Best Places for One Day Trips From Kolkata

Known For : Marichjhanpi Ghoramara Island New Moore Island

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest straddling India and Bangladesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity. Home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and a myriad of bird species, it offers a captivating wildlife experience, best explored through boat safaris navigating its intricate network of water channels.

Best Time: September to March

3 Sundarbans Attractions

Falta, a serene riverside town near Kolkata, offers quaint farmhouses that provide a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. Spending time at a Falta farmhouse promises lush green surroundings, fresh produce, and the calming ambiance of the Hooghly River, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Distance from Kolkata: 52 km

Known For : Bakkhali Beach Henry's Island Jambu Dweep

Bakkhali, close to Sunderbans, is a secluded white sand beach, lined with casuarinas and boasting a 7km stretch that offers serene sunsets. Easily accessible from Kolkata, 3.5 hours from Joka, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Crocodile and Mangrove forest and Benfish Harbour.

Distance from Kolkata: 126 km

Best Time: October to March

6 Bakkhali Attractions

Known For : Parasnath Hills Kangsabati dam Ambikanagar

Mukutmanipur, a scenic beauty surrounded by hills, boasts Asia's second-largest earth dam and a picturesque lake that offers breathtaking sunset views and boating facilities. Located 250 km from Calcutta, it's accessible by road and rail, with attractions including the Parasnath Hills, Banpukuria Deer Park, and the ancient town of Ambikanagar. Whether for the dam's splendor or the serene landscapes, Mukutmanipur promises an escape into tranquility.

Distance from Kolkata: 263 km

Best Time: October to March

4 Mukutmanipur Attractions

Known For : Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary Sumsing and Suntalekhola Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Dooars, derived from 'Doors' (meaning Doors to Bhutan), is a picturesque region in West Bengal showcasing the magnificence of the Eastern Himalayas, dense forests, abundant wildlife, and sprawling tea gardens. Stretching between the rivers Teesta and Sankosh, it serves as a gateway to Bhutan and Northeast India. Key attractions include Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorumara National Park, and the scenic Bhutanghat near the Bhutan border.

Distance from Kolkata: 674 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Dooars Attractions

Diamond Harbour, situated just south of Kolkata on the banks of the Hooghly River, offers a refreshing weekend getaway with its serene river views and colonial history. It's a popular spot for boat rides, capturing mesmerizing sunsets, and relishing fresh seafood delicacies. The nearby historical attractions, like the Chingrihkali Fort, add to the allure, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Distance from Kolkata: 56 km

Barrackpore holds immense historical significance as the first British cantonment and the starting point of India's revolt against British rule. The town offers lush parks for relaxation and pristine temples that exude tranquility and positivity. A visit promises a blend of peaceful retreat and insight into a pivotal chapter of Indian history.

Distance from Kolkata: 31 km

Known For : Rasmancha Lalji Temple Susunia Hill

Bishnupur in West Bengal's Bankura district, just 135 Km from Kolkata, is renowned for its 17th-century terracotta temples, a legacy of the Malla Dynasty's royal patronage. Aside from its rich historical and cultural heritage, Bishnupur is famed for the art of weaving the Baluchari Saree. Key attractions include the Bishnupur Museum, Jor Bangla Temple, and the terracotta Rasmanch, with shopping for Baluchari sarees being a must for visitors.

Distance from Kolkata: 137 km

Best Time: October to March

12 Bishnupur Attractions

Known For : Tagore's ashrama Poush Mela Amar Kutir

Santiniketan, envisioned by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is a harmonious blend of education, art, and nature in West Bengal. It's home to Visva Bharati University, where one can immerse in Tagore's philosophy and experience the cultural richness through its festivals, especially the vibrant Poush Mela. A visit promises a deeper connection to Tagore's literary works, serene landscapes, and the timeless legacy of Bengali arts and crafts.

Distance from Kolkata: 167 km

Best Time: Mid August to March

15 Santiniketan Attractions

Tajpur Beach, approximately 170 km from Calcutta, captivates with its mystifying waves, dense tamarisk tree forests, and a plethora of adventure activities like zorbing and paragliding. Easily accessible via a 3-hour drive from Calcutta, it offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping experiences. Key attractions include strolls along the shore, adventure sports, and the nearby fisherman villages by River Mohana.

Distance from Kolkata: 137 km

Known For : The F fort Diamond Harbour Lighthouse at Diamond Harbour

Located only 50 kms away from Kolkata and yet a world apart, Raichak, is a riverside town and is nothing short of a breath of fresh air in its ultra urban and commercialized surrounding. With the Hooghly river on its side and the numerous forts that add to its earthen charm, this town manages to be a getaway you will not want to miss.

Distance from Kolkata: 54 km

Best Time: October to March

8 Raichak Attractions

Chinsurah or Chuchura (as it is called) is a town in the district of Hooghly, West Bengal. Situated on the bank of the Hooghly river, Chinsurah was once considered as the most beautiful city of West Bengal. Today, this town stands as an example of elegant architecture, with a plethora of architectural marvels that include churches, mosques, gardens, clock towers, etc.

Deulti, located in West Bengal, is a celebration of intricate terracotta art that adorns its temples and architecture. The village beautifully showcases the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the region, with the ornate carvings narrating tales of mythology and folklore. A visit to Deulti offers a deep dive into traditional craftsmanship, against the backdrop of a tranquil rural setting.

Distance from Kolkata: 61 km

Piyali Islands, often dubbed as "Pseudo Sunderbans," is a tranquil 75 km getaway from Kolkata, offering similar vegetation and topography as the famed Sunderbans. Accessible by car or train followed by a trek, this serene destination is where the rivers Matla and Piyali converge, offering opportunities for wilderness strolls, bird watching, boat rides, and exploring the surrounding villages.

Junput, located about 145 km from Kolkata, offers a serene sea beach experience with its casuarina groves, rhythmic sea waves, and the breathtaking convergence point of the rivers Rasulpur and Ganga. Key attractions include a lighthouse and a fisheries museum. Moreover, popular destinations like Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, and Talshree are just an hour's drive away.

Distance from Kolkata: 154 km

Taki, a serene village located 80 km from Kolkata on the banks of River Ichamati, offers urban dwellers an authentic glimpse into rural Bengal's beauty and tranquility. A mere 2.5-hour drive or a train journey from Sealdah to Hasnabad brings you to this retreat, where one can view the Bangladesh border across the river, distinguished by boatmen using national flags on their boats.

Distance from Kolkata: 67 km

Machranga Dwip, also known as Kingfisher Island, sits in the middle of river Ichamati, flanked by India and Bangladesh. This verdant haven, perfect for nature lovers, offers picturesque views, boat rides, and glimpses of distant Bangladeshi settlements. To reach the island, one can travel to Hasnabad from Kolkata (75 km) by road, bus, or train and then take a motorboat from either Hasnabad or nearby Taki.

Distance from Kolkata: 90 km