Table of Contents
Introduction
Living in Kolkata has its perks—the food, the culture, the timeless trams—but every now and then, the chaos of city life makes a weekend escape feel like a necessity rather than a luxury. Fortunately, you don’t need to go far. With lush forests, historical towns, coastal charm, and hill retreats all within 300 km, there are plenty of options for short trips near Kolkata perfect for a quick recharge.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo trip, or an adventure with friends, here are weekend getaways from Kolkata that will leave you refreshed and inspired.
Coastal Escapes from Kolkata
Escape the city hustle with these serene beach destinations near Kolkata, perfect for a weekend—especially during the monsoon when the coast is at its dramatic best.
1. Mandarmani
📍 Approx. 170 km from Kolkata
🚗 ~4.5 hours by car
Mandarmani is one of India’s rare and unique drivable beaches, where vehicles can glide smoothly along the hard-packed sand during low tide—a rare experience in the country. Located approximately 170 km from Kolkata, it has evolved from a quiet fishing village into a laid-back seaside getaway without losing its rustic charm. The beach itself is remarkably clean and stretches for nearly 13 km, making it ideal for sunset strolls, beach sports, and even romantic ATV rides. The monsoon adds a dramatic touch to the landscape—overcast skies, rhythmic waves, and a cool breeze make it a perfect escape for those looking to unwind amidst nature. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful weekend getaways from Kolkata , a drive-in beach adventure, or fresh coastal cuisine, Mandarmani offers a scenic blend of all three.
- Top Activities: Beach drives, watching sunsets, seafood dining
- Best For: Couples, groups, road-trippers
- Monsoon Note: Great for scenic drives and peaceful stays, avoid swimming
2. Tajpur
📍 Approx. 170 km from Kolkata
🚗 ~4.5 hours by car
Tajpur is a quiet, less-commercial beach near Digha, known for its red crab colonies and shady casuarina forests. During monsoon, the coastline becomes lush and misty, offering a peaceful escape with serene beaches and gentle waves—perfect for solitude and nature lovers.
- Top Activities: Nature walks, photography, hammock lounging
- Best For: Solitude seekers, couples, offbeat explorers
- Monsoon Note: Ideal for a serene and misty escape
3. Digha
📍 Approx. 185 km from Kolkata
🚗 ~5 hours by car or direct train available
Digha remains one of the most popular and accessible weekend getaways from Kolkata, especially for beach lovers. Located on the Bay of Bengal, this seaside town is known for its broad sandy beaches, gentle waves, and laid-back vibe. The town has seen steady improvements in infrastructure, making it more visitor-friendly than ever. Families can enjoy a stroll along the newly renovated Marine Drive, while adventure seekers can try out water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides. The Digha Marine Aquarium also makes for a great stop, especially for those traveling with kids.
Top Activities: Beach fun, local market shopping, seafood feasts
Best For: Families, first-time beachgoers, food lovers
Monsoon Note: Crowds increase, but the vibrant atmosphere and tasty cuisine make it worth the visit.
4. Bakkhali & Henry’s Island
📍 Approx. 140 km from Kolkata
🚗 ~4 hours via Namkhana Bridge
Bakkhali and Henry’s Island are peaceful coastal retreats known for their pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and a watchtower offering sweeping views of the Bay of Bengal. These twin destinations are ideal for those seeking solitude and nature’s tranquility.
Top Activities: Birdwatching, forest trail walks, beach sunsets
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, solo travelers
Monsoon Note: Increased bird activity and lush greenery make the monsoon a perfect time to visit.
Nature & Forest Retreats
5. Sundarbans – Into the Wild
- 110 km from Kolkata
- Ideal Travel Time: 2–3 days
- Activities: Mangrove safaris, bird watching, boat cruises, village walks
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- How to Reach: Around 3 hours by train to Canning, followed by a boat ride (~110 km from Kolkata)
For those seeking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature’s raw beauty, the Sundarbans offers an unforgettable experience. As the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a unique blend of wildlife, wilderness, and local culture.
Perfect for weekend getaways from Kolkata, this destination lets you explore narrow creeks and mudflats on guided boat safaris, spotting crocodiles, otters, spotted deer, and a rich variety of birds. While the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger remains a rare sight, the tranquil surroundings and village visits provide a deeply immersive adventure for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike.
6. Garpanchkot
- Approx. 250 km from Kolkata
- Ideal Travel Time: 2 days, best visited during the monsoon (June to September) when the landscape is at its greenest and most atmospheric.
