Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It was India’s capital under British Rule from 1773-1911. In modern times, Kolkata is famous for its art galleries, grand colonial architecture and cultural festivals. Kolkata is also known as the “City of Joy” because it is a place where you will find a lot of cultural and historical elements. So if you’re planning a one day trip near Kolkata, then this article is for you.
One day trips are always a revitalizing change from city life. If you live in Kolkata, you are aware of its energy and charm, but you often need a getaway from the chaotic life here. There are many spots close to the city that offer peaceful, calm beaches, rural villages or bustling towns. Moreover, some incredible places are also for those who love nature thanks to the gardens and national parks.
So here are the most beautiful and affordable places for an unforgettable trip near Kolkata.
12 Unique Places for One Day Trip near Kolkata
Salt Lake City
If you’re planning a quick one-day trip near Kolkata with your family, you should put Salt Lake City on your checklist. Salt Lake City, or Bidhannagar, is a lively residential district with huge green spaces. These spaces include Salt Lake Central Park, home to paths and lakes and is very famous for birdwatching. In addition, the district also has a family-friendly Nicco Park, with a roller coaster and water slides.
Salt Lake Stadium in Bidhannagar is one of India’s best stadiums and hosts soccer games. Moreover, this place is famous for its greenery and clean air.
Distance from Kolkata: Salt Lake City is 8.6 km away from Kolkata.
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu navaratna temple situated in Dakshineswar. The temple lies on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. Here you will find the idol of Bhavatarini – a form of Parashakti Adya Kali – also known as Adishakti Kalika. Rani Rashmoni, who was a devotee of Kali and a philanthropist, built this temple in 1855.
Moreover, there is a temple of Radha-Krishna, a shrine devoted to Rani Rashmoni and a bathing ghat on the river. In addition, there are twelve shrine__s of Lord Shiva – Kali’sKali’snd – along the riverfront. So you and your family can go to the temple for a one day trip near Kolkata and observe the beautiful architecture of this place.
Distance from Kolkata: Dakshineswar Kali Temple is 12.9 km away from Kolkata.
Babur Haat
Babur Haat is a peaceful and pleasing rural village that is about 50 kilometres away from Kolkata. It is the perfect destination for you and your loved ones for a one day trip near Kolkata. This village is the best place to spend some time away from the hectic city life of the city.
Bheris or natural fishing lakes dominate the village. In fact, these lakes are responsible for giving some of the tastiest fish in West Bengal. Additionally, you can also go on a short picnic in the nearby local villages, where you are allowed to play cricket and badminton as well.
Distance from Kolkata: Babur Haat is about 50 km away from Kolkata.
Santragachi Jheel
The Santragachi Jheel is a lake that is a perfect day-trip destination for birdwatching and attracts various migratory birds over the winter months. Santragachi is an eminent neighbourhood in Howrah, West Bengal. Moreover, the district of Howrah is connected to Kolkata by three bridges across the River Hooghly. Also, it is very easy to access from any point in Kolkata because of its proximity and abundance of transportation facilities.
Distance from Kolkata: Santragachi Jheel is 13 km away from Kolkata.
Henry Island
Henry Island is a peaceful island near the village of Bakkhali in the Indian state of West Bengal. The enchanting Island is 126 kilometres away from the busy city of Kolkata and is an ideal destination for a one day trip near Kolkata.
Moreover, the Island is very popular for its tranquillity, the crabs that flourish on it and its virgin beaches attracting not just the Indians but also tourists from all over the globe. With striking clear water, the golden sand, Mangrove trees and beautiful beaches that satisfy the senses, this trip is sure to be remarkable.
Distance from Kolkata: Henry Island is 126.5 km away from Kolkata.
Tarakeswar
Source : Wikipedia
Tarakeswar is a municipality in Hooghly district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is easily accessible by train as it is only 62 kilometres away from Kolkata. In addition, it is a place of pilgrimage and a centre of the Shaiva sector in West Bengal.
