10 Amazing Offbeat Weekend Getaways From Kolkata (Visit in 2024)

Who doesn’t love to be away from the boring weekend busy daily routine?

There is no doubt that Why Kolkata is famous for travelers and how beautiful a city it is. The Best part is that it is such a city that there are many offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata, you can visit hundreds of Long and Short Trips from Kolkata by Train and Car.

In this article, I’m gonna show you the list of the 10 Best offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata.  All these places are great and amazing to visit with your Friends and Family.

10 Best offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata

I, Somraj Mondal, (Founder and Content Creator of Indianchacha) have listed the Top 10 best weekend getaways from Kolkata that can be visited on weekends for a short trip away from busy life.

1. Taki

• Location: Hasnabad, Basirhat, North 24 Parganas
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 70-75 Km by road
• Things to Do: Picnic, ferry rides, jungle walks
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

Main Attractions Of Taki

Taki is a very peaceful place on the banks of Ichhamati on the India-Bangladesh Border. Boating in the waters of Ichhamati will take you closer to our neighboring country Bangladesh. 

The most popular event in Taki is the immersion ceremony of Durga on the Ichamati River where a large number of people from both India and Bangladesh gather on both sides of the river to witness the immersion ceremony, every year.

Golpatar Jungle is another interesting place for Taki. Walking through the forest under the Golpata trees inside the forest gives you a unique and thrilling experience. By the way, to enter the Jungle, you have to submit Identity Proof to the BSF.

Another nice thing to do is to take a boat trip on the uninhabited Machranga Island near the confluence of the Ichhamati and Bhasa rivers. It is a great place for sightseeing, swimming, and bird watching.

How To Reach Taki?

There are 2 ways to reach the Taki. One is By Train and another is By Road. From Kolkata, The most straightforward and easiest way is by Train. Basically, you have to take the Hasanabad local train from Sealdah station which takes about 2 hours to reach Taki Road station, and then you need to book Local Toto to reach the riverside which takes time only 10 minutes.

In addition to the train journey, you can take the bus Taki Road from Barasat or Dharmatala, which has stopped at Basirhat. And, then, you have to take the bus, auto, or any car from Basirhat.

Where To Stay At Taki?

There are many guest houses in Taki, and with all the modern conveniences, it offers a luxurious and peaceful stay with a view of the Ichhamati River. The Most Popular hotel in Taki is Sonar Bangla.

2. Mousuni Island

• Location: South 24 Parganas
• Distance from Kolkata: 120 Km by road
• Things to Do: Birdwatching, swimming, boating, beach walks, camping, windsurfing
• Best Time to Visit: September to February

Main Attractions Of Mousuni Island

Mousuni Island is actually located on an island in a much lesser among the many lesser-known sea beaches near Kolkata. It’s known as a paradise for bird watchers. On Mousuni Island, You can relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery, the sound of the waves, and the natural beauty of the surroundings.

There are different types of birds that can be seen here. On the Island, Kakramari is the ideal place for bird watchers. In addition, there are also fishing colonies on the beach. Here you will integrate more with the environment with Local seafood.

How To Reach Mousuni Island?

First, reach Namkhana Rail Station. After that, from the station, rent a Toto and reach the Namkhana bus stop. Earlier there was a boat ride that took about 10 hours to reach. From there rent a Toto and reach the Bagdanga ferry terminal. From Bagdanga, the motor van will drop you off at Mousuni Island in 20 minutes.

Where To Stay At Mousuni Island?

On Mousuni Island, the most exciting thing here is to stay in a Tent house. There are many Tents and Resorts where you can stay.

3. Henry Island

• Location: South 24 Parganas (Near Bakkhali)
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 126 Km by road
• Things to Do:  Beach walks, camping, Trekking in Mangrove Tree Forest
• Best Time to Visit: September to February

Main Attractions Of Henry Island

Henry Island gives you a vibe of Beauty of the Calm sea, white sands, and rocks. You can also see here the Mangrove Forest which makes the place unique. In addition to forest conservation, about 100-hectare land is being used for fish farming in the West Bengal Fisheries Department.

How To Reach Henry Island?

Basically, there are some buses are scheduled to reach Bakkhali, Henry Island from Esplanade. If you plan to drive your car, come to Jellyghat Stop along Diamond Harbor Road, and from there, you need to turn left and cross 1.5 kilometers to reach Henry Island. In addition, you can also go by train, you need to stop at Namkhana railway station and from there,  take a public bus to Henry Island from there.