- Top Activities:
- Exploring the ruins of old temples
- Trekking and nature walks through verdant hills
- Photography of mist-covered landscapes and waterfalls
- Bird watching and wildlife spotting
- How to Reach:
- By Car: Approximately 5-6 hours’ drive from Kolkata via NH19 and local roads.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Asansol (~40 km), followed by a taxi or local transport to Garpanchkot.
Monsoon rains transform Garpanchkot into a mystical retreat, with ancient temple ruins shrouded in mist and lush rolling hills coming alive with vibrant greenery. Overflowing streams and waterfalls add to the serene beauty, making it a perfect spot for photographers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts seeking an offbeat weekend getaway from Kolkata.
7. Joypur Forest
- Approx. 140 km from Kolkata
- Ideal Travel Time:1–2 days, especially during the monsoon season (June to September) when the forest is lush and vibrant.
- Top Activities:
- Nature walks and trekking
- Birdwatching and wildlife spotting
- Photography of rain-soaked foliage and forest trails
- How to Reach:
- By Car: Around 3.5–4 hours drive from Kolkata via NH19 and local roads.
- By Train: Nearest station is Bankura (~20 km), followed by local transport to Joypur.
Joypur Forest, nestled in the Bankura district, is one of the best monsoon weekend getaways from Kolkata. During the rainy season, the forest transforms into a lush, vibrant green sanctuary. The dense canopy filters soft, diffused light while the gentle rhythm of raindrops creates a calming natural symphony, offering visitors a deeply immersive experience. This quiet, dense forest is an ideal getaway for travelers looking to escape the city’s hustle and reconnect with nature’s soothing sounds. Birdsong fills the air, and the moist earth releases rich, earthy scents that enhance the sensory delight. Nature lovers and photographers will find Joypur’s serene trails perfect for leisurely walks, wildlife spotting, and capturing the enchanting beauty of a monsoon-kissed forest. Whether you want to meditate, trek, or simply unwind amidst greenery, Joypur Forest is a rejuvenating monsoon place to visit and escape the urban grind.
Hill Stations & Mountain Views
8. Kurseong (Approx. 612 km from Kolkata)
Known as the “Land of White Orchids,” Kurseong’s cloud-kissed tea gardens take on a mysterious, romantic aura during the monsoon. Less crowded than Darjeeling, it offers a peaceful retreat amid misty hills and lush greenery—ideal for travelers looking for serene weekend getaways from Kolkata seeking quiet and calm.
9. Kalimpong (Approx. 650 km from Kolkata)
Monsoon rains wash over Kalimpong’s valleys, making the colonial architecture and vibrant flower markets especially charming. Don’t miss its serene Buddhist monasteries nestled amidst the rain-washed hills. A perfect choice among scenic weekend getaways from Kolkata for culture and nature lovers.
10. Rishyap (Approx. 688 km from Kolkata)
This offbeat mountain hamlet is a hidden monsoon jewel, offering surreal, cloud-covered views of the majestic Kanchenjunga range. The rains add a magical touch to the tranquil environment, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Cultural & Heritage Sites
11. Shantiniketan (Approx. 212 km from Kolkata)
Shantiniketan is a peaceful town in West Bengal, best known as the home of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It is also the site of Visva Bharati University, founded by Tagore to promote a holistic, open-air learning environment focused on the arts, culture, and education. Visitors can explore Tagore’s Ashram, a well-preserved area showcasing his legacy, and walk through the tranquil university campus. On weekends, the Sonajhuri Haat comes alive with stalls selling local handicrafts, handloom textiles, and traditional folk music performances.
With its rich cultural atmosphere and laid-back pace, Shantiniketan is one of the most rewarding weekend getaways from Kolkata, ideal for a 2-day cultural retreat.
- Ideal Travel Time: 2 days
- Activities: Visit Tagore’s Ashram, explore Visva Bharati University, attend baul music performances, shop at Sonajhuri Haat
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- How to Reach: Around 3–4 hours by train or car from Kolkata (~165 km)
12. Murshidabad (Approx. 182 km from Kolkata)
Murshidabad is a historic gem that once served as the capital of Bengal during the Nawabi era. Today, it stands as a testament to a bygone age, with stunning architectural landmarks like the Hazarduari Palace, which houses a museum with over a thousand doors, and the impressive Katra Masjid. The riverside town is also known for its rich silk-weaving tradition. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, Murshidabad is one of the most enriching weekend getaways from Kolkata, blending heritage, architecture, and scenic charm.
