Exploring the Offbeat Travel Destinations Near Kolkata

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. With a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant nightlife and numerous attractions, Kolkata is a great place to explore and experience the best of India. But there are many hidden gems around the city, waiting to be explored and experienced. In this post, we’ll look at some of the offbeat travel destinations near Kolkata, perfect for those looking for a unique experience.

Sunderbans National Park

The Sunderbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world. Located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including the Bengal Tiger. Visitors to the park can take a boat ride through the creeks and waterways to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is also a great place to spot birds, with over 270 species of birds recorded in the area.

Bakkhali Beach

The Bakkhali Beach is a beautiful beach located on the Bay of Bengal, just two hours away from Kolkata. The beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can also take a stroll along the beach, explore the nearby temples, or take a boat ride to see the nearby islands. The beach is also a great spot for bird watching, with many migratory birds visiting the area.

Bishnupur

Bishnupur is a small town located in Bankura district, about 160 km from Kolkata. The town is famous for its terracotta temples, which were built during the reign of the Malla dynasty. There are many temples in the area, each one unique in its design and architecture. Visitors to Bishnupur can explore the temples, take a stroll through the markets, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Santiniketan

Santiniketan is a small town located about 180 km from Kolkata. It is famous for being the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, and is now home to Visva Bharati University, one of India’s top universities. Visitors to Santiniketan can explore the university campus, visit the nearby museums, and take a stroll through the small town.

Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan is a small town located near Bolpur, about 175 km from Kolkata. The town is famous for being the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Visitors to Shantiniketan can explore the university campus, visit the nearby museums, and take a stroll through the small town. The town is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Poush Mela.

Mandarmani

Mandarmani is a small town located on the Bay of Bengal, about 150 km from Kolkata. The town is famous for its pristine beaches, making it a great spot for a beach holiday. Visitors to Mandarmani can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and even take a ride on the waves with a jet ski. The town also has a few resorts, perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay.

Digha

Digha is a popular beach town located about 175 km from Kolkata. The beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors to Digha can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and even take a ride on the waves with a jet ski. The town also has a few resorts, perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay.

Dooars

Dooars is a region located in the foothills of the Himalayas, about 200 km from Kolkata. The region is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, making it a great spot for wildlife lovers. Visitors to Dooars can explore the forests and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The region is also home to a number of tea gardens, making it a great spot for tea lovers.

Chandannagar

Chandannagar is a former French colony located about 80 km from Kolkata. The town is famous for its colonial architecture, making it a great spot for those looking for a unique experience. Visitors to Chandannagar can explore the streets and visit the nearby museums, or take a boat ride on the Hooghly river. The town also has a few markets, perfect for those looking for souvenirs.

Mayapur

Mayapur is a small town located on the banks of the Ganges river, about 100 km from Kolkata. The town is famous for its religious significance, and is home to the ISKCON temple, a popular pilgrimage destination. Visitors to Mayapur can explore the temple and take a stroll along the banks of the Ganges river. The town also has a few markets, perfect for those looking for souvenirs.

Raichak

Raichak is a small town located on the banks of the Hooghly river, about 60 km from Kolkata. The town is famous for its colonial architecture, making it a great spot for those looking for a unique experience. Visitors to Raichak can explore the streets and visit the nearby fort, or take a boat ride on the Hooghly river. The town also has a few resorts, perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay.

Jhargram

Jhargram is a small town located about 180 km from Kolkata. The town is famous for its lush green forests, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Visitors to Jhargram can explore the forests, take a stroll through the local markets, and enjoy the local cuisine. The town also has a few resorts, perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay.

Summary

Kolkata is a great place to explore and experience the best of India. But there are many hidden gems around the city, waiting to be explored and experienced. In this post, we looked at some of the offbeat travel destinations near Kolkata, perfect for those looking for a unique experience. From the Sunderbans National Park to Mayapur, there are plenty of interesting and exciting places to explore near Kolkata.