Fisheries Department runs The Sundari Tourist Complex Guest House to stay on Henry Island which is surrounded by many ponds which are suitable for nature lovers. 

4. Baguran

• Location: Kanthi, East Medinipur
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 160 km
• Things to Do: Walk on the beach, visit the fishermen’s village, Sunset
• Best Time to Visit: All through the year

Main Attractions Of Baguran

Baguran Jalpai is an undiscovered and quiet beach destination in the Contai subdivision of East Midnapore. If you are looking for a less crowded beach near Kolkata, Baguran is a great place for you. This is just 4 hours away from Kolkata. Surrounded by casuarina trees, the long sandy beach is just a place to relax and unwind. 

How To Reach Baguran?

You can go to Kanthi by train from Howrah. Baguran Jalpai is 10 km away from Kanthi. After reaching the Kanthi Station, you need to rent a car or auto from the Kanthi railway station.

Where To Stay At Baguran?

There are many resorts and hotels at Kanthi which is some distance away from Baguran Sea Beach.

5. Purbasthali (Chupi Char Lake)

• Location: Kalna, Purba Bardhaman
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 140 Km by road
• Things to Do: Bird Watching, Boating on Lake
• Best Time to Visit: November to February

Main Attractions Of Purbasthali

Purbasthali is a village with a police station and railway station in the Purbasthali II CD block of the Kalna subdivision of East Burdwan district between Katwa and Nabadwip. 

This beautiful place is actually located on the shores of a beautiful Oxbow Lake, named Chupi Char, built by the river Ganges. Chupi Char Lake covers an area of 3.5 km. The East Gangetic Isle Complex, large and small, consists of a cluster of islands outside the lake. 

In Purbasthali, You can walk through the lakeside and garden with your binoculars to see different native birds in the Early Morning or Evening. The local management committee has made the Watch Tower a strategic point. In addition, you can also do Boat Riding, Fishing on the lake here.

How To Reach Purbasthali?

If you have a private car, you can travel from Kolkata on the Barrackpore-Kalyani Expressway and then take the STKK road to reach Kalna, Dhatrigram, Samudragarh, and finally Purbasthali.

Moreover, you can take a train from Howrah or Sealdah station to Katwa junction. After arriving at the Katwa junction, get in the Toto or local car to get to the right location.

Where To Stay At Purbasthali?

The local panchayat committee has built a cottage in the area adjacent to the lake. All cottages have hot water geysers, a TV, a comfortable bed, an attached Western bathroom,  and other amenities. 

6. Mukutmanipur

• Location: Bankura
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 230 km from Kolkata
• Things to Do: Relaxing, hiking, picnic, camping, boating, nature walks
• Best Time to Visit: July to February

Main Attractions Of Mukutmanipur

Mukutmanipur is another lesser-known place near Kolkata which is located on the banks of the Kangsabati Dam. At Mukutmonipur, you can enjoy some peaceful time away from the crowds of people. Here you can also get an opportunity to Boating and hiking in the nearby Hills. It is a great place for a picnic, due to its green environment and open area.

How To Reach Mukutmanipur?

You can take a Tourist Bust from Kolkata to Mukutmanipur which takes 7 hr 5 min (305.4 km) via NH19 road. And, for the train route, There is no railway station in Mukutmanipur. The nearest railway line is at Bankura which is about 55 km from Mukutmanipur. After reaching the station, you need to take a local car 2-3 hour journey from Bankura railway station to Mukutmanipur.

Where To Stay At Mukutmanipur? 

There are many hotels and resorts in Mukutmanipur such are Ishani Guest House, Hotel Saptarshi, Hotel Debarshi, and many more.

7. Joypur Forest

• Location: Joypur, Bankura
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 125 kms by road
• Things to Do: Walking in Forest, Watching Wildlife
• Best Time to Visit: December during the snake festival

Main Attractions Of Joypur Forest

Joypur Forest is one of the best Weekend Destinations near Kolkata which is located in the Bankura District. The forest is covered with sky-scraping shawls, Mahua, Neem, Palash, and teak trees. If you like the seclusion of dense jungle, lush greenery, and wildlife like deer, and elephants, it is the best place for you. 

