As the sweltering heat of summer descends upon Kolkata, many of us find ourselves yearning for a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Thankfully, the vicinity around Kolkata is dotted with hidden gems, whether you ask for mountains, quaint villages, riversides, or forests. All these offer serene retreats that are perfect for short weekend getaways from Kolkata.
6 Offbeat Weekend Getaways from Kolkata with family
In today’s busy world, where work keeps piling up and family time seems to shrink, finding a balance between work and relaxation can be tough. And when it’s about the financial year ending and children’s exams, the situation becomes more hectic. That’s why weekends are precious. They’re your chance to take a breather, recharge, and prepare for the week ahead.
Now, when you ask a Bengali about their choices, most of them will tell you either about Mandarmani, Digha, or Darjeeling. Tajpur, Mayapur, Bakkhali, and Sundarbans are some of the other options. These are all great destinations in West Bengal, no doubt. But sometimes all these places can be surprisingly crowded because that’s what people are most aware of.
This is the reason why we are jotting down some unfamiliar destinations best for family weekend getaways from Kolkata in Summer.
1. Ambika Kalna
An ancient town near Kolkata, Ambika Kalna boasts terracotta temples dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This offbeat location for weekend getaways from Kolkata offers a quieter alternative to the bustling heritage sites of Bishnupur. The town’s highlights include the Rajbari Complex, Nava Kailash temple with 108 Shiva temples, and the oldest Siddheswari Kali Temple.
Visitors can drive from Kolkata to Purba Burdhaman for a day trip, exploring these historic gems, while enjoying modest accommodations and dining options.
2. Shankarpur
If you’re searching for some quick weekend getaways from Kolkata, Shankarpur Beach is a serene hideaway waiting to be explored. Tucked away from the city chaos, it is just 100km away from Kolkata. This beach is adorned with charming casuarinas trees. You can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, especially in the evenings, heading towards the convergence of two small rivers.
Shankarpur sits on the Bay of Bengal, approximately 10 km from Digha. You can visit here anytime between the end of the monsoon to the dawn of summer.
Related: Best picnic spots in Kolkata
3. Baguran
Baguran is a beach destination, another of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata. Because it is just four hours away from the city, Baguran is ideal for a short family outing for a night or two. It’s surrounded by casuarina trees and offers a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for relaxation.
Nearby is a fishermen village, one of the fine attractions to explore. It is not that crowded, the reason you will be able to cherish the beach filled with red crabs.
4. Purulia
Purulia, just under 300 km from the city, is a haven for nature lovers seeking weekend getaways from Kolkata. Baranti is one of the attractions, nestled between Biharinath Hill and Panchkot Hills. It offers serene landscapes, with the Muradi Lake providing a breathtaking sunset backdrop. Ajodhya pahad and Biharinath Hills are the added charms.
Near Purulia is Jhargram. If you have some more time, you can drive a few extra miles and see the Royal Palace and Kanak Durga Temple. Accommodation options cater to those craving privacy and serenity amidst nature’s embrace.
5. Daronda
Daronda offers urbanites a serene escape amidst organic farms and cozy homestays. Located near Shantiniketan, Daronda is one of the peaceful options for weekend getaways from Kolkata. It’s a haven for relaxation and introspection.
Families can unwind in rustic surroundings, enjoying homemade meals and exploring nearby attractions like Lord Sinha’s ancestral abode and terracotta temples. Other than that, you can enjoy the sundown times. They are filled with the soothing sounds of nature and local folk music.
6. Natungram
Natungram, known for its doll-making tradition, is a hidden treasure of West Bengal. In the list of unfamiliar weekend getaways from Kolkata, this place can be explored in summer as well as any time of the year. But, if you want to gain an enriched experience of the yearly wooden doll fair, make time in January.
These dolls are unique as they are crafted from a single piece of wood and then painted with acrylic colours and oil paints. Among the favourites are the Wooden Owl and Radha Krishna Dolls. You may also see Gour Nitai dolls.
The journey from Kolkata to Natungram covers 142.6 km. Because of its one-of-a-kind artworks, the government and UNESCO are collaborating to establish a Rural Craft Hub.
Sure, you would have enjoyed learning these distinctive names for family weekend getaways from Kolkata. Although the list is very small here, your experience when you eventually visit these places will undoubtedly be a successful one, filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
And in case you are looking to build your own holiday home, consider Manafuli Ganga Villas. With many plots available, you can choose the one that suits you. Book a site visit with us if interested.