Destinations

Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Kolkata: Best Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta in English, is the capital of West Bengal state of India. From the busy life and lots of tension during the week, everyone wants to relax on weekends with their life partner, lover, with family or friends. There are a number of places around the city of Kolkata for enjoyment during the weekend.

In this article, we have compiled a list of Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Kolkata. All these tourist places are within 300 kms from the city range of Kolkata. We have tried in all aspects to provide you budget trip for your vacation / holidays on the weekend.

Rabindra Setu, Kolkata
Rabindra Setu, Kolkata. Image Source: Wikimapia

Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Kolkata: Best Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

1. Bishnupur

Bishnupur is situated at northwest of Kolkata with 138 kms distance. This place is famous for “Terracotta Temples”. In this place, you can enjoy the architecture of the temple and beauty of the nature by cycle rickshaw. Riding in the cycle rickshaw is a wonderful experience. There are lots of temples located in the Bishnupur. Jorbangla Temple, a temple with traditional Bengal architecture look of ‘Chala’ style roof. Shyamrai Temple, which was built by King Raghunath Singha in 1643.

Madanmohan Temple and Rasmancha are also famous temples of Bishnupur. There is a famous “Baluchari Saris”, you can shop and enjoy lots of fun there. This is the hottest place during the summer so you can plan your one day or two day trip in winter and monsoon season.

2. Tarakeswar

Tarakeswar is one of the nearest weekend places in Kolkata, the distance is around 58 kms. So, If you have only one day, then it is the best tourist place to spend your weekend with your family and friends including your kids/children. Tarakeswar Temple is a popular place which was built by Raja Bharamalla in 1729.

This temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The attraction of this temple is a traditional fair in Shivratri. July and August is the best time to visit this place because fair is held in these months. In addition to this, you can also visit the Temple of Buddha, Deulpara near about 6 km from the Tarakeswar.

 

3. Tarapith

Tarapith is a village in Birbhum district in the state of West Bengal. This temple is about 225 km far away from the city of Kolkata. The village is located on the river bank of Dwaraka River. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Tara. There is a two different attractive images of the Goddess Tara, first one is located in a temple with stone material and another one is 3 feet metal statue.

August, September, October, November and December is the best time to visit this place because the village is located on the river bank. After the monsoon, you can enjoy natural beauty in the village with your family. Tarapith is the perfect place for your sacred tour which is also popular religious site.

4. Mandarmoni

Mandarmoni is situated on the Kolkata – Digha route. It is 165 km far away from the city of Kolkata. The nearest railway station from the Mandarmoni is Contai, which is just 26 km far away. So, you can also reach this place from the city of Kolkata. This place is easily reached by car within 2 hours of driving. This place has 13 km long drivable seaside, it is longest drivable beach in India.

This place is blessed with the most romantic environment, so mostly visited by newly married couple and lovers. You can spend your best time with your partner on the beach. There are lots of resorts available on the beach area. This is the place where you can spend one or two days with your family within 200 km from Kolkata.

5. Krishnanagar

It is located on the south part of Jalangiri river in Nadia district. It is the perfect weekend getaway within 100 km from Kolkata. So, you can reach here by road or by bike easily and quickly. This is the nice place for the lovers of art, culture and literature. Ghumi locality is famous for clay art. Major attraction of Krishnanagar is, Statue of Gods and Goddess made by the clay art. Jhulan Mela is celebrated at the royal place in the month of July – August.

In this mela (fair), you can enjoy with your sweet children. Roman Catholic Church is one the most attractive places of Krishnanagar. This place has one good thing for all, you can taste the sweets prepared by the local ‘Moyras’.

6. Murshidabad

Murshidabad is a historical place on the river bank of Bhagirathi. This is one of the best weekend getaways within 200 km from the city of Kolkata. This place is named after Murshid Quli Khan. He had a hobby of cultural and constructional activities. You can realize his hobby after seeing this place. There are large numbers of gardens, palaces, museum, toms and others. December and January is the best time to visit this place.

You can schedule two days or three day trip/picnic because it comes in the category of within 200 km weekend getaways. In addition to that, you can also enjoy in different gardens with your children. It is one of the best masterpieces of Italian architecture in all places.

Attractions in Murshidabad

  • Nizamat Imambara
  • Katgola
  • Khosh Bagh
  • Jahan Kosha Cannon
  • Hazarduari Palace
  • Katra Mosque
  • Clock tower

7. Shantiniketan

Santiniketan is also known as “Abode of Peace”. This place gives all the memories of Rabindranath Tagore, who is the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. This trust was started by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore in 1862. This trust arranges Poush Mela, which is one the best attractions of the place. It is the easiest way to reach Shantiniketan by bus, car and bike.

There are lots of frequencies of buses available from the city. If you want to go by train, then Bolpur is the nearest station from the Shantiniketan. The world class Vishwa Bharti University is also located here.

Places to visit in Shantiniketan

  • Cheena Bhawan
  • Nippon Bhavana
  • Chhatimtala
  • Tagore memorial museum
  • Uttarayan Complex

8. Bakkhali

Bakkhali is just 125 km far away from Kolkata. There is a seaside resort which has 8 km long beach. This is the perfect weekend place for one day trip. Bakkhali is suitable for couple and family. When you are planning for this place, don’t miss to take an experience of motorized boat to Jambu Dwip.

It is around 40 minute of boat riding, which will give you lots of enjoyment in the sea. The most attractive and natural place is Henry’s Island, which is famous place for mangroves and wild life.

Tourist attractions near Bakkhali

  • Watch Tower
  • Bishhalakshmi Temple
  • Frazerganj Fishing Harbour

9. Mulkarkha Lake

Mulkarkha Lake is also known as “Wishing Lake”, which is situated at 7000 feet above the sea level. All treks around the lake is easy and enjoyable in a natural environment. There are also other tourist attractions such as waterfall, jungle patches and others. This trek starts from the Sanskrit Vidyalaya, which is a well known place for old Hinduism books.

This place’s entire environment is natural and romantic. Thus, it is the best place from the city of Kolkata to spend your precious time with your partner. It is the most popular tourist place / weekend getaways and mostly preferred by couples and friends group.

 

10. Murshidabad

Murshidabad is one of the perfect weekend getaways from Kolkata within 300 km. As per my recommendations, at least two days or three days are required for your weekend. Kolkata to Murshidabad distance is 240 km. If you love historical places, then Murshidabad is the best place for the weekend. The battle of Plassey was also fought in Murshidabad in 1757.

 

Which is your favourite place from the above list of best weekend getaways from Kolkata?

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Article Title: Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Kolkata: Best Weekend Getaways from Kolkata
Article last re-published on September 9, 2019.

 

John Mathew is a travel writer and travel enthusiastic, primarily interested in how to get to any place, hotels guide, resorts guide, destination guide, and worldwide travel tips.