The Durga Puja Carnival in Calcutta this year is in its last leg. But our extended holiday continues for a few more days before we are back to action. Hence there is enough time to squeeze in a quick trip nearby if you prefer a longish drive yourself or love road trips. Have a look at these Quick Winter Getaways from Calcutta for a 2-3 days trip. Ready to go. Come let’s move.
Quick Winter Getaways from Calcutta
1. Mousuni Island
Mousini Island is a relatively unexplored Island in Namkhana of West Bengal, adjacent to the Sunderban Delta. This perfect amalgamation of sun, sand, beach, rivers and peace can prove to be a great weekend gateway. The island is located in between Gangasagar Island and Bakkhali.
How to reach: To reach Mousuni by car you have to take route from Kolkata to Bakkhali via Diamond Harbour. After crossing Hatania-Doania river bridge proceed to Hujjuter Ghat where you will find parking place for your car. From here you need to cross the river by boat and then take a Toto ( battery operated auto) to reach Mousuni Island.
Where to stay: There are no hotels in Mousuni Island but there are some basic staying options like Mud house (with private toilets), family tent and dome tent and all are arranged by separate camp owners. Book your ideal stay here on Booking.com.
Activities: Camping, Fishing, Village Walking & Night Sky Watching.
2. Jhargram
Jhargram is a popular tourist destination known for its forests, ancient temples and royal palaces. The Rajbari or Palace of Jhargram is worth spending a few hours to get an insight into the culture, tradition and rich heritage. The area is surrounded by Belpahari hills as well as Subarnarekha and Kangsabati rivers.
How to reach: Jhargram is only 172 km away from Kolkata and by road it takes around 4 hours to reach. Take the route- Howrah – G.T.Road – NH16.
Where to stay: There are many stay options depending on your budget but try and avoid booking through WBTDC Jhargram Rajbari Tourism. Their property is badly maintained and food and services awful as per reviews. Marttik Gardens is one of the best places to stay. You can check out the property and book your stay with them through Booking.com right here. Also have a look at other options available on the site which suits your budget.
Places to visit: Jhargram Raj Palace, Savitri Temple, Junglemahal Zoological Park, Kendua for migrating birds, Chilkigarh Sacred Grove & Kanak Durga Temple, Chilkigarh Raj Palace, Krish Garden, Medicinal Plants Garden, Eco-Tourism Center & Tribal Museum.
3. Baranti
Baranti in Purulia district of West Bengal is a small, quiet and unbelievably scenic place. It is famous for its rich culture, heritage and vibrant tribal people. There is a 1 km long irrigation project dam between two small hillocks, Muradi Hill and Baranti Hill. Moreover, you can spend hours near the serene Baranti Lake which offers one of the best sunset views in Bengal.
How to reach: Baranti is 263 km by car from Calcutta. One is required to take the Durgapur Expressway towards Asansol and take Raniganj Punjabi More-Mejia More-Shaltora-Santuri-Baranti/Muradi. There is another route through Asansol but that is 35 km longer. Do check out Google Maps for exact directions.
Where to stay: Baranti Village Resort is the best property strategically located on the banks of Baranti Lake. Check out the room options, packages and connect/book here on their official Baranti Village Resort website.
What to see: Joychandi Hill, Garpanchkot Hill, Maithon Dam, Panchet Dam, Kalyaneshwari Temple, Biharinath Temple, Ayodhya Hills & Susunia Hill.
4. Junput
Located on the same coastal stretch as the Digha, Mandarmani and Tajpur beaches, Junput is the less touristy of them all. The beach is lined with eucalyptus trees instead of palm trees unlike other tropical beaches here. Moreover there are lovely lush farmlands you can walk through apart from spending time at the beach.
How to reach: The distance from Kolkata is around 140 km and therefore it takes around 4.5 hours by car. Take the route- Diamond Harbour – Contai – Junput Road
Where to stay: There are limited stay options and you could try out Junput Resort which is a nice property. You could request for a booking here.
Things to Do: Beach fun, Visiting fish farm & duck farm, Rafting, Kayaking, Rock climbing etc.
5. Bangriposi
Bangriposi is a small tribal village near Buribalam River in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The hamlet is nestled in the Thakurani range of hills. And it’s a beautiful place full of scenic beauty and serenity. With all the waterfalls, rivers and trekking trails in the area that would make your holiday memorable.