Moreover, this city is also famous for agriculture. Specifically, TarakeTarakeswar’soes are world-famous and the best in India. Tourists usually come to this place to visit the Tarakeshwar temple and take Lord Shiva’Shiva’sings. The calm surroundings of the temple are perfect for a one day trip near Kolkata to ease your mind.
Distance from Kolkata: Tarakeswar is 62 kilometres away from Kolkata.
Golpatar Jungle
Most of the people in the city do not know about this place as it is not included in the Google maps; this forest is about 70 km away from Kolkata. This is a place for a perfect one day trip near Kolkata. As evident by the name, the Golpatar Forest is full of Golpatar trees.
In addition to Golpatar, you can also find Sundari trees in abundance, and this is the reason that the Golpatar forest is known as the “Gateway to Sunderban”. In order to reach the forest, one can take a local bus or board the local train to Taki. Once you reach Taki, then the journey can be continued by rickshaws and motor vans.
Distance from Kolkata: Golpatar Jungle is about 70 km away from Kolkata.
Chinsurah
Chinsurah is a municipality of the Hooghly district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It lies in the district of Hooghly, 35 km north of Kolkata. Chinsurah is a part of the territory covered by (KMDA) Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority. Moreover, the District Court building of Chinsurah is the longest building in West Bengal.
It is often called ‘Europe on the Ganges ‘, and many tourists come to Chinsurah thanks to its stunning natural beauty. The town is full of tourist attractions, including the Dutch Cemetery and Dutch Gardens and the Octagonal Tomb of Susanna Marina.
Distance from Kolkata: Chinsurah is 55 km away from Kolkata.
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is a home of tranquillity and peace and is famous for Viswa Bharati University, started by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. The school has a very unique style for imparting education and knowledge by taking classes out in the open. In addition, it lies in lush green surroundings, and you can spend time exploring the university talking with the teachers and students by making an appointment.
It can be a learning experience for children to take a one day trip near Kolkata. Additionally, Shantiniketan is also an archive of exotic sculptures, murals, paintings, and sketches by Rabindranath Tagore, Ramkinkar, Nandlal Bose, BinodeBehari Mukherjee, and other international artists.
Distance from Kolkata: Shantiniketan is 161.5 km away from Kolkata.
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
(CKBS) Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary in West Bengal is a garden famous for the availability of a wide variety of ferns, orchids, birds and butterflies. It originally got the status of a sanctuary in 1982. Indeed, if you love nature, you will simply admire this bird sanctuary. This sanctuary is a great place to take your children for a one day trip near Kolkata.
Furthermore, you will be able to see a wide variety of birds, including woodpeckers, cormorants, bulbuls, orioles and kingfishers. Besides the birds, there are also many types of flowers and trees. You only have to pay Rs 100 per head to enter the sanctuary, and the sanctuary is open from 7 am to 6 pm throughout the year.
Distance from Kolkata: Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is 20 km away from Kolkata.
Bishnupur
Bishnupur is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is famous for its Hindu temples made from local terracotta. Elaborate carvings decorate the walls of Jor Bangla Temple. In addition, the Madan Mohan Temple is filled with scenes and instances from Hindu legends, including the “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata.”
The Bishnupur Museum displays ancient sculptures and manuscripts. In particular, Lord KrishnKrishna’ses are more in number than any other Indian deities. Other attractions of this place are the terracotta items and silk sarees.
Distance from Kolkata: Bishnupur is 138 km away from Kolkata.
Diamond Harbor
This place is ideal for a one day trip near Kolkata. It is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. Diamond Harbor lies on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River. The best time to visit this small town is between the months of March and October. During this time, not only is the weather delightful, but also it is the time of festivals.
Distance from Kolkata: Diamond Harbor is about 50 km away from Kolkata.
You may also like our article on the Top 10 Safest Cities for Women in India. Click here to read.
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