road trip in west bengal

5 Underrated Places to Road Trip in West Bengal, India

Road trips in West Bengal can lead you to more places than Kolkata or Darjeeling.

From extensive stretches of tea plantations and dense forests to balmy beaches and mighty Himalayas, West Bengal, in the eastern part of India, is a land of diverse natural beauty. It’s also rich in history and culture. It’s capital, Kolkata, was once the capital of India under the British Raj. It has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, survived colonial rule of the Portuguese, British, French, and many others; it has seen the Independence Movement and political wars, and served as a center for intellectual and artistic movements. 

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While the cosmopolitan Kolkata , tea-producing hill station of Darjeeling, and the mangrove forests of Sundarbans get the lion’s share of domestic and international tourists in West Bengal, there are many places within state lines that are equally as fascinating and don’t get the attention they deserve. 

Here are some underrated places in West Bengal, India, that have plenty of local character, culture, and history to offer—without the crowds.

1. Bakkhali

4h 13 min drive from Kolkata

If you’re looking for sun and sand, the tiny hamlet of Bakkhali should be your first stop. Although the distance (78 miles from Kolkata) doesn’t look like much on paper, the roads are a bit congested (more with people than vehicles), thus pushing up the driving time. You’ll want to make an early start.

Once you get there, dump your bags at WBTDC Tourist Lodge Bakkhali and make a beeline for the beach, where you’ll take a leisurely stroll, indulge in a barefoot cricket or football match, and most of all, savor fresh seafood, which vendors on the beach never seem to run out of. Take a brisk, half-hour coastal walk to neighboring Frasergunj, another quiet, white-sand beach, with some windmills and fishing boats. You can also take a boat ride to Jambudwip, an isolated island off the bay, for birdwatching. There’s also the watchtower on Henry Island for some beautiful landscape views. Near watchtower is another beach with no crowds or stalls, just casuarina trees and mangrove forests rife with birds and abundant red crabs that can be seen scuttling along the sand. Look out for whistling ducks, red knot, black-rumped flameback, and streak-throated woodpecker, among others. Finally, watch the incredible pink-purple sunset from the beach. 

2. Murshidabad

6 h 15 min drive from Kolkata

For a heady dose of history, choose the former royal capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, the independent rulers of the state prior to colonial rule . Explore monuments such as the horseshoe-shaped Lake Motijhil; the Katra Mosque , which was once a roadside inn and one of the largest of its kind in all of India; and the Greco-Roman style Hazarduari Palace . The palace also houses a museum filled with artifacts, including a large collection of European oil paintings, swords, statues, rare books, and manuscripts.

The nearby Kathgola Gardens & Palace has a Jain temple of the ancient Indian religion, mansions, and a well-kept garden to idle away an afternoon in. After, go shopping for souvenirs from shops lining the Lalbagh district, the beating heart of the city. Make sure to buy Murshidabad’s silk saris, considered to be among the finest saris in India, and don’t leave without trying Nawabi biryani (a rice dish that’s richer and loaded with dryfruits compared to other biryani styles) at one of the many restaurants in the area. There are a handful of budget hotels in Murshidabad, but if you want to experience a regal lifestyle, stay at the 250-year-old Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel  or the Indo-European style Cossimbazar Palace of the Roys .

3. Chandrakona→Gongoni

4 h 17 min drive from Kolkata; 1h drive from Chandrakona

The small town of Chandrakona has restful scenery and a smattering of temples dating back to the 14th-18th centuries. Chief among them are the nine-pinnacled Radha Rasikraya temple, the five-pinnacled Malleswar Shiva temple, and the Radhagobinda temple. These shrines, made from laterite stone and brick, have an unusual blend of Oriya and Bengali architecture. Most of these have terracotta and stucco work depicting scenes from Hindu myths. Although it’s possible to make a day trip out of this, should you decide to spend a night, the Parimal Kanan Eco-Tourism Center is a great option.

The ruins might be captivating for most, but for those who want a little more, drive to Gongoni Danga , referred to as the Grand Canyon of Bengal. Getting to Gongoni (19 miles from Chandrakona) requires driving stretches of dirt road, so fill up the gas tank and bring food and water. Try to visit early in the day or late afternoon to see the canyon bathed in a beautiful golden glow. 

4. Serampore → Chandannagar → Chinsurah → Bandel

1h 36 min drive from Kolkata; 42 min drive from Serampore; 16 min drive from Chandannagar; 10 min drive from Chinsurah

For many centuries, West Bengal was subjected to British, Danish, French, and Portugese colonial rule, and you can still see the traces of the colonial past in many places. The towns in the southern part of Bengal, along the Hooghly River, have a high concentration of colonial architecture and are perfect for a mini-tour of India’s many different eras. A walk through the winding streets of Serampore , 19 miles from Kolkata, will reveal many old structures with undertones of typical Danish architecture. The 212-year-old St. Olav’s Church is the most grandiose example. A few steps away from the church, you’ll run into the 234-year old Denmark Tavern —f east on North Indian, Chinese, Bengali, and Danish meals at the restaurant on the ground floor. Other places in the town worth visiting include: the Goswami Rajbari , a mansion with a huge courtyard supported by fluted columns; the neoclassical Serampore College and its William Carey Museum; and the Indo-European style Unique Lodge, a 130-year-old family home full of collectables and oddities. 

13-miles upstream from Serampore is Chandannagar , an erstwhile French Colony. Walk along the Strand, a lovely boulevard with the Ganges River on one side and French-era edifices on the other. Take note of the 18th-century Patal-Bari (or “The Underground House,” where the lowest floor is submerged under the river), and the Indo-French Cultural Centre & Museum at Dupleix Palace, where there is an impressive collection of French memorabilia. For the spiritually inclined, there are several places of worship: The late 19th-century Sacred Heart Church (just off the Strand) has beautiful stained-glass windows. Nearby, the Nandadulal Temple dedicated to Hindu Lord Krishna, is another striking building that stands out with its curved roof. After working up an appetite, dig into hot aloo kachori  (fried and stuffed bread) along with tea (served in a small clay pot) at one of the many stalls lining the Strand. 

Located about three miles upstream from Chandannagar, the town of Chinsurah is a former Dutch trading post and can be explored in less than a half-day. To learn about the town’s Dutch heritage, visit the 257-year-old Baro Seal Bari, a former Dutch merchant’s mansion. Then explore the nearby Dutch cemetery, where some of the tombstones include the Dutch Coat of Arms. Before bidding Chinsurah a farewell, check out the enormous Indo-Dutch style tomb of the merchant wife Susanna Anna Maria , just a kilometer outside the town. 

Worth at least an hour or two in your itinerary, Bandel , about four miles upstream from Chinsurah, is an old Portuguese settlement. The star attraction of the town is the Basilica of the Holy Rosary (or “Bandel Church”)—you can stop at the Nabani Sweets shop afterward. For those with extra time, visit the nearby village of Bansberia. The main draw is the castle-like Hangseshwari Temple .

5. Mongpu→Tinchuley

17h 12 min drive from Kolkata (58 min drive from Darjeeling); 1 h 19m drive from Mongpu

Carpeted with orchid and cinchona plantations, and surrounded by mountains and emerald-green tea estates, it’s easy to understand why Rabindranath Tagore, one of India’s famous poets, fell hard for the quiet Himalayan village of Mongpu. At Rabindra Bhavan , a museum that was once Tagore’s residence, look for his handwritten documents, photographs, letters, and artworks. Stroll through the immaculately manicured Mongpu Cymbidium Orchid Park nearby and discover more than 150 varieties of orchids. For a dose of spirituality, head to the Dinchhen Sherap Chhoeling Gompa, a Buddhist monastery on a hillock overlooking the Shanti Chowk market. 

About 21 miles from Mongpu, a drive up the winding road and a bit of asking around leads to the little hamlet of Tinchuley. Check into the local family-run Gurung Guest House ; it has well-appointed rooms, a cottage, and a small restaurant. Begin the day with a refreshing cup of tea, then stroll over to the Peshok Tea Garden or the nearby Runglee Tea Factory to see how it is made, and spend the rest of the time walking along the nature trails. For the best views of the region, head to the Tinchuley View Point . Wind up the day with a stop at Tinchuley Monastery, near the guest house, for an immersive experience into Buddhist philosophies. 

16 Top Tourist Places to Visit in West Bengal

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India's cultural cauldron of West Bengal combines the arts, the city, the countryside, mountains, and nature. Whether you're intellectually inclined and want to be among writers and wandering minstrels, or adventurous and want to roam with rhinoceroses, these diverse West Bengal tourist places offer it all.

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The West Bengal capital of Kolkata , officially known by its British name of Calcutta until 2001, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last decade. No longer identified with slums, destitution, and the inspiring work of Mother Teresa, Kolkata has grown into the "cultural capital of India". It's a conflicting city full of captivating soul and sadly neglected crumbling buildings where time seems to have stood still in parts. In addition, Kolkata is the only city in India to have a tram/street car network, which adds to its old-world charm. 

Sundarbans National Park

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The Sunderbans is one of the top national parks in India. This magnificent tangle of mangrove jungle is the largest in the world -- and the only one to have tigers! It's spread over 102 islands (about half of which are inhabited) and extends into neighboring Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is only accessible by boat and exploring it this way is a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. Don’t be hopeful of seeing any tigers though. They're very shy and usually remain well hidden in the reserve.

• Location: 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of Kolkata.

Most famous for its lush tea gardens, Darjeeling is one of India's top 11 hill stations . Most of the top things to do in Darjeeling center around tea. However, the town is blessed with a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga (the world's third highest peak) and has some interesting monasteries, local markets, handicrafts, and Tibetan and Nepalese food. Before being developed by the British in the mid-19th century, Darjeeling was part of the kingdom of Sikkim and was also temporarily ruled by invading Gorkhas from Nepal. This gives the town a distinctly different culture to other tourist places in the state. To get there, travel on the historic Darjeeling mountain railway toy train. Don't visit during the monsoon season though -- the region is one of the wettest places in India!

• Location: About 600 kilometers (375 miles) north of Kolkata, at the base of the Eastern Himalayas.

If you'd prefer to be away from the crowds, Kalimpong is a less-touristy alternative under three hours from Darjeeling. The town sits on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, which separates it from Sikkim. It was ruled by the Sikkimese until the early 1700s when it was taken over by the king of Bhutan. The British won it back in 1865. Attractions include Buddhist monasteries, adventure activities, trekking, and nature walks. There are plenty of hills and villages to explore in the vicinity.

• Location: About 630 kilometers (390 miles) north of Kolkata, at the base of the Eastern Himalayas.

Shantiniketan

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They say that the quaint university town of Shantiniketan (meaning Abode of Peace) is better comprehended than seen. Noble Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore founded a school there in 1901, which later developed into the Visva Bharati University with an emphasis on humanity's relationship with nature. One of the main attractions in Shantiniketan is the Uttarayan complex where Tagore lived. It now has a museum and art gallery. The Upasana Griha prayer hall also stands out because of its many-colored glass windows. Kala Bhavan is considered to be one of the best visual arts colleges in the world. It has wall paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and murals of famous artists. Shantiniketan is also a well regarded center for traditional handicrafts such as batik, pottery, weaving, and embroidery. Shop at Alcha boutique and Amar Kutir. The best time to visit is during one of the many festivals such as the three day Poush Mela (usually in late December), with its live Bengali folk music, and Holi (celebrated as Basanta Utsav). Alternatively, try to catch the Bondangar Haat (village market) that's held every Saturday. Wandering Baul singers are as much a feature as the handicrafts.

• Location: About 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Kolkata.

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Bishnupur is renowned for being the birthplace of terracotta. It's remarkable terracotta temples and terracotta pottery are the main attractions. The temples were built mostly during the 17th and 18th centuries by Malla dynasty rulers. During this time, there was a revival of Hinduism with devotion to Lord Krishna, after a prolonged period of Islamic dominance. The result was temple architecture that unusually blended Bengali-style curved roof with Islamic domes and arches, and Odia-style duel (sanctum). The detailed carvings on the temples' terracotta tiles feature scenes from Lord Krishna's life, as well as the Hindu epics The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. Reproductions of the tiles are sold everywhere. Beyond Bishnupur, you'll find more spectacular terracotta temples in the district.

• Location: About 140 kilometers (87 miles) northwest of Kolkata.

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Mayapur is laid-back pilgrim city with special significance for followers of Lord Krishna. It's regarded as the the birthplace of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 15th century Vedic spiritual leader belived to be an avatar of Lord Krishna. His teachings were revived and brought to the west in the 20th century by Srila Prabhupada, who founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and spread the "Hare Krishna movement" throughout the world. The headquarters of ISKCON is located in Mayapur, along with a magnificent temple complex dedicated to Srila Prabhupada.

• Location: About 125 kilometers (78 miles) north of Kolkata, at the confluence of the Hoogly and Jalangi rivers.

Dooars Region and Jaldapara National Park

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If you can't make it all the way as far as Kazaringa National Park in Assam to see the rare one-horned rhinoceros in the wild, don't despair. Jaldapara National Park has about 50 of these creatures, and you can view them close up on an elephant safari. The sanctuary is the most well-known forest in the remote Dooars region. If you stay at the Forest Department's Hollong Tourist Lodge deep inside the national park, you'll be blessed with the sight of animals wandering to the nearby creek and salt lick -- rhinos included! It's possible to make reservations for the tourist lodge online. Otherwise, Mithun Das of Wild Planet Travels in Madarihat is the best person for all travel arrangements, including lodge bookings and safaris. The sanctuary is open from October through May. The top months for rhino watching are March and April when the new grass comes up.

• Location: About 680 kilometers (425 miles) north of Kolkata, at the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal close to Bhutan .

Pandua and Gaur

Spread throughout Pandua and Gaur, in West Bengal's Malda district, are the fascinating ruins of the former capitals of Muslim nawabs (rulers) dating back to the 13th-16th centuries. Most of the ruins are mosques, including the 14th century Adina Masjid in Pandua. It's one of the largest mosques in India and it contains the tomb of its builder, Sikander Shah.

• Location: About 330 kilometers (205 miles) north of Kolkata.

Mandarmani Beach

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Avoid overcrowded Digha Beach and head to Mandarmani Beach instead. Although it's not far from Digha, this fishing village with a super long stretch of beach is so much more peaceful and unpolluted. Bombay Beach Resort and Eco Villa Resort are good places to stay there right on the beach. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot clusters of red crabs running along the sand at sunset.

• Location: About 180 kilometers (112 miles) southwest of Kolkata.

Murshidabad

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Murshidabad was the capital city of the Bengal region during the Mughal empire, and the last capital before British rule. As a result, it has numerous palaces and mosques with marvelous Mughal architecture, plus many more ruins. Intriguing tales of treachery draw tourists to Murshidabad as well. It was nearby that Nawab Siraj Ud-Daulah wrongly lost his reign to the British in the 1757 Battle of Plassey, after the British bribed the commander-in-chief of the Nawab's army. The British met with the traitor, Mir Jafar, at Kathgola Palace in Murshidabad to discuss the promised payment. Imposing Hazarduari Palace is the main attraction though. It has 1,000 doors, and has been turned into a museum with an exquisite collection of regal memorabilia.

• Location: About 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Kolkata, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River.

Barrackpore

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History buffs should also head to Barrackpore, where the British set up their first military barrack or cantonment in India in 1772, to explore some relics of the Raj era. After the British gained control of India, the area was transformed into a retreat for the Kolkata-based governors-general and viceroys. Barrackpore started losing its sheen after the British capital was shifted to Delhi. However, the heritage buildings and park were recently restored, and a museum constructed. Notably, the city was home to some important members of the Indian independence movement. In fact, Barrackpore was the scene of an incident widely credited with starting the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

• Location: About 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Kolkata.

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West Bengal's Purulia district is home to the distinctive acrobatic masked Chhau dance, performed in honor of the sun god. The dance was inscribed in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. An annual three-day Chau Jhumur Utsav festival featuring the dance takes place in late December in Balarampur. The masks are made about 45 minutes away in Charida village near Baghmundi, where about 300 artisans are involved in the craft.

• Location: About 290 kilometers (180 miles) northwest of Kolkata.

Along the Hooghly River

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A cruise along the Hooghly River, a lower channel of the Ganges River, provides a memorable glimpse into village life. The Assam Bengal Navigation Company offers comfortable 7-night cruises from Kolkata to Farakka, with the return journey by rail. This stretch is most interesting due to its British, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Danish heritage -- all of these countries established 18th century trading posts there and you'll get to see the remnants of them, as well as markets, temples, and old mosques.​

Royal Rajbari Heritage Homes

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West Bengal is dotted with rajbaris (homes of erstwhile royalty). Unfortunately, post-independence, they've widely fallen into ruin as it costs too much to maintain them. Some have recently been restored and turned into boutique hotels though (with the royal hosts still in residence). They provide a unique and immersive way of experiencing regional West Bengal, and learning about the state's regal heritage. Options include Jhargram Palace, Rajbari Bawali, Itachuna Rajbari, Amadpur Rajbari, and Mahishadal Rajbari. Itachuna is thought to be one of the oldest  rajbaris  in the state.

Handicraft Villages

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10 villages across West Bengal have been developed as rural craft hubs by the West Bengal government and UNESCO, in conjunction with Banglanatak. Purpose-built Folk Art Centers in the villages provide accommodations and information for guests. TourEast , an initiative of Banglanatak, holds annual rural fairs at the villages and arranges trips. It's possible to see the artisans at work and learn about their crafts including dhokra art, pottery, painting, clay dolls, terracotta, bamboo works, and musical instruments. The villages can be visited throughout the year but the best time is from September to April.

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10 Road Trips to Offbeat Himalayan Getaways in West Bengal: Unveiling Hidden Treasures

When we think about traveling to the Himalayan regions in West Bengal , all that appears first is the glittery town of Darjeeling. Well, that’s not all that the mountains of West Bengal hold for you. From snow covered villages on a hilltop to secluded locations perched within tea gardens , here are 10 Offbeat Himalayan Destinations in West Bengal which will take your breath away.

Apart from the conventional places, a trip to these lesser known destinations would unfold a bundle of surprises for you. You could club together a few of these destinations on a week long trip. So gear up with your hiking shoes, binoculars and a travel playlist and read further to know what awaits you.

How to Reach Takdah

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Located 28 kms away from Darjeeling , Takdah used to be a cantonment area during the British era. While some travelers choose to visit Takdah on a day tour from Darjeeling, it is highly recommended that you spend a night or two here to experience the grandeur of the heritage bunglows that it is known for. Misty meandering roads, luscious pine and cedar trees and vast stretches of tea gardens make Takdah a destination in itself.

There are a few more places of interest like the 100 year old Barbatey suspension bridge, Dechen Pema Tsholing Monastery and Mata Durga Sacred Caves that you could visit during your stay in Takdah.

• Land at Bagdogra Airport or reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
• To reach Takdah directly, book a private vehicle from the airport or railway station that will cost you between INR 2500-3500 depending on the season.
• An alternative is to travel to Darjeeling first , which is the nearest big town from Takdah. 
• To reach Darjeeling, book a private vehicle for INR 2500-3500 or take a shared vehicle for INR 150-200 from Siliguri Junction (the taxi stand beside Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus).
• From Darjeeling, ample number of private vehicles are available to reach Takdah , standard cost being INR 1800.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Takdah : 3 hours
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Darjeeling : 3 hours
• Darjeeling to Takdah : 1 hour 30 minutes
• Add a minimum buffer time of 1 hour considering traffic situations.

  Vamoose Mingma | The Bougainvillea House Homestay Gielle Tea Garden Takdah Darjeeling | Rose Villa

The name of the place Tinchuley has developed from the word ‘tin chulha’ meaning ‘three ovens,’ the reason being the three mountain peaks that encompass the village making it look like the center of three ovens. Tinchuley is situated at a distance of 26 kms from Darjeeling, close to the border of West Bengal and Sikkim and is one of the best Offbeat Himalayan destinations in West Bengal

The villagers run several self sustainable projects for which Tinchuley is now an urban eco village . The village, covered in thick alpine forests offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and gorgeous sunrises. The confluence of Teesta and Rangeet rivers, known as Triveni, a popular camping spot is located nearby that deserves a peek. Teesta valley, parts of Kalimpong, East and West Sikkim are well visible from this village on a day with clear skies.

• To reach Tinchuley directly, book a private vehicle from the airport or railway station that will cost you between INR 2500-3500 depending on the season.
• Second option is to travel to Darjeeling first , which is the nearest big town from Tinchuley. 
• From Darjeeling, you could reach Tinchuley by a private vehicle that would cost around INR 1500.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Tinchuley : 3 hours
• Darjeeling to Tinchuley : 1 hour 30 minutes
• Add a minimum buffer time of 1 hour.
• Homestays:   Tinchuley Rai Resort | Gurung Guest House

Chatakpur is a quaint village located within the Senchal Wildlife sanctuary, about 26 kms away from Darjeeling . With conscious efforts of eco-tourism by the Forest Department to provide an alternative means of livelihood to the villagers, Chatakpur has now come into limelight.

The unobstructed views of Kanchendzonga that can be witnessed from Chatakpur is even better than the view from the more popular spot of Tiger Hill. The forests in Chatakpur is home to many species like the Red Panda, Barking Deer, Great Himalayan Black Beer, Leopard, and Antelopes. Between the woods, there is a natural pond that adds to the beauty of this little hamlet. Sandakphu, the popular trekking destination can also be spotted from a watch tower in Chatakpur.

• Land at Bagdogra Airport or reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station .
• To reach Chatakpur directly, book a private vehicle from the airport or railway station that will cost you between INR 2500-3500 depending on the season.
• Second alternative is to take a local shared vehicle to Sonada or Ghoom from Siliguri Junction (the taxi stand beside Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus), which is the nearest transport hub to Chatakpur. This costs INR 150-200.
• From Sonada/Ghoom, take a private vehicle to Chatakpur. 
• Third option is to reach Darjeeling by a private vehicle for INR 2500-3500 or a shared vehicle for INR 150-200.
• From Darjeeling , you could reach Chatakpur by a private vehicle that would cost around INR 1500.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Chatakpur: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Ghoom/Sonada: 2 hours
• Sonada/Ghoom to Chatakpur: 1 hour 
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Darjeeling: 3 hours
• Darjeeling to Chatakpur: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Add a minimum buffer time of 1 hour to be on the safe side.
• Eco Huts and Homestays: Chatakpur Homestay | Kolahal | Humro Home Chatakpur

Lepchajagat

A stopover at Lepchajagat is a must if you are visiting Darjeeling. Though it takes hardly 40 minutes to reach Lepchajagat from Darjeeling , making this Offbeat Himalayan destinations in West Bengal easily accessible from Darjeeling; there is a clear difference in the air between the two places.

Tucked between beds of oak trees and shades on bougainvilleas and rhododendrons, Lepchajagat is known for the picturesque views of the Himalayan ranges . Taking a walk through the forest trails while spotting beautiful birds will compel you to fall in love with nature in its unaltered form.