How To Reach Joypur Forest?

If you take a car route from Kolkata, it takes about 3.5 hours to reach Joypur Forest via NH19. In addition, you can also visit the forest by train to reach the nearest railway station Arambagh, and Bishnupur Forest Station. After reaching the station, you need to arrange a local car to reach the resort of exact location.

Where To Stay At Joypur Forest?

Joypur Forest Resort is right in the heart of the green forest. At night at the resort, you can see and feel the darkness of the Jungle, which is a life-changing feeling for a while. Here, Some accommodation is Bonalata Resort, Banaful Hall, and Banabitan Lodge.

8. Mangalgunj Backpackers’ Villa

• Location: Nataberia – Benimadhabtala Road, North 24 Parganas
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 90 Km by road
• Things to Do: Camping
• Best Time to Visit: September to February

Main Attractions Of Mangalgunj Backpackers’ Vila

Mangalgunj Backpackers’ Villa which is about 100 Kilometers away from Kolkata, offers some adventure Tents, including Bamboo Cottages. If you want to spend a magical night with your friends in a village in an open sky, it is for you. You can enjoy the campfire with a delicious bamboo chicken barbecue. 

Boating on the Ichhamati river calms the mind. But when night falls and darkness falls, the place becomes haunted. It is famous for the old palace known as ‘Kata Saheb’s Factory’. During the British rule, it was a ‘blue factory’ known only for the brutal persecution of the locals for cultivating ‘blue’ or blue dye.  Basically, this place is closely associated with our Indian freedom fighters.

How To Reach  Mangalgunj Backpackers’ Vila?

The Best way to visit the place is by Train. Basically, you have to take a local train from Sealdah railway station and to go Chakdaha or Bangaon station. Then, you need to take local transport to reach Nataberia, Mangalganj Backpackers Villa.

Where To Stay At  Mangalgunj Backpackers’ Vila?

Mangalganj Backpackers’ Villa is the only option to stay here which offers Tent service for stay.

9. Baranti

• Location: Asansol
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 265 KM from Kolkata
• Things to Do: Enjoy the sunset at Baranti Dam, Trekking in Ayodhya Hills, Biharinath Hills, and Susunia hill
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

Main Attractions Of Baranti

Baranti is one of the most beautiful places in Purulia which is Surrounded by Biharinath hills on one side and Panchkot hills. on the other, Baranti is the ideal place to visit near Kolkata for two days for finding peace away from the hustle-bustle city. 

Baranti Lake in Baranti is made of earthen embankments. The view of the sunset with the lake in the background is breathtaking. From Baranti, you can see other attractions of Purulia like Ayodhya hill, Susunia Hill, Biharinath hill, etc.

How To Reach Baranti?

You can take Bus from Dharmatala Bus Stand to Asansol or you can take the train from Howrah station to Asansol.

Where To Stay At Baranti?

Baranti is a small village in Purulia. The local Municipality arranges some guest houses there for tourists. You find them on the spot.

10. Bhalki Machan

• Location: Bardhaman 
• Distance from Kolkata: Around 145 Km from Kolkata
• Things to Do: Spending time near the lake, Trekking is Forest
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

Main Attractions Of Bhalki Machan

Bhalki Machan is one of the offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata, located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Basically, this place is known for Bear Hunting and from it, Bhalki Machan Name comes. The place was covered with dense forest and was attacked by wild animals including bears. The place covered with red soil carries some historical significance with sheer peace and emerald green. 

How To Reach Bhalki Machan?

You need to first visit Durgapur via Panagarh Highway and then reach the exact location, Bhalki Machan. In addition, You can get on the train from Howrah station and get off at Guskara or Mankar station. Then you have to take local transport like auto, bus, private car to get to the right place from the railway station.

Where To Stay At Bhalki Machan?

There is a resort in the forest at Bhalki Machan. First, the Local Panchayat Committee maintains a resort, named Aranya Sundari Resort at Bhalki Machan Now, the ownership of the resort has been transferred to private hands. 

Conclusion of Best offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata

I hope you have gotten the list of the name of top 10 offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata in this other blog post of Indianchacha.

Now, I’d like to know you:

Did you like this list of offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata?

In which place on this list of offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata, you will first visit or already have visited?

Let me know in the comment Right Now.