14 places to visit near Kolkata during the weekend
Tired of the noises of the city? Exhausted due to the demands of work? Well, like a wise man once said- Nature heals. Plan a weekend trip to tourist places near Kolkata and get your well-deserved rest! Explore these places to visit near Kolkata
Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. This beautiful hill station is one of the leading tourist places near Kolkata. It is located in the Himalayas. Known for its scenic qualities, natural beauty, and adventure opportunities. Further, it is also known for its Buddhist practices, diverse culture, and unique cultural practices. It is the perfect weekend getaway spot no matter who you are. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventurer, or just a passing tourist, Gangtok is the answer.
How to Visit:
Gangtok is 550 km from Kolkata. This place can be visited by air, train, or by road. The best choice would be to choose the flight option. It is fast and will help maximize sightseeing time. Take a flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport to Bagdogra Airport. From there, travelling by taxi to Gangtok will take 4 to 5 hours.
Speciality:
Gangtok is famous for the natural views it provides to tourists. It has everything that makes up a perfect weekend tourist destination- lush landscapes, quiet mountains, and diverse wildlife. It also has a vibrant culture, which is a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism. One can get the best taste of the mountains here with local dishes like Thukpa, Sel Roti, Chhurpi, and others. Interesting places to visit here include MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery, and Tsomgo Lake. It is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Gangtok from Kolkata is from March to June. During this time, the city is wrapped in the beauty of spring. The temperature ranges between 15°C – 25°C. Clear skies make the destination perfect for sightseeing.
If you are looking for weekend trip options to Gangtok, choose Eco Adventure Resorts. We will ensure that you get the best out of your travel experience.
Namchi
Namchi is a city in Sikkim. It has gained popularity as a tourist destination due to its spiritual qualities. The largest statue of the Buddhist Padmasambhava has found a home on Samdruptse hill of this city. The Namchi Monastery, Tendong Hill, and Ralang Monastery are also located here. Namchi is also known for its natural views. Situated at an altitude of 7000 feet, this city offers breathtaking views of the majestic Kanchenjunga.
How to Visit:
Namchi is easy to visit through Gangtok. Since the distance between the two cities is approximately 78km, it is wise to take a taxi from Gangtok to Namchi. The drive will take 2.5 to 3 hours. Fares are dependent on the choice of cab service.
Speciality:
Namchi is considered to be a sought-after location in Sikkim due to several reasons. It is a melting pot of religion, culture, and benevolence- a true representation of Sikkim. This city is famous for spots like Siddheswar Dham, Char Dham, Tarey Bhir, and others. It is all about relaxation, and embracing the slow life. These qualities make it one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for weekend vacation.
Best time to visit:
It is best to visit Namchi somewhere between March and May. During this time, the temperature remains pleasant, neither too hot nor cold. This makes it perfect for sightseeing. If you are searching for places to visit near Kolkata during the weekend, Namchi should be on your bucket list. You can enjoy Namchi with us at Eco Adventure Resorts. We will ensure you return with positive experiences.
Ravangla
Just 26 km from Namchi lies the small town of Ravangla. A hidden gem of Sikkim, it is well-connected with Pelling, and Gangtok. It has gained the attention of tourists in recent times due to its Himalayan views, spiritual centres, and cultural richness. Additionally, it is also a great option if one is searching for adventure. Ravangla is a destination to chill, trek, and enjoy nature to its fullest. A great tourist place near Kolkata.
How to Visit:
The best way to visit Ravangla from Kolkata is by train. New Jalpaiguri station is the closest to Ravangla. A direct taxi ride from there will take 5 hours. There are many private taxis which are readily available.
Speciality:
Ravangla is special due to the Himalayan view it provides to those who visit it. It is diverse and is considered as one of the most famous tourist places to visit near Kolkata. It showcases its diverse wildlife through key locations such as the Meenam Wildlife Sanctuary. Trekkers can have the best time of their lives through the trek to Meenam Hill. This place is also culturally diverse as its natives are Bhutias, Lepchas, and Nepali communities. Their vibrant festivals add a unique touch to it.
