Top Weekend Getaways Near Kolkata for a Quick Escape
If you are seeking respite from the hectic city life and looking for pleasant weekend getaway near Kolkata, you have come to the right place. Whether you crave serene hill stations, sun-kissed beaches, or offbeat retreats, there’s no shortage of stunning places just a short drive or train ride away. These include the pristine beaches of Digha and Mandarmani, as well as the misty hills of Rishyap and Kurseong. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family beach holiday or looking for a peaceful mountain retreat, these quick escapes offer relaxation, natural beauty and adventure at best. Now, with such beautiful places in close proximity, weekend getaways near Kolkata have never sounded more appealing. Let’s dive in and explore how wonderful these places actually are!
In this Blog
Ravangla – Enjoy The Magical Snow View
Ravangla is a little slice of paradise in South Sikkim and is one of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata for snow-capped mountains, Buddhist Monasteries, and peace. Breathtakingly situated at an altitude of 7000 ft, placed between the Meanam and Tendong hills, this area offers marvellous views of the Himalayas. It is one of the most offbeat tourist destinations that is becoming popular among the travellers which is why it has become one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for those looking to escape bustling city of Kolkata.
- How to reach: Located around 125 km from NJP, Ravangla is an overnight journey from Kolkata. From NJP, it’s a scenic 4-hour drive.
- Best Time to Visit: February to May and October to November.
- Places to Visit in Ravangla: Rayong Sunrise View-point (8 km), Ralang Monastery (13 km), and Borong Hot Springs (7 km).
- Things to do: If nature is what you love then this is where you need to be. Weekend trips filled with birdwatching, trekking, and enjoying the panoramic scenery are some of the best activities you can do in the area. The Dentham drive with its with winding roads and lush valleys is a cherry on the top since it makes the trip as beautiful as the destination itself.
Rishyap – A Hidden Himalayan Hamlet
Rishyap is a hidden mountain village in the Himalayas known for its breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga. It offers the perfect escape for a person looking for a refreshing and unique getaway. The wide open sky combined with the massive Himalayan mountain is like the perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata.
- How to reach: 10-hour train to NJP + 3-hour scenic drive.
- Best time to visit: February-May, October-November (winters get snowy).
- Places to visit: Nearby Lava, Lolegaon, and Kalimpong – all within a short scenic drive.
- Things to do: Trekking, bird watching, and taking the 45-minute jungle trail from Rishyap to Lava – an experience you’ll never forget.
Bakkhali – The Most Breathtaking Beaches in India
Out of the many beaches in India, Bakkhali is a hidden gem. This place dominates as the potential beach weekend getaway spot, especially for the people of Kolkata. Not too far away, sitting pretty off the Southwest tip of the Sundarbans, the golden sand beach and mangroves create a picturesque getaway. The name ‘Bakkhali’ is coined from ‘Bak’, Bengali for seagull, as there are plenty of red beaked Bak Gulls present near the beach.
- How to reach: Bakkhali is just 138 km from Kolkata, taking about 4.5-5 hours by road or train.
- Best Time to Visit: July to March.
- Places to Visit in Bakkhali: Henry’s Island, Jambu Dwip.
- Things to do: Just like other beaches in India, Bakkhali also has some remarkable activities to do. When you visit Bakkhali, imagine sipping fresh coconut water or fine tea while your toes relax in soft sand and the sound of crashing waves echoes in the distance. If this serenity wasn’t enough, the picturesque sunsets will provide you with an unparalleled view every evening. Indulge in some fishing in the adjacent villages, or spend the day relaxing by the beach, knowing you are in for a treat.
Mandarmani – A Coastal Paradise
If you are looking for a beach getaway near Kolkata but with less crowd, Mandarmani is perfect for you. You can take a break from the extremely populated areas we are used to and enjoy the golden sands and pristine beaches while also partaking in some thrilling water sports.
- How to reach: A 4.5-hour drive from Kolkata; or take a train to Contai, followed by a short road trip.
- Best time to visit: July to March for the best beach vibes.
- Places to visit: Nearby gems like Tajpur, Shankarpur, and Talsari Beach.
- Things to do: Go for a stroll on the beach, jet ski, paragliding or riding the banana boat – so much fun.
Tajpur – An Unknown Sea Beach
Discover the serene and crowd-free environment at Tajpur sea beach which offers the beauty and convenience of nature without the hustle and bustle of a city. Tajpur is emerging as the best weekend getaways for couples near Kolkata, thanks to its secluded shores, peaceful ambience, and adventure sports. The beach is famed for its eye-catching sand, sprinkled with unique red crabs which create a breathtaking display. If you’re keen on having short weekend trip, Tajpur is your answer.
- How to reach: Located on the Kolkata-Digha route, Tajpur is about 170 km from Kolkata, roughly a 4-hour drive. It’s just 5 km from Chaulkhola and 22 km from Contai.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March.
- Places to Visit in Tajpur: Take a short trip to Mandarmani, Shankarpur, Junput, and of course, the ever-popular Digha.
- Things to do: For the more adventurous, Tajpur offers, jet skiing, paragliding, and banana boat rides. If you prefer to spend your time more slowly then a peaceful walk along the beach and indulging in some seafood is perfect for you.
Shantiniketan – An Outstanding Creation of Rabindranath Tagore
As the name suggests, Shantiniketan is a place where culture, history, and art all come together. This town, established by Rabindranath Tagore back in 1901, is a beautifully crafted place and serves as an educational centre. It is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for those with an inclination towards heritage, music, and poetry. It is an ideal weekend getaway from Kolkata as it lets you explore Bengal’s cultural richness within just one weekend.
- How to reach: Just 3 km from Bolpur in Birbhum District, Shantiniketan is about a 4-5 hour journey from Kolkata by train or road.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time except peak summer.
- Places to Visit in Shantiniketan: Visit Kankalitala (9 km), one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, or Nanur (13 km), the birthplace of 14th-century poet Chandidas.
- Things to do: Visit the various galleries and Tagore’s museum, or take a walk around the green garden of Visva-Bharati University. If you are fortunate to visit during Poush Mela or the Basanta Utsav, you will witness something unlike anything else. Since the town bursts into an explosion of colour, music, and dance, it’s a captivating sight for poets, artists, and even the young at heart.
Kurseong – The Land Of White Orchids
Kurseong blends together colonial architecture and spectacular mountain views with tea plantations to create a dreamy hill station near Kolkata. Moreover, the town is perfect for a romantic getaway from Kolkata because of its quaint outlook and stunning views with cool mountain breeze. Most importantly, while in Kurseong one can get their hands on some of the finest Darjeeling tea out there, making it a perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata.
- How to reach: A 10-hour train journey to NJP plus 1.5-hour drive, or fly to Bagdogra (45 mins).
- Best time to visit: Avoid monsoons; the rest of the year is pure bliss.
- Top attractions: Castle Tea Estate, Eagle’s Crag, Sitong village (for orange orchards).
- Things to do: Take nature walks, go on rides in the toy train, and not to forget, enjoy the rare sight of the Himalayan birds.
Digha – The Ultimate Beach Party Destination
If the party mood is on then Digha is the choice party spot to be. This lively beach town is West Bengal’s most happening seaside escape, buzzing with markets, seafood stalls, and beachside fun all year round.
- How to reach: 4-hour train or drive from Kolkata (just 195 km away).
- Best time to visit: September to March (avoid monsoons).
- Places to visit: Nearby Shankarpur, Chandaneshwar Temple, Mohona fish market.
- Things to do: Enjoy watersports, beach walks, fresh seafood feasts, and late-night parties.
Image credits: Ravi Singh via Unsplash