• To reach Lepchajagat directly, book a private vehicle from the airport or railway station. The cost would be between INR 2500-3000 depending on the season.
• An alternative is to travel to Darjeeling first , which is the nearest town from Lepchajagat. 
• From Darjeeling, book a private vehicle to lepchajagat for INR 1000.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Lepchajagat : 2 hours 30 minutes
• Darjeeling to Lepchajagat : 40 minutes
• Farm Stays:   Travelers Farm and Homestay
• Homestays:   Humro Home Lepchajagat | Pine View Homestay

Tumling is a village that lies in the trek route of Sandakphu, about 36 kms from Darjeeling and 10 kms from Manebhanjan , the base of the trek. Vehicles are easily available till Manebhanjan and the next 10 kms could be either covered on foot or the iconic British Land Rover, famous in this route.

Located on a high altitude, Tumling is usually covered in snow between December to February . You can witness a clear panoramic view of the Kanchendzonga range , also known as the Sleeping Buddha for its shape.

Singalila National Park is just about 1 km and worth a visit if you’d want to spot Red Pandas in their natural habitat.

• Book a private vehicle to Darjeeling from the airport or railway station for INR 2500-3500 or a shared vehicle for INR 150-200 from Siliguri Junction (the taxi stand beside Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus).
• From Darjeeling, take a private vehicle or shared vehicle to Manebhanjan , that costs about INR 1200 and INR 50-100 respectively. Keep in mind that shared cabs to Manebhanjan are not frequent and you might have to wait for a long time.
• From Manebhanjan, a 10 km bouldered road would reach you to Tumling which is also the trek route to Sakdakphu.
• To cover this last 10 kms, you can either trek through this road or book a Land Rover from Manebhanjan.
• Please note that if you are booking a Land Rover for Tumling, you should book a return trip for convenience and not a one way trip.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Darjeeling: 3 hours 
• Darjeeling to Manebhanjan: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Manebhanjan to Tumling: 5-6 hours on foot, 1 hour by vehicle
• Add a buffer time of 30 minutes.
• Homestays:   Siddhartha Lodge |  Shikhar Lodge

(Online reservations are not available for Tumling. Make a reservation from Manebhanjan or contact in the phone numbers provided in the above links)

Kurseong is usually considered as a stopover for breakfast or lunch while traveling to Darjeeling, but it is one of the most beautiful Offbeat Himalayan destinations in West Bengal. Not many people know of the hidden spots in this little hill town in the lap of Himalayas.

Also known as “Land of white orchids,” Kurseong is a place which you may choose for a quiet retreat. Apart from the town area, Gidda Pahar and Dow Hills are places you could visit in Kurseong . Gidda Pahar will welcome you with gorgeous landscapes and stories of the haunted forest and school in Dow Hills will surely run chills down your spine.

Make sure you do not miss out on Margaret’s Deck, an exotic tea lounge near Kurseong , known for its unique methods of brewing tea and old world charm.

• Book a private vehicle to Kurseong from the airport or railway station for INR 2000 or take a shared vehicle for INR 150 from Siliguri Junction (the taxi stand beside Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus).
• Or stop over at Kurseong while returning from Darjeeling.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Kurseong: 1 hour 30 minutes 
• Darjeeling to Kurseong: 2 hours
• Keep a buffer time of 30 minutes.

  Cochrane Place Hotel | Allita Hotel and Resorts | The River View Homestay | Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa  

Mirik is a quiet town in the hills of West Bengal, located at a distance of 45 kms from Siliguri and 40 kms from Darjeeling.

The road to Mirik would make you feel as if you’re a part of a travel movie. Beautiful vistas of tea gardens and pine trees on mountain slopes make it a scenic treat. Sumendu Lake, popularly known as Mirik Lake is the main place of interest in Mirik . You can walk through the stoney pathway around the lake and spend some quiet time while watching the boats and swans float by.

A drive of 30 minutes from Mirik would reach you to Pashupatinagar market which falls in Nepal , where you could spend half a day and grab some souvenirs for friends and family. 

• Book a private vehicle to Mirik from the airport or railway station for INR 2000. Shared cabs are not frequent and not recommended in this route.
• Or stop over at Mirik while returning from Darjeeling.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Mirik: 2 hours 
• Darjeeling to Mirik: 1 hour 30 minutes

  Tabakoshi Angel Homestay by StayApart |  Vamoose Riverside | Sourenee Tea Estate

Chisang is a little picturesque village in Kalimpong district located at a distance less than 4 kms from Bhutan . The nearest railway station is New Mal Junction, the other alternative being New Jalpaiguri railway station. From Siliguri, the distance to Chisang is roughly 105kms.

The beautiful houses built in Goan style which are now open to host travelers, cardamom plantations, wild orchids, majestic views of the Eastern Himalayas and Tenda Platea u make the village special.

For people who love to indulge in outdoor activities like bonfires, barbecues, village hikes, mountain biking , Chisang is a perfect place to spend a couple of days. Neora Valley National Park is located at a close proximity and local guides are available who could lead a trek for you through the forests.

• Land at Bagdogra Airport or reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or New Mal Railway Station.
• Book a private vehicle to Chisang from the airport or either of the railway stations mentioned . Shared cabs are not recommended in this route.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Chisang: 3 hours
• New Mal to Mirik: 2 hours
• Homestay: The Wildwoods Retreat

Gateway to Neora Valley National Park, Lava is nestled between vast stretches of fir and cedar trees. The beautiful settlement in Kalimpong district is well known for its viewpoints from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Greater Himalayas.

Lava is situated 30 kms and 110 away kms from Kalimpong and Siliguri respectively . The mystic ambience of this place can be best experienced if you make a halt here and explore its twin hamlet, Lolegaon.

Lava receives snowfall almost every year during winters . Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery or the Lava Monastery is one of the major places of interest . Changey Waterfall, Tiffin Dara Viewpoint, Nature Interpretation Center, Neora Valley National Park can be explored on a day long tour . Lava is paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. The forests of Neora Valley National Park, spread over 88 sq. kms is home to many endangered species including the Red Panda. Birds like Rusty Bellied Short Wing, Blue Robin, Wren Babbler, Golden Headed Black Finch can be easily spotted. It is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers.

Villages such as Rishop and Kolakham could be added to the list along with Lava if you have an extra day and the urge to walk the untrodden path.

• Book a private vehicle to Lava to reach directly from the airport or the railway station  that would cost between INR 2500-3000.
• As an alternative, first reach Kalimpong by a private or shared vehicle.
• From Kalimpong, book a private vehicle for the twin hamlets Lava and Lolegaon at once . A 2 day tour would cost between INR 4000-6000, depending on the season.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Lava: 3 hours via Gorubathan, 4 hours via Kalimpong.
• Kalimpong to Lava: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Add a buffer time of 30-40 minutes.
• Cottages and Homestays:   Feathers India Homestay | Yankee Resorts | Humro Home Lava

Lolegaon is an hour’s drive from Lava and is often considered as its twin hamlet. The roads that lead to Lolegaon are covered with coniferous forests and mist, making the journey absolutely delightful. Its one of those Offbeat Himalayan destinations in West Bengal, that you just cant afford to miss out on.

The Canopy Walk within the heritage forest of Lolegaon is a fascinating place to visit . It is a 180 metre long hanging tree-top bridge built within dense forests of oak, Fir and Cypress trees. As you walk along the bridge you’d realize that the height of the bridge elevates to take you to the top of the trees and you could have a look at the forest from above.

There are a number of hiking trails in this village and undertaking a hike through one of them wouldn’t be a bad idea. Make sure you do not miss out on catching the mesmerizing sunrise from Jhandi Dara view point.

• Book a private vehicle to Lolegaon to reach directly from the airport or the railway station that would cost between INR 2500-3000.
• It is recommended that you visit Lava and Lolegaon together for a better experience.
• Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Lolegaon: 4 hours via Gorubathan, 4 hours via Kalimpong.
• Lava To Lolegaon: 1 hour
• Homestays:   Lolegaon Homestay | Lolegaon Nature Resort

The months of October to December and February to April are pleasant to visit these destinations. However, if you wish to experience snowfall, you have to plan your trip between mid-December to end of January. Monsoon starts early in this region. The months of July to September should be strictly avoided because connectivity often gets lost due to heave rains and landslides.

Tips and Recommendations

• Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest airport and railway stations where you’d need to reach to get to any of these places.(Bagdogra is from where you start your Road Trip to Bhutan – Check out this Bhutan Travel Guide for reference)
• Darjeeling or Kalimpong are the two nearest big towns which could be your base while traveling to these villages.
• After you’ve finalized on the locations and number of days, decide whether you want a private vehicle or would want to give local shared vehicles a shot. Wizzride and NE Taxi are two companies that provide luxury vehicles on a shared basis, the first of its kind. You could even rent motorbikes from any of the nearby towns.
• For accommodations, choose home stays run by locals over hotels for a more authentic experience.
• A hiking shoe with a good grip is a must if you intend to explore the area on foot.
• Understand the fact that a visit to these places is not about ticking off checklists but to enjoy every bit that nature has to offer. Do not hurry; soak the freshness in the air and you’d have the best time.
• Entry to the National Parks needs a permit. Always have some buffer time and necessary documents with you. (Check out the Best National Parks in India here)
• Spotting birds and Red Pandas in the National Parks would depend on how silent you are. Possibilities are low if you are in a big group.
• Be mindful of the trash you produce. If possible, carry your plastic waste back to the cities where there is a provision of managing the waste. If you can’t, then dispose them only at designated waste bins.
• Be respectful towards the local communities. They are opening their homes to you.

Also read about some of these stay cation worthy places in West Bengal and Sikkim if you’re planning for a long stay.

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• 14 Easy and Enjoyable Road Trips to Take from Kolkata

By Carandbike Team

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Published on March 29, 2022

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Nestling in the heart of Diamond Harbour, Raichak is a superb weekend getaway destination. Dubbed as a popular picnic spot, it ensures a serene and tranquil experience. The destination perches on the banks of the Hooghly River. It's also a famous long drive destination in Kolkata.

Popular as the river town, Falta is an ideal weekend getaway option that you can plan out from Kolkata. There is a myriad of picnic destinations here. With the confluence of Hooghly and Damodar, Falta has acquired its name as the Rivertown city. While searching for the popular bike trip, a tour from Kolkata to Falta can feel like a paradise.

Chinsurah is the city amidst the Hooghly district. You can find traces of the Indian Dutch settlement. A bike trip from indeed very much recommended. The tour will offer a historical experience to cherish the antique culture and celebrate the historical vibes of the bygone days.

Piyali Island

A bike trip from Kolkata to Piyali will give you a charming experience. It's an entry point to the famous Sunderbans. It is connected to the islands of Netidhopani and Sudhanyakhali, and this island meets at the Malta and Piyali rivers' confluence.

A hamlet nestling on the river of Rupnarayan, this turns out to be an incredible weekend getaway plan from Kolkata. Upon your visit, praise the mystical and calm aura of the village. Celebrate the tranquillity of this small retreat.

Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sunderbans nestles on the beautiful and shimmering coastline of the BOB or Bay of Bengal. There's an enthralling wonder of the place that makes it an engaging trip.

En route to a historic escape, you will find a very intriguing road trip option from Kolkata. That's Bishnupur for you. Although it's not too far away from the city, the place still holds a different charisma. Visit the tourist spot with your family to get the most of it.

If you love the seaside, then Bakkhali is the place for you. It's another weekend getaway option that residents of Kolkata can plan out. The destination houses ample tourist attractions besides the beach. There's the Henry Island, Mangrove Resort Garden, and so much more.

Digha, the most tempting seaside near Kolkata, attracts a fair number of people who come here at least once a year. Yes, the seashore site is so well-known that it attracts a large number of local tourists each year. Whether you want to have an enjoyable trip with your family from Kolkata to Digha or plan a low-cost excursion, Digha is the best bet.

Mukutimanipur

Mukutmanipur is a charming little hamlet in West Bengal's Bankura district. Mukutmanipur, one of the greatest weekend getaways from the city, has recently acquired popularity as a picnic destination and weekend retreat for city dwellers. The community is primarily located near the water bodies, and multiple tourists enjoy boating.

A pristine gem, Mandarmani is a famous honeymoon destination. Even newly-wed couples make a trip to this destination. Mandarmani is purely a gem of the East Midnapore district situated in West Bengal, and it's famous for the availability of red crabs.

A drive to the summertime wonderland of Darjeeling has to be one of the most popular road excursions from Kolkata for all vacationers. Darjeeling, a prominent hill station near Kolkata, is located at an elevation of 6,700 feet and allows visitors to relax in the pleasant surroundings of unspoiled nature.

Being popular as the resting place of Mother Nature, Dooars is your safe bet when you think the mountain's calling you! Jokes apart – Dooars in West Bengal's naturally rich tourist destination. Despite the fact that it is situated a bit further away from the city, visiting the hub would be worthwhile due to the abundance of attractions.

Set off on one of the finest road excursions from Kolkata to Jamshedpur, India's first planned industrial metropolis. Jamshedpur, called the hub of Jharkhand, has a plethora of sights ranging from the famous wildlife sanctuaries to relaxing landscapes such as Jubilee Park.

These 14 tourist hubs from Kolkata are easily accessible via roads. So, which one do you think you are visiting on your 3-day weekend holiday?

Last Updated on March 29, 2022

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Tourist places in West Bengal

Here are the top 68 places to visit in west bengal in 2024:.

1 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 79 Tourist attractions

Kolkata, India's second biggest city, is a perpetually ongoing festival of human existence, concurrently luxurious and squalid, refined and frantic, pointedly futuristic, while beautifully in decay. A vibrant 350-year-old metropolis located on India's Eastern Coast, the capital of West Bengal thrive...

Best Time: October to March

2. Darjeeling

2 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 30 Tourist attractions

Darjeeling, the former summer capital of India under the British Raj, has evolved into one of India's most sought-after hill stations. This picturesque hill destination in West Bengal is ideal for a romantic honeymoon. Darjeeling, nestled among acres of tea estates, is 2,050 metres above sea level a...

Best Time: February to March, September to December

3. Sundarbans

3 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 3 Tourist attractions

Known for hosting the biggest mangrove forests in the world, Sundarbans National Park is located around 110 Km south of Kolkata in West Bengal, India. It is also a Tiger Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve famous for being the home of the Royal Bengal tigers, among others, including roaring rivers and b...

Best Time: September to March

4. Siliguri

4 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 19 Tourist attractions

Situated in the Jalpaiguri and Siliguri districts of West Bengal, Siliguri is a city known as the Gateway to North-East India. Located 560 kms from Kolkata to the north, Siliguri is the twin city of Jalpaiguri and the third largest in West Bengal. Siliguri has its own international airport...

Best Time: Throughout the year

West Bengal Travel Packages

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Darjeeling and Pelling Tour Package - Tiger Hill

7-day adventure in darjeeling, kalimpong, and dooars, dooars & kalimpong tour package with jungle safari, sikkim holiday package - 5 nights 6 days, sikkim bhutan bike trip - an adventurous journey through the himalayas, darjeeling kalimpong tour package.

5 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 9 Tourist attractions

Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, Mirik is a charming hill station known for its serene beauty and tranquil ambiance. Located at an altitude of 1,495 meters above sea level, Mirik is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling tea gardens, and breathtaking vie...

Best Time: March to July

6 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 9 Tourist attractions

Beach town situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal, Digha is a popular tourist destination known for its untouched beaches and scenic views, especially among people in West Bengal.

Best Time: July to March

7 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 4 Tourist attractions

Starting from river Teesta in the East to river Sankoshi in the west, Dooars is a local name given to the floodplains of North-East India around Bhutan. The name 'Dooars' has emerged from 'door' as Dooars is the gateway to Bhutan.

8. Kalimpong

8 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 24 Tourist attractions

Kalimpong is a virgin hill station in West Bengal renowned for its panoramic valley views, Buddhists monasteries and churches and Tibetan handicrafts etc.

Best Time: March to June, September to December

9. Murshidabad

9 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 15 Tourist attractions

From the Nawabs of the pre-British era to the Lords from England, Murshidabad has seen history from its core. This small tourist haven in West Bengal serves as a place that manages to combine the beauty of the past with the beliefs of the present.

10. Kurseong

10 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 9 Tourist attractions

Also known as the 'Land of White Orchids', Kurseong is a hill station located close to Darjeeling famous for its waterfalls, temples and Buddhist gompas apart from the excellent view that the place provides.

Best Time: April to May, August to October

Best tourist destinations & places in West Bengal

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Top Religious Places in West Bengal

11. Navadvipa

11 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 8 Tourist attractions

Blanketed away in the commotion of West Bengal, Nabadwip - Mayapur is a cluster of nine islands located on the banks of Ganges. This place is one of those few religious shrines whose spirit of devotion is palpable.

12. Durgapur

12 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 10 Tourist attractions

Often touted as the Steel Capital of East India, Durgapur is the embodiment of the quintessential Bengali town. With a total population of less than half a million, Durgapur is in the Burdwan District of West Bengal, on the bank of the Damodar River. It is about 170 kms from the city of Kolkata.

Best Time: November to March

13 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 11 Tourist attractions

Often considered as a mere river port assisting Kolkata, Haldia has more to offer to India than just foreign trade. With it's rich collection of heritage locations, temples and local markets, Haldia is geared upto be the next major tourist hub of West Bengal.

14. Shantiniketan

14 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 15 Tourist attractions

Known to few, mainly as Rabindranath Tagore's home and now a university, Santiniketan is a small town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The town comprises mainly of Visva Bharati University.

Best Time: Mid August to March

15. Raichak

15 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 8 Tourist attractions

Located only 50 kms away from Kolkata and yet a world apart, Raichak, is a riverside town and is nothing short of a breathe of fresh air in its ultra urban and commercialized surrounding.

16. Bakkhali

16 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 6 Tourist attractions

Wrapped in the commotion of West Bengal and yet a world in itself, Bakkhali is small beach town located on the West Bengal coast. If you wish to have the perfect beach getaway that doesn't include ear ripping music or just alcohol laden evenings, Bakkhali is the place to be.

17. Lataguri

17 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 8 Tourist attractions

Located on the outskirts of a National Park itself, Lataguri is the perfect place to set free the wild child in you. From wildlife, in its most pristine and uncultivated form, to open fields, the sun and your camera, if this place doesn't appease your senses, then very few things in this world can.

18. Bankura

18 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 9 Tourist attractions

With much historical significance, Bankura is a town famous for its hills and temples and a treat for adventure sports enthusiasts such as trekkers and hikers.

19. Bishnupur

19 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 12 Tourist attractions

A small town in West Bengal famous for its terracota temples, Bishnupur is famous among tourists, especially for its rich culture including architecture, music and handicraft.

20. Cooch Behar

20 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 5 Tourist attractions

Cooch Behar, once the province of Koch dynasty, is a small planned town in North West Bengal Coch Behar makes up as a good option for weekend getaways for the eco-tourists along with those with an inclination towards history and archaeology.

Best Tourist Attractions in West Bengal

Victoria Memorial

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Fort William Kolkata

Howrah Bridge

Birla Planetarium

21. Lolegaon

21 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 10 Tourist attractions

Located about 120 Kms from Siliguri, Lava and Lolegaon are merely 25 kms apart. These two pristine villages offer beautiful snow capped mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries, among other enthralling sights. If you want to experience nature as nature intended, this is your perfect getaway.

Best Time: October to June

22. Bardhaman

22 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 14 Tourist attractions

With a convergence of religion, nature, man-made marvels and the proverbial old world charm, Bardhaman is the ideal fit for a weekend getaway.

23. Mukutmanipur

23 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 4 Tourist attractions

A popular weekend getaway for Kolkata locals, Mukutmanipur in the Bankura district of Kolkata is a serene town with lush green forests, clear blue water and green hills in the backdrop.

24 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 14 Tourist attractions

If you are in the mood to revisit your roots, Malda is the picture perfect place for you. Located at the confluence of the rivers Mahanadi and Kalindi, in the interiors of West Bengal, about 350 km from Kolkata, the charming town of Malda is famous not only for its mango orchards but also for its ri...

Best Time: October to November, February to March

25. Shankarpur

25 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 3 Tourist attractions

With more and more money being pumped into beaches all around the world to turn them into synthetic poolsides, Shankarpur gives you the luxury of experiencing the thrill of isolated beaches, calming winds and that typical old world charm.

Best Time: October to Apr

26. Mayapur

26 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 5 Tourist attractions

Standing at the junction of river Ganga and Jalangi, Mayapur is a laidback city with lovely views and plenty of temples, making it ideal for multitudes of team.

27. Tarapith

27 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 3 Tourist attractions

Tarapith is a famous Hindu pilgrimage in the state of West Bengal and a Shakti Peetha, believed to be the spot where Sati's third eye fell. Tara, another form of Sati, is worshipped in the temple.

28. Purulia

28 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 7 Tourist attractions

The western most district in the state of West Bengal, Purulia is a beautiful destination blessed with mesmerizing natural beauty.

29. Jalpaiguri

29 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 5 Tourist attractions

Bordered by Bhutan in the north and Bangladesh in the south, the name 'Jalpaiguri' translates the 'Town of Olive'; jalpai meaning 'olive' and guri meaning 'place'. The history of its naming goes back to 1900s owing to the rich plantations of olive. The city is the district headquarters if Jalpa...

30. Jaldhaka

30 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 7 Tourist attractions

Jaldhaka is a valley town hidden in the hills of Darjeeling. It takes you back in time when nature was, all that man cared about. The place is one of those that will combine the beauty of a relaxation trip with the thrill of an adventure getaway.

31. Chandannagar

31 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 6 Tourist attractions

Wrapped in the interiors of West Bengal, in the Hooghly District, is the small yet significant town of Chandan Nagar. This small town which could have been in place of present day Kolkata, had history gone as planned, has the most unique and formidable history in perhaps all of India.

Best Time: October to February

32. Midnapore

32 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 11 Tourist attractions

In the interiors of West Bengal is yet another treasure- Midnapore town or Medinipur, as it is locally known. Midnapore combines the beauty of India's multi religion culture with the exuberance of ancient history.

33. Jaldapara National Park

33 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal

Situated in the Eastern foothills of the Himalayas, the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary along with Gorumara National Park is famous for one horned rhinoceros, elephants and Bengal Tigers, spotted deers, barking deers, sambhar deers, bison, wild pig, hog deer and bison.

Best Time: September to May

34. Ganga Sagar (Sagardwip)

34 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 7 Tourist attractions

Sagardwip is a small island, a part of the Sunderbans group of islands. Sagardwip is at the confluence of the holy river Ganga (Ganges) and the Bay of Bengal, making it one of the most popular religious havens of the country.

35. Rajabhatkhawa

35 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 9 Tourist attractions

Known largely for being adjacent to Buxa Tiger Reserve, Rajabhatkawa has more to offer than just this. In addition to the Tiger Reserve, it has some beautiful ancient temples, nature centers and much more.

