10 Perfect Weekend Getaways From Kolkata for Your Short Trip
Kolkata is a place surrounded by lush greenery and scenic beauty from all sides. If you are someone who wants to escape the scorching heat of the summers and enjoy in a relaxing place, then these Kolkata weekend gateways are perfect for you.
These destinations will surely create a spellbinding effect on your lives. A weekend gateway is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoying some quiet time with yourself.
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Weekend Gateways near Kolkata
There are a sheer plethora of places to visit near Kolkata and it is the best place for short road trips. Some of the weekend gateways near Kolkata are listed as under:
Bolpur
Bolpur is famous for the Vishwa Bharati Institution and is recognized as an education center near Kolkata. Bolpur is visited by students and scholars from all over the world and was established by Rabindranath Tagore.
The beautiful city of Bolpur is a pioneer in education and is sweeping with culture and literature. Bolpur is also prominent with its exotic environment.
The quaint town of Bolpur adores a variety of food joints. All the buildings of Shantiniketan are bougainvillea-covered and speak richly of the past of the city of Bolpur.
Shantiniketan is well connected by NH2 and one can reach Bolpur within 2 hours from Kolkata. Bolpur is also three hours’ journey by train from Kolkata. Lodge Lipika is the best budget traveler hotel providing some of the basic facilities.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a heavenly escape from the crowded town of Kolkata. Recognized widely because of its amazing tea estates, many popular Bollywood movies have been shot here including Parineeta, Barfi, etc. One can try out adventurous sports like trekking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, etc.
The Himalayan Zoo is famous for spotting the Red Panda and many other exotic animals. Darjeeling is home to many Buddhist monasteries where you can spend some peaceful time.
Darjeeling can be easily reached by air, railways, and roadways. Choosing taxis from Kolkata to Darjeeling will cost cheap between Rs. 100 to 200 depending on the type of terrain.
Darjeeling has so many hotels for both luxurious and budget travelers. Pahari Soul Darjeeling provides one with amazing furnishings and the hotel staff is quite friendly.
Mandarmoni
Mandarmoni is perfectly the longest beach stretch in the world. It is one of the most peaceful gateways and modernization has not yet engulfed the beauty of Mandarmoni.
Try out many beach sports like skiing, banana rides, bungee jumping, etc. ATV bikes are also available on the beach but it requires payment of the small fee.
Mandarmoni is best for those who want to relax on the beach. Many deluxe coaches run from Kolkata to Mandarmoni at affordable rates of Rs. 130.
There are provisions of State Transport Buses that can be availed easily at Rs. 100 to 200. AjoyMinar is great for budget travelers. Mandarmoni has cheap services available to all its travelers along with great services for all.
Gangtok
Gangtok is a scenic view and is a pleasurable gateway from Kolkata. Gangtok is famous for Enchey Monastery and the hill station is favorable for budget travelers. There are so many food joints in Darjeeling providing delicious items like momos, Thukpa, and amazing Chinese food. The beauty is worth visiting and Darjeeling looks beautiful all through the year. Fern Hotel and the Nettle are two renowned hotels present in Gangtok.
The private rooms have tariffs starting from Rs. 200 and it goes up to 2500 per night. It all depends on what you would prefer to choose. You can book hotels depending on all your requirements.
Puri
Puri, popular for its RathYatra happening in the months of June or July, Puri is a highly regarded pilgrimage place located very close to Kolkata.
Puri has many beaches and temples which can leave you awestruck. Not just the temples, but people are also attracted to the mouthwatering seafood prepared on the beaches. Shopaholics can stroll along the markets of Puri looking out for crafts and silver items.
It is best to reach Puri using the Railway services as the station is located in the heart of the city. Railways cost cheap and affordable.
Being a popular tourist destination, Puri has so many budget travel hotels like Balaji International and Hotel Lee Garden. The cost starts from Rs. 1000 going up to 2500 per night.
Digha
Digha is a prominent gateway for all Bengalis living in Kolkata. Apart from the serene beaches, Digha is celebrated for its yummy street food and its location very near to Kolkata.
Digha is very laid back making it an appropriate place for a short break. Some attractions of the place include Marine Aquarium Research Center or Lord Shiva Temple.
Another eye-catching thing to do here in Digha is wandering on the Digha Boardwalk and taking it the fresh air from the beaches.
You can find numerous “rice” hotels in Digha providing cheap but good quality food to its visitors. You will get a taste of Bengal once you enter Digha.
There are cheap accommodations available in Digha like Greenland Inn and Hotel Seagull. The stating rates fr these hotels are Rs. 600-1500 per night.
Kurseong
Kurseong is a little laid back hill town not very commercialized and is a great gateway from Kolkata. The road reaching Kurseong is splendid beyond words.
It is a relaxing place to enjoy and spend some quiet time with close ones. The stunning views of the Teesta River and pleasing tea gardens make it a must-visit place. Kurseong is still an amazing place for those who want to escape from the madness of the crowd.
Kurseong has very limited hotels so it is necessary to book these hotels in advance. Kurseong has a toy train route starting from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and it takes nearly 5 hours to reach Kurseong.
Amarjeet Hotel has affordable rooms starting between Rs. 1000-2000 per night.
Sundarbans
Home to the greatest tiger reserve in India, Sundarbans is a reclusive opportunity to see the Bengal Tiger. The mangrove forests located in Sundarbans make up for the biggest biosphere in India. Due to poaching and illegal activities, many exotic animals found in Sundarbans have become extinct.
Take a guide while roaming around the mangrove forests. Royal Sundarbans is one of the eye-appealing hotels in Sundarbans costing around Rs. 1000-2000 per night.
If you are someone wanting to try the Jungle Safari, try out Prakriti Village Resort which is available at rates of Rs. 1000 per night.
These are some of the charming weekend gateways near Kolkata. Book your tickets soon and just soak in the quietness of the place.