Best time to visit:
Make Ravangla plans from March to May. The weather remains pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10°C – 20°C. Get your dream Ravangla weekend vacation with us- Eco Adventure Resorts.
Dooars
Renowned as India’s Gateway to Bhutan, Dooars is an underrated hill station. It has river Teesta to its East, and River Sankoshi to its West. It is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata. It has garnered a widespread reputation for its greenery, varied wildlife, and vast tea plantations. Its culture- which consists of Indigenous tribal communities is very vibrant and unique from the rest of West Bengal.
How to Visit:
Visiting Dooars from Kolkata is very easy, and convenient. An overnight train such as Kanchan Kanya Express is best for reaching New Jalpaiguri Station. From there, a car, or bus is enough to reach Dooars. It is one of the most beautiful and convenient tourist places near Kolkata.
Speciality:
Dooars is a famed destination for its tea plantations. From these plantations, the best teas in India are made. Here some interesting places are Teesta River, wetlands, and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of these sanctuaries include the Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park, and Jaldapara National Park. Dooars is known for its cultural richness. It is home to tribes such as the Mech, Bodo, Rava, and Toto. Their practices and festivals contribute to the attractiveness of this destination.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Dooars is from October to March. These are the winter months which increase the beauty of the place. Dooars is a one-in-all destination- great culture, pleasant weather, and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
Darjeeling
As a tourist destination, Darjeeling needs no introduction. A highly preferred tourist destination among Bengalis, it ranks as one of the best tourist places near Kolkata. As the Queen of the Hills- this place offers beautiful nature, good food, and great people, all in one place.
How to Visit:
The most efficient way to reach Darjeeling from Kolkata is by flight. A flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport to Bagdogra Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. After that, a pre-paid cab ride is the best choice to reach Darjeeling.
Speciality:
Darjeeling is the one-stop destination to satisfy a traveller’s needs. It’s most famous for its tea plantations- the place where the famous Darjeeling Tea was born. It provides panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially the breathtaking Kanchenjunga. It is culturally rich as well. Its native population is made up of the Rengpa and the Lepcha people. Their traditional festivals are a sight to behold. Some places here that are worth a visit are Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Ghoom, and others.
Best time to visit:
To get the best experience, make Darjeeling plans between September to November. It is winter, and the temperature stays between 10°C – 25°C. The cold climate makes it perfect for outdoor activities.
Mirik
Mirik is a tiny tourist town in West Bengal. It is a notified area in the Darjeeling district and the headquarters of the Mirik subdivision. The name of this place can be traced to the Lepcha language. It comes from the Lepcha word Mir-Yok, which translates to “place burned by fire.” It has become a tourist attraction due to its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and convenience. Easily one of the best places to visit near Kolkata.
How to Visit:
Mirik falls in the category of the easiest tourist place to visit near Kolkata. A direct flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport will take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Bagdogra, Mirik is just 50 km away. A shared cab or bus is enough to cover the rest of the distance.
Speciality:
Mirik is considered to be one of the best tourist places near Kolkata for a variety of reasons. It is a place full of natural, and cultural diversity. Every year, tourists flock to this place due to the Sumendu Lake. This lake is quite special. On one side of this lake is a beautiful garden, while on the other side, there is a broad footbridge called the Indreni Pull. It acts as a link between the two sides.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit this beautiful town is from March to June. During this time, travellers can enjoy good weather. The nice weather is accompanied by the natural beauty of the region. The native flowers are in full bloom. Combined with this are clear skies, and the comfortable Himalayan breeze. Truly an ideal tourist place to visit near Kolkata.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a prominent tourist town in West Bengal. Its exact location is their Himalayan foothills, just above the mighty Teesta River. It is one of the best tourist places to visit near Kolkata as it is beautiful and affordable. It has earned a name due to its colonial-era architecture, scenic qualities, and local Buddhist influence.
How to Visit:
Kalimpong is among the best places to visit near Kolkata for weekend tours. A flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra airport is the fastest and most convenient way. Once reached, Kalimpong is just 70 km away. A shared cab is enough to cover this.