36 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal 19 Tourist attractions

Howrah often referred to as the doorway to or the twin city of Kolkata, is a bustling yet appealing town located on the western bank of the mesmerising River Hooghly flowing through West Bengal. One mention of the name and even a non-visitor would immediately envision the image of Howrah Bridge, whi...

Best Time: October - March

37. Asansol

37 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal

Asansol is the second biggest city in West Bengal, after Kolkata. It is also one of the busiest commercial centres of India and the most populated city in West Bengal. It is located approximately 200 km from Kolkata, West Bengal’s capital. The city’s economy is primarily dependant on its coal and st...

38. Bagdogra

38 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal

Bagdogra is a small hill station town resting at the foothills of the Himalayas, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is often regarded as the gateway town to North-East India and the Himalayas. Bagdogra is famous for its tea estates and the abundance of greenery. The town becomes mesmerisi...

Best Time: July to February

39. Belur Math

39 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal

Belur Math in Kolkata is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Sprawling over forty acres of land on the west bank of the Hooghly River, it is visited by people from all over the world, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

40. Gorumara National Park

40 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal

Situated on the banks of rivers Murti and Raidak in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, the Gorumara National Park is a site that you cannot miss to afford on your next trip. Spread over an area of 80 sq.km. it sits prettily at the foothills of Great Himalayan mountains and has a large variety o...

41. Ganga Sagar Mela

41 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal

A stunning island just off the Bengal coast, Ganga Sagar is a place of beauty as well as religious importance. Home to some of the most stunning beaches, it is famous for hosting the Sagar Mela, which is both a pilgrimage and a fair. The island is stunning in its greenery and one can trek around the...

42. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

42 out of 68 Places to visit in West Bengal

Located at a distance of about 20 km from the Gorumara National Park, this Wildlife Sanctuary is another spectacle of nature's magnificence. With Kanchanjungha and other Himalayan peaks painted across its backdrop, tourists can see a wide diversity of animals like elephants, gaur, leopards in their ...

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Road Trips to Visit Historical Places in West Bengal

The land of Bengal has been a backdrop of many happenings in the history of the country and they can still be seen by paying a visit to one of the many historical places in West Bengal. Well known as the bedrock of culture, there are several heritage sites in West Bengal. To sneak a peek in the pages of history of West Bengal, here are some of the most historically significant places that can be visited through road trips:

10 Best Historical Places and Heritage Sites in West Bengal

• Cooch Behar
• Murshidabad
• Barrackpore
• Shantiniketan

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and also referred as the culture capital of the country. The city will offer you numerous tourist attractions which will still give you historical vibes. You can see British architecture in many of the buildings in this city. Some of the famous historical tourist attractions in Kolkata are Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Howrah Bridge, Belur Math, Marble Palace, Tagore’s House, Indian Museum, Birla Planetarium, Princep Ghat, Writers Building, Town Hall, Nizam Palace, etc. Many of the attractions will charge you an entry fee but at very minimal price.

Best time to visit: November to February

2. Bishnupur

Bishnupur is also known for having historical importance in the state. The Terracotta temples here will take you to the days of yesteryears. The historical places that you must explore in Bishnupur include Rasmancha, Jorbangla Temple, Madanmohan Temple, Dalmadal Kamal Canon, and Radhe Govind Temple.

Best time to visit: October to February

3. Darjeeling

Darjeeling will offer you a full package of fun and admiring natural beauty in your trip. The snow-capped mountains look absolutely striking and there are lots of things to do for the tourists here. You will not get bored here even for a second. This is the right place even for the history buffs as they can explore various attractions which have stories behind. One of the best things you will see here is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) . The toy train was started during the British era in India, and is still in use. If you are on a road trip and cannot travel in the toy train, you can at least click some photographs with it. Apart from this, there are other attractions like Japanese Buddhist Temple and Peace Pagoda, Old Ghoom Monastery, to name a few. To avoid surprises, you can try to know the opening and closing time of each of the attractions.  

Best time to visit: September to May

4. Kalimpong

A beautiful hill station in North Bengal that remains surrounded by green mountains, which get blanketed by snow during the winters. The hill station is small and you can cover the attractions in a just a day. However, do not forget visiting Morgan House in Kalimpong , an old British bungalow. The bungalow exhibits authentic British architecture and one of the oldest buildings in the town. It has now been turned into a tourist lodge and taken care of by the West Bengal Tourist Development Corporation. The other historical attractions here are Crookety House, Pratima Devi Tagore House, Dr. Graham’s House, the MacFarlane Memorial Church, etc. Kalimpong is certainly one of the best places to visit in West Bengal .

5. Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar is a small town in West Bengal that takes a lot of pride in its historical attractions. One of the major attractions in this town is Cooch Behar Palace , which is also called as Victor Jubilee Palace. The palace was built in 1887 during the era of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. The design of the palace much resembles the Buckingham Palace in London. The other historical attractions include Madan Mohan temple, Baneswar Shiva temple, etc. The best time to travel to Cooch Behar is during the Rash Mela.

Best time to visit: October or November

6. Murshidabad

Murshidabad, was previously called as Maksudabad. The Diwan of Bengal, Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, shifted to this place and renamed it as Murshidabad. The city was ruled by many Nawabs. One of its famous attractions that you can visit is Hazarduari Palace , which was built in 1837. The other attractions include Nizamat Imambara, Wasif Manzil, Moti Jheel, Katra Mosque , etc.

Best time to visit: October to March

There are many historical places in Malda that you can take a tour of. Some of them are Dakhil Darwaza, Gour, Firoz Minar, Chika Mosque, to name a few. You can figure out the age of these attractions by their architecture.

8. Barrackpore

Barrackpore has a few historical attractions which will surely woo you. When you are here, you must visit Kali Temple which is more than 700 years old, Bartholomew Cathedral which was built in 1847, Tarakeswar temple which was built in the 18 th century.

Best time to visit: September to March

9. Bardhaman

Bardhaman is one of the oldest cities in the state and has some of the most famous monuments in West Bengal . The Krishnasayar lake built in 1691 is a must visit place. The other attractions are Rajbati, Golap Bagh, 108 Shiv Mandir, and Christ Chruch.

10. Shantiniketan

Also called as the abode of Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is the place where you can see the epitome of culture and art. The small town of Shantinikatan is a historical place in itself. You can visit the very famous Visva-Bharati Univeristy here. The Poush Mela is something to witness here, in which you will see artisans, dancers, and folk singers at one platform.

Best time to visit: March

There are many tourist attractions in West Bengal which reminds us of the glorious era that has passed by and left its marks behind. These road trips are also an excellent opportunity for exploring the lesser known parts of the beautiful state and makes for some amazing memories. For ease of travel, you can also use the car rental services by Revv for a fully insured and well maintained vehicle at daily and weekly rates.

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• 40 Thrilling Weekend Getaways From Kolkata In 2024 You Must Visit

26 Oct 2021

West Bengal is Unique among Indian states in stretching all the way from the Himalayas to the sea and nonetheless explored in depth by only a few. Bengal holds an extraordinary assortment of landscapes and cultures, ranging from the dramatic hills of Darjeeling, within sight of the highest mountains in the world, to the vast mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans, prowled by man-eating Royal Bengal tigers. All this and much more comprise of the wonderful assortment of  weekend getaways from Kolkata.

Top 40 Weekend Getaways From Kolkata In 2024

Are you looking for the best weekend getaways from Kotkata? You would be delighted to know that Kolkata is surrounded by numerous interesting places that makes you have the best break during your busy day-to-day life. Whether you want to encounter the impeccable sights of nature or wish to spend leisurely hours with your loved ones, the place offers you all! Here’s your ultimate weekend getaway bucket list from the hustle-bustle of Kolkata. These trips are ideal for a short stay so plan accordingly. 

• Ravangla – Enjoy The Magical Snow View
• Bakkhali – The Most Breathtaking Beaches In India
• Tajpur – An Unknown Sea Beach
• Shantiniketan – An Outstanding Creation Of Rabindranath Tagore
• Kurseong – The Land Of White Orchid
• Mandarmani – Known For Serentiy
• Rinchenpong – Enjoy The Fascinating Mountain Views
• Digha – An Ideal Party Destination
• Roopark Village, Panchalingeswar – A Unique Tribal Village Resort
• Rishyap – A Serene Weekend Retreat
• Puri – The Most Famous Beach Of Eastern India
• Shankarpur – A Largely Hidden Beach
• Uttarey – A Scenic Village
• Kalimpong – For A Relaxed Weekend Holiday
• Sundarbans – The Largest Delta In The World
• Henry’s Island – A Serene Island
• Lepchajagat – For A Romantic Weekend Getaway
• Chalsa – Tea Gardens, Rivers And Forests
• Junput – An Abode Of Peace
• Lava – A Serene Little Township
• MongPong – A Small Hill Village
• Lolegaon – A Small Peaceful Hamlet
• Bishnupur – A Temple Town
• Jaldhaka – A Picturesque Weekend Getaway
• Samsing – The Land Of Floating Clouds
• Jaldapara – Home To Famous One Horned Rhino
• Mayapur – A Religious Site
• Mukutmanipur – For A Peaceful Vacation
• Bankura – Temples, Adventure Sports And More
• Piyali Island – A Haven For Birdwatchers
• Kamarpukur – Enjoy Simple Rural Life
• Jhargram – For Nature Lovers
• Belur Math – A Pilgrimage Pursuit
• Ganga Sagar – A Blend Of Natural And Religious Charm
• Jamshedpur – India’s First Planned City
• Konark – Beholding A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Purulia – For A Weekend Getaway Amidst Nature
• Cuttack – Cultural Capital Of Odisha
• Nabadwip – A Religious Center
• Haldia – A Bustling River Port

1. Ravangla – Enjoy The Magical Snow View

Image Source A small town situated on the ridge at an altitude of 7000ft between the Meanam and Tendong hills Ravangla or Rabongla has turned into a natural tourist resort for its magical snow view & tranquility. Ravangla is a recently discovered offbeat tourist destination in South Sikkim that serves as one of the perfect weekend destinations near Kolkata. You must surely plan visit to numerous interesting places to visit in Ravangla .

Location: Town in Sikkim How to reach: Ravangla is well connected by state highway to NJP (125 km), it is a night journey from Kolkata. By road it is 4 hours from NJP. Best Time to visit: February to May and October to November. Places to Visit In Ravangla: Visit Rayong Sunrise View-point (8 km), Ralang Monasteries (13 km), Borong Hot Spring (7 km). Things to do: Ravangla is perfect for Short treks, bird watching. The journey through the winding road via Dentham is even more attractive Places to stay: Buddha Retreat, Wildflower Retreat, Hotel Meanamla

Must Read: Nightlife In Kolkata

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2. Bakkhali – The Most Breathtaking Beaches In India

Image Source

Bakkhali beach rests on the south-western tip of the mystical Sunderbans. The white beach snuggles against the fringes of the forest delta offering a unique tropical combination. It derives its name from the word bak, or red-beaked seagull which is found in abundance here. If you are planning weekend trips from Kolkata, put this at the top of your list.

Location: Village in West Bengal How to reach: Bakkhali is 138 km from Kolkata. 4.5-5 hour by road and as well as by train. Best Time to visit: July to March. Places to Visit  in Bakkhali : Henry’s Island & Jambu Dwip Things to do: Spend your day away at the makeshift tea stalls, sipping fresh coconut water or hot tea from earthen pots Places to stay: Hotel Dolphin Bakkhali, Hotel Dibney, Hotel Deepak

3. Tajpur – An Unknown Sea Beach

Image Source Tajpur is a practically unknown sea-beach which does not draw maddening crowds like Digha or even like nearby Mandarmoni and Shankarpur. Tajpur is one of Bengal’s recently discovered destinations and is slowly becoming popular as a weekend escape from Kolkata.

Location: Beachside How to reach: It lies in the Kolkata-Digha route, 5 km from Chaulkhola. 170 km south-west of Kolkata (22 km from Contai). By road its a 4 hours journey Best Time to visit: September to March. Places to Visit in Tajpur :  One can visit other near-by beaches like Mandarmoni, Shankarpur and Junput, and of course the famous Digha Things to do: Water sports & Paragliding Places to stay: Tajpur Retreat; Lake View Village Resort

Suggested Read: Water-Adventures In India For Couples

4. Shantiniketan – An Outstanding Creation Of Rabindranath Tagore

Image Source Shantiniketan has a history that began in 1862. Debendra Nath Tagore, bought the land built a guest house and planted trees. His son, Rabindra Nath began a school here with just 5 students in 1901 and it went on to become India’s first University. For a history buff wanting to go on a weekend tour from Kolkata, this will be an ideal option.

Location: A neighborhood in Birbhum district How to reach: Shantiniketan is 3 km from Bolpur in Birbhum District. It takes 4-5 hours from Kolkata by train as well as by road. Best Time to visit for a weekend trip: Any time except summer. Places to Visit in Shantiniketan : Visit Kankalitala (9 km), one of the 51 Shaktipeeths and Nanur (13 km), the birthplace of the 14th century poet Chandidas Things to do: Tagore Museum, art galleries. You could also attend the Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav Places to stay: Rangamati Garden Resort, Swapnonir, RNR Home stay

5. Kurseong – The Land Of White Orchid

Image Source The land of white orchid, Kurseong lies high up in the hills spread along a forested ridge. Kurseong’s beauty and tranquility are breathtaking and the hill station is a perfect rejuvenating weekend retreat from Kolkata. It makes one of the most romantic weekend getaways from Kolkata.

Location: City in Darjeeling district How to reach: 10 hours + 1-1/2 hours by road from Kolkata, By air : 45 minutes + 1-1/2 hours by road Best Time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season. Places to Visit in Kurseong : Castle Tea Estate, Eagle’s Crag, Sitong. Things to do: Nature Walks. Watching Bird. Have a ride in the famous Toy Train which runs from Siliguri to Darjeeling via Kurseong. Places to stay: Sunnyside Eco Homestay, Dreamhome Stay, Allita Hotel & Resorts

Suggested Read: 7 Hotels In Kolkata 

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6. Mandarmani – Known For Serentiy

Image Source Mandarmani is relatively new to the tourist circuit. The glistening white beach is clean and unspoilt. The beach known for its serenity and beauty is reached via a route past paddy fields and ponds. It is among the most relaxing weekend getaways near Kolkata

Location: Seaside resort village in West Bengal How to reach: By road 4.5 hours from Kolkata. Nearest railway station Contai which is again 3 hours away from Howrah by train. Best Time to visit: July to March Places to Visit in Mandarmani : Visit the nearby beaches of Digha, Talsari, Tajpur and Sankarpur which all have their distinct flavors Things to do: Paragliding & water sports. Preferably go on a full-moon night. Go for a leisure walk along the beach to Mohona Places to stay: Hotel Sonar Bangla Mandarmoni, Ajoy Minar Hotel, Masara Beach Resort

7. Rinchenpong – Enjoy The Fascinating Mountain Views

Image Source The mountain views of Rinchenpong are as fascinating as those of Darjeeling, Gantok or Pelling. So if you are tired of viewing Kanchenjunga above a crowded cityscape then pack your bags and head for Rinchenpong over the weekend. It is counted among the top offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata.

Location: Town in Sikkim How to reach: A night’s journey from Kolkata and a four hour road trip from Siliguri. Best Time to visit: February to May & October to November. Places to Visit in Rinchenpong: Nigdoh, Rinchenpong Monastery, The Rhododendron sanctuary Things to do: Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Trekking Places to stay : Hotel Rinchenpong Nest; Orchid Villa

Suggested Read:  15 Resorts Near Kolkata 

8. Digha – An Ideal Party Destination

Image Source Digha is the most popular beach of West Bengal and it wears a festive look of a popular fairground all through the year. As soon as one reaches the town’s heart there is an excitement all around with the sight of crowds and the noise. It is an ideal party destination that you can visit over the weekend from Kolkata.

Location: Town in West Bengal How to reach: It’s 195 km from Kolkata. It takes 4 hours to reach Digha by Road/ Train. Best Time to visit: September to March Places to Visit in Digha: Nearby Places Shankarpur, Mandarmoni, Chandaneshwar, Talsari, Mohona. Things to do: Watersports, Walking on the beach & don’t miss to taste sea foods Places to stay: Hotel Pabitra Jamuna, Raja Holiday Inn, Le Roi Digha

9. Roopark Village, Panchalingeswar – A Unique Tribal Village Resort

Image Source Roopark Village, Panchalingeswar is a unique tribal village resort that offers an ideal pastoral experience. Far away from the madding crowd of the urban life, the quaint mud and thatch dwellings in the resort captures the spirit of nature with the perfect tribal craftsmanship and way of living. It is a perfect weekend getaway from the Kolkata.

Location: Village in West Bengal How to reach: Roopark Village is located at a distance of 28 km from Balasore railway station in Orissa. From kolkata by road : 5 hours, by Train : 3-1/2 hours (+ 45 minutes by road) Best Time to visit: Any time of the year, though summer is hot. Places to Visit in Roopark : Shiva Temple in Panchalingeshwar (the five lingams of Lord Shiva) Hills and the picturesque Deokund Falls at Shimlipal Reserve Forest which is a beautiful scenic spot amidst green forests. Chandipur beach (16 km away from Balasore) Things to do: Bird Watching Places to stay : Roopark Village Resort

Suggested Read: 21 Surreal Hill Stations Near Kolkata 

10. Rishyap – A Serene Weekend Retreat

Image Source Rishyap is a serene weekend retreat from Kolkata. It’s unique feature is that there is only empty space between this tiny hamlet and the Kanchendzonga range standing on the horizon. The town is spread across a narrow ridge with valleys falling away on either side.

Location: Hill station in Kalimpong district How to reach: Its 721 km North of Kolkata. By train 10 hours (Till NJP) + 3 hours by road then from kolkata. Best Time to visit: February to May, October to November (winter can be very chilly with snowfall) Places to Visit in Rishyap : Visit Lava, Lolegaon, Kalimpong & other famous hill stations, all within 3 hours of driving Things to do: Nature Walks, Bird watching. Go for a 45 minute walk from Rishap to Lava past a colony of forest huts Places to stay: Vamoosetrail Rishyap, Yes Homes Kolakham, Paradise Villa

11. Puri – The Most Famous Beach Of Eastern India

Image Source Puri is undoubtedly the most famous beach of Eastern India as well as the most frequented weekend getaway from Kolkata. It extends over 15 km resembling a right-oriented conch-shell. It was once a thickly wooded hilly region, home to the Sabaras, a pre-Aryan and pre-Dravidian tribe who worshipped Lord Jagannath. There are numerous beautiful places to visit in Puri .

Location : City in Odisha How to reach: 499 km From Kolkata. By road – 12 hours; By rail – 9 hours from Kolkata. Best Time to visit: Throughout the year though the summer is hot Places to Visit In Puri: Konark Temple, Nandan kanan (Zoo), Dolphin point, Chilka Lake, Udaygiri Things to do In Puri: Swim in the sea. Contact Nulias (local fishermen) who will take you into the deeper waters for a great experience for just Rs. 25 Places to stay: Swosti Premium, Trident Bhubaneswar, Mayfair Convention

Suggested Read: 10 Amazing Places Near Kolkata

12. Shankarpur – A Largely Hidden Beach

Image Source When looking for a one day tour near Kolkata within 100 km, this beach is the perfect escape and is largely hidden from the world. Though beautifully fringed by casuarinas and eucalyptus trees, it is a fact that waters have been gobbling up the land slowly. You can walk on the beach chasing the sunset up to a point of the delta of two small rivers and have the perfect weekend that you long for.

Location : Village in West Bengal How to Reach: Shankarpur is situated by the Bay of Bengal in East Midnapore, 16 km to the east of the famous Digha Beach. 180 km from Kolkata, by road 4 hours. Best Time to visit: September to March Places to Visit in Shankarpur: One can visit Mandarmoni beach, equally beautiful (32 km away) Things to Do : Take a stroll across Digha Beach Places to stay : Hotel Nest Shankarpur; Mallickaa Resort

13. Uttarey – A Scenic Village

On the Western part of the state Sikkim, bordered by Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and West Bengal, Uttarey, at 2050 metres, is a scenic village on the gentle northern slope of the Singalila range. Uttarey is a wonderful weekend retreat from Kolkata that you can easily cover in a couple of days.

Location: Village in West Sikkim How to reach: Uttarey is situated in West Sikkim at a distance of 140 km from Gangtok and 150 km from Siliguri. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport is Bagdogra, both about 160 km away. Best Time to visit: February to May & October to November Places to Visit in Uttarey : Visit Changey falls which cascades down from a height of 500 ft and disappears into a dense forest of silver fir and pine. The famous Singshore Bridge, just 6 km away, is the second highest gorge bridge in Asia and a stone dropped from the bridge nearly takes 10 seconds to hit the riverbed Things to do: Those into adventure sports, can try short treks through forests towards Varshey and then to Hilley Places to stay : Hotel View Point; Royal Barsey Homestay

Suggested Read: 23 Reasons To Love Kolkata 

14. Kalimpong – For A Relaxed Weekend Holiday

Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed weekend holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. If you are looking for luxury weekend getaways from Kolkata, this is the place. You can indulge in numerous exciting things to do in Kalimpong .

Location: Hill station in West Bengal How to reach: By train 10 hours + 1 hour by road from Kolkata, By air : 45 minutes + 1-1/2 hours by road Best Time to visit for a weekend trip: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season. Places to Visit In Kalimpong: Durpin Monastery, Lepcha Museum, Deolo Hill Things to do In Kalimpong: Watching Bird, Trekking Places to stay: Sinclairs Retreat, PaliGhar Farmstay, Summit Barsana Resort and Spa

15. Sundarbans – The Largest Delta In The World

Sundarban, the largest delta in the world and is also the largest Mangrove Forest in the world. If you are lucky enough you can witness the Royal Bengal Tigers here.

Location : Mangrove area in Bay of Bengal How to reach: It takes 3hrs from Kolkata by road or by train to reach Sundarban. Best time to visit: October to March Places to visit in Sundarbans : Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower; Sajnekhali Watch Tower; Bhagabatpur Crocodile Sanctuary Things to do: Visit Sajnekhali watch tower to watch wildlife, spend a full day and night in Boat in the midst of Matlla River Places to stay: Sundarban Safari Resort

Suggested Read:  Best Wildlife Experience In India

16. Henry’s Island – A Serene Island

Image Source Henry’s Beach is a Mangrove Forests that wonderfully serves as a weekend getaway from Kolkata. Its located on the western edge of the Sundarban, Henry’s Island is fast developing into in West Bengal’s favorite Beach Resort. Named after a British surveyor, who survived the area about a century ago.

