2 Days Trip From Kolkata: 21 Weekend Getaways Within 200 Kms Of The City Of Joy
Kolkata, the capital of British India, has so many gems scattered around. From the Victoria Memorial to the Indian Museum and Babughat to the Alipore Zoo, the important landmarks tell the stories of a city with an old soul and a young mind.
Further, if you want a break from city life or simply want to Explore Bengal beyond Kolkata, many weekend getaways within 200 Kms await you with their wonders. So, are you ready for a 2 day trip from Kolkata?
Here, the places I have curated are eclectic. So, irrespective of your desired experience, we have got you covered.
2 Days Trip From Kolkata: Weekend Getaways You Will Love Within 200 Kms
Are you eager to take up a delightful train journey soaked in the nostalgia of your childhood days? Or do you want to keep it slow and easygoing, looking for a long-distance car ride?
The following destinations are well connected to the city and offer you delightful sojourns even on a shoestring. So, let’s explore!
1. Digha
Kolkata to Digha Distance: 181 Km
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Trains Available: Digha Duronto Express, Tamralipta Express, Kandari Express
Best Place to Stay In Digha: Hotel GC International (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Digha is well-connected to Kolkata through train routes and buses. You will get private and West Bengal Government buses from Esplanade and Airport 1 Bus Stoppage.
On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Digha is the most affordable destination for families, honeymooners, and couples. This serene beach offers the best scenic views; you will love the sunrise and sunset scenes.
You will also love gorging on fresh crabs, fish, and seafood here. Many tourists purchase fresh and dried saltwater fish from the local market and return them home as souvenirs.
⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Notes ⁕⁕
Wake up before sunrise and hit the beaches. You will find seashells scattered around the shores early in the morning. I love collecting them. Don’t you?
2. Sunderbans
Kolkata to Sundarbans Distance: 109 Km
Trains Available: Canning Local to Namkhana and Then Motor Launch
Best Time to Visit Sunderbans: June to October and November to March
Best Place to Stay In Sundarbans: Stay in a Houseboat to Enjoy Nature and Wildlife
A wonderful destination for a 2 days trip from Kolkata, Sunderbans is the heritage of Bengal. This region has the largest mangrove forest in the world and a brilliant ecosystem grown around it.
Further, Sunderbans is famous for the Royal Bengal Tigers and crocodiles. Taking a boat ride along the inlets is quite an experience, with an anticipation of the tigers coming off the lush green jungles on both sides.
3. Haldia
Kolkata to Haldia Distance: 123 Km
Train Available to Haldia: Howrah-Haldia Local, Howrah-Haldia Fast Local
Best Time to Visit Haldia: October to March
Best Place to Stay In Haldia: Ganga Kutir (Google Rating: 4.4 Star)
Haldia, the petrochemical hub of Bengal, is a popular weekend destination from Kolkata. Spending time at the Haldia Port and Dock is an experience for inquisitive minds.
Further, the Mahishadal Rajbari, Goplajew Temple, and Sataku have added attractions to this port city.
4. Navadvipa/Nabadwip
Kolkata to Navadvipa Distance: 123 Km
Kolkata to Navadvipa Train: Hate Bazare Express, Teesta Torsha, Howrah Intercity Express*
Best Time to Visit Navadvipa: November to March
Best Place to Stay in Navadvipa: Hotel Sonar Bangla Mayapur (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
The capital of Lakshman Sena of the Sena Dynasty, Nabadwip is the land of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He was a prominent spiritual leader and one of the leading names of the Bhakti Movement in Bengal and India. Further, he was a social reformer, uniting people from all castes and creeds.
Moreover, Nabadwip has always been the hub of Sanskrit learning and scholars. Many refer to it as the Oxford of Bengal.
