The Best Day Trips From Kolkata India

Looking for a quick break from the City of Joy? Here are five day trips you can make from Kolkata whether you are looking for more nature, a dose of history, or just a change of scene.

Bishnupur

Just a two-hour car drive away from Kolkata, the city of Bishnupur is a delight for history and architecture enthusiasts alike. The ancient city served as the capital of the Mallabhum kingdom for almost a thousand years, and among the ruins that remain today are several stunning terracotta temples. Mostly built around 16th century C.E., these temples built from locally available laterite and brick are covered in terracotta tiles that depict scenes from the holy epic Mahabharatha. Along with the stunning craftsmanship of its population, Bishnupur also claims the Bishnupur Gharana, a school of music said to be established around 14th century C.E.

Junput

Frazerganj

Frazerganj has consistently remained one of the most popular getaways from Kolkata for good reason. This pristine, white sand beach town at the edge of the Sunderbans is ideal if you are looking to bird watch, indulge in delicious seafood, or just stroll by the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

Krishnanagar

This quaint little town about two hours outside Kolkata is an ideal getaway from the city if you’re seeking to feed the history buff in you. The dilapidated yet architecturally striking Krishnanagar Rajbari or Palace built in the 18th century for local king Krishna Chandra Roy is the town’s key highlight, along with a historic Roman Catholic Church featuring 27 stunning paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ.

Diamond Harbour

Located just outside the city by the banks of the Hooghly River near where it meets the Bay of Bengal, Diamond Harbour is a stunning getaway with an interesting past. Once frequented by Portuguese pirates, the town is now known for the historic Chingrikhali Fort, a vibrant fish market and an old lighthouse among other attractions.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.