Location: Island near Bakkhali How to reach: Its 130 km from Kolkata, takes around 3-4 hours to reach by train or by road Best time to visit: October to March Places to visit in Henry’s Island: Henry’s Island Beach; Henry’s Island Watchtower Things to do: Bird Watching,Nature Walks, Bonfire Nights Places to stay: Indoy Hotel; Hotel Amarabati

17. Lepchajagat – For A Romantic Weekend Getaway

Lepchajagat is a small village located in wilderness at an altitude of 6,956 ft (i.e. 2123 meters) and only 19kms away from Darjeeling hill town. If you are a nature lover or looking for a romantic weekend getaway for a couple of days, then Lepchajagat is the place for you.

Location : Small village near Darjeeling How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 4 hours drive from NJP Best Time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season Places to visit in Lepchajagat: Jorpokhri; Pashupati Market; Ghum Monastery Things to do: Ghoom Rock Places to stay: Green Valley Homestay; Lepchajagat Silver Pine Homestay

Suggested Read: 60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India

18. Chalsa – Tea Gardens, Rivers And Forests

Image Source Chalsa is a few kilometers from Malbazar on the way to Dooars from Siliguri. Its a small town situated just on the foot of the Himalaya in the Dooars surrounded by hills, tea gardens, rivers and forests. Absolutely idyllic weekend getaway from Kolkata.

Location: Town in West Bengal How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 2 hours drive from NJP Best time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy seasons Places to visit in Chalsa: Gorumara National Park; Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary Things to do: The visit in Gorumara National Park Places to stay: Sinclairs Retreat Dooars

19. Junput – An Abode Of Peace

Image Source The calm waters of Bay of Bengal, an unspoiled, solitary beach and the grove of casuarina trees make Junput an abode of peace. What more can you ask from a weekend retreat from Kolkata?

Location: Village in Purba Medinipur district How to Reach: 4-5 hours by Road from Kolkata Best Time to visit: Oct- March Places to visit in Junput : Mondermoni Things to do: Witness the rare species of fishes, visit the Temple of Kapalkundala & the lighthouse in Dariapur Places to stay: Sunview Resort, Blooming Star Guest House, Green Valley

Suggested Read: 11 Lavish Resorts In Kolkata 

20. Lava – A Serene Little Township

Image Source Perched at an altitude of 2350 mtrs, a serene little Township, Lava is a picturesque landscape that can never be captured by words with splendour of nature, situated near Kolkata. Undoubtedly, it is the best weekend destination near Kolkata . 

Location: Village in Kalimpong district How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 4 hours drive from NJP Best time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season Places to visit in Lava : Lolaygaon; Lava Monastery Things to do: Visit the Lava Monastery, Neora Valley interpretation Center & Sangey Falls. A drive to sunset point at Tiffendhara (1.5 km ) or Trekking at Rechila are simply unforgettable Places to stay : Hotel Orchid Lava; Hotel Cerulean Inn

21. MongPong – A Small Hill Village

Image Source Is the most mesmerizing landscape of eastern Himalayas. The cool breeze and soft melting glow of the sun will give you some unforgettable moments on your weekend trip from Kolkata . 

Location: Village in Kalimpong district How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 1 hour drive from NJP Best time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season Places to visit in MongPong : Coronation Bridge; Mahananda Bridge Sanctuary Things to do: The banks of the tilting Teesta offer you beautiful picnic spots. You can also trek through the virgin forest Places to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri; Humro Home Ahaldara

Suggested Read: 9 Best Beaches Near Kolkata 

22. Lolegaon – A Small Peaceful Hamlet

Image Source Its situated at an altitude of 1850 mtrs, in the midst of undulating slopes and adorned with towering Dhupi & Cypressus trees – a place of ethereal wilderness. Lolegaon is truly the best weekend trip from Kolkata.

Location: Village in Kalimpong district How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 4 hours drive from NJP Best time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season Places to visit Lolegaon: Rishyap; Neora Valley National Park; Changey Falls Things to do: Lolegaon offers a grand view of Ralli Valley & Himalayan Range. A visit to the sunset view point at Jhandidhara (3.5 Km)or a go for a walk in Heritage Forest Places to stay : Mystic Orchid Retreat; Resort Tree Fern

23. Bishnupur – A Temple Town

Image Source Bishnupur (or Vishnupur) was the capital of the Mallabhum kingdom, once the most important Hindu dynasty in Bengal). Surrounded by old fortifications, the town has more than a dozen terracotta temples. It is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Kolkata. This is surely the most beautiful weekend trip near Kolkata.

Location: City in West Bengal How to reach: By Train 3-4 hours from Kolkata. Best time to visit: November to February Places to visit in Bishnupur: Jor Bangla Temple; Lalji Temple Things to do: Visit the terracotta temples which is a lost art of our country Places to stay: Amtala Guest House

Suggested Read: Migratory Birds Spotted In Odisha 

24. Jaldhaka – A Picturesque Weekend Getaway

Image Source Jaldhaka is a picturesque weekend getaway from Kolkata. The gorgeous Jhalong River Camp is a charming landscape with nature at its mystic best.

Location: River How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 2-3 hours drive from NJP Best time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season Places to visit: Jaldhaka River Valley; Coronation Bridge Things to do: Hydel project is the star attraction. Trek to Neora Valley National Park Places to stay: Jaldhaka River View; Ritika Homestay

25. Samsing – The Land Of Floating Clouds

Image Source The land of floating clouds and endless maze of green will leave an everlasting sense of satisfaction in the heart. Samsing is an idyllic, peaceful weekend getaway from Kolkata. This is the best weekend trip near Kolkata.

Location: A village in Jalpaiguri district How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 2 hours drive from NJP Best time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season Places to visit in Samsing: Lali Guras; Samsing View Point; Neora Valley National Park Things to do: Picnic on the bank of the Suntaleykhola. Drive or trek through the steep serpentine to Tree fern Point Places to stay: Amantran Resort

Suggested Read: 9 Best Guest Houses In Kolkata 

26. Jaldapara – Home To Famous One Horned Rhino

Image Source Jaldapara National Park is situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar, West Bengal. It is the home to famous one horned Rhino and many other varied and endangered wildlife species. Head here for the best weekend destination from Kolkata.

Location: National Park in Alipurduar District How to reach: By Train 10 hours journey (to New Jalpaiguri) from Kolkata then 3 hours drive from NJP Best time to visit: Anytime of the year avoiding the rainy season Places to visit in Jaldapara: Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary; Chilapata Things to do: Indulge in the Jungle Safari Places to stay: Jaldapara Tourist Lodge; Hollong Eco Village Resort; Babusona Homestay

27. Mayapur – A Religious Site

Image Source If you are looking for best weekend getaways from Kolkata, then Mayapur is an amazing place to be. With Hugli on one side and Jalangi on the other, Mayapur offers peaceful environ and verdant greenery. The place has a reputation of being a religious site in Kolkata and is part of one of the nine islands of Nabadwip. Enjoy a tranquil getaway in the religious and calm atmosphere of Mayapur. It is a great place for some soul-searching.

Location: Situated adjacent to Nabadwip How to reach: It is 130 km away from Kolkata. You can take a train from Kolkata to Nabadwip and then hail a cab to Mayapur (30 km) Best time to visit: November-February Places to visit in Mayapur: Chandrodaya Temple; Samadhi of Prabhupada; Shree Chaitanyamath Things to do: Visit ISKCON to connect with God or for spiritual fulfillment Places to stay : Jagannath Guest House

Suggested Read: 17 Enchanting Road Trips From Kolkata 

28. Mukutmanipur – For A Peaceful Vacation

Mukutmanipur is one of the popular weekend getaways from Kolkata. If you are looking to spend a peaceful vacation, plan a visit to this small tranquil town. Crystal clear water, lush green forest and beautiful hills attract tourists in large numbers to this place.

Location : Village in West Bengal How to reach: It is 206 km away from Kolkata. You can take a train from Kolkata to Bankura and then take a bus or a cab to reach Mukutmanipur Best time to visit: October-March Places to visit in Mukutmanipur: Parasnath Hills; Kangsabati River; Ambikanagar; Deer Park Things to do: Visit the famous deer park, Kangsabati dam and soak in the serene vibe Places to stay: Aranyak Resort Mukutmanipur, Peerless Resort, Hotel Pink Rose

29. Bankura – Temples, Adventure Sports And More

Bankura is one of the best weekend trips from Kolkata. The town is famous for its remarkable history, temples and more. It also offers numerous adventure sports. All these things together attracts tourists from across the world. Susunia Hill, Bishnupur and Koko Hill are some of the best places to visit in this temple town.

Location: District in West Bengal How to reach: Bankura is located at a distance of just 170km from Kolkata and can be easily reached by taxi or bus Best time to visit: October-March Places to visit in Bankura: Bishnupur; Jayrambati; Mukutmonipur Things to do: Trekking and hiking are the popular things to do here apart from exploring temples and famous hills like Koko Hill Places to stay: Maa Laxmi Lodge, Hotel Priyadarsini, Deshbandhu Lodge

Suggested Read:  5 Best Resorts Near Bhubaneswar

30. Piyali Island – A Haven For Birdwatchers

Visiting the pristine Piyali island is one of the perfect weekend trip from Kolkata .  It is located just 72 km away from Kolkata and is a must-visit place for bird lovers. Famous for providing peace and tranquility, this island is home to several bird species and is also a great picnic option.

Location: 75 km from Sundarbans National Park How to reach: It takes ideally 2.5 hours from Kolkata to reach Piyali island. You can travel by private vehicle or reach Barasat by train. Barasat is the nearest railway station from this island Best time to visit: October-December Places to visit near Piyali Island : Dobanki Watch Tower; Netidhopani Things to do: Witness the rich flora and fauna, explore the surrounding villages and interact with locals Places to stay: Santibon Village, Sundarban Gateway, Sundarban Welcome Homestay

31. Kamarpukur – Enjoy Simple Rural Life

Kamarpukur is one of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata . If you are tired of the regular hustle and bustle of the city life, a visit to this small cluster of villages will recharge you. Enjoy the simple lifestyle of the people here and the scenic beauty of the place. Do head here for the best weekend destination from Kolkata.

Location: Village in Hooghly District How to reach: Kamarpukur is at a distance of 110 km from Kolkata. You can either take a bus or reach by a private vehicle. The nearest railway station to Kamarpukur is Tarakeswar Railway Station (45 km) Best time to visit: October-December Places to visit in Kamarpukar: Simhavahini Temple; Punya Pukur; Jairambati Math Things to do: Enjoy boating at various water bodies including tanks and canals Places to stay: Hotel Ananya; Sarada Lodge

Suggested Read:  Guest Houses In Puri

32. Jhargram – For Nature Lovers

Jhargram can be a perfect option for your weekend destination near Kolkata. It is a small city known for its cultural and historical background. Famed for its ancient temples, royal palaces, and forests; it is a must-visit attraction for tourists visiting Kolkata.

Location: A city in Jhargram district How to reach: Jhargram has a railway station of its own. Alternatively, you can drive on your own by taking National Highway 6 which connects Kolkata and Jhargram Best time to visit: October-February Places to visit in Jhargram: Chilkigarh Kanak Durga Temple; Sabitri Mandir; Kendua Things to do: Enjoy bird watching and take photo walks in the forest Places to stay: Jhargram Eshani Hotels and Guest House, Somani Lodge

33. Belur Math – A Pilgrimage Pursuit

Image Credit: Kunal Dalui for Wikipedia

Situated 10.5 km away from the city of Kolkata, Belur Math is an ideal place to visit during weekend getaways from Kolkata . It is a pilgrimage site and the temple is visited by many travellers from around the world irrespective of their religion.

Location: A Hindu temple near Kolkata How to reach: Local trains; Buses; Taxis Best time to visit:   6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM Places to Visit In Belur Math: The Samadhi Enclosure; The Old Shrine; Swami Vivekananda’s room Things to do: Visit the temple Places to stay: Belur Math Indian Guest House; Fabhotel De Sivalika

Suggested Read:  10 Spots For Shopping In Puri 

34. Ganga Sagar – A Blend Of Natural And Religious Charm

Image Credit: Bijay Chaurasia for Wikimedia

Another amazing weekend tour from Kolkata is to Ganga Sagar. Ganga Sagar is a coast situated at a distance of approximately 108.4 km from Kolkata. It is a great weekend destination near Kolkata . It is the place where Sagar Mela is held every year which is a huge fair that draws people from everywhere. One can also opt to go on a trek in this area.

Location: Island in the Ganges delta How to reach: Through a bus to Kakdwip and then through a boat Best time to visit: October to March Places to Visit In Ganga Sagar: The Sagar Beach; Ganga Sagar Mela; Kamil Muni Temple Things to do: Enjoy a holy dip Places to stay: Hotel Grey Castle; Hotel Queen  

35. Jamshedpur – India’s First Planned City

Image Credit: Shahbaz for Wikimedia

Nestled in between Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers, Jamshedpur is situated at a distance of 286.4 km from Kolkata. One of the highlights of this place is the Tata Steel Zoological Park. This town has a beautifully planned arena and is India’s first planned city. You can plan a quick weekend trip from Kolkata to Jamshedpur for a refreshing break!

Location: A city in Jharkhand How to reach: Flights; Buses; Taxis Best time to visit: November to  February Places to Visit In Jamshedpur: Dimna Lake; Jubilee Park Things to do: Shopping; Go on a nature stroll in various parks and sanctuaries Places to stay: Fortune Park Centre Point; Ramada Jamshedpur

Suggested Read:  7 Places To Visit In Odisha In June

36. Konark – Beholding A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Image Credit: Pixabay

No trip to Konark is complete without a trip to the Sun Temple. It is one of the best places to visit on weekend getaways from Kolkata . It is situated at a distance of approximately 501.9 km. Another thing that lures travelers here is the annual dance festival. 

Location: A town in Puri district How to reach: Trains and then taxis Best time to visit: September to March Places to Visit In Konark: Sun Temple; ASI Museum Things to do: Go on a temple tour and beach tour; Attend the annual dance festival Places to stay: Lotus Eco Resort; Toshali Sands

37. Purulia – For A Weekend Getaway Amidst Nature

Image Credit: Wikimedia

With an abundance of natural beauty, Purulia offers a sight to behold. Therefore, making it an ideal place to visit for nature lovers. It is situated at a distance of approximately 298.1 km from Kolkata. It is another amazing weekend destination near Kolkata .

Location: District in West Bengal How to reach: Buses; Taxis; Trains Best time to visit: October to March Places to Visit In Purulia: Baranti Reservoir; Rakab Forest Things to do: Witness Chau dance and pata nach Places to stay: Hotel Akash Sarovar; Sagar Raj Resort

Suggested Read:  15 Spectacular Hill Stations In Odisha

38. Cuttack – Cultural Capital Of Odisha

Cuttack is situated approximately 426.5 km away from Kolkata. It is also known as the cultural capital of Odisha. The city is famous for woven textiles, silver filigree works, and exotic Dussehra celebrations. This is amongst the offbeat weekend destinations near Kolkata.

Location: City in Odisha How to reach: By Flights – Biju Patnaik Airport (25 km); Train; Buses Best time to visit: July to March Places to Visit In Cuttack: Barabati Fort; Bhitarkanika National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary; Cuttack Chandi Temple Things to do: Go on a temple tour; Visit the historical attractions Places to stay: Grand Residency Hotel; The Blue Lagoon Premium

39. Nabadwip – A Religious Center

Nabadwip is situated at a short distance of approximately 136.1 km from Kolkata. This place is best known for its devotion to God Krishna. It circles an area surrounding a total of 200 temples. This place is known to be protected from the hardships of both time and tide. It is an apt place to explore for a weekend destination near Kolkata .

Location: A city in Nadia district How to reach: Trains; Buses Best time to visit: October to March Places to Visit In Nabadwip: Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math; Radha Rani Temple Things to do: Go on a temple tour Places to stay: Shree Krishna Guest House; Hotel Haveli

Suggested Read:  5 Water Parks In Odisha 

40. Haldia – A Bustling River Port

Image Credit: Arupparia for Wikimedia

Well-known as a foreign trade point, Haldia is situated at a distance of approximately 118.4 km away from Kolkata. Over time, this river port has gained the interest of many travellers.

Location: River port in Purba Medinipur district How to reach: Train (railway station is 4 km away); Taxi Best time to visit: October to March Places to Visit In Haldia: Sataku; Mahishadal Rajbari and Goplajew Temple Things to do: Shopping; Temple tour Places to stay: The Golden Retreat; Ganga Kutir; Hotel East Coast

Tips For Traveling

Listed below are some of the tips to keep in mind while exploring the weekend getaways from Kolkata .

• Make sure the best time to visit and the weather forecast before planning your weekend getaways.
• Go through the official websites of the attractions to get information about the updated entry fee.
• Abide by the rules and regulations provided by the authorities.
• Do not indulge in smoking or drinking in public places.
• Always make sure to carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.
• Take note of the updated visiting timings from the official websites of the attractions.
• If you are headed for treks and hikes for the first time in a particular place, make sure to accompany a tour guide.
• Ensure that you maintain social distancing and wear masks.

Further Read: 24 Picnic Spots Near Kolkata

If you ever plan a trip to West Bengal , don’t just visit Kolkata and Darjeeling. Explore beyond. Make sure you have plenty of days aside to check out these alluring weekend getaways. Head to these places for an ultimate weekend and have unlimited cherished memories on your holiday.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Weekend Getaways From Kolkata

What are some weekend destinations near Kolkata in monsoon?

Jamunadighi, Tajpur and Bagriposi are among the best pick if you are looking for a quick monsoon escape from Kolkata. The weather in the mentioned places stays pleasant and favorable during this time of the year, with landscape getting greener with every rainfall.

How far is Kolkata from Shantiniketan?

Shantiniketan is situated at a distance of approximately 162 km from Kolkata. There are numerous trains running between both the destinations. You can also hire a cab or taxi from Kolkata to reach Shantiniketan

What are the top places to visit in Jamshedpur?

Jubilee Park Dimma Lake Here a few amazing places to visit in Kamshedpur: Tata Steel Zoological Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Hudco Lake, Russi Modi and Centre for Excellence.

How far is Lava from Kolkata?

Lava is situated at a distance of approximately 676 km from Kolkata.

List top places to visit in Konark?

Here are a few top places to visit in Konark: Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, ASI Museum and Astaranga Beach. Spending hours by the impeccable beaches of Konark is one of the best thing to capture the true vibe of the place.

When does the Konark Dance Festival take place?

The Konark Dance Festival usually takes place in the month of February. This year, it took place from 19th to 23rd February, 2021. However, the dates might vary due to coronavirus outspead.

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5 days Itinerary of West Bengal

Source: IndiaToday

Wish to know about India's best secrets and hidden gems? Explore 'Mera Shandar Bharat, Safar Anokhey India Ka' to plan your next holiday!

With mountains in the north and beaches in the south, the state offers several destinations that are perfect for a vacation, West Bengal is a topographically varied state. The capital city, Kolkata, is also a surprise for travellers. Rich with culture and heritage, this city will take you on a roller coaster ride of art, architecture and culinary brilliance.

A five-day travel plan in West Bengal is just not enough, but still, we have figured out a way to help you explore the best of this state in this limited time. Here is a five-days itinerary of West Bengal that will help you explore the picturesque landscapes of Bengal.

Getting Around

Getting around anywhere in West Bengal is not very difficult. The well-connected roadway and railway of the state make remote locations in the hills easily accessible for all the wanderlusts as well as the locals.

If you are travelling from another state, then you can take a flight to the Bagdogra or hop on a train to Siliguri Railway Station.

What to See and Do

North Bengal is a beautiful place to be and has some scenic locations that will re-energise you and make you work-ready after the vacation.

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by road to reach Mirik from Siliguri Railway station. Mirik, a quaint little hilltown, lies right on the route to Darjeeling and provides an excellent location for some scenic beauty and pleasant weather. In comparison to other spots in the area, the hilltown's temperature is much milder (15 degrees to 30 degrees). One day is enough to explore this small town.

Source: DarjeelingTourism

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Start your day with breakfast at the Park Restaurant, parked right next to the famous Mirik Lake. The place is a small cosy eating joint which serves both Indian and English breakfast. Don't forget to grab a window seat for a meal with a view!

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Mirik Lake is the most popular spot for travellers here. The 1.25km long lake is also known as the Sumendu Lake. Surrounded by forest trails on one side, the lake is just the place to be on a sunny morning with friends, family or alone.

Bokar Monastery

Source: Darjeeling Tourism

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: The monastery lies at a distance of only 3km away from the lake and is the highest (5600ft) point of the hilltown. Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling monastery provides a panoramic view of the lake and its nearby forested area. The interiors of the monastery are also equally pleasing.

Tingling View Point

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: A little on the outskirts of the town, lies the Tingling View Point which has gained its name from a nearby tea garden with the same name. The viewpoint is an 8km drive away from the monastery and is a must visit for anyone who loves tea gardens. This viewpoint has the best view of the lush green tea garden of the district with misty clouds floating above them.

Tashi Takey Restaurant

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Leave for Darjeeling. On your way grab some food at the Tashi Takey Restaurant located 26km away from the Tingling Viewpoint.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Explore the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center built for Tibetian refugees. Get to know about their culture through the handicrafts at a display for visitors to buy.

Penang Restaurant

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Get dinner at Penang Restaurant which serves Nepali, Thai and Tibetian cuisine. Visit this place to enjoy some authentic dishes from the region. Leave for Kurseong.

Source: West Bengal Tourism

Kurseong is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal . Adorned with white orchids, tea gardens and hill slopes, this little town though crowded in some parts, are immensely pretty and perfect for a long vacation.

Kurseong Circuit House

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Start your day with some delicious local breakfast at Kurseong's Circuit House.

Ambootia Tea Garden

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Ambootia Tea Garden is one of the many tea gardens in the region settled 10km from the Kurseong's Circuit House. It is famous for its production of black, white and green tea.

Eagle's Crag

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: The Eagle's Crag is a hilltop viewpoint is 7.1km from the circuit and provides a stunning view of the tea estates and other plantations.

The Cochrane Place

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: 2.4km away from Eagle's Crag is The Cochrane Place. Enjoy your lunch at this beautiful vintage property.

Giddhe Pahar View Point

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: The Giddhe Pahar View Point is 7.4km from the lunch place. It is open only during the day and is free of cost. Enjoy an amazing view of the valley from this viewpoint.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Dow Hills forms a large part of Kurseong. Covered with lush green forests, this place has several historic educational centres, parks and museums to check out. The place is 9.6km away from the Giddhe Pahar View Point and has some beautiful imperial architectures to look.

St.Mary's Hill Church

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: St.Mary's Hill Church is another popular tourist spot in the area which is 6.6km from the Giddhe Pahar View Point.

Margaret's Deck Tea Lounge (Goodricke Tea Pot)

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Taste some local tea at Margaret's Deck Tea Lounge which is 6km from the church. Along with good quality food, the restaurant is placed on a hillside which provides some stunning views of the landscape.

7:00 pm: Leave for Darjeeling which 22km from Kurseong

Glenary's Bakery Resturant & Pub

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm: End your day with a sumptuous dinner at the Glenary's Restaurant which is a multi-cuisine restaurant. This upscale restaurant is 100 years old and a must try.

Spread over 3000 sq km, Darjeeling is a scenic hilltown. With toy trains whistling through the woods and extensive tea gardens supplementing the beauty of Himalayan foothills, this destination is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors in huge numbers during peak seasons.

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Begin your second day in the state with a sumptuous breakfast at the Magnolia, Mayfair. The place offers multiple cuisines in its delicious breakfast spread.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

10:00 am - 11:00 am: If backpacking and climbing interest you, then the first place to begin your journey in Darjeeling must be this institute. The institute is 1km from the breakfast place. It has a museum with mountaineering artefacts, a boarding school, a food joint and a souvenir shop.

Darjeeling Ropeway Company Limited

Source: Kalimpong News

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: When in Darjeeling, a ropeway tour is a must try. The Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car service is only 3km from HMI. Enjoy a stunning bird's eye view of this beautiful hill station. The ropeway is open from 10 am to 4 pm. The ticket costs Rs200 per person.

Darjeelling Peace Pagoda

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: The Peace Padoga is 1km from the Ropeway and provides a magnificent view from the top.

Batasia Loop

Source: North Bengal Tourism

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Batasia Loop is an excellent destination for photographers looking to capture the famous toy trains of Darjeeling. It is a loop of railway tracts consisting of a sharp bend. The viewpoint provides a location for beautiful landscapes adorned with mountains, waterfalls, tea gardens and streams.

Tamang Buddhist Monastery Road

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: 2km from Batasia Loop, Ghoom monastery is another interesting spot for travellers. Immerse yourself in the mystic surroundings of this monastery.

Gatty's Cafe

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Bite on some delicious food at Gatty's Cafe which is 6km away from Ghoom Monastery. The cafe is warm and cosy which makes it perfect for an afternoon meal.

Darjeeling Mall

4:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Also known as Chowrasta(where four roads meet), this place brings life to this peaceful town. Lined with several shops and eateries, Chowrasta is perfect to hang around and get to know the locals here. Fiesta Restaurant located in the mall area is a good option for dinner. End your day with some finger licking local cuisines here.

Tiger Hill Sunrise Observatory

4:00 am - 8:00 am: Tiger Hill is located 11km away from the Darjeeling Town. The summit gives you a stunning view of the majestic Himalayas. Sunrise is the best time of the day to visit this place. As the sky changes its colour with sunrise, the snow-covered peaks get more surreal. Experience this early morning bliss only at Tiger Hills.

8:00 am - 9:00 am: After enjoying a majestic sunrise, make sure to grab some breakfast sold by local vendors at the Hills itself, a treat for any traveller.

9:00 am - 11:00 am: After breakfast leave for Kalimpong which is 50 km away from Darjeeling and will take about 2 hours to reach this another gem of a destination in the state.

Durpin Monastery

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Set on Durpin Dara hills, Durpin Monastery is one of the popular tourist destinations in Kalimpong and also holds religious.importance for many. From the top, the monastery also provides a bird's eye view of this quaint hill town.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Deolo Hill is a parkland in Kalimpong and 5km away from the monastery. Set at 5000 ft above the sea level, this place has multiple viewpoints.

The Soods Garden Retreat

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Less than 2km away is the Soods Garden Retreat, where you can eat your heart out and get ready for a stroll in the Bazar.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Walk through the lanes of the Haat Bazar and get to know the locals here. One could also buy souvenirs from this place.

4:00 pm: Leave for Lolegaon

Lolegaon, a small village in the Kalimpong district with picturesque landscapes. The village is 28km from the main town of Kalimpong. Untouched with commercialisation, this place is just perfect for a getaway.

Resort Tree-Fern

9:00 am -10:00 am: Get your breakfast at the Tree-Fern Resort located in the village Lolegaon in the midst of rural wilderness.

Canopy Walk Kafer

10:00 am -11:00 am: Visit the Canopy Walk Kafer in Bokhim Khasmahal and is at a walking distance (750m ) from the resort. Cross this hanging bridge in the middle of woodlands.

11:00 am -1:00 pm: Leave for Lava which is 50km from Lolegaon

Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Visit the Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery for a peaceful excursion. This monastery is also a retreat centre for many who are looking for a long stay.

Nathula Forest Canteen

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Nathula Forest Canteen, 850m ahead is a great place to grab some lunch and move forward towards the next destination.

Neora Valley National Park

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Neora Valley National Park is just 1.6km from the canteen and is home to exotic plants and animals. One can go for a safari in the national park.

Changey Waterfall

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: After an exquisite wildlife adventure in the national park, head to Changey Waterfall which only 6.1km from the park for a brilliant view of a waterfall gushing down with high ranges of Kanchenjunga on all sides.

6:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Return for Darjeeling (80km)

9:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Have your last meal of the five days trip at Glenary's Bakery Restaurant & Pub, Near Clock Tower.

Have you already travelled to this part of West Bengal ? Share your experience with us here . Subscribe to Tripoto's Youtube Channel to find out more travel ideas.

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Unique among Indian states in stretching all the way from the Himalayas to the sea, West Bengal is nonetheless explored in depth by few foreign travellers. That may have something to do with the exaggerated reputation of its capital, Kolkata (Calcutta), an enthralling, sophisticated and friendly city that belies its popular image as poverty-stricken and chaotic. The rest of Bengal holds an extraordinary assortment of landscapes and cultures, ranging from the dramatic hill station of Darjeeling , within sight of the highest mountains in the world, to the vast mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans, prowled by elusive Royal Bengal tigers.

Explore the Vibrant Legacy of West Bengal

Best things to do in west bengal, best places to stay, how to get around, how many days do you need in west bengal, what is the best time to visit west bengal, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Tailor-made trips for   India

At the height of British rule, Bengal flourished both culturally and materially, nurturing a uniquely creative blend of West and East. The Bengali Renaissance produced thinkers, writers and artists such as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Rabindranath Tagore, whose collective influence still permeates Bengali society.

Not all of Bengal is Bengali, though; the Nepalese-led separatist movement for the creation of an autonomous “Gurkhaland” in the Darjeeling area has focused on sharp differences in culture. Here, the Hindu Nepalese migration eastward from the nineteenth century onwards has largely displaced the indigenous tribal groups of the north, though Lamaist Tibetan Buddhism continues to flourish.

In the southwest, tribal groups such as the Santhals and the Mundas still maintain a presence, and itinerant Baul musicians continue the region’s traditions of song and dance, most often heard around Tagore’s university at Shantiniketan; Tagore’s own musical form, Rabindra Sangeet, is a popular amalgam of influences including folk and classical.

Other historical specialities of Bengal include its ornate terracotta temples, as seen at Bishnupur, its silk production, concentrated around Murshidabad, the state’s last independent capital, and temple at Tarapith dedicated to Tara, which is perhaps the greatest centre of Tantrism in the entire country.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Talk to our India travel experts .

Victoria Memorial architectural monument and museum at Kolkata © Shutterstock

From Eden Gardens, Kolkata’s legendary cricket ground, to riding the Victorian Toy Train railway past the tea gardens that carpet the steep hillsides around Darjeeling, these are the best things to do in West Bengal.

#1 Be dazzled by the Victoria Memorial

A dizzying blend of Mughal and Italian architecture, the Victoria Memorial is one of the most striking buildings in India. Located at the southern end of the Maidan in Kolkata, the dramatic white-marble monument to the British Empire has formal gardens and watercourses, which continue to be Kolkata’s pride and joy.

This extraordinary hybrid building designed by Sir William Emerson, with Italianate statues over its entrances, Mughal domes in its corners, and elegant open colonnades along its sides, was conceived by Lord Curzon to commemorate the empire at its peak, though by the time it was completed in 1921, twenty years after Victoria’s death, the capital of the Raj had shifted to Delhi.

The main entrance, at the Maidan end, leads into a tall chamber beneath the dome. The 25 galleries inside still contain mementoes of British imperialism including statues of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria.

#2 Enjoy the spectacle of a cricket match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens

The imposing site of the world-famous cricket ground (officially known as the Ranji Stadium), lies near the river close to Chandpal Ghat and has been described as the “Coliseum of Cricket”.

Watching a test match at Eden Gardens is an unforgettable experience as the 66,000-seat stadium resounds to the roar of the crowd.

Next to the stadium, towards the river, the pleasant palm-fringed gardens are a picture of tranquillity with a Burmese pagoda set against a little lake.

#3 Visit the artisans of Kumartuli in Kolkata

A short walk north of Shobabazaar Ghat, lies the warren of Kumartuli, where a community of kumars or “potters” hand-craft lavish statues of voluptuous goddesses used for the city’s religious festivals.

In the days leading up to the great pujas, especially that of Durga Puja, Kumartuli is a fascinating hive of activity. Statues take form from straw and river clay before being spray-painted and then clothed in all their finery.

Although pith (banana tree marrow) is still used to decorate the statues, modern materials have made an impact. The community is also accessible from Shobabazaar Metro Station – emerge from the west exit and walk west along a lane to Rabindra Sarani and an entrance to Kumartuli.

Kumartuli clay idol Durga Puja, Kumartuli idol making in Kolkata © Shutterstock

#4 Float through the endless mangrove forests of the Sundarbans

South of Kolkata down to the coast, the Hooghly fringes one of the world’s largest estuarine deltas, the Sundarbans, a 10,000-square-kilometre expanse of mangrove swamp and forested islets formed by silt swept down from the Himalayas and home to the world’s largest population of tigers.

Closer to the city, the former colonial port of Diamond Harbour is a popular weekend break and lies en route to Sagardwip, a sacred island where the Ganges reaches the sea. The expansive beaches of the delta provide quiet respite and are within easy reach of Kolkata.

#5 Explore the tranquil university town of Shantiniketan

Founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 on the site of his father’s ashram, both the settlement and its liberal arts university Visva-Bharati were designed to promote the best of Bengali culture.

Towards the end of the Bengali Renaissance, Tagore’s vision and immense talent inspired a whole way of life and art; the university and school still operate under this momentum.

Centred around the Uttarayan complex of buildings, designed by Tagore, the university is very much in harmony with its surroundings, despite its recent growth as Kolkatans have settled or built holiday homes nearby.

Well-known graduates include Indira Gandhi and Satyajit Ray, and departments such as Kala Bhavan (art) and Sangeet Bhavan (music) still attract students from all over the world.

Upasana Griha at Shantiniketan, West Bengal, India © Shutterstock

#6 Visit Darjeeling, a charming hill station with Raj-era relics and fine tea

Part Victorian holiday resort, part major tea-growing centre, Darjeeling (from Dorje Ling, “the place of the thunderbolt”) straddles a ridge 2200m up in the Himalayas, almost 600km north of Kolkata.

Over seventy years since the British departed, the town remains as popular as ever with holiday-makers from the plains, and promenades such as the Mall and the Chowrasta still burst with life.

The greatest appeal for visitors has to be its stupendous mountain vistas – with Kanchenjunga (the third-highest mountain in the world) and a vast cohort of ice-capped peaks dominating the northern horizon.

Darjeeling is a colourful and lively, cosmopolitan place, with good shopping and dining, plenty of walks in the surrounding hills, and attractions such as the Toy Train and colourful Buddhist monasteries.

#7 Take the Toy Train

Completed in 1881, the small-gauge (610mm) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (commonly known as the Toy Train) was designed as an extension of the North Bengal State Railway, climbing from New Jalpaiguri, via Siliguri, for a tortuous 88km up to Darjeeling.

Given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999, the Toy Train follows the Hill Cart Road, crossing it at regular intervals and even sharing it with traffic.

Although no longer an essential mode of transport, the train is certainly a tourist attraction, and currently runs daily from New Jalpaiguri at 8.30am, reaching Darjeeling at 3.35pm. Diesel engines are now de rigueur on the long route.

Weather permitting, coaches with large viewing windows provide magnificent vistas as the journey progresses and the scenery gradually unfolds; second class can be fun but crowded.

#8 Complete the Singalila trek

This trek, close to Darjeeling, features unforgettable mountain vistas, especially beautiful in April and May, when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

The single ridge of the Singalila Range rises near Darjeeling and extends all the way to the summit of Kanchenjunga.

Easily accessible from Darjeeling, the later stages of the Maneybhanjang–Phalut trail provide magnificent views of the higher ranges; lightweight expeditions are possible as there are trekking huts and lodges and simple food stalls along the way.

The walking is demanding and you should bring your own sleeping bag and warm clothes as the weather can be unpredictable

Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world © Shutterstock

When it comes to finding accommodation in West Bengal , you'll discover a diverse range of options that cater to different preferences and budgets. From idyllic tea plantations to luxurious spa resorts, and historic mansions to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, the region offers something for every type of traveller.

Darjeeling, nestled in the Himalayas, offers a wide array of accommodation options , with scores of hotels to choose from. For budget-conscious travellers, the main backpacker enclave along Dr Zakir Hussain Road has affordable options, though be prepared for an uphill climb to reach the best budget places offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Decent accommodation in Kolkata can be a bit pricey. Midrange hotels often offer better value. The Salt Lake area is home to many "business" hotels, although it's not well-connected. The bustling Sudder Street hosts a plethora of backpacker-oriented services, with guesthouses and hotels occupying nearly every other building. Keep in mind that accommodation fills up quickly during the vibrant Durga Puja festival.

Shantiniketan

The most desirable places to stay in Shantiniketan are found in the leafy suburbs on the north side.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railways Toy Train © Shutterstock

Exploring West Bengal requires navigating its extensive transportation network. Whether travelling by train, bus, taxi, or other modes of transportation, here's how to get around.

As a well-connected state, West Bengal boasts an extensive railway network that allows you to travel conveniently between cities and towns.

The major railway hubs in West Bengal include Kolkata, Siliguri, and New Jalpaiguri, from where you can easily reach various destinations within the state.

For an economical and efficient way to explore West Bengal, the state-run buses and private bus services are a popular choice.

The buses connect major cities, towns, and tourist destinations, offering a reliable mode of transport. Kolkata, in particular, has an extensive bus network that covers both intra-city and inter-city routes.

Kolkata boasts one of the oldest metro systems in India, making it a convenient mode of transport within the city.

When it comes to navigating within cities, taxis are readily available and offer a convenient means of transportation. In Kolkata, you'll find yellow taxis that run on meters, ensuring fair fares for your journey.

By auto-rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws, known as "autos," are three-wheeled vehicles that can be found in cities and towns throughout West Bengal. Negotiate the fare before starting your ride, as autos usually don't have meters.

To get a comprehensive experience of West Bengal, you’ll need a minimum of 10 to 12 days. However, if you are short on time, a well-planned itinerary of seven to eight days can still provide a taste of the region's highlights.

Start at Kolkata, India's cultural capital, and allocate at least three to four days. This will allow you to delve into the city's colonial past, visit its best museums, sample some local street food, and immerse yourself in its cultural offerings.

From here, visit the hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Plan to spend a minimum of three to four days in this region to savour the beauty of the misty mountains, visit tea estates, take scenic walks, and indulge in local experiences. Longer if you want to complete the Singalila trek.

Next head south to explore the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Allocate around two to three days. This will allow you to embark on a thrilling boat safari, navigate the winding creeks, and witness the diverse wildlife that inhabits this unique ecosystem.

Darjeeling tea platation © Shutterstock

The climate of Kolkata – and much of west and lowland north Bengal – is at its best during the short winter (Nov–Feb), when the daily maximum temperature hovers around 27°C, and the markets are filled with fresh vegetables and flowers.

Before the monsoons, however, the heat hangs unbearably heavily; the arrival of the rains in late June brings relief, but usually also floods that turn the streets into a quagmire.

After a brief period of post-monsoon high temperatures, October and November are quite pleasant; this is the time of the city’s biggest festival, Durga Puja. The best seasons to visit Darjeeling and the mountainous areas of north Bengal are after the monsoons and before winter (late Sept to late Nov), and spring (mid-Feb to May).

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

Whether you prefer flying, taking a train, or embarking on a scenic road trip, this are the best ways to get to West Bengal.

Kolkata’s airport , 20 km north of the city centre, is officially called Netaji Subhash Bose International Airport, but is still universally known by its old name of Dum Dum.

Flights Kolkata has excellent domestic services to cities across the country on AirAsia, IndiGo, SpiceJet and other companies. Check Graphiti, The Telegraph’s Sunday supplement, for current flight (and train) information.

Kolkata has three main railway stations: Howrah, Kolkata and Sealdah, with two others, Santragachi and Shalimar, as subsidiary hubs.

Unfortunately, none of the stations is currently linked to the Metro system, though the east–west line, under construction at the time of writing, will have stations at Howrah and Sealdah.

Find out the best ways to get to India .

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written by Andy Turner

updated 29.05.2023

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13 Fabulous Road Trips To Take From Kolkata

by middha on July 18, 2018

Not only is Kolkata city the ‘ City of Joy’ where you can visit some of the country’s finest attractions in the country, but it is also a city from where you can go on memorable road trips in India .

West Bengal and its surrounding states are laden with several outstanding getaways that you can explore according to your moods and fancies, be it pilgrimage spots or nature trails. Our guide provides a comprehensive list of the most captivating road trips from Kolkata.

Short Road Trips from Kolkata (2 days)

Drive through scenic roads in Raichak

The shortest road trip to a small riverside town. Just get in your car or bike and head on out to Raichak to visit its top delights, including the Diamond Harbour and Chingrikhali Fort. The Harbour is where the Hooghly river meets into the Bay of Bengal and is a popular picnic spot for the locals.

The Fort is close to the harbour and was once a Portuguese stronghold, now in ruins. By the fort there is a lighthouse that you can climb atop to enjoy great views of the harbour and its surroundings.

Distance from Kolkata: 55 kilometres

Suggested to Read : Places to Visit near Kolkata for 2 days

2. Tarkeshwar

Taraknath Temple

A spiritually important small town that you can visit for its fabled past. Start by visiting the Taraknath temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and supposed to be one of the 12 abodes of Jyotirlingas of Shiva, then head to the Buddha Temple which was consecrated by the Dalai Lama himself. This is the only Buddhist temple in the Hooghly district.

Distance from Kolkata: 62 kilometres

3. Sundarbans

Sundarban Mangroves

An essential road trip from Kolkata. The Sundarban National Park is a UNESCO heritage site is home to the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world. You’d especially love taking a road trip during the monsoons. Spot the Royal Bengal tigers here and also check out saltwater crocodiles and other species. You can visit the nearby village on a biking tour and go fishing too.

This getaway into the quietude of nature has been described as a heavenly experience by tourists and visitors.

Distance from Kolkata: 102 kilometres

4. Shantiniketan

Abandoned ruins of Shantiniketan

The university founded by Tagore that produced some of India’s greatest intellectual minds. Shantiniketan road trip is a cultural trip that will be thoroughly enriching. Take a guided tour to Visva Bharati University, visit the Tagore Ashram to see the legendary master’s memorabilia, and visit Amar Kutir to shop for some rare and unique handicraft items. Also do visit Chhatimtala, a peaceful place where Rabindranath Tagore used to teach his students.

Distance from Kolkata: 162 kilometres

Must Read : Things Kolkata is Famous for

5. Bishnupur

A short road trip that will take you to a historic terracotta temple city with spectacular architecture and old world charm. Rasmancha is a hut-shaped temple with an array of brick pillars, exquisite carvings and awesome cannons to admire. The Jorbangla temple is a great example of terracotta architecture as well as Shyam Rai Temple, also greatly carved in red terracotta stone.

Distance from Kolkata: 180 kilometres

6. Digha & Mandarmani

Digha Beach at evening

Popular beach destinations, a road trip to Mandarmani and Digha is called for when you’re in the mood for coastal lounging. Its four famous beaches are New Digha Beach, Mandarmani Beach, Talsari Beach, Udaipur Beach and Shankarpur Beach. Adventure beach activities to indulge in here are parasailing, snorkelling, water zorbing and water skiing. Enjoy jet skiing and ATV Bike rides in Mandarmani.

Distance from Kolkata: 184 kilometres

7. Jamshedpur

Bhubaneshwari Temple

Taking a road trip to the first planned industrial city of India has to be special. The city’s top attractions are a 200-acre park called Jubilee Park, Dimna Lake beside the Dalma Range, and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and Tata Zoological Park. The absolute hidden gem at Jamshedpur is the Amadubi Rural Tourism Center, a rural artist centre that depicts tribal life and some jaw-dropping tribal artwork. Spend time with humble and unassuming Jharkhand tribals, a truly rewarding experience.

Distance from Kolkata: 284 kilometres

Road Trips from Kolkata: Long Road Trips (3 days & over)

8. bodh gaya.

Pagodas at Bodhgaya

The ultimate spiritual road trip; Kolkata to Bodhgaya road trip will be memorable for so many reasons. This road trip will take you to the location of Gautam the Buddha’s enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage place in the whole world.

Pay your respects at the Bodhi Tree, explore the Mahabodhi Temple complex, marvel at the 80 foot Buddha statue, check out the Thai and Royal Bhutanese monasteries and visit the archaeological museum. The main reason to visit Bodh Gaya would be to absorb the spiritually uplifting vibes of Buddha’s awakening.

Distance from Kolkata: 474 kilometres

Also Read : Places to Visit in Kolkata

9. Konark/Puri

Konark Sun Temple

A great road trip for fans of heritage and architecture. Stop at Konark first and check out its 13th century Konark Sun Temple, dedicated to Sun God. The temple is in the shape of a splendidly carved chariot with 12 pairs of wheels. In Konark visit the nearby Konark Beach.

Proceed to Puri to visit India’s most famous pilgrimage site, Jagannath Temple. Also go to Puri Beach, a shallow beach ideal for swimming. Do visit Chilka Lake, India’s largest saltwater lake and enjoy boating and bird watching and its Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary.

Distance from Kolkata: 500 kilometres

Also Read : Temples in Kolkata

10. Kurseong

A panoramic view of Kurseong

Before Darjeeling, stop at Kurseong which is a less-explored hill station when compared to Darjeeling. Nonetheless, it is a quiet town nestled in green hills and beautiful vistas. Visit Dow Hill, St. Mary’s Hill, check out the Castleton Tea Estate, and Eagle’s Crag to enjoy breathtaking views of the hills.

Distance from Kolkata to Kurseong: 590 kilometres

11. Darjeeling

A Tea Plantation at Darjeeling

This will be a scenic road trip taking you across the Himalayan regions of West Bengal that are to die for. In Darjeeling, there are so many wonderful things to do you won’t want to return to your regular city life.

Ride in the toy train, watch the Kanchenjunga sunrise, meditate at its peaceful monasteries, and ride on the passenger ropeway. Make sure you plan a weeklong road trip to fully enjoy this paradise on earth.

Distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling: 615 kilometres

Suggested to Read : Places to Visit near Kolkata within 500 kms

12. Kalimpong

Kalimpong town

More or less the same stunning Darjeeling route with a few detours will lead you to the dreamy hill town of Kalimpong that also has several British era buildings and other-world ambience. Also known for its Buddhist traditions, in Kalimpong, you will find precious Buddhist scriptures at Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang Monastery.