The prime attraction of Nabadwip is the Chaitanya Saraswat Math, dedicated to Lord Chaitanya, who is worshiped as the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. Some other attractions here are:
⁍ Pushpa Samadhi Mandir
⁍ Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary
⁍ Sri Mahaprabhu Mandir
⁍ The 12 Shiv Temples
⁍ Shri Devananda Gaudiya Math
⁍ ISKCON Temple, Nabadwip
⁍ Radha Rani Temple
⁕⁕Many trains from Howrah and Sealdah stations ply to Nabadwip. Further, you can take local trains to Krishnanagar from Sealdah and a train to Nabadwip.⁕⁕
5. Bakkhali
Kolkata to Bakkhali Distance: 125 Km
Kolkata to Bakkhali Train: Sealdah to Namkhana Local and then Ferry Service to Bakkhali
Best Time to Visit Bakkhali: October to March
Best Place to Stay in Bakkhali: Bakkhali Eco Parks and Tents (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Bakkhali is a pristine place and a perfect 2 days trip from Kolkata if you want to catch some relaxation. The sky here is dark blue thanks to less air pollution, and the beach is beautiful for a stroll.
Further, you can indulge in star gazing by the shore at night. Moreover, don’t forget to try some spicy crabs here!
6. Santiniketan
Kolkata to Santiniketan Distance: 163 Km
Kolkata to Santiniketan Train: Vande Bharat Express, Kulik Express, Maa Tara Express, Ganadevta Express, Malda Town Intercity Express, Viswabharati Fast Passenger Special
Best Time to Visit Santiniketan: November to March
Best Place to Stay in Santiniketan: Chaiti Eco Homestay (Google Rating: 4.7)
Santiniketan, or the land of Tagore’s Visva-Bharati, has always been a big draw for the intellectuals of Bengal and beyond. However, it has become a popular weekend retreat near Kolkata for the last few years.
The beauty of the Khoyai River here on a whole moon night is ethereal. Further, Kankalitala, one of the most prominent Shakti Peeths of the country, is just around 10 Km away from Santiniketan.
7. Raichak
Kolkata to Raichak Distance: 54 Km
Kolkata to Raichak Train: Sealdah Diamond Harbor Local and Sealdah Diamond Harbor Galloping Local
Best Time to Visit Raichak: October to March
Best Place to Stay in Raichak: Banabithi Resort (Google Rating: 4.5)
Raichak is like a breath of fresh air around 50 Kms away from Kolkata. Along with River Hooghly, the Raichak Fort is the biggest draw here.
It is a fort from the British Colonial Era, and it was built to watch over movements in the Hooghly River.
8. Bishnupur
Kolkata to Bishnupur Distance: 137 Km
Kolkata to Bishnupur Train: Rupasi Bangla Express, Aranyak Express, Purulia SF Express
Best Time to Visit Bishnupur: October to February
Best Place to Stay in Bishnupur: Bishnupur Tourism Property (WBTDCL) (Google Rating: 4.2)
Bishnupur is famous for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. The temples show the finest craftsmanship of Bengal, while the sarees tell the tales of rich textiles in the state.
Some famous terracotta temples in Bishnupur are:
⁍ Madanmohan Temple
⁍ Rasmancha
⁍ Pancha Ratna Shyam Rai Temple
⁍ Nandal Temple
⁍ Jor Mandir Temples
⁍ Jor Bangla Temples
⁍ Lalji Temples
Moreover, don’t forget to see the famous Dalmadal Canyon in Bishnupur. It is an important testament to the highest martial legacy of the local rulers who defended their kingdom against Marathas.
9. Mayapur
Kolkata to Mayapur Distance: 115 Km
Kolkata to Mayapur Train: Howrah Katwa Local, Sealdah Katwa Galloping Local
Best Time to Visit Mayapur: July to March
Best Place to Stay in Mayapur: ISKCON Mayapur Guesthouses
Located on the confluence of river Jalangi and the Ganges, Mayapur is a spiritual epicenter for devotees and Vaishnavites worldwide.
Acharya Prabhupada built the ISKCON temple here in the 1970s, and since then, it has been the center of spreading Vedic knowledge.
10. Shankarpur
Kolkata to Shankarpur Distance:137 Km
Kolkata to Shankarpur Train: Tamralipta Express, Kandari Express
Best Time to Visit Shankarpur: October to March
Best Place to Stay in Shankarpur: Rupasi Bangla Beach Resort (Google Rating: 4.4)
Shankarpur, a popular destination for a 2 days trip from Kolkata, is a peaceful place surrounded by beautiful Jhau and cashew trees. Further, Shankarpur Mohona is a fishing port, and fishing boats are anchored there.
The fishing boats anchored against the backdrop of the sea have quite a picturesque view. So, it is a great place for photography enthusiasts like me. Also, you can explore the local fish market and buy some really good stuff here.
