9 Best Weekend Getaways from Kolkata – Hidden Gems for Families & Solo Travelers

 Looking for the perfect short escape from the city chaos of Kolkata? Whether you're a solo traveler seeking peace or a family planning quality time together, here are 9 incredible destinations near Kolkata for your next weekend adventure.

1. Purulia – For Nature, Hills & Heritage  

Distance: ~290 km  

How to Reach: Trains from Howrah/Sealdah; 

buses from Esplanade  

Highlights:  

- Ajodhya Hills & Bamni Falls, Marbel lake, Pakhi Pahar 

- Purulia Mini Pahalgam & Matha Forest  

- Charida Village – (Mukhosh Gram) Chhau mask artists 

- Garh Panchkot ruins  

- Baranti Dam – calm & scenic  

- Ranjandi Dam, Mini Sundarban

- Joychandi Pahar - Historical Place

 

Why Visit: Offbeat, peaceful, budget-friendly with tribal culture & beautiful landscapes  

2. Shantiniketan – Tagore’s Land of Peace  

Distance: ~160 km  

How to Reach: Bolpur Shantiniketan by train or car  

Highlights:  

- Visva-Bharati University  

- Amar Kutir crafts  

- Khoai Haat (weekend tribal market)  

- Rabindra Bhavan Museum  

Why Visit: Artistic, educational & relaxed vibe  

3. Digha – Bengal’s Favorite Beach Town  

Distance: ~185 km  

How to Reach: Direct trains & buses

Highlights:  

- New Digha & Old Digha beaches  

- Marine Aquarium  

- Amarabati Park  

Why Visit: Ideal for short beach vacation with family fun  

4. Sundarbans – Mangroves & Royal Bengal Tigers  

Distance: ~110 km to entry point  

How to Reach: Train to Canning + boat safari from Godkhali  

Highlights:  

- Tiger Reserve  

- Mangrove boat ride  

- Watchtowers & birding  

Why Visit: Adventure, nature, and wildlife lovers' dream  

5. Bishnupur – Terracotta Temples & Culture  

Distance: ~140 km  

How to Reach: Direct trains or buses  

Highlights:  

- Rasmancha, Jor Bangla temples  

- Baluchari sarees  

- Bishnupur Mela (seasonal)  

Why Visit: Great for history & art lovers  

6. Raichak – Luxury by the Ganges  

Distance: ~55 km  

How to Reach: Drive via Diamond Harbour Road  

Highlights:  

- Fort Raichak  

- Ganges riverfront walks  

Why Visit: Quick luxury getaway with riverside views  

7. Mukutmanipur – Where the Hills Meet the Water  

Distance: ~230 km  

How to Reach: Train to Bankura + Local transport  

Highlights:  

- Mukutmanipur Dam  

- Kangsabati Reservoir  

- Boating & Sunset Point  

Why Visit: Ideal for peaceful retreats  

8. Taki – On the Banks of Ichamati River  

Distance: ~80 km  

How to Reach: Train to Hasnabad + auto  

Highlights:  

- Indo-Bangladesh river border

- Taki Rajbari ruins  

- Picnic & boating spots  

Why Visit: Peaceful riverside spot for families  

9. Bakkhali & Henry’s Island – Coastal Charm  

Distance: ~130 km  

How to Reach: Train to Namkhana + bus  

Highlights:  

- Bakkhali Beach  

- Henry’s Island watchtower  

- Frasergunj windmills  

Why Visit: Quiet beach & birdwatching  

Travel Tips:  

- Try to leave Friday night and return by Sunday evening  

- Always book stays in advance during peak season  

- Average budget per person: ₹1500–₹3500 (2N/3D)