Do not miss out on visiting the Delo Park for its natural wonders and visit the colourful Phodong and Tharpa Choling monasteries. This is a peaceful hill station which is not too crowded and offers much needed ‘me time’ in a beautiful landscape.

Distance from Kolkata: 624 kilometres

13. Varanasi

Witness an Aarti in Varanasi

Through the hinterlands of Jharkhand, this epic road trip will take you to the most visited and revered Hindu pilgrimage city of Varanasi. But the city is more than its religious sites and symbolism. Its colourful, chaotic and vibrant atmospherics are its main attraction.

You will get to see crowded ghats with devotees trying to bathe in the holy waters of Ganges, people burning the corpses of loved ones so that they attain “salvation”, and myriad Hindu mystics meditating everywhere. Sunset and sunrise boat rides are popular here along with the evening aarti ceremony on the ghats.

Distance from Kolkata: 680 kilometres

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52 Offbeat Weekend Destinations from Kolkata

Weekend Getaways from Kolkata , Featured

Last Updated on: Feb 10, 2023  

There is no doubt that Kolkata is a beautiful city and the best part is that there are many offbeat weekend destinations near Kolkata. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to weekend getaways from Kolkata. You can visit the mountains, the rural villages, beaches or the forests to simply relax and spend quality time with your family. So we have decided to collate a list of some great offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata for you.

These days with more work pressure, lesser family time and stress, it becomes difficult to strike a balance between work and travel . It is best to use the weekends to this cause and plan a short getaway to the place of your choice. You come back rejuvenated for the next week.

The most visited weekend getaways near Kolkata are undoubtedly Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Shantiniketan and the beaches of Puri , Digha and Mandarmani. I am sure all the Bengalis are very familiar with the term Di-Pu-Da. In this list, we are excluding these better-known places.

Offbeat Weekend destinations from Kolkata

We have collated 52 weekends getaways from Kolkata for the 52 weeks of the year. We have arranged these offbeat weekend destinations in alphabetical order. The distance from Kolkata is an approximate one. There are obviously many more places to visit during the weekends. These are only a few. If you want to know more about offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata, wait for our e-book to be published. We promise it is going to be published soon!

Bagora, North Bengal

Mountains, mist and pristine nature – that is what Bagora is. A beautiful hamlet tucked at an altitude of 7150 ft above the sea level, Bagora is a place where you can simply relax and rejuvenate. The mountains are there for your eyes only and the carpet of green grass is to soothe your souls. Here no one is in a hurry and you too can enjoy this slow pace. You can simply walk down the village and explore the place in your own ways.

Distance from Kolkata: 600 km

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

How to reach: From Siliguri / NJP, take a shared sumo towards Darjeeling. Get down at Dilaram. From there you have to take a car to Bagora.

Things to do: Visit the Zero Point, walk through the village, bird watching. There are several trek routes from Bagora to Chimeni (4 km), Latpanchar (19 km), Mongpu (12 km) or Chatakpur (8 km).

Nearby places: Chimeni, Latpanchar , Mongpu , Chatakpur, Dilaram

Baguran – Jalpai, Medinipur – West Bengal

Baguran Jalpai is an unexplored and tranquil beach destination under the Contai subdivision of Purba Medinipur. This lesser-known destination is just 4 hours away from Kolkata. Surrounded by casuarina trees, the long beach with golden sand is just the place to relax and rejuvenate. Time will simply pass by here as you look at the waves crashing down the sandy beach. Dusk is a very beautiful time here. After exploring the beach, you can visit the fishermen village and get a glimpse of their life.

Distance from Kolkata: 160 km

Best time to visit: All through the year

How to reach: From Howrah, you can take a train to Kanthi. The place is 10 km from Kanthi and can be reached by hiring a car or auto from Kanthi Railway Station or Bus Stand.

Things to do: Walk on the beach, visit the fishermen village, watch the sunset.

Nearby places: Digha, Junput, Bankiput, Mandarmani

Bangriposi, Odisha

Bangriposi literally means ‘the beautiful daughter of the hills’ and the place lives up to its name. Situated in the Thakurani ranges of Odisha, Bangriposi has been immortalized in the novel by Buddhadeb Guha. The place is known for the hills, beautiful forest and the rivers. Overall, it is a great place for seclusion and relaxation.

Distance from Kolkata: 220 km

Best time to visit: Any time of the year

How to reach: The nearest Railway station is Balasore. From Balasore, take a trekker to Bangriposi, 110 km away.

If you are travelling by car, then take the Bombay Road (NH6) and drive straight, past Kolaghat, Kharagpur, the Baharagora check post and Jamsola. The drive is quite pleasant on winter mornings.

Things to do: Visit the Buribalam waterfalls, the river side, take blessings from Kanak Devi Temple. Take a day trip to Kuliana, the dokra village of Odisha. During winter, the place becomes the home to a number of migratory birds.

Nearby places: Simlipal Forest, Puri , Chilika and Gopalpur-on-sea.

Baranti, Purulia – West Bengal

Baranti is one of the most beautiful places of Purulia. Surrounded by Biharinath Hill on one side and Panchkot Hills on the other side, Baranti is ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the chaos of the city. The Muradi Lake in Baranti has been created by a mud dam. The view of the sunset with the lake in the background looks breathtaking. From Baranti, you can visit the other attractions of Purulia like Ayodhya Hills, Biharinath Hills etc.

Distance from Kolkata: 265 km

Best time to visit: October to March

How to reach: From Howrah station, take a train to Asansol. From Asansol, Baranti is 40 km by car.

Things to do: Enjoy the sunset at Baranti Dam, Go sightseeing to Ayodhya Hills, Biharinath Hills and Susunia hills.

Nearby places: Ayodhya Hills, Asansol

Bhalukhop, North Bengal

Bhalukhop is a small village near Kalimpong offering magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Perched at an altitude of 5300 feet, the place is a great alternative to Kalimpong for those who want some solitude and peace. Here you can wake up to the call of chirping birds, enjoy the fresh air and roam around the village admiring the quaint village. The best views of the Kalimpong hills are located within a few kilometers from Bhalukhop. The Delo Park and viewpoint, Buddha Statue, Hanuman Temple, Guru Padmasambhava statue are all within 10 km from the village. As it is located on the outskirts of Kalimpong, you can get the best of nature here without having to face the crowd of Kalimpong.

Distance from Kolkata: 624 km

How to reach: From New Jalpaiguri, take a sumo towards Kalimpong. From there reserve a car to Bhalukop.

Things to do: Visit Delo Hill, Buddha Statue, Hanuman Temple, Kalimpong Arts & Craft Center and other attractions in Kalimpong from here. You can enjoy nature, explore the village and take small walks in the forest.

Nearby places: Kalimpong

Bidyang, North Bengal

Bidyang or Bidhyang is a beautiful offbeat destination situated beside the Relli river very close to Kalimpong. Situated at an altitude of 3000 ft, the place is a perfect choice for spending a weekend among the forests of oak, pine and fir. It is a small village around 15 km from Kalimpong. The village is surrounded by dense forests. The only sound you hear is the chirping of the birds in the morning and the sound of insects at the night. And if it is a moonlit night, the place looks ethereal with the moonlight falling on the bamboo bushes.

Distance from Kolkata: 645 km

How to reach: From NJP/ Siliguri take any vehicle to Kalimpong. From there, you have to hire a car to go to Bidyang.

Things to do: Village walk, bird watching, butterfly watching, visit the Relli River.

Nearby places: Kalimpong, Lave, Lolegaon, Rishop

Bijanbari, North Bengal

Bijanbari is a small town located near Darjeeling where you will find peace and solitude in immense measure. The road towards Bijanbari from Ghoom is quite scenic with the sprawling tea gardens all along. On the way, you will also pass through the Hima Falls, a beautiful waterfall, some lovely mountain streams, tea gardens and green forests.

Distance from Kolkata: 640 km

How to reach: The nearest Railway station is NJP. From Siliguri you can take a shared sumo towards Darjeeling and get down at Ghum. From there hire a car to Bijanbari. Bijanbari is about 30 kms from Darjeeling town and can be approached via Ghum. There are also Darjeeling-Bijanbari buses that leave from the bus stand early in the morning.

Things to do: Enjoy the natural beauty of the place, visit the Hima Falls

Nearby places: Ghum, Darjeeling

Biksthang, Sikkim

Biksthang is a small pristine village situated around 120 km from Gangtok in West Sikkim. Folklore says that the word ‘Biksthang’ is derived from the Lepcha words ‘bikmon’ meaning ‘the place where a tiger ate a cow.’ Bhutias, however, say that ‘Biksthang’ means a place with a wide variety of special stones. A serene village with spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga ranges, Biksthang is a beautiful weekend getaway.

Distance from Kolkata: 664 km

Best time to visit: October to May

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a shared sumo to Jorethang. From there you have to take a car to Biksthang.

Things to do: Enjoy the views of Kanchenjunga ranges, birdwatching, village walks and trekking to the Lheuntse Monastery

Nearby places: Pelling, Rinchenpong, Kaluk

Borong, Sikkim

Borong is an abode of peace and tranquility with the Himalayan mountains at its backdrop. Just imagine staying in the cottages among the pines and firs and capturing the beauty of a morning sunrise over the mighty Himalayan ranges! The Pandim, Narsing and the Sinochlu peaks are visible from here. Borong is also famous for its hot water springs at the banks of Rangit river. These hot water springs or Tsa-chu as known locally are traditional winter spas and are said to have medicinal properties.

Distance from Kolkata: 680 km

How to reach: Nearest Railhead is New Jalpaiguri. Borong is about 117 km from Siliguri. You can go to Borong by car via Ravangla. Borong can also be reached from Pelling, Gangtok and Rinchenpong.

Things to do: Visit the hot springs, local Monastery, hand-made paper factory. Go for birdwatching and enjoy the views of the Kanchenjunga ranges,

Nearby places: Ralang, Ravangla

Bunkulung, North Bengal

Tea gardens, rivers and a quaint village with acres of paddy field – this is what Bunkulung look like. Crisscrossed by the Balasun and Murmah Khola rivers, the place is a paradise for nature lovers. Visit the tea gardens, enjoy the silence of the place – this might be one of the best weekends that you have spent.

Distance from Kolkata: 577 km

How to reach: Bunkulung is 15 km from Mirik. From Siliguri / NJP or Darjeeling, take a shared sumo to Mirik. There are shared cabs to Bunkulung from Mirik, but they are very limited and runs on fixed time.

Things to do: Go for village walk, hike to the tea gardens, walk across the old cantilever bridge and visit the Balasun river bank.

Nearby places: Mirik, Soureni

Charkhole, North Bengal

Nestled in the laps of the eastern Himalayas, Charkhole is like a painting in nature’s canvas. This little village only 34 km from Kalimpong is known for its virgin and unadulterated natural beauty. During the winter season when the skies are clear, you will see majestic views of the Kanchenjunga ranges from here. Exotic Himalayan birds, a number of orchids and colourful flowers and butterflies will welcome you in Charkhole. With the advent of ecotourism, Charkhole has become one of the coveted destinations for the travel-loving Bengalis.

Distance from Kolkata: 625 km

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a shared sumo to Kalimpong. From Kalimpong hire a car to Charkhole. You can also reach Charkhole by hiring a car from Lava or Lolegaon.

Things to do: Birdwatching, village walk, enjoy the nature

Nearby places: Chuikhim, Nimbong, Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon

Chuikhim, North Bengal

Tucked away in the hills of North Bengal lies a wonderland called Chuikhim. This beautiful hamlet located at an altitude of 3500 feet has a unique endeavour. The road to Chuikhim is a bumpy ride dotted through the forest land. Here you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life like the warm, unvarnished hospitality of the locals, simple home-cooked meals savoured out in the open; the sight of terraced fields that glowed green and sun-stunned valleys that stretched before us. Life starts early at Chuikhim with the villagers waking up as early as 5 AM in the morning and going for their daily chores. It is interesting to watch them and also to enjoy the joys of unadulterared nature at Chuikhim. The place can be an ideal extension to the Darjeeling-Kalimpong circuit or can be visited singularly as well.

Distance from Kolkata: 641 km

Best time to visit: All through the year.

How to reach: The nearest Railway station is New Jalpaiguri. From there, you can hire a car to reach Chuikhim. The place is located around 13 km from Bagrakote.

Things to do: You can go trekking down the Lees river, go hiking in the forest and indulge in bird watching. Visit the sunrise point to get great views of the sunrise.

Nearby places: Lava, Lolegaon, Charkhole

Daringbadi, Odisha

A relatively unexplored destination with immense scenic beauty, Daringbadi is often known as the Kashmir of Odisha. Situated in the tribal populated Kandhmahal district, Daringbadi is like a dreamland wrapped entirely in green. Stretches of palm, eucalyptus and other trees are found all around the place. There is no dearth of attractions in Daringbadi. You will find coffee and spice plantations in a major part of the area. You will really enjoy taking small walks along the winding roads or along the coffee plantations. There is a sunset point from where you will get a panoramic view of the valleys and the forest. Daringbadi is the perfect weekend destination from Kolkata as well as Bhubaneswar. Generally, mercury drops to zero every winter at this hill station in Odisha.

Distance from Kolkata: 687 km

How to reach: The nearest station is Berhampur. You can take a train from Howrah to Berhampur (Falaknama Express, Coromondel Express and Howrah-Chennai mail). You can also take any train to Bhubaneswar and then take another train to Berhampur. From Berhampur, you have to hire a car to Daringbadi.

Daringbadi is 335 km from Bhubaneswar and 198 km f rom Berhampur.

Things to do: Visit Hill Viewpoint, Lover’s point, Belghar, Botanical garden, Ludu waterfall. Take a walk amidst the coffee plantations.

Nearby places: Gopalpur-on-sea

Dawaipani, North Bengal

Dawaipani is a village filled with tranquility of the mountains. This offbeat village is situated only 15 km from Darjeeling. Dawaipani offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Not only that, the area is also surrounded by verdant forests full of the Himalayan flora and fauna. It is a perfect place for spending a weekend.

Best time to visit: September to May

How to reach: The nearest railway station is NJP is 76 km from Dawaipani. From NJP or Siliguri, you can hire a car which takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach depending on the road condition.

Things to do: Get a majestic view of the mountain ranges, go for hiking in the forests, do bird watching.

Nearby places: Darjeeling, Lamahatta , Takdah

Dzongu, North Sikkim

Dzongu is undoubtedly nature’s paradise. Tucked away in the fringes of the Kanchenjunga National Park, Dzongu is the only Lepcha Reserve in the country. The place is divided into Upper Dzongu and Lower Dzongu. The beauty of Dzongu lies in its simplicity. Quaint little houses, cardamom fields and fluttering prayer flags adorn the place. On a clear day, you will see the mountain ranges from here. You can visit different villages like Tingvong , Lingthem and Hee Gyathang. Exploring these places on foot is going to be an enjoyable experience. Visit the Lingzya waterfall, get to know about the medicinal properties of the hot water spring, visit the Tholung monastery or marvel at the engineering of the Lepcha traditional bamboo bridge, there is no dearth of things to do at Dzongu. You can stay at any of the villages and explore the rest of Dzongu by hiring a car. And of course, Dzongu is a great place to witness the traditional life of the Lepcha community and experience their hospitality.

Dzongu can be a stopover before visiting the Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang valley in North Sikkim.

Distance from Kolkata: 741 km

How to reach: Dzongu is about 70 km from Gangtok. Take a shared sumo from the Vajra Taxi Stand in Gangtok to Mangan. From Mangan, you will get shared jeeps to the different villages in Dzongu.

Remember, you will need to get permits to visit Dzongu. The permits can be arranged by the homestay.

Things to do: Explore and enjoy the nature, get an insight into the traditional ways of the Lepchas, visit the Lingzey waterfall, the Lepcha traditional house, the Lepcha traditional bridge, Tholung Monastery and the hot water spring. You can explore the other villages like Tingvong, Passingdang and Lingthem.

Nearby places: Lachen, Lachung, Phodong

Gangani, Paschim Medinipur – West Bengal 

Known as the Grand Canyon of Bengal, the main attraction of Gangani is the amazing gorge of red soil standing on the banks of Silabati River. Located near Garbeta, you can club your visit to Garbeta, Gangani and Bishnupur together. The river flows through the 70 ft deep gorge during the monsoons and the whole region looks spectacular.

Distance from Kolkata: 136 km

Best time to visit: Monsoon

How to reach: The nearest Railway station is Garbeta from where you can get cycle vans to Gangani.

Things to do: Visit the gorge. Do sightseeing at Garbeta and visit the many old temples there. Kameshwar Temple and Radhaballav Temple, Raghunathji Temple & Raghunath Bari and Uriyasaier Temple are other places of attraction here

Nearby places: Bishnupur, Gopegarh, Salboni

Icchey Gaon, North Bengal

Icchey Gaon or Ecchey Gaon is a lovely village in the Kalimpong Hills of West Bengal. True to its name that means “wishing village”, Icchey Gaon is such a place where your wishes come true in the midst of pure and immaculate nature. At IccheyGaon you can get an all-encompassing view of the Mt, Kanchenjungha. Icchey gaon can be your first stop for the Sikkim Silk Route tour.

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a sumo to Kalimpong. From Kalimpong, IccheyGaon is about 17 km. Hire a private car to reach Icchey Gaon.

Things to do: Watch the sunrise, go for jungle trekking to SilleryGaon. Visit Ramitey Dara viewpoint, Damsang Fort and Jalsa viewpoint.

Nearby places: Pedong, Reshikohola, Rikisum

Kewzing, Sikkim

Kewzing is located about 76 km from Gangtok in South Sikkim. Standing at an altitude of 4600 feet against the backdrop of the magnificent Kanchenjunga ranges, this typical Bhutia village is a delightful place to visit. Like most of Sikkimese village, Kewzing is covered with a rich cover of cardamom plantations. The air is unadulterated here with almost zero pollution. The best part about Kewzing is that it is also the home to a number of exotic Himalayan birds. The location of Kewzing is such that it has monasteries on al its four sides – the Tashiding Monastery, Mangbrue and Pemyangtse Monastery, Ralong monastery, Doling Monastery and Bon Monastery. Visit Kewzing for spending some quiet and relaxing time amidst the nature.

Distance from Kolkata: 682 km

How to reach: Nearest Railway station in New Jalpaiguri. From there you can hire a car to Kewzing. You have to drive via Ravangla and Namchi to exit out of Melli checkpost. The place is located 10 km south of Ravangla between Rabong and Legship. Kewzing is also easily accessible from Gangtok.

Things to do: You can enjoy nature, go for village walks, go for hiking in the forest, visit the cardamom plantations and indulge in bird watching. Visit the nearby monasteries.

Nearby places: Ravangla , Namchi

Kiriburu-Meghataburu, Jharkhand

Not the quintessential weekend getaways, Kiriburu and Meghataburu are twin towns near the Odisha-Jharkhand border. Situated within 4 km from each other, these two hilly destinations mainly falls in the mining area under SAIL. Both the towns boast of hills and jungles with the sparkling blue sky above them. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year and these two places can be an ideal weekend getaway from Kolkata.

You can stay at either of the towns and visit the attractions from there. There are a couple of beautiful waterfalls here. From the Kiriburu viewpoint, you will get a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys, while the from the Meghataburu viewpoint, a glorious sunset can be seen. If time permits, you can also visit the jungles of Saranda. Manoharpur is one of the entry points of Saranda and is 54 km from Kiriburu. Thalkobad and Kumdi are two other entry points of the Saranda forest that can be visited.

Distance from Kolkata: 406 km

How to reach: From Howrah, take any train to Tatnagar. From Tatanagar, you will get direct buses to Kiriburu.

Things to do: Enjoy the nature, visit the Jhikra Falls, Pacheri falls, Fulbari Temple, Fulbari River, Jindal Shiva Temple, Kiriburu Sunset Garden, watch the sunset from Meghataburu viewpoint and visit the jungles of Saranda.

Nearby places: Manoharpur

Kolakham, North Bengal

Kolakham is one of the most beautiful villages near Kalimpong. It is as if nature has given her best to this quaint village. With the Kanchenjunga ranges at the backdrop, this picturesque village is a treat to the eyes. The village is surrounded by pine trees and you can often hear the mellifluous chattering of the birds. The snow-clad ranges can be viewed from almost all the houses in the village. A beautiful rivulet flows through the village. Kolakham is the best place to enjoy nature t your own pace and spend a relaxing weekend away from the humdrum of life. You can also visit Lava, Lolegaon and Rishop from here. Lava is only 12 km from Kolakham.

Distance from Kolkata: 662 km

How to reach: From Sealdah, you can take a train to reach NJP. From NJP, Kolakham is about 117 km. From Siliguri, you can hire a car to Kolakham. You can also take a shared car to Kalimpong and from there, hire a car to the village. You can also take a train (Kanchankanya Express) to New Mal Junction. Kolakham is only 52 km from there and you can hire a car to Kolakham.

Things to do: Enjoy the nature, do bird watching, visit the Changey falls, go for village walk and hiking.

Nearby places: Lava, Lolegaon, Kaffergaon, Charkhole

Kumai, Dooars

One of the lesser known destinations of North Bengal, Kumai is a small village perched on a hilltop at a height of 3000 ft overlooking the Jaldhaka River Valley and the endless stretches of the luscious greenery of the Dooars region. Kumai has a unique blend of forests, tea gardens and farmlands and can be an offbeat weekend getaway from Kolkata.

Distance from Kolkata: 644 km

Best time to visit: October to April

How to reach: The nearest Railway station is New Mal Junction, from where Kumai is 25 km. from Siliguri, you can reach Kumai via Coronation Bridge, Bagrakote and Chalsa.

Things to do: Kumai has nearly 8 viewpoints. Visit the Halley viewpoint, Laliguras View Point, Kumai peak, Gudaray viewpoint to get a panoramic view of the entire Dooars region. On a clear day, you will be able to see all the 8 rivers of the Dooars region from the viewpoints. You can also go for trekking and angling. Visit the tea gardens.

Nearby places: Samsing, Suntalekhola, Jhalong, Bindu and Mongpong

Latpanchar, North Bengal

Latpanchar is a paradise for bird-watchers. Situated in the Darjeeling district, this village is the highest point in the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary having an altitude of about 4200 ft. The elusive Rufous-necked hornbill can be seen at Latpanchar along with the more common great Hornbill.

Best time to visit: October to April. February and March for birdwatching.

How to reach: From New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Latpanchar is at a distance of about 44kms and takes about one and half hours by car. You will need to take the Sevoke road. Once you reach the place Kalijhora (after about an hour’s drive), there is a narrow winding road that goes uphill on the left. From this point Latpanchar is another 13kms, the last stretch is quite steep. There is hardly any traffic on this narrow road, but often the road is not well maintained and gets full of potholes particularly during monsoon.

