India’s cultural center, Kolkata, boasts a rich past and legacy. But if you’re looking to unwind for a day and get away from the worries of routine life, make sure to explore the surrounding areas of West Bengal.
From the beautiful natural surroundings of Sundarbans to the terracotta temples of Bishnupur, there is something for everyone to explore on a one-day trip from Kolkata. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking to relax by the beach, the best places for one-day trips from Kolkata offer a wide range of experiences.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best destinations for one-day trips from Kolkata, each with its unique charm and appeal.
1. Sunderban National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans National Park is situated in the Bay of Bengal delta. The park spans an area of about 10,000 sq km in Bangladesh and India, with 60% of the area located in Bangladesh and 40% in India. It is famous for its biodiversity, the Royal Bengal Tiger, and the largest mangrove forest in the world, which you can see on a day trip from Kolkata.
Numerous plant and animal species can be found in the park, such as spotted deer, crocodiles, snakes, and different bird species. Visitors can explore the mangrove woods and see wildlife by taking boat tours through the creeks. However, due to the park’s fragile ecosystem, visitors are required to follow strict guidelines and regulations when visiting this place on a day trip from Kolkata.
2. Bishnupur
Bishnupur is a small historic town located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, which can be explored on a day trip from Kolkata. It was the capital of the Malla dynasty during the 17th and 18th centuries, and its temples and crafts reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Bishnupur is famous for its terracotta temples, which are unique in their architecture and designs. The village is also well-known for its handmade goods, especially its pottery, which is prized for its elaborate patterns and motifs. Visitors can explore the temples and handicraft shops and learn about the region’s rich history and culture on a one-day short trip from Kolkata.
3. Shantiniketan
It is a must to take a day trip from Kolkata to Shantiniketan, a small town in West Bengal’s Birbhum region that is famous for its connections to Nobel Prize–winning author Rabindranath Tagore. The town is home to Visva-Bharati University, which was founded by Tagore in 1921. The university is renowned for its unique educational philosophy, which emphasizes the integration of art, literature, and culture with academic studies.
Shantiniketan is also known for its handicrafts, particularly the Dokra metal craft, which is indigenous to the region. On their one-day trip from Kolkata, visitors can explore the university campus, attend cultural events, and shop for handicrafts in the town. Shantiniketan is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the annual Poush Mela festival, which celebrates the harvest season.
4. Taki
Taki is a picturesque town located about 80 km from Kolkata, making it a popular destination for a one-day trip from the city. The town is located along the banks of the Ichamati River, which serves as Bangladesh’s and India’s natural border. Taki provides a tranquil getaway in a beautiful setting with many sites of historical and cultural significance.
On their one-day trip from Kolkata, visitors can explore the Taki Rajbari, an 18th-century palace that served as the zamindars of the area’s residents. Taki also offers boating facilities in the Ichamati River, and visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the river waters. With its rich history and natural beauty, Taki is undoubtedly one of the best places for a day trip from Kolkata.
5. Diamond Harbour
At the Hooghly River’s mouth, in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, is a small community called Diamond Harbour. The town is named after a fort that the British East India Company erected to guard the river against pirates in the 18th century.
Diamond Harbour is now a well-liked day-trip destination from Kolkata since it provides beautiful views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the neighboring beaches, take riverboat cruises, and see the lighthouse. The town is also known for its seafood, particularly the Hilsa fish, a delicacy in the region that you can cherish on your day trip from Kolkata.
6. Bakkhali
About 130 kilometers from Kolkata, in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, is the seaside resort town of Bakkhali. The town is situated on one of the many deltaic islands of the Sundarbans and is known for its pristine beaches and serene natural beauty.
Visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the beaches, take boat rides on the river, and explore the nearby mangrove forests on Sundarbans day trip from Kolkata. The town is also known for its delicious seafood, particularly the fresh catch of prawns and crabs. Bakkhali is a popular destination for a weekend getaway from Kolkata and is easily accessible by road or rail.
7. Raichak
About 50 kilometers from Kolkata, in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, is the small town of Raichak. The town is an ideal spot for one day trip from Kolkata and is known for its luxurious resorts and scenic beauty, with the Hooghly River flowing nearby.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the river, take boat rides, and indulge in spa treatments and other recreational activities offered by the resorts. The town is also known for its historic fort, which the British built in the 18th century to guard the river. The fort has been transformed into a hotel nowadays and is a popular tourist destination for one-day road trips from Kolkata. Raichak is a popular weekend getaway from Kolkata and is easily accessible by ferry too.
8. Henry Island
Henry Island, located about 130 km from Kolkata, is a hidden gem and an ideal destination for a one-day trip from Kolkata. The island boasts pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Swimming, boating, and fishing are among the water sports available to visitors, or they can choose to unwind on the beach and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Bengal. The island also features a crocodile park where guests can cherish close space with these interesting animals. Henry Island is unquestionably among the top destinations for a day trip from Kolkata due to its tranquil settings and a plethora of animals.
9. Piyali Island
A day trip from Kolkata would be ideal to Piyali Island, a small island in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district that is roughly 100 kilometers away. The island, which is noted for its tranquil natural beauty and ecological diversity, is located on the banks of the Piyali River.
On their day trip from Kolkata, visitors can take boat rides on the river, explore the nearby mangrove forests, and go bird watching. The island is renowned for its eco-tourism programs that support environmentally friendly travel and the preservation of the environment. Visitors can stay in eco-friendly accommodations and participate in organic farming and forest conservation activities.
10. Gadiara
Gadiara is a small village located in the Howrah district of West Bengal, at the confluence of the Hooghly and Rupnarayan rivers. Due to its scenic beauty and historical significance, the village is a great destination for one day trip from Kolkata.
In addition to taking riverboat trips, tourists can explore the adjacent temples and the fort’s remains that the British constructed in the 18th century. The village is also known for its delicious seafood, particularly the Hilsa fish, which is a delicacy in the region. Gadiara is a popular destination for a weekend trip from Kolkata and is easily accessible by road or rail.
11. Serampore
Serampore is a historic town located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, about 25 km from Kolkata. The town was a Dutch colony in the 18th century and was later taken over by the British. Serampore, known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, with many colonial-era buildings and temples, is a great spot for one day trip from Kolkata.
Visitors can explore the town’s historic landmarks, such as the Danish Governor’s House, the Serampore College, and the iconic St. Olav’s Church. Serampore is a great destination for one day trip from Kolkata for history and culture enthusiasts.
12. Chinsurah
Chinsurah is a historic town located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, about 40 km from Kolkata. The town was a Dutch colony in the 17th century and was later taken over by the British. Chinsurah is known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, with many colonial-era buildings and temples.
The town is also known for its vibrant culture and festivals, such as the Chinsurah Naba Tulip Festival and the Durga Puja Festival. The Dutch Cemetery, the Hooghly Imambara, and the Portuguese Church are just a few of the historical sites that travelers can visit on their one-day trip from Kolkata.
13. Bawali
Bawali, located about 100 km from Kolkata, is a magnificent heritage property and a popular destination for a one-day trip from Kolkata. The property was once a zamindari palace and has been restored to offer visitors a luxurious and unique experience. The palace boasts exquisite architecture and stunning interiors, with spacious rooms, courtyards, and gardens.
Visitors can explore the palace and its rich history, indulge in traditional Bