West Bengal has many natural treasures when it comes to tourism destinations. There are quaint evergreen hill stations and pristine scenic sea beaches, dense mangrove forests and wildlife sanctuaries, historical monuments and ancient forts.
If you’re looking for a short relaxing break, here are a few weekend getaways near Kolkata.
Bakkhali
A secluded beach located near the Sunderbans region, Bakkhali is among the top offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata. Completely cut off from the hustle bustle of the city, this crescent-shaped beach is an ideal summer getaway. Enjoy the solitude by the sea as you watch the waves crashing on the shore. Bakkhali is known for its amazing views of sunrise and sunset. For those who want a break from the chaos of city life, this is the perfect spot. Being an offbeat choice, it is not very crowded. It guarantees a serene time.
Digha
Located at the northern end of Bay of Bengal, Digha is the most famous weekend getaway from Kolkata. The sea beach here is lined with a stretch of Casuarina trees. Just sit on the golden sand and watch the waves come and go. Enjoy the beautiful tranquil views of sunrise and sunset. The red and orange hues of the sunlit sky gets reflected on the sea, creating a memorable sight. Remember to carry your DSLRs to capture the perfect scene. Along the beach side, little shacks and local vendors are selling coconut water, fried fish, grilled chicken, roasted sweet corn, beer, and more. Digha is a fun destination for a weekend outing with your friends.
Talasari Beach
The Talasari Beach in Odisha is about a 5 hours drive from Kolkata. Situated in the Baleswar district, the virgin beach is known for its pristine beauty and spectacular panorama. The sea shore is lined by tall coconut trees, palm groves, casuarinas and cashew trees. Such lush greenery reminds one of Kerala’s backwaters. The Subornorekha River merges into the Bay of Bengal at Talasari. The waves are calmer and the beach has white sand, creating beautiful effect during sunsets. It is a serene and stunning destination for a relaxing getaway.
Tabakoshi
Tabakoshi is a small picturesque hamlet, located just 32 km from Darjeeling. With lush green hills and floating clouds of mist, it is one of the best offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata. Tabakoshi is located very near to the Gopaldhara Tea Estate. Witness the most splendid panoramas with snow-capped peaks, bright green tea plantations, and a flowing river passing by the village. Enjoy the solitude of nature and find solace in these tranquil surroundings. Take a lazy stroll through the tea gardens, sit by the charming Rangbhang River, and just watch the snow-clad mountains in the horizon. Tabakoshi is a land of peace and serenity.
Kurseong
Located 30 km south of Darjeeling, Kurseong is a beautiful hill station nestled amidst lush green tea gardens. Little streams of waterfalls add to the scenic beauty. The quaint town is home to old churches, temples and Buddhist monasteries. The snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas form a breathtaking backdrop to this town. Kurseong is also known as the 'Land of White Orchids'. The beautiful flowers are indigenous to the region and grow freely in these hills. During the spring season, white orchids widely cover the hills of Kurseong.
Lepchajagat
The literal translation of Lepchajagat comes to be ‘the world of Lepcha’. Located just 19 km from Darjeeling, this tiny village used to be the home of the Lepcha people many years ago. Lepcha is an indigenous tribe found in Sikkim and Darjeeling. The calm and serene village is among the most scenic offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata. All five peaks of the Kanchenjunga range are clearly visible from here. The hills around Lepchajagat are covered in a dense thicket of pine, oak and rhododendron trees. The little hamlet is also indigenous to a large number of bird species.