How to reach: The distance from Calcutta is 220 km. Therefore the journey would take you around 5 hours by car. Take this route to reach- Kolkata – Kolaghat – Kharagpur – Lodhashuli – Baharagora – Jamsola – Bombay Chowki – Bangriposi.
Where to stay: Although there are some good options, Khairi Resort is the best property as per reviews. You can book your room here on Booking.com
Places to Visit: Simlipal National Park, Joranda Waterfall, Barehipani Waterfall, Bankabal Lake, Chahala and Thakurani Hill.
6. Gangoni
Gangoni is Bengal’s very own Grand Canyon. Located in the small town of Garbeta, this wide gorge of red soil stands on the banks of river Silabati. The gorge is a handiwork of Mother Nature through years of soil erosion coupled with assistance from the river. Moreover the water body flows through the gorge during the monsoons. Also the river is not deep and you can cross it on foot.
How to reach: The distance from Calcutta is around 180 km. Hence the journey should take you around 4.5 hours. You need to follow the route- Kolkata – NH6 – Bagnan – Uluberia – Kolaghat – Karagpur – NH60 – Godapiasal – Salboni– Garhbeta – Gangani.
Where to stay: There are no hotels in Gangoni. Therefore you should stay at Bishnupur, another landmark town around 23 km away. Check out & book your hotel in Bishnupur here on Booking.com.
Things to do: Visit the Gorge and do sightseeing at Garbeta. Also visit Kameshwar Temple, Radhaballav Temple, Raghunathji Temple, Raghunath Bari & Uriyasaier Temples. Experience river crossing, do hiking and photography. Explore Bishnupur on the first day after reaching and checking in at your hotel.
7. Sonajhuri
Sonajhuri is a small patch of forest in the Khoai region of Shantiniketan in Bolpur. Moreover it is considered to be one of the cleanest forests in India. The forest is replete with lush green trees that has blooming flowers especially during the winters. The area is inhabited by jackals, spotted deer, elephant, foxes and many kinds of colorful birds, including parrots, kingfishers, ducks and woodpeckers. A visit to the Saturday Haat here is a unique experience.
How to reach: Sonajhuri is 166 km from Calcutta. The drive takes around 4.5 hours. The route to follow is – NH19 and Sekampur – Sahapur Rd.
Where to stay: There are many hotels in Shantiniketan to suit your budget. You could book your hotel here on Booking.com. You could also check out La Sonajhuri Resort next to the Saturday Haat and book your stay if you find the property matching your expectations.
Things to Do: Nature walk, Bird watching, Wildlife spotting, Shopping at Saturday Haat, Sightseeing in Shantiniketan.
8. Monchasha
Monchasha in East Midnapore is an ecotourism initiative in village Paushi, on the banks of Bagda river. The complex sprawled over a huge area is full of greenery and beauty all around. Moreover there is a plantation area where a variety of fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants are grown. Therefore this is a unique nature destination where you can enjoy the warmth and simplicity of rural Bengal.
How to reach: Monchasha is around 148 km from Calcutta. Therefore it would take you around 3.5 hours to drive down. The route to follow is Kona Expressway – NH6 – NH41 – Kolaghat – Henria – Kalinagar. From Kalinagar, take the road to Monchasha which is 23 km from Contai.
Where to stay: Eco Huts in Monchasha. Check out their website, Monchasha or contact on 9831095234, 9477476376 for bookings.
Things to do: Village walk, Visit Shyamoli Bithi-the village plantation, Visit the huge fish tanks Ishani and Naitri where fishes are bred. Also visit the century-old Bahiri Temple.
Quick Winter Getaways from Calcutta
Hope you loved these offbeat winter weekend destinations from Calcutta. Are you ready to take off? Here is wishing you and your family lots of fun together.
To head off to these quick winter getaways, PIN it for planning !
After three visitis in India Calcutta is still on my dream list, as I explored other parts so far. But I would love to go there during my next travel to India, as its amazing place. I love your winter gateways from this city. Such a great ideas to explore next areas. I would love to visit Mousini Island and Baranti as it’s scenic place. Junput seems also perfect for relax. But most of all I would love to see Gangoni, as it’s Bengals Grand Canyon. It’s looks spectacular.
Do come over next time to Calcutta Agnes. And do let me know so that we can meet.
Very informative article about unknown tourist destinations near about Calcutta.
Thank you Bhabya. Glad you found it useful.