Things to do: Bird watching and enjoy nature. Also visit the Ahaldara viewpoint, Namthing Pokhri and the 150 years old monastery.

Nearby places: Ahaldara, Sitong , Mongpu and Bagora

Lingsey, North Bengal

This lesser explored village near Kalimpong is located at an altitude of 4800 feet. Lingsey is an ideal eco-tourism destination where you can enjoy the bounty of nature. Lingsey is also the starting point of the Mulkharka Lake Trek. Well designated trails through the village are decorated by beautiful flowering plants and orchids. The panoramic vistas add on to the beauty of the landscape. You can take short walks around the village and explore the paddy and cardamom fields, visit the lakes and waterfalls.

Distance from Kolkata: 663 km

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a shared sumo to Kalimpong. From Kalimpong, hire a cab to Lingsey.

Things to do:  Go for hiking to Mulkharka lake, visit the Lepcha Monastery, traditional Lepcha house, hot spring and the waterfalls.

Nearby places: Aritar

Lossing, East Sikkim

Lossing is situated at the banks of the mountain river Rongpo Khola, only 8 km from Rongli. Just imagine a mountain hamlet with clouds descending now and then! There is a small rickety wooden bridge across the river. The place surely has a charm of its own. These offbeat and yet unexplored places are the best to spend a serene weekend away from the city.

Distance from Kolkata: 674 km

How to reach: from Gangtok, you will get shared sumo to Rongli. From Rongli, you will get another shared sumo towards Lossing.

Things to do: Enjoy the riverside, take a village walk, experience Sikkimese hospitality

Nearby places: Rongli, Gangtok

Makaibari, North Bengal

Founded in 1859, Makaibari is one of the oldest and most prestigious tea estates of India. It spreads over a sprawling area of 1575 acres at a height of 4600 ft. the river Balasun flows past the Makaibari tea estate. So if you want to spend some time in the middle of the tea gardens seeing how tea is processed, the Makaibari can be one of the best places for a weekend trip.

Distance from Kolkata: 585 km

Best time to visit: You can visit Makaibari any time of the year. but if you want to try your hand at tea plucking, then visit during March and April for first flush plucking, April to May for the second flush, June to August for Monsoon flush and October to mid-November for the Autumn flush. Plucking does not occur during the winter seasons.

How to reach: You can get shared jeeps from NJP/Siliguri to Kurseong. From there, you can take a shared vehicle or hire a cab to get to the village.

Things to do: Guided tour to tea gardens and the tea factory, tea tasting session, nature walk, bird watching and visit the local monastery.

Nearby places: Kurseong, Bagora, Chatakpur

Martam, West Sikkim

This serene village in West Sikkim is a delight for nature lovers. Martam surrounded by terraced paddy fields and the cardamom plantations is a paradise for nature lovers. Stay at the homestay, visit their organic farm and walk around the village. You will surely enjoy the hospitality of the homestay and the beauty of nature around.

Distance from Kolkata: 652 km

How to reach: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. From Siliguri or Gangtok, take a shared sumo to Jorethang. From Jorethang, you will get shared sumo towards Martam.

Things to do: Enjoy the nature, go for village walk, visit the nearby waterfall and enjoy delectable Sikkimese cuisine.

Nearby places: Sribadam, Hee-Bermiok, Dentam

McCluskieganj, Jharkhand

McCluskieganj was built as a home for the Anglo Indians during 1933 and you will get a glimpse of the British past here in this small town. McCluskieganj, situated 70 km from Ranchi is dotted with British bungalows, churches and other architectures. Today, it is a sleepy town still retaining the British charm. If you are seeking a different kind of experience other than mountains and beaches, then McCluskieganj can be just the place.

Distance from Kolkata: 475 km

Best time to visit : October to February.

How to reach: The best way to reach the place is via Ranchi which is well connected by trains from Howrah. From Ranchi, you have to take a bus or car to McCluskieganj. The distance from Ranchi is 70 km and takes about 3 hours time. You will love the road journey as it passes through scenic forest and plateau areas.

Things to do: Explore the village, visit the Dugdugi River. You can also the nearby Duli village where a temple, mosque and Gurudwara are built in the same premise.

Nearby places: Ranchi, Hazaribagh

Monchasa (Paushi), East Medinipur – West Bengal

Enjoy the warmth and simplicity of rural Bengal at Monchasa in Medinipur. The place has been developed as an ecotourism initiative at village Paushi, on the banks of Bagda river East Midnapore. The complex is sprawled over a huge location beside the river and is full of greenery and beauty all around.

There is a plantation area where a variety of fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants are grown. An orphanage is also present there.

Distance from Kolkata: 140 km

Best time to visit: October to February

How to reach: The nearest Railway Station is Kanthi. You will get any Digha bound train from Howrah and get down at Kanthi. From there, pick-up and drop services are available. Trekkers are also available to Paushi village, but the service is not regular.

If you are driving by car, then you have to take the following route: Kona Expressway – NH6 – NH41 – Kolaghat – Henria _ Kalinagar. From Kalinagar, take the road to Monchasa (23 km from Contai).

Things to do: Village walk, visit ShyamoliBithi, the village plantation, visit the huge fish tanks Ishani and Naitri where a large number of fishes are bred. You can make a day trip to the century old Bahiri Temple.

Nearby places: Tamluk, Mandarmani

Mousuni, 24 Pgns (s)

A virgin beach and a friendly village, Mousuni Island is one of the newly found weekend destinations near Kolkata. Mousuni is a wonderful place – a perfect combination of the sea, sand and solitude along with the river. Mousuni is located in Namkhana adjacent to the Sunderbans delta. The place is an ideal getaway for bird lovers. Kakramarir Chor is the best place to do bird watching. Sunset from the beach is no doubt mesmerizing. There are plenty of fishermen’s villages on the island. You can explore these villages and get to know about the hardships of these people. For accommodation, there are tents available on the beach. In the evening, just enjoy the beautiful sunset by the beach and in the night spend some wonderful moments by the campfire.

How to reach: From Sealdah South, take a local train to Namkhana. Get down at namkhana and take a rickshaw/ toto to the Jetty. Cross the Hatania-Doania River by ferry and take a Magic Van to Bagdanga Kheya Ghat. Cross the river by ferry and get down at Bagdanga. From here, you have to hire a vehicle (you can prearrange it from the Baliara Beach Tent) to Baliara Beach Tent at Mousuni.

Things to do: Stroll around the beach, watch the sunset, visit the fishermen village and bird watching

Nearby places: Bakkhali

Mozauley, North Bengal 

If you want to stay beside a mountain river amidst peace and seclusion, then Mozauley can be a great destination. Mozauley is about 4 km from Reshikhola in Sikkim and boasts of picturesque beauty. From here, you can also go for the Sikkim Silk Route trip. The place also has a number of hiking routes.

Distance from Kolkata: 654 km

How to reach: From NJP or Gangtok, you have to hire a car to Mozauley.

Things to do: Village walking, hiking

Nearby places: Reshikhola, Pedong

Muruguma, Purulia

Murugama is a beautiful tribal village in the Purulia District very near to the Bengal-Jharkhand boundary. The vast Murugama Lake is a treat to the eyes and with the surrounding hills; it provides a very picturesque and serene landscape. The nearby Kenkechi Hills and the Ayodhya Hills and the forests enhance the beauty of this place and will also make your trip one of the best.

Distance from Kolkata: 330 km

How to reach: The nearest Railway Station is Purulia. From Purulia, you can hire a vehicle to reach Muruguma. It takes about one and a half hour to reach.

You can also take a train from Howrah to Muri Junction (Jharkhand). The place is 35 km from Muri.

Things to do: Visit Muruguma Lake, the tribal villages and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can go for sightseeing to the nearby places like Bamni & Turga Falls, Ayodhya Hills etc.

Nearby places: Kenkechi Hills, Ayodhya Hills

Nagi Village, Sikkim

A small hamlet in Sikkim following the pitch black serpentine roads of the hills. The beautiful roads will lead to Namthang Bazar and from there Nagi village is just a few kilometers away. There is a beautiful monastery at the Nagi hilltop named Norbu Choeling monastery. From the monastery, there is a hiking route to Nagi Pokhara, a serene lake considered sacred by the Buddhists. A relatively unknown place, Nagi village is known for its tranquility and natural beauty.

Distance from Kolkata: 665 km

How to reach: Take a shared sumo towards Rangpo. From Rangpo, you will get a shared vehicle to Namthang. From there, you have to hire a car. Or you can contact the homestay for the arrangement of a car from your desired destination.

Things to do: Village walking, visit the monastery, hike to the Nagi Pokhri, birdwatching.

Nearby places: Ravangla, Namchi

Okhrey, Sikkim

Okhrey is situated near the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary . This is the best place to stop for the night if you want to visit Varsey. The mountain ranges on the northern side of the village beckon the tourists to take short hikes and rambling walks. During the month of April, the blooming season of rhododendrons, the place is full of rhododendrons, orchids, primulas, aconytes, foxgloves & bluebells. You will also get amazing views of the mountain ranges from here.

How to reach: The distance from Siliguri is about 130 km and takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach. The route follows Teesta Bazar, Jorethang and Sombaria. You can take shared vehicle to Jorethang. From Jorethang, shared vehicle to Okhrey is available. But you have to reach well before afternoon.

From Gangtok, the distance is around 160 km.

Things to do: Visit the Ugen Thon Meon Ling monastery, run by the Tibetan missionaries. Go for trekking at the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary and other small treks. Go for sightseeing tours to JureliDara (18 kms), the AndenOlong Monastery (20 kms), Kitan Falls, Dodak Helipad and Butterfly Shape Valley.

Nearby places: Daramdim, Sombaria, Varsey

Paren, Dooars

Dooars is full of beautiful and charming village getaways. Paren is one such place in Dooars situated near the Indo-Bhutan border. Blessed with hilly areas with lush green forests, meandering rivers, stretches of agricultural fields, Paren offers spectacular views of the surroundings. Paren consists of three villager – Lower Paren, Upper Paren and Paren Compound.

Distance from Kolkata: 655 km

How to reach: The nearest Railhead is Malbazar. From there, go to Chalsa and then take a jeep to Paren.

Things to do: Village walks, relax in nature, excursion to Todey and Tangta, nearby villages offering spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.

Nearby places: Bindu, Jaldhaka

Parkha, Sikkim

Nestled in the valleys of East Sikkim, Parkha just looks like a dreamland. A small village, Parkha will treat you with the best of Sikkimese hospitality. Wake up in the morning listening to the chirping of birds, take a walk in the village and enjoy the nature. The view from the Parkha hilltop is simply incredible, a perfect communion with the Himalayas.

Distance from Kolkata: 713 km

How to reach: Shared sumo towards Parkha is available from Gangtok, but the number is less.

Things to do: Village walk, bird watching, hike to the Parkha hilltop, visit the suicide point.

Nearby places: Gangtok, Rolep

Rangaroon, North Bengal

A sleepy hamlet among the clouds, Rangaroon is situated only about 16 km from Darjeeling. Surrounded on three sides by the forests, its western side has Aloobari, Fulbari and Pandam Tea Estate with the Rungdung river taking a turn. Rangaroon is thus a perfect destination for adventure, wildlife and the tourists who just want to spend a few days away from the busy city life. And the best part is that you can see Darjeeling town and Kanchenjunga ranges together.

Distance from Kolkata: 613 km

How to reach: From Siliguri, drive till Jorebungalow (60 Km from Siliguri) and then take a turn to reach the 3rd mile. From 3rd mile, there is a route downhill to Rangaroon. Rangaroon is about 8 km from Jorebungalow.

Things to do: Walk around the village and tea gardens, take a visit to the abandoned tea factory, take blessings from the Mata Singha Temple. Trek to the Rundung Riverbank for a half-day picnic.

Nearby places: Darjeeling , Lepchajagat

Rangbull (Kalej Valley), North Bengal

Situated near Darjeeling, Rangbull is beautiful in its own right. Enchanting valley with luscious tea gardens, endless layers of mountains and a very beautiful waterfall makes the place unique. The best part, however, is the village resort that is spread across acres of land. Rangbull can be your alternative place to Darjeeling to spend a serene weekend in the mountains.

Distance from Kolkata: 612 km

How to reach: From Siliguri, take shared sumo (the ones going towards Darjeeling) to Rangbull Bazar. From there, it a 5 km downhill drive.

Things to do: Walk amidst the tea gardens, visit the Kalej Valley tea estate, hike to the Rainbow Falls to see the rainbow at the base of the waterfall.

Nearby places: Batasia Loop, Ghoom, Darjeeling .

Rangeet Majuwa, North Bengal

Yet untouched by the maddening rush of crowds, Majuwa is a picturesque hamlet near Maneybhanjan. Mountain views, chirping birds and Shaujikhola, the mountain river flowing through the village makes the place ideal for a weekend trip. Simply laze around Rangeet Majuwa and spend your time idyllic bliss.

Distance from Kolkata: 660 km

Best time to visit: Any time of the year except monsoon.

How to reach: Take a shared car from Siliguri/NJP and reach Ghoom and then Manebhanjan. From Manebhanjan, 4-wheel vehicle is required to go to RangeetMajuwa.The distance is only 5 km, but due to the road condition it takes almost 30-40 minutes to reach.

Things to do: Enjoy nature, birdwatching and village walks

Nearby places: Maneybhanjan, Darjeeling

Rongo, Dooars

A small picturesque hamlet near the hills of Bhutan, Rongo will simply take your breath away. We recommend the place for its tranquility and peace. Take a village walk, hike to the monastery or interact with the local, whatever you do at Rongo will simply charm you.

Distance from Kolkata: 656 km

Best Time to visit: All through the year

How to reach: You have to reach New Jalpaiguri (96 km from Rongo) or New Mal Junction (33 km). From either of the stations, you can hire a car to Rongo.

Things to do: Village walk, hike to the monastery and the waterfall

Nearby places: Bindu, Paren, Jaldhaka

Singi, Barddhaman

Singi or Singee is a serene village getaway, not very far from Kolkata. This quaint Bengal village is one of the best places to spend a weekend. Singi is known not only for its tranquil beauty but also for its rich history. It is believed that Maharaj Singheswar had settled here and named the place Singhapur. Singee is also the birthplace of Kashiram Das, the translator of Mahabharata in Bengali.

Singee epitomizes everything that you are reminded of when talking about Bengal village. Green paddy fields are seen all around and the beautiful Brahmani rover flows through the village. The air here is crisp and unpolluted. Spending a couple of days here is going to be an exhilarating experience. There are a few terracotta temples in Singee. You can visit the birthplace of Kashiram Das and the library named after him. If not anything, simply strolling around the village is going to be a rewarding experience. But the best part of Singee is going to be your stay at Shantiniketan Homestay. Not only their hospitality is amazing, but also the food served. And for the gourmet Bengalis, what can be better than good food?

Distance from Kolkata: 134 km

How to reach: From Howrah, board any train towards Katwa. From Katwa, you can take an auto, van or hire a car to Singi.

Things to do: Walk along the village, visit the birthplace of Kashiram das, terracotta temples and the nearby village of Sribati.

Nearby places: Nabadwip, Purbasthali

Singling, Sikkim

Singling is a picturesque village in the buffer area of the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary. Surrounded by greenery all around, this hamlet is also the heaven for a number of Himalayan birds. Not only that, Singling has historical significance too. There used to be an ancient route between India and Bhutan in this village. Singling has an ancient monastery and a beautiful lake. On a clear day, the view of sunrise from the village is simply breathtaking.

Distance from Kolkata: 666 km

How to reach: From Siliguri SNT Stand, you will get shared jeep to Soreng. From Soreng, you have to reserve a car for the 8 km uphill route. You will also get shared jeep to Soreng from Jorethang.

Things to do: Visit the monastery, go for hiking, enjoy the nature and birdwatching

Nearby places: Varsey, Okhrey

Sribadam, West Sikkim

Along with the natural abundance and beauty, Sribadam is also known for its meditation centre. The place is a forest village well maintained with a population of about 300 families mainly comprising of Bhutia, Subba and Gurung. The village overlooks Samdruptse in Namchi on the opposite hills and the Reshi River flows through the village. The Monastery at Sribadam has a meditation centre that is famous all over Sikkim as well as in Nepal and Bhutan . The monastery is also known for healing people from any kind of sickness.

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a shared sumo to Jorethang. From Jorethang, shared jeeps are available to Sribadam.

Things to do:  Visit the two monasteries at Sribadamand the waterfalls. Go for village walks.

Nearby places: Martam, Rinchenpong, Kaluk, Hee-Bermiok, Zoom

Tabakoshi, North Bengal

If you want to spend time amidst the tea gardens and experience amazing hospitality, then Tabakoshi is just the place for you. Tabakoshi is situated just 8 km downhill from the GopaldharaTea estate. Surrounded by luscious green tea gardens and brooding hills, Tabakoshiis the place to bask in nature’s splendour while you listen to the chirping of birds and soothe your eyes seeing the greenery around you.

Distance from Kolkata: 601 km

How to reach: Take a shared Sumo from Siliguri to Mirik. From Mirik, you have to take a private car to Tabakoshi

Things to do: Walk amidst the tea gardens, camp along the Rangbhang River and visit the tea estates like Gopaldhara, Thurbo and Sangma.

Nearby places: Mirik

Takdah, North Bengal

Dreamy and misty, Takdah is a place for the romantic at heart. True to its name, the place is often surrounded by fog amidst the meandering roads and the trails through the dense coniferous forests. It was a cantonment area and has a number of century-old British bungalows many of which are now renovated as guesthouses. The tea gardens add to the charm of the place.

Distance from Kolkata: 628 km

How to reach: Takdah is 60 km from Siliguri and 28 km from Darjeeling. Shared jeeps are available from Darjeeling.

Things to do: Stay at the century-old heritage bungalows, visit the famous tea gardens like RungliRongliot, Takdah Tea Estate, Gielle, Namring, Jinglam, Poomong, and Teesta Valley estate. Also, visit Takdah Orchid Centre to see rare orchids.

Nearby places: Tinchuley, Chhota Mangwa, Bara Mangwa, Lamahatta

Tarkhola, North Bengal

Tarkhola, a picturesque hamlet near Kalimpong surrounded by Delo hills is located at an altitude of 4000 feet. Known for its immense natural beauty and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga ranges along with the Teesta Valley, Tarkhola can be a great offbeat weekend getaway from Kolkata. The village is just 80 km away from NJP and 12 km from Kalimpong. Only a few homestays are available in this village. Visit Tarkhola to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature along with enjoying the great hospitality of the mountain people. Tarkhola can be a great place for those who are looking for some peace and solitude. You can get the beauty of Kalimpong without the crowd, thus the village can be a great alternative to Kalimpong.

Tarkhola can also be reached by a half day’s trek originating from the quaint Kalimpong town and via the remote village of Sangsey. This lovely trek takes one through lush green fields and dense forest and hundreds of butterflies can be seen enroute.

Distance from Kolkata: 623 km

How to reach: From NJP/ Siliguri, take a shared Sumo to Kalimpong. From there, you have to reserve a car to Tarkhola.

Things to do: Explore the village, go for sightseeing at Kalimpong, go for short treks.

Nearby places: Kalimpong, Delo, Ramdhura, Sangser.

Temi, Sikkim

Temi Tea Garden is the only tea estate of Sikkim . Lying in between Damthang and the Temi Bazar along the way to Singtam, the beauty of the undulating tea garden is extraordinary. The lush manicured tea gardens covering an area of 440 acres along with the panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga ranges and the Teesta river gorge 8000 ft below, the beauty of the lone tea estate of Sikkim is unparalleled.

Stay at the homestays and experience the unparalleled hospitality of the hosts and enjoy your weekend amidst the tea gardens.

How to reach: Nearest Railhead is New Jalpaiguri. You can reach Temi tea gardens from Siliguri by rented car. The distance is approximately 117 km. You can also hire cars from Namchi, Pelling, Ravangla, Pelling or Gangtok to reach Temi.

Things to do: Visit the tea gardens and the tea factory, indulge in adventure sports, visit Rayong Viewpoint and go for birdwatching.

Tendrabong, North Bengal

A beautiful hamlet just 20 km from Kalimpong, Tendrabong is a respite for the tired souls. The village is known for its beautiful flowers and orchids and the view of the valleys. Visit Tendrabong for a serene weekend.

Distance from Kolkata: 643 km

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a shared sumo to Kalimpong. From there, you have to hire a car to Tendrabong.

Things to do: Village walk, Enjoy the nature, relax and rejuvenation

Nearby places: Kalimpong, Bidyang

Turuk, Sikkim

This is another offbeat destination in Sikkim. There is a beautiful century-old bungalow known as Turuk Kothi that has been converted as a guesthouse for the visitors. TurukKothi as it is called now was the home of the first minister of Sikkim, Laxmi Das Pradhan and it also served as the District Headquarters for many years. The place has all the beauty of Sikkim with serene nature, view of sunrise over the mountains, birds and blooming flowers.

Distance from Kolkata: 780 km

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a sumo towards Gangtok and get down at Melli Bazar. It is a 30 minutes drive to Turuk from Melli Bazar.

Things to do: Enjoy the nature, go for birdwatching, and visit TareyBhir. You can also go for short treks.

Nearby places: Namchi, Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden

Yakten, Sikkim

Yakten is a picturesque, pristine hamlet situated around 35 km from Gangtok city in east Sikkim. Surrounded by towering pine forests and situated at a height of approximately 5000 ft, this village has a unique charm of its own. The village offers a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga ranges with the rolling dense forests, beautiful orchids and the sweet chirping of Himalayan birds.

Distance from Kolkata: 650 km

How to reach: From Siliguri, take a shared sumo towards Gagntok and get down at Ranipool. From there, you have to take a vehicle to Yakten.

Things to do: Explore the jungle trails, enjoy the view of mountain ranges, enjoy Sikkimese cuisine and go for trekking at Jhandi Dara viewpoint.

Nearby places: Rolep, Gangtok

Yangsum, Sikkim

Yangsum is a small rustic village in West Sikkim. Here the beauty of Kanchenjunga ranges is unparalleled. Life is slow here without the hustle bustle of the city life. You can simply walk around the cardamom and rice fields and the orange orchards. During spring, a number of flowers bloom making the entire region quite colourful. There is an ancient chorten in the village and a viewpoint from where you will get an all-encompassing view of the mountain ranges.

Distance from Kolkata: 670 km

How to reach: Yangsum is only 3 km from Rinchenpong. From Siliguri SNT Stand, you will get shared jeeps to Rinchenpong, but their numbers are quite less. Alternatively, you can reach Jorethang and then take a cab from there to Yangsum.

Things to do: Nature walk, hiking, birdwatching, visit the view point.

Nearby places: Rinchenpong

Yelbong, North Bengal

Yet unexplored, Yelbong is an idyllic and virgin weekend getaway from Kolkata. It enjoys a bucolic climate along with the serenity of the hills and lush greenery. For trekking enthusiasts there is a trek route starting from Oodlabari and reaching Bodaganj, passing through a number of picturesque hamlets.