Speciality:
Being one of the best places to visit near Kolkata, Kalimpong always competes against Darjeeling. This is because both places have a lot of things in common. Both have significant colonial influence inspiring their architecture and are naturally beautiful. However, the Buddhist influence can be observed more in Kalimpong. This place is known for the Durpin Monastery, Fagu Monastery, and several others. Popular colonial buildings here include Morgan House.
Best time to visit:
The ideal time to visit this place is from June to September. The monsoons come during this time and elevate the beauty of this place. A good choice for places to visit near Kolkata for weekend.
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is a town in West Bengal. It is among the most common places to visit near Kolkata. It is considered to be a cultural hotspot of the Bengali people and was the home of Rabindranath Tagore- the man who revolutionized Bengali literature. It is very uncommon to hear that a person living in West Bengal has not visited Shantiniketan at least once in their lifetime.
How to Visit:
Shantiniketan is an easy tourist place to visit near Kolkata. The best, and most direct way to visit this cultural paradise is to board a train from Howrah Station. Trains such as Kulik Express, Ganadevta Express, and others. These trains directly reach Bolpur station.
Speciality:
Shantiniketan is a very special town. Its artistic heritage makes it one of the most unique tourist places to visit from Kolkata. Its culture is heavily inspired by the philosophies preached by Rabindranath Tagore. Visva Bharati, the university founded by Tagore, is a major place of interest here. Other than this, Amar Kutir, Tagore’s Ashram, Chhtimtala, Kala Bhavan, and Speciality museums. This place is also a major shopping hub.
Best time to visit:
Shantiniketan is the best option if one is searching for places to visit near Kolkata for weekend. The best to visit this place is from November to March. The place has pleasant weather, making it the best to explore and engage in fun activities.
Bishnupur
Bishnupur is located in West Bengal. As a town, it is most famous for its religious locations. The Hindu temples in this location often feature terracotta figures. Out of those temples, the most famous is the Rasmancha. If one wants a glimpse into the mysteries of Hindu culture, and myths- Bishnupur is the ideal tourist place to visit near Kolkata.
How to Visit:
Bishnupur is the answer to weekend tours. Reaching this destination is easier than most. A direct bus from Kolkata to this town costs approximately INR 120. Cab options are also available. However, prior reservations must be made.
Speciality:
As one of the easiest places to visit near Kolkata, Bishnupur is a cultural goldmine. Named after Lord Vishnu, this city is ancient. It is full of temples standing in all of their ancient glory. Prominent spots include Rasmancha, Madanmohan Temple, and Jor Bangla Temple. The Jor Bangla temple is special as scenes from the tale of Mahabharata are carved within its walls. Other attractions include the Dalmandal Canon, Dihar, and the Baluchari weaving centre.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit this cultural town is from October to January. During this time, it is winter, and the weather is comfortable. Summers here, are excruciatingly hot.
Khairabera Lake
Khairabera Lake is a very popular destination in Purulia district. Surrounded by hills, and deep forests, this natural water body is the resting place of many migratory birds. It is also the home of the Khairabera Dam. It is a beautiful place and is among the perfect places to visit near Kolkata for weekend tours.
How to Visit:
To visit Khairabera Lake from Kolkata, it is best to take a train heading towards Purulia. The best option is the Ranchi intercity Express. Then a taxi towards Baghmundi can be taken.
Speciality:
Khairabera Lake is famous for being a haven for migratory birds. It is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata. It offers travellers a view of the Baghmundi Hills, located within the Chhota Nagpur plateau. Here, the famed Khairabera Dam is also located. It is between these hills, that Eco Adventure Resorts is situated. Travelers can enjoy the native vegetation, flora, and fauna. Some notable attractions include the Polash Festival, Santhal Dances, and Bhadu Festival.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit this destination is between late September to early April. This is peak season, making the area perfect for adventure activities, and birdwatching.
