Featuring dense forests and monuments steeped in history, there are several stunning places within 200 kilometres of Kolkata. We round up a few you could add to your travel bucket list. By Eshita Srinivas
Kolkata offers an assortment of experiences, at once being both cultural and modern as well as bustling and quiet. The City of Joy has several bars, restaurants, festivals, and leisure activities to keep visitors and locals engaged. That said, when the hustle of Kolkata begins to get tiresome, there are serene places to escape to, just within 200 kilometres. And whether you’re looking to take a much-deserved break this weekend or seek to reclaim the summer break you were robbed of over these pandemic-led years, these destinations will not disappoint.
Places to visit within 200 kilometres of Kolkata
Digha Beach
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This seaside destination will satiate all hankerings for a tropical vacation and is budget-friendly. Digha has a coastline that extends for up to seven kilometres and has she-oak (casuarina) trees dotted along with it. Both sunrise and sunset here are a sight to behold, and a typical itinerary involves swimming, taking leisurely walks by the beach, visiting sharks and sea snakes at the Marine Station, and exploring Amarabati Park. Beach hopping from New Digha beach to Udaipur beach, Shankarpur beach, and Talsari beach is recommended as well.
Distance from Kolkata: 184 kilometres
Sundarbans
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One of the largest mangrove forests in the world, Sundarbans National Park is a bucket-list-worthy destination. The verdant space is home to spotted deer, boars, crocodiles, Gangetic dolphin, king crabs, olive ridley turtles, Bengal tiger, and a host of other species. Birding, boating, and going on several wildlife safaris are expected here. You could also sign up for cruises or houseboat services.
Distance from Kolkata: 184 kilometres
Bishnupur
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If you enjoy ancient monuments and historical expeditions, this is the place to head to. Popular for its terracotta temples and forts, Bishnupur is believed to be a heritage city. At the top of the list of must-visit spots are Rasmancha, Shyamrai, Jorebangla, Madan Mohan, Jor-mandir, Radha Govinda, and Radha Shyam temples. Many visitors pop by the Bishnupur Fort, built in the 1600s, which features an arched gateway and laterite blocks. Trekking expeditions to Susunia hills, a picturesque spot known to be brimming with medicinal plants, are also popular.
Distance from Kolkata: 140 kilometres
Haldia
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Haldia has been one of the most important seaports for West Bengal for years now. The industrial town offers visitors a host of sightseeing spots, including Mahishadal and Haldia Township Centenary Park. If the weather permits, grab a picnic basket and pop by one of the many picnic-worthy gardens in the region. Walk along the coastline as the day ends to catch the colours of the sunset.
Distance from Kolkata: 120 kilometres
Shantiniketan
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Popularised by the Visva Bharati University set up by literary figure Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan offers visitors a cultural, art-centric vacation. While here, head to the Uttarayan Complex, reportedly built by Tagore, to experiment with various forms of architecture. The museum here is a must-visit. You could also pop by the Upasana Girha and Shantiniketan Bhavan. If you enjoy art, tour the Visva Bharati campus, particularly the Kala Bhavan, which features stunning murals and frescoes. There are several sculptures here to discover as well.
Distance from Kolkata: 163 kilometres
Mandarmani
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Another popular beach retreat, Mandarmani makes for a quaint getaway. It’s largely unexplored, making it ideal for a leisurely weekend dawdle at the beach, long swimming sessions, or watersports by the beach. Don’t forget to sample the local street food and fresh coconut water at one of the beachside street stalls. Since it’s not commercialised, fauna around the beach are prominent, including starfishes and red crabs. The sunset is worth the wait as well. Besides these, you could also sign up for an ATV ride while here.
Distance from Kolkata: 171 kilometres
Bakkhali
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Another underrated beach destination, the seven kilometre-long coastline makes for an idyllic getaway. You’re bound to find the beach to yourself here, so you could spend your time getting acquainted with the water. Post this, head to Henry Island, named after a British surveyor, and look at the view from the watchtower. Being close to the mangrove forest, the beach offers the unique opportunity to spot wildlife. Also worth spotting are trees like palm, Sundari, and Hetal. To get here from Bakkhali, you’d need to cross a picturesque creek with a well-laid garden. As with Mandarmani, there’s a good chance of spotting a carpet of red crabs while here, which is a sight to behold.
Distance from Kolkata: 126 kilometres
Durgapur
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A hidden gem of a place, Durgapur is known as the Steel Capital of East India and is believed to be the perfect example of a Bengali town, albeit with metropolitan energy. The bustling Benachity market here has a host of local handicraft stores to shop from, while the Durgapur Barrage, constructed to prevent the Damodar river from overflowing, is an architectural marvel to behold. You could also visit the temples, steel plants, and parks here. A lunch of Bengali fish curry and rice is an indispensable part of the itinerary.
Distance from Kolkata: 173 kilometres
Shankarpur
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Another popular beach town that’s a little over 18 kilometres from Digha and Mandarmani, Shankarpur’s only tourist attraction is a picturesque beach that can be explored in just a day. The mornings are cool and perfect for a long walk. You could watch fishermen hauling massive nets to catch the day’s lunch and the sunset every evening is worth the drive from Kolkata. Besides lazing around on the beach, visitors recommend taking pictures of the region and grabbing a drink at a beach shack.
Distance from Kolkata: 175 kilometres
Midnapore
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Known for its contribution to the Indian freedom movement, Midnapore is a hidden treasure of a town. The region is most popular for its host of temples, mosques, and dargahs. The best time to head here is during Durga Puja when the town lights up with pandals. There are several parks worth taking walks in and exploring as well.
Distance from Kolkata: 134 kilometres
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