Distance from Kolkata: 615 km

Best time to visit: October to June

How to reach: The nearest Railway station is at New Mal Junction. You can also come from Siliguri by road and take a sharp left turn from NH 31 at Bagrakote.

Things to do: Take a village walk, go for trekking in the jungles and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Nearby places: Chuikhim, Nimbong and Charkhole

Zoom Valley, Sikkim

This place is situated very close to Jorethang in Sikkim. The place is extremely beautiful with cultivation farms all around.You will get a panoramic view of the mountain ranges from the village. The Himalayas will seem to beckon you from a distance. Also, the view of sunrise from the village is simply breathtaking. Zoom is also the where you can see a rare animal species pika (Scientific name -Ochotonasikkimaria). It is a hybrid of rabbit and rat.

How to reach: From Siliguri, take shared sumo to Jorethang. From Jorethang, Zoom is only 20 minutes drive. You can get shared jeeps if you reach before afternoon.

Things to do: Village walk, watch the sunrise, enjoy the nature

Nearby places: Martam , Hee-Bermiok, Kaluk, Pelling, Rinchenpong

So did you like the list of offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata? If you want to know about more offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata, please wait for our e-book. Well, the e-book will also have the names of the homestays along with their contact numbers of the weekend destinations! Excited? 

Agni Amrita

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21 comments.

Excellent places mostly from NJP. Please are well covered in brief. Will be delighted to see some more places in and around West Bengal. How do we get your ebook??

Thank you so much! Right now we do not have any ebook. Will let you know once we have one. Thanks again.

Hello there, I read your blog. I’m inspire with your writing, Keep it up.

I have gone through all the 52 places in details..Most of them are like a heaven on earth…Thanks for nicely capturing the most offbeat places…We were actually looking for some offbeat places to visit in puja holidays..This post will help us a lot. Once again Many thanks for the superb information…want some help on the lodging rates information to plan to visit for those places…

Thank you so much Sampad. Please send us a mail if you need any help regarding these places.

Amazing blog !!

Thank you so much, Tanumeeta! Please keep reading and supporting us. 🙂

Have gone through your 52 offbeat destinations from Kolkata. It is great. Me, at 60, am inspired and would chose to self-drive to all these places, nowthat I would beretiring from service. It would ofimmense help if you can share the places where you stayed, as that, at my age, is a must.

Thank you Mr. Datta. We have not visited all the 52 destinations, only most of them. It is quite nice that you are thinking of self driving to these places. If you want any contact of these homestays, please send us a mail or drop a message at Instagram. We would be happy to help.

wonderful blog. But no information on lodging aspect.

Thank you so much. Please drop us a mail for information on lodging.

Lovely read…. exciting to realise there is so much more to see. Thank you

There are so many more to be added! Thank you for the comment.

very nice post . please tell me can i travel with my Tata Nano. i have not any experience

Thank you for stopping by our blog. Some of the places, you can travel with your Tata Nano.

very nice blog, I am already dreaming about these places, and photos, they are superb.

Hi the blog is simply amazing but there is no mention about the places to stay. If someone has to stay at these places specially the remote village areas where will one find accomodation ?

Thank you Rounak. We are coming up soon with an ebook having the contact numbers of the homestays in these destinations.

Hi Amrita and Agni. First of all thanks for this amazing post. I’ve been looking for offbeat weekend gateways from Kolkata for a while now and this post is gonna help me a lot. So, my question is, for North Bengal and Sikkim offbeat destinations, did you opt for a tour operator or went on your own? And how safe are these places!? Because I’m a solo girl and want to cover all of (almost all of) offbeat destinations in Sikkim and North Bengal, so those informations will be quite helpful. Thanks again 🙂

Hi Riya! Thanks for stopping by our blog. We did not go through any travel agents but on our own. Sikkim is absolutely safe. Infact, I regard Sikkim as one of the safest places in the country for solo travellers. Well, it would take quite a lot of time to cover all these destinations! Have a good trip and if you need any help, you can contact us at our email [email protected]

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5 Trekking Trails Of West Bengal That You Must Explore

North bengal is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers. a gateway to eastern himalayas, here are 5 stunning trekking trails in west bengal..

By: Trinetra Paul Published: Mar 19, 2022 01:00 PM IST

Soft and wispy uninhibited fog enveloping the lush green mountains of northern West Bengal, is a sight to behold. Pair it with the rustling leaves and gentle crisp breeze, it feels like the atmosphere is singing a lullaby. The majestic mountains, with unmatched beauty and abundant natural trails house some of the most stunning trekking trails in West Bengal that show a completely different side of the state. By Trinetra Paul

Can you imagine another state boasting a striking blend like West Bengal that harbours the forests of the Sundarbans, coasts of Bay of Bengal, the red soiled lands of Shantiniketan as well as the majestic Himalayas?

The meandering hilly roads that lace this part of the Himalayas, lead to the far flung northern reaches of the region. From rugged snowy paths leading to Sandapkphu or the dense green forests of Dooars and Neora valley, north West Bengal treks are wonders to be experienced at least once.

Upon arrival at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station or Bagdogra airport, the door to the majestic eastern Himalayas opens up. Family favourites like Darjeeling, Ghoom and Kalimpong, to quaint getaways like Lava and Lolegaon or the foothill beauties at Jaldhaka and Suntalekhola, there are more ways than one in which this part of the state will stun you at every turn. Fair warning – keep your cameras ready as it is bound to get difficult choosing the best view.

North Bengal is strewn with hill stations and quaint mountainous hamlets that offer the ideal weekend vacation. But for adventure enthusiasts looking for the added dose of adrenaline, the state offers some easy to moderate trekking and hiking trails that fall short of words. On one hand, where the famous Sandakphu trek will take you to the peak of the Sandakphu pass and you can marvel at the tallest mountains of the world; the Bamunpukhuria trek offers stunning views of the forests and tea gardens.

Here are some of the best places to go trekking in West Bengal

Sandakphu, phalut trek.

At an altitude of 3,636 metres in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, the Sandakphu trek is for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. It offers incandescent views of the ‘Sleeping Budhha’ range like no other. The trek will take you along the Singalila ridge, traversing through the Singalila National Park and hence it is also called the Singalila trek.

Once you set out on the journey, you will agree that it is indeed a wonderland for trekkers. Where else can you see the four highest peaks of the world— Mt Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Makalu and Lhotse.

The spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga, looking like molten silver, and its family including other peaks that form the mighty ‘Sleeping Buddha’ range, glistening under the morning sun, makes the entire journey a breathtaking experience. The sublime nature, pure atmosphere and the tranquility all around— if there is something called Nirvana, then this place truly embodies it. The Sandakphu peak is the highest in West Bengal and attracts trekkers and visitors from all over the world.

The trek begins from the town of Manebhanjan at an elevation of 2,150 metres in Darjeeling. You can avail a taxi from NJP station or Bagdogra airport and easily reach the town. It is about 26 kilometres from the main Darjeeling town and will take about an hour and fifteen minutes via cab. The 32 kilometres trek from here takes about two to three days and goes through small villages and isolated clusters of huts. Three kilometres in, you will reach Chitre from where it’s a steep climb.

Look out for exotic wild animals like the Red Panda, barking deer, leopards and more in the Singalila National Park . If you are visiting in spring then Rhododendrons and Magnolia are sure to colour your route beautifully. En route, pause at the peaceful Meghma monastery and let your mind flutter while the wariness of the climb fades away. Further into the trek, at an altitude of 10,400m, be ready to get stunned by the Kalipokhri Lake– the mysterious lake of sacred black waters.

Once you reach the top, the panoramic view is simply mind-numbing. Those willing to push the limits more, an onward 21 kilometre trek will take you to Phalut which is another far reaching spot but has a comparatively flat terrain.

While returning, you can take the same route or opt for other offbeat routes via Gurdum and Srikhola and arrive at Rimbik where there are ample transportation options that can take you to Darjeeling.

Neora Valley trek

Imagine walking through verdant greenery with soft sunlight sieving in, trying to make its way through the mesh of thick green canopy; occasional squeaks from the wildlife and the omnipresent scent of the mountain filling up the air. The Neora Valley trek from Kalimpong district gives a glimpse of this untamed wilderness that envelopes the Himalayan foothills.

The trek goes through the pristine forests of Neora Valley National Park. Spread across an area of 88 square kilometres, it reaches an elevation of 3,200 metres in the north while in the south it borders the forests of Jalpaiguri that connect it with the famous Chapramari forest, Gorumara National Park.

The Rachela pass marks the highest point in the park with an elevation of over 3,151m and marks the junction of Sikkim, Bhutan and West Bengal. The Neora Valley trek up to the Rachela pass is an easy one compared to the Sandakphu trek. It begins from the quaint offbeat hamlet of Lava, about 30 kms from Kalimpong.

Begin the journey with a trek to the Chaudapheri camp. The road from Lava to this spot meanders with 14 sharp hairpin bends, hence rendering the place its name. Continuing the trek through bamboo and pine forests, after much ascending and descending, comes the PHE camp after which Aloobari marks the last leg of the trek up. The path is strewn with wild medicinal plants, orchids, strawberries and exotic wildlife including the rare Red Panda, Red-headed Bullfinch, Satyr Tragopan and many more interesting birds and animals.

The last bit of the tiring climb to Rachela Pass unravels the unparalleled views of the world’s third highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Nathula range, Nathula pass, Bhutan ridge and the towns of Darjeeling and Gangtok. While here, one stroll through the Rhododendron forests to Ruka will transport you to a different world away from all the woes of life. The return leg of the journey is a steep downhill climb via the villages of Todey and Tangta. The place is an easy gateway to Dooars region’s Jhalong and Bindu.

The best time to embark on this trek is during the winter or spring as the flowers are in full bloom and the air is cold and crisp. Lava is easily accessible by road from NJP, Bagdogra and Kalimpong and you will be able to complete all formalities to enter the national park here. There are jeep safaris as well that take tourists inside the national park. There are several trek routes to Neora Valley that start from Suntalekhola, about five kilometres from Samsing in the Dooars region.

Samthar- Purbikhola trek

Nestled in a far flung corner of Kalimpong district is the scenic village of Ponbu. Devoid of the din and hustle of the city, Ponbu offers one of the most fulfilling and gorgeous views of the Kanchenjunga. Trekking from the Samthar village, the hamlet falls eight kilometres on the route to Purbikhola.

Samthar marks the beginning of a number of trekking routes which are intersected by cascading waterfalls and sprawling tea plantations. The trek is quite an easy one that goes through the undulating heels and overlooks the mighty Teesta River below. The blissful air fills the mind and rejuvenates the soul as the trek to Ponbu and onwards to Purbikhola reveals mesmerising sites and sceneries at every turn.

The natural trail takes about three days to reach Purbikhola and is the perfect escape from the touristy cacophony. Lose yourself amidst the music of the forest and experience the grandeur of the Teesta River from upper Ponbu.

The best time to go on this trek is during the winters. Samthar village is easily accessible by road from NJP railway station and Bagdogra airport. One can also take a drive down the scenic routes of Rili and Sinji valleys from Kalimpong. Those coming from Lava will have to take the route via Loleygaon which goes through oak, pine and juniper forests.

Bamunpukhuri Jungle trek

At a distance of about 30 kms from Siliguri, it is one of the best treks in West Bengal. Located just beside the serpentine Rungsung river, the Bamunpukhuri forest is one of the state’s most stunning hidden gems that connects you with the majestic Himalayas.

Replete with bountiful natural beauty, the journey begins from Gridhura and the trek leads you through the dense forest and aromatic tea gardens. When compared to the Sandakphu trek, this is quite an easy one and anyone looking for a different experience amidst the north-eastern Himalayas can easily set out for the lush greenery of the Bamunpukhuri forest.

The best time to visit the place is during April to June or in the winters. The different seasons of tea harvest can be witnessed and the weather is ideal for all the walking. Gridhura is just a drive away from NJP station or Bagdogra airport and can be accessed by road round the year.

Gorkhey trek

Another quaint and offbeat trek in West Bengal is the picturesque Phalut- Srikhola—Rammam—Gorkhey trail. The scenic route from Phalut to Gorkhey is as breathtaking as it gets. Giving a sneak peek into the simple life and culture of north Bengal, a homestay experience in Gorkhey is unmatched.

The trek from Srikhola to Rammam is about 12 kilometres. After the initial uphill climb the path flattens as it enters the dense forest. The moss clad trees, herds of rhododendrons, towering oaks, chestnuts, pine and more add colour to the canopy and forest floor in myriad shades. The vibrant hues of the wings of the Himalayan Monal, Emerald Dove, Maroon Oriole and other birds make the forest trek an experience to cherish. Rammam is a sparsely populated village inhabited by Nepalese and Sherpas who mostly engage in potato, maize and millet farming.

The next leg of the trek— from Rammam to Gorkhey, at a height of over 2,346 metres, is eight kilometresand goes through the hidden village of Samanden which comprises potato farmers. The five to six hour trek finally takes you to the tranquil Gorkhey village which is situated at the border of Sikkim . The gentle lapping of the Gorkhey Khola stream provides the most soothing atmosphere to unwind. The stream is a tributary of the Rammam river. Experience local culture and ways of life by staying at one of the few homestays that are run privately. You can also enjoy some local beer by the stream and see your time pass by without any worries.

The return leg of the trek is equally serene. Descend via Samanden to Ribdi or take the route that goes to Bhareng from Gorkhey. Both are well connected by roads that can take you to NJP or Siliguri station.

Related: 9 Hidden Gems Around Kolkata That You Must Visit

• trekking in Northeast India
• West Bengal Hills

Trinetra Paul

Trinetra is an ardent foodie and bibliophile who writes about films, travel, food and lifestyle. As a writer and literature student, slam poetry and storytelling are her go to jam. When not working, Trinetra is busy looking for her next place to visit or binge-watching Instagram videos for travel inspiration.

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• West Bengal

5 Best Road Trips to take from Kolkata

• August 12, 2022

Road trips and long drives are the best way to escape boredom and gain freedom.

Tourists and explorers often set for unplanned road trips and enjoy every bit of the journey.

If you want to escape from the busy and chaotic life in Kolkata, then there are many scenic and intriguing spots to visit near the city of Kolkata that is easily accessible by car or bike.

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There are various types of road trip possibilities to meet every traveler’s passion, whether you prefer the excitement of forests, the tranquility of beaches, or the mystery of historical places.

Halting in the middle of the road and taking a small break in a roadside Dhaba or a small tea stall is equally refreshing.

Then why wait for it? I have a list of places that are worth visiting via a road trip by car and bike.

If you stay in Kolkata, there are a plethora of fantastic road trips that will appeal to your inner traveler!

In this article, you will get to know the about road trip to the following locations,

Let’s see each of these places & the road trip to these places in detail…

1. Kalimpong

Driving to a fantastic location, enjoying good weather, and viewing the charming colonial-period structures are one of the prime reasons why you should set on a road trip to Kalimpong.

It is one of the greatest spots to visit by road from Kolkata.

This lovely town, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and overlooking the deep gorges and flowing Teesta River, attracts a large number of nature lovers.

If you’re looking for adventure, you can go on hiking, trekking, or river rafting.

There are numerous monasteries, animal parks, and vantage sites with breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, big tea estates, as well as sunsets and sunrises.

Enjoy shopping from the local handicraft and artisans’ shops selling souvenirs while traveling.

If you don’t lake driving on the hill, you can park your car at Siliguri and travel the rest by a local car.

You can also visit a number of offbeat destinations near Kalimpong .

The tea estates, dense forests, quaint villages, and wildlife are all concentrated in the Dooars region of West Bengal.

There are many attractions in Dooars such as the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Teesta Barrage, Buxa Fort, and other spectacular spots.

A trek through the hilly terrain can offer you majestic views of wildlife Deer, elephants, one-horned rhinos, guars, and reptiles. This place is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The Dooars region is known as the doorway to the Himalayas.

Along the way, you’ll be able to view the magnificent hiking trails of Sevoke Kalamandir as well as the breathtaking views from the Coronation Bridge.

Watch the wonderful sceneries of the dense forests while you drive to Doors.

3. Bodh Gaya

Traveling to one of the abodes of Lord Buddha can purify your soul and mind. And such a holy place which is a famous weekend getaway destination from Kolkata is Bodh Gaya.

This peaceful community is home to the renowned Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which was built with bricks and is a popular pilgrimage place for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

It is the location where Buddha is said to have obtained enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree.

The entire road trip from Kolkata to Bihar via Dhanbad will include beautiful landscapes, barren lands, coal fields, and also a famous destination called Rajgir which has a hot spring.

Halt in some of the renowned Dhabas like the Chandravanshi Dhaba or some other restaurants to have some delicious foods.

Being a wanderlust, I personally love to make unplanned trips to sea beaches.

Everyone has heard the name of Digha and it is one of the favorite spots among beach enthusiasts.

Digha, which overlooks the Bay of Bengal, allows visitors to simply relax, splash in the waves, and photograph stunning sunrises and sunsets.

The most fascinating part of the road trip to Digha is halting in Sher-e Punjab, Kolaghat, and having delicious food.

Taking photographs of the scenic beauty of the paddy fields on both sides of the road trip can make your trip more amazing!

The long seaside view as you enter Digha is breathtaking too.

You can also see this list of the best places to visit near Digha .

5. Bishnupur

The road trip from Kolkata to Bishnupur in Bankura is mesmerizing.

This picture-perfect city of Bishnupur is known for its intricately carved Hindu temples made of terracotta.

While entering Bankura, view the beautiful forests of Sutan and Jhilimili on both sides of the winding pitch paths of Bankura.

Click awesome photos of the sal and mahua trees flooded with red and yellow flowers in the backdrop of green hills.

Those interested in history, architecture, and art should plan a trip to Bishnupur to learn more about the rich culture of the city, which dates back to 1600 AD.

Many temples here have distinctive architectural designs, including domed roofs, curving cornices, stucco artwork, and Purana stories.

If you’re looking for adventure, nature photography, or tranquility, you can continue forward from Bishnupur and visit stunning hills and forests like Susunia Hill and Jhilimili.

All of these above-mentioned road trips from Kolkata are easily accessible and well-connected by National and State Highways.

These locations provide you with a variety of homestays, hotels, and resorts, leaving you feeling refreshed and stress-free at the end of your journey.

Plan these fantastic road trips right now to escape from the humdrum of city life.

You may easily schedule any of the above road excursions from Kolkata and rediscover new places and yourself on the way.

Plan these trips on the weekends without waiting for long vacations.

Take a look at these places. Choose the one that speaks to you the most, pack your belongings, and prepare to travel.

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West Bengal Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through West Bengal. We've got 24 trips going to West Bengal, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

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24 west bengal tour packages with 3 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

• Wildlife & Nature Photography

Mystical Sunderban Exploration

Coastal Charms Discovery: Exploring Mumbai, Kolkata & Sunderban

Kolkata - 3 days

Private Kolkata Tour

• River Cruise

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2024) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2024)

Artisans of Bengal

Cruise on the Ganges: The Sacred Waters between Kolkata and Varanasi (port-to-port cruise)

The Diwali Cruise

• Sightseeing

Kolkata Gateway: A Private 3-Day Tour

The Easter Cruise

ME to WE & the Sacred Ganges (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2019)

Me to We part was excellent. However, the communication re flights before was poor. The internal flights were badly planned. Leaving Udaipur at 3pm and arriving in Kolkata hotel at 3am to leave again at 9.30 am was ridiculous. Boat was excellent, but a lot of people got upset stomachs. No Indian spices in the curries!

Me to We & the Sacred Ganges (2020) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2020)

Me to We & the Sacred Ganges (2021) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2021)

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2023) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2023)

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• Singles and Solo (11)
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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from West Bengal

Day trips from west bengal.

• West Bengal to Kolkata (Calcutta)
• West Bengal to Darjeeling
• West Bengal to Bishnupur
• West Bengal to Gangtok
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour

2. Day_Trippers (Darjeeling Full Day Tour).

3. Private Calcutta Tour With Guide and Authentic Bengali lunch

4. Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kolkata

5. Discover Sundarbans Wildlife in Mangroves Same Day From Kolkata

6. Tea Pluckers' Day

7. Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour

8. Private Calcutta Tour

9. Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip

10. Private Guided Day Trip to Santiniketan from Kolkata (Calcutta)

11. Day trip from Kolkata to Bishnupur for Terracotta Temples and Silk

12. One Day Guided Kolkata Local Sightseeing Trip by Cab

13. The Land Mark Tour (Nautical Day Darjeeling To Mirik crusade)

14. Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata

15. Private Tour: Temples and Ashrams of Ganga Sagar Day Trip from Kolkata

16. Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers

17. Private tour of Murshidabad from Kolkata about the great betrayal

18. The Road Forks (3 Point & Mix Point).

19. A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling

20. Private Tour Places of Worship in Kolkata including Mother House

21. Private Full Day Trip to Mayapur from Kolkata with Guide

22. Heritage and Culture of Kolkata Private Tour

23. Kolkata to Bishnupur Expedition: Temples, Tales, and Traditions

24. Mirik Lake Day tour From Darjeeling

25. Monument Full Day Trip Including Mother House, Victoria Memorial With Lunch

26. Temple and spiritual trail in Kolkata

27. Day Trip to Singalila (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling)

28. Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports

29. Private Halfday Kolkata Guided City Tour

30. Day Trip to Buddha Park (Guided Private Sightseeing Tour from Gangtok)

What travellers are saying.

Men's Track and Field 4/17/2024 5:28:00 PM Colton Keintz, Idaho State Sports Information

Bengals Heading to Logan for Utah State Invitational in Week 5 of Outdoor Season

It's a week 5 road trip for idaho state track.

Pocatello, ID - After a Week 4 performance by Idaho State Track and Field in which head coach Hillary Merkley saw a lot of improvements, the Bengals are going to get a chance to do something uncommon in the outdoor season: compete as a unit. The Orange and Black will travel just over an hour south to Logan, UT, to compete in the Aggie Invitational from Friday to Saturday, April 19-20. This marks only the second trip of the season in which all, or at least the majority, of the Bengals squad will be competing in the same meet this weekend. The only other such occasion to date, the Weber/Utah Opens, was cut short due to the elements.  As of now, the weather looks to be much more forgiving this time around, with the forecast in Logan showing 60s and sunny both days of the meet. There is no charge for spectators should Bengal fans be interested in watching their athletes. The meet will be broadcast live on the Mountain West Network, and more details can be found below.

THINGS TO KNOW

WHERE AND WHEN: April 19-20 (Fri-Sat) - Utah State University - Logan, UT

WHAT TIME: Day 1 - 3pm MST // Day 2 - 11am MST

Meet Information & Schedule

Live Results Tracker - Will be posted by beginning of Day 1

How to Watch - Mountain West Network (Subscription Required)

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