Joychandi Pahar
Joychandi Pahar is a notable tourist destination in the Purulia district. It is a hill, and a good choice if one is searching for places to visit near Kolkata during the weekend. The entire area is rugged, as Purulia itself is among the lowest in the Chhota Nagpur plateau. Over 80% of the natives are poor and depend on the surrounding hills, and forests for their livelihood.
How to Visit:
As a tourist place to visit near Kolkata, it is convenient to visit Joychandi Pahar from Purulia. It is just 15 km from the main Purulia city and can be reached via bus.
Speciality:
Joychandi Pahar is a beautiful place to explore. There are many spots to explore here. Some of these include the Joychandi Temple and the waterfall of the same name. The temple is an ancient Kali temple. The hill also offers great views of the surroundings, making it perfect for photographers.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit this hill is between September to March. This time is great for exploring sights like Garh Panchkot, and Ayodhya Hills.
Baranti
Baranti is a tiny tribal village in Purulia district. It is one of the best-developing tourist places to visit near Kolkata. Near it lies the Panchkot Hill and the Biharinath Hill. As a tourist spot with a lot of potential, it offers travelers a glimpse into the hilly, and rugged regions of West Bengal. The Baranti Lake is a notable destination here.
How to Visit:
It is best to visit Baranti Lake from Purulia city if one is a tourist from Kolkata. A taxi should be hired to Raghunathpur. From there, any local mode of transportation is enough to reach Baranti.
Speciality:
Baranti is most well-known for the famed Baranti lake. It is a scenic lake, which offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Joychandi Pahar is also a part of the tourist attractions here. The nearby Kumari Lake is great for trekking.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Baranti is any time between October to March. The weather is comfortable and great for sightseeing and adventure. For the best time in Baranti, connect with Eco Adventure Resorts.
Bamni Falls
Bamni Falls is one of the most prominent places to visit near Kolkata. It is situated near the heart of Ayodhya Hill and is a favourite among tourists. With cool, and comfortable air, the waterfall is truly a sight to behold. The surrounding green bushes act like natural ornaments enhancing the beauty of the place.
How to Visit:
The best way to reach Bamni Falls from Kolkata is via Purulia. A train ride from Kolkata to Purulia will take 5 hours and 25 minutes. The best train options are Chakradharpur Express, Howrah Purulia Express, and Rupasibangla Express.
Speciality:
Bamni Falls is a great place if adventure is one’s cup of tea. To reach the falls, one must first climb the 400 stairs. Although painful, this can give the best view of the entire place. The surrounding trees, plants, and animals. The smell of the surrounding spruce trees is a part of the attraction.
Best time to visit:
The ideal time to visit this beautiful place is between October and February. Those are the winter months, and perfect for sightseeing. Plus, the cool air makes it easier to climb the 400 steps to the falls. Get the best experience of this fall with Eco Adventure Resorts.
Ghatshila
Ghatshila is a tourist town in Jharkhand. It is located on the Subarnarekha River. It lies among heavily forested hills, making it one of the best places to visit near Kolkata. It also has religious importance as it is the home of the Ghatsila Rankini Mandir. It is a notable Kali temple and has made the place an ideal tourist place near Kolkata.
How to Visit:
The distance between Kolkata is more than 200km. The fastest and most convenient way to reach this place is via Howrah station. Some of the best trains in this regard are Ghatsila MEMU Express, Kantabanji Ispat Express, and others.
Speciality:
Ghatshila is a beautiful tourist place to visit near Kolkata. It is full of scenic charm, green landscapes, and waterfalls. Other notable spots include Burudi Lake, Phuldungri Hills, and Dharagiri Falls. This place also has significant Bengali influence as it was important to popular Bengali writer Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay.
Best time to visit:
As Ghatshila is a tourist spot with religious importance, it is best to visit it from October to March. The weather is cool, and therefore perfect for your weekend tour needs.
To Sum Up: Every Places to Visit Near Kolkata Worth Exploring
There are many places to visit near Kolkata if you are planning a mini-weekend tour. The trio states of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Jharkhand have ample tourism opportunities. The destinations in these places can satisfy all your travel desires. If you want the best experience, connect with us, Eco Adventure Resorts at the earliest.