The Best Weekend Getaways From Kolkata
Here are your best options if you are looking for a relaxing break from the chaos of Kolkata. From quiet beach towns to picturesque hill stations, there’s something for everyone on this list of weekend getaways from the City of Joy.
Samsing
This small hillside village located 640 kilometers (398 miles) outside Kolkata is ideal for a long weekend getaway. With rich tea gardens, scenic valleys, dense forests and pristine river waters, Samsing is nothing short of paradise for nature lovers. Come here if you are looking to picnic amidst stunning views of nearby hills and the lush greenery of tea plantations.
Rasikbil
Park
Surrounded by dense forests, this eco-tourist spot is ideal for bird-watching. Located a little more than 450 kilometers (280 miles) outside Kolkata, Rasikbil’s prime attractions remain its lake and adjacent bird sanctuary. The area also features a deer park, a crocodile rehabilitation center, a leopard house, and a tortoise rescue center.
Bakkhali
This quaint seaside village on the southern tip of West Bengal is just about four hours outside Kolkata. Alongside a pristine and quiet beach, Bakkhali is an ideal option for anyone seeking a break by the sea. Along with the well-maintained beach, the area also features a historic Hindu temple—the Bishhalakshmi Temple—as well as a crocodile breeding center.
Mayapur
Hindu Temple
As the birthplace and headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Mayapur is where you should go for a spiritual getaway from Kolkata. Just over 130 kilometers (81 miles) outside the city, this small but buzzing town offers quite a few Hindu temple attractions for you to visit, including the ISKCON temple.
Digha
Aquarium
One of the state’s most popular beaches, Digha is a guaranteed fun break from Kolkata. A four-hour drive outside the city, the beach town is ideal for quite a few water sports, including parasailing, snorkeling, and water skiing. Other attractions include a century-old Shiva temple and a Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre that showcases the marine biodiversity of the region.
Chandipur
This peaceful seaside town is host to a peculiar phenomenon—where the sea recedes by as much as five kilometers (3.1 miles) every day, only to return to its original form. About four hours outside Kolkata, this beach is home to incredible marine biodiversity and is an excellent getaway if you are looking for a quieter beach than the popular Digha.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
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2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
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3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
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2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
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2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
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2. Egypt
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Sundarbans National Park
Forest, Park
There are few better options for observing wildlife in the region than the famous Sundarbans National Park, under two hours from Kolkata. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as home to the Royal Bengal tiger, the Sundarbans are likely to thrill any visitor. The park offers a number of guided boat cruises, and treks are available to take visitors through the dense forest.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal, India, +91 90079 95888
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