

Chandipur is 240 kms away from Kolkata and takes around 7 hours to reach the destination. The place has a characteristic feature of miles of silvery sand spotted with seashells. This is because the sea waters recede back to about 5km during the low tide and come forward to its original position at the time of high tide.

On a visit to the city of Kolkata one should not lose the chance of visiting the above mentioned destinations. The places offer varied panoramic beauty that would refreshen one's soul and mind.