Kolkata is delightful but let's face it, sometimes the heat can get even the best of us. So taking a respite from the 'city of joy' for a while is pleasant, to say the least. Below are mentioned some cool getaways, perfect to spend your weekends and get that much-needed break.
Digha: Welcome to the Town Jolly
The best thing about this commercialised city is that it always festive in Digha, no matter which time of the year you visit it. Its second-to-none seafood, gorgeous beaches and proximity to Kolkata make it a perfect weekend getaway. It also has a lot more to offer other than having you basking in cool sea breeze near the coast. You would love to visit Lord Shiva Temple at Chandaneshwar and Marine Aquarium Research Centre. Plus you can find really cheap accommodations there.
How to reach: Located 195 km from Kolkata, it takes 4 hours by train or road to reach there.
Must-try Activities: Watersports, beach walk and gorging on seafood
Mandarmoni: All Good, Nothing Bad or Ugly
If you are looking for a calm, serene site, a location which is yet to be commercialised, then the laidback atmosphere of Mandarmoni is a perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata. This is a great place to visit with friends and indulge in beach-side sports. It is also known as the longest driveable stretch of a beach and is perfect for taking long relaxing late night walks along coastline .
How to Reach: It is about 170 km from Kolkata and both bus & train routes are available which can get you there in 3.5 hours.
Must-try Activities: Jet skiing, bungee tramp lining, banana boat rides and riding ATV bikes
Sundarbans: For a “Wild Wild” Weekend
If you are in a mood to see some wildlife in action, then probably Sunderbans is the best choice for a weekend away from your home. It is also a site where you can spot the reclusive Bengal tiger. The sanctuary offers your lush green surroundings swamped with Mangrove trees. It is also the largest Mangrove forest in the world.
How to Reach: the best route to reach the wildlife sanctuary is by rail and you can get there within 3 hours.
Must-try Activities: Jungle safari
Bakkhali: For the Feel of Calm as Cucumber
This crescent-shaped beach is a wonder for some and a quintessential delight for others. Serenity, simple elegance and purity are written all over the place. The beach also gives you the chance to witness probably the best sunrise and sunset of your life. Its serene atmosphere mesmerizes you to forget everything and dwell in the lingering sense of peace and calmness. Other than the therapeutic beach walks, you can take out time to visit the Bishhalakshmi temple and twin towers.
How to Reach: It is 138 km away from Kolkata- a 4.5 hour long ride both by bus and the train.
Must-try Activities: Beach-side walks drinking coconut water and spending time at makeshift tea stalls near the beach
Tajpur: Perfect for the Ambiverts
It is a great weekend escape for those who are adventurous at heart. This is a place which is yet to come under the grip of maddening commercialization and thus is basking in its natural beauty and purity. Nonetheless, it is developed and attracts plenty of international tourists. It is an ideal weekend getaway choice for romantic outings.
How to Reach: Located 180 km away from Kolkata, it is a 4-hour long journey by road.
Must-try Activities: Paragliding and water sports
Drudgery and monotony can often creep into our lives and what can be better than visiting beaches near Kolkata for your weekend getaway? Right, nothing.
Check out another city weekend gateways
Top 5 Weekend Getaways for Delhiites
Top 5 Weekend Getaways for Mumbaikars
Top 5 weekend getaways near Bengaluru
Weekend Getaway Near Chandigarh