11. Sagardwip
Kolkata to Sagardwip Distance: 119 Km
Kolkata to Sagardwip Train: Sealdah Namkhana Local and Sealdah Namkhana Galloping Local
Best Time to Visit Sagardwip: October to March
Best Place to Stay in Sagardwip: Ganga Sagar Hotel and Resort (Google Rating: 4.3)
Sagardwip is at the meeting point of the Ganges and Bay of Bengal. It is a holy site for the Hindus.
Further, the Kapil Muni Temple and Onkarnath Temple are some of the most prominent religious spots here.
12. Gangasagar
Kolkata to Gangasagar Distance: 119 Km
Kolkata to Gangasagar Train: Sealdah Namkhana Local and Sealdah Namkhana Galloping Local and then Ferry Service
Best Time to Visit Gangasagar: October to March
Best Place to Stay in Gangasagar: Ganga Sagar Hotel and Resort (Google Rating: 4.3)
Gangasagar, a popular destination for a 2 days trip from Kolkata, excels in its scenic beauty and is an important religious site for devotees. There is a popular saying about Gangasagar: Sob Tirtha Bar Bar/ Gangasagar Ek Baar (You can visit all holy sites many times, but only visit Gangasagar once in your lifetime).
The beaches here are spellbinding. However, the Gangasagar Mela is the biggest crowd-puller here. This festival takes place on the day of Makar Sankranti, or the end of the Hindu month of Poush.
13. Jhargram
Kolkata to Jhargram Distance: 169 Km
Kolkata to Jhargram Train: Barbil Jan Shatabdi Express, Santragachi Jhargram Memu Special, Titlagarh Ispat Express
Best Time to Visit Jhargram: October to March
Best Place to Stay in Jhargram: Aranyak Hotel & Resort (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Jhargram is the perfect fusion of history and natural abundance. Jhargram Rajbari of the Malla Deb family still stands proud here as a witness to history, culture, and human stories. Further, the Chilkigarh Sacred Grove & Kanak Durga Temple is India’s twelfth site for biodiversity conservation.
In addition, the Junglemahal Zoological Park and Savitri Temple are attractions in Jhargram. Moreover, don’t forget to indulge in the beauty of Subarnarekha and Kangsabati rivers here.
14. Kamarpukur
Kolkata to Kamarpukur Distance: 147 Km
Kolkata to Kamarpukur Train: Howrah Goghat Local
Best Time to Visit Kamarpukur: October to April
Best Place to Stay in Kamarpukur: Kamarpukur Ramakrishna Math
Kamarpukur is an important spiritual hub and ideal for a 2 days trip from Kolkata. It is the birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, and his ancestral house is the main attraction here.
However, you will also love taking strolls around the village, and a local guide will show you the places associated with the Leela or divine acts of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
15. Jairambati
Kolkata to Jairambati Distance: 154 Km
Kolkata to Jairambati Train: Howrah Goghat Local
Best Time to Visit Jairambati: October to April
Best Place to Stay Near Jairambati: Kamarpukur Ramakrishna Math
Jairambati is the birthplace of Maa Sarada Devi, the consort of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. You can visit her ancestral house here.
Further, Bhanu Pishi House, the ancestral house of the companion of Maa Sarada, and the Dharma Thakur Temple are some more places of religious importance in the village.
16. Sonajhuri Forest
Kolkata to Sonajhuri Forest Distance: 164 Km
Kolkata to Sonajhuri Forest Train: Vande Bharat Express, Kulik Express, Maa Tara Express, Ganadevta Express
Best Time to Visit Sonajhuri Forest: November to March
Best Place to Stay in Sonajhuri Forest: Chaiti Eco Homestay (Google Rating: 4.7)
Sonajhuri Forest is popular due to the open-air market or Sonajhuri Haat. It’s the biggest draw for you if you want to collect clothes, jewelry, home decor, and household essentials made by local artisans.
Further, the distinct aesthetics in things sold here stand out, and a connoisseur will know when a piece is from this Haat.
However, Sonajhuri is also a picturesque place with lush green trees, a pristine river, and quaint tribal villages.