- Ideal Travel Time: 2 days
- Activities: Visit Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid, Nizamat Imambara, boat ride on the Bhagirathi River, explore local silk weaving centers
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (Monsoon also offers scenic views, but plan accordingly)
- How to Reach: Approximately 4–5 hours by train or car from Kolkata (~180 km)
13. Itachuna Rajbari (Approx. 60 km from Kolkata)
Just a short drive from the city, Itachuna Rajbari offers a unique opportunity to step back into Bengal’s regal past. This 18th-century mansion, built by the Kundan family of Maratha origin, has been beautifully restored into a heritage homestay. With its antique furniture, arched verandas, and sprawling courtyards, the rajbari lets you experience the elegance of zamindari life.
Guests can enjoy a guided tour of the palace, savour authentic Bengali meals, and even participate in evening folk music sessions. For those seeking a short, luxurious weekend getaway from Kolkata, Itachuna Rajbari is perfect—offering tranquility, history, and a taste of aristocratic Bengal.
- Ideal Travel Time: 1–2 days
- Activities: Heritage stay, palace tour, traditional Bengali cuisine, cultural performances
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- How to Reach: Around 2 hours by car from Kolkata (~60 km)
Offbeat & Lesser-Known Spots
14.Taki – Riverside Serenity on the Bangladesh Border
Taki, a quaint town on the banks of the Ichamati River, is a peaceful and lesser-known weekend getaway from Kolkata. What makes it unique is its position right along the India-Bangladesh border—you can actually see Bangladeshi villages on the opposite bank during a river cruise.Ideal for a slow-paced trip, Taki offers relaxing boat rides, scenic picnic spots, and glimpses into the fading grandeur of colonial-era zamindar mansions. It’s especially popular during Durga Puja, when the immersion of idols on both sides of the border happens simultaneously—a rare and touching sight of shared culture.
Top Highlights:
- Boat rides on the Ichamati River — sail along the India-Bangladesh border
- Scenic riverbanks and picnic spots — perfect for relaxed family outings
- Photography opportunities — misty landscapes, river views, and colonial-era buildings
- Heritage charm — visit old zamindar houses, temples, and the ruins of historic mansions
- Local Bengali cuisine — enjoy fresh fish dishes and riverside snacks
15. Ghatshila – Hills, Rivers, and Rustic Charm
Nestled in the forests of Jharkhand, Ghatshila is a quiet town surrounded by hills, waterfalls, and the shimmering Subarnarekha River. A former retreat for author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, it still retains the raw, untouched beauty he often described in his works.
Perfect for weekend getaway from Kolkata, nature lovers and those seeking a quiet, offbeat escape, Ghatshila offers refreshing treks, peaceful riverside picnics, and scenic viewpoints. The Phuldungri Hills and Dharagiri Falls are local highlights, while the old-world charm of the town adds to its appeal.
Top Highlights:
- Subarnarekha River: Scenic riverside walks and photography, especially dramatic during the rains
- Phuldungri Hills: Short trek offering panoramic views and monsoon mist
- Burudih Lake: A peaceful spot for boating and lakeside picnics
- Dharagiri Falls: A seasonal waterfall best visited during monsoon
- Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s Cottage: For literary buffs—visit the retreat of the famous Bengali author
16. Purulia & Ayodhya Hills (Approx. 300 km from Kolkata)
A monsoon marvel tucked in the western part of West Bengal, Purulia and the Ayodhya Hills transform into a lush green paradise during the rainy season. Rolling hills, red laterite soil, and seasonal waterfalls like Bamni, Turga, and Pardi burst into life with the rains, offering a breathtaking natural escape.
This region is also rich in tribal culture, traditional Chau dance, and ancient terracotta temples, providing a unique blend of nature and heritage. The fog-draped hills, vibrant greenery, and occasional downpours make this one of the most soulful weekend getaways from Kolkata during monsoon.
Top Highlights:
- Trekking & scenic drives through the Ayodhya Hills
- Visiting Bamni and Turga waterfalls in full monsoon flow
- Exploring tribal villages and local handicrafts
- Photography of misty landscapes and red-earth trails
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing the roar of waterfalls in Purulia, sipping tea in the misty hills of Kurseong, watching red crabs scuttle across Tajpur’s beach, or cruising along the Ichamati River in Taki, weekend getaways from Kolkata offer a diverse palette of experiences — all within a few hours’ reach.
The monsoon season transforms these destinations into lush, vibrant retreats, perfect for nature lovers, culture seekers, and anyone craving a break from the urban rush. With something for everyone — be it hills, forests, beaches, or heritage — these escapes are ideal for short, soulful adventures.
So pack your bags, embrace the rains, and let the road from Kolkata lead you to tranquility.