17. Tajpur
Kolkata to Tajpur Distance: 137 Km
Kolkata to Tajpur Train: Tamralipta Express, Kandari Express
Best Time to Visit Tajpur: October to March
Best Place to Stay in Tajpur: Rupasi Bangla Beach Resort (Google Rating: 4.4)
Tajpur is a serene and pristine destination for a 2 days trip from Kolkata. Here, you will find red crabs in abundance.
Further, a gentle walk along the beach in the early morning or afternoon is a rejuvenating experience.
18. Talsari Beach, Odisha
Kolkata to Talsari Beach Distance: 191 Km
Kolkata to Talsari Beach Train: Tamralipta Express and Kandari Express to Digha and then by Road
Best Time to Visit Talsari Beach: October to February
Best Place to Stay Near Talsari Beach: Cygnett Inn Sea View (Google Rating: 4.3)
Talsari Beach is a pristine beach and is a relief from the crowd at Digha Beach. Also, you can see lovely stretches of white sand here. Further, walking the stretch at Talsari and finally discovering the sea is a great experience.
I found some really beautiful seashells at Talsari Beach. Moreover, the beach is filled with hideouts of red crabs. It’s fun to watch them in action and photograph them.
19. Bardhaman/Burdwan
Kolkata to Bardhaman Distance: 102 Km
Kolkata to Bardhaman Train: Multiple Locals Are Available Daily from Howrah and Sealdah Stations
Best Time to Visit Bardhaman: October to March
Best Place to Stay near Bardhaman Station: Green County Wellness Retreat (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Bardhaman, the agricultural hub of West Bengal, bears an architecture bearing the notorious history of the British Raj. Maharaja Bijoy Chand Mahtab of Bardhaman built the Curzon Gate in 1903 to welcome Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India.
Further, Bardhaman Rajbati is another important site in this affluent district of West Bengal. In addition, Bardhaman has some famous religious places like the Ghagar Buri Chandi Mata Temple, 108 Shiv Mandir, Sarbamangala Temple, etc.
⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Notes ⁕⁕
Don’t forget to pack some Sitabhog and Mihidana for friends and family in Bardhaman. The Sitabhog of Bardhaman has already received a GI tag in 2017.
20. Diamond Harbor
Kolkata to Diamond Harbor Distance: 52 Km
Kolkata to Diamond Harbor Train: Sealdah Diamond Harbour Local and Sealdah Diamond Harbour Galloping Local
Best Time to Visit Diamond Harbor: October to February
Best Place to Stay in Diamond Harbor: Ibiza The Fern Resort & Spa (Google Rating: 4.3)
Diamond Harbor is a popular winter destination for a 2 days trip from Kolkata. A boat or jetty ride on the Hooghly River is the most rejuvenating experience.
Further, the lighthouse and the 18th-century ruined fort are added attractions here.
21. Garchumuk
Kolkata to Garchumuk Distance: 58 Km
Kolkata to Garchumuk Train: Any Train from Howrah to Uluberia and then by Road
Best Time to Visit Garchumuk: October to February
Best Place to Stay in Garchumuk: Gram Bangla Retreat (Google Rating: 4.7)
Garchumuk is ideal for a quiet 2 days trip from Kolkata on a budget. Also, it is a popular winter picnic spot with family and friends.
Garchumuk Deer Park is the main attraction here, especially for kids and photography lovers. Further, to experience a slice of the history and architecture of Bengal, you can visit the terracotta temples built by the Singha Rai family.
Moreover, the 58 No. Gate and the irrigation canal are some places where you can see the confluence of the Hooghly and Damodar Rivers.
22. Purulia: A Special Mention For 2 Days Trip From Kolkata
Though not within 200 Kms, Purulia is a great destination for 2 days trip from Kolkata. Winter is the best time to visit Purulia, thanks to the temperate weather conditions. So, plan your trip to Purulia between October to February.
Purulia, at a 250 Km distance from Kolkata, is the land of Chhau Dance. Also, it is famous for Ayodhya Pahar, an easy trekking destination in the winter. I visited the Ayodhya Pahar as part of the trekking group when in school.
The other places of attraction in Purulia are Gar Panchkot, Murguma village, and Barhanti. Garh Panchkot has the ruins of a 1600 A.D. fort, which is a witness to the Bargi attack in the 18th century.
Moreover, don’t miss the Pakhi Pahar in Purulia. It is a favorite of rock climbing enthusiasts. Also known as Bird’s Hill, it is a wonderful display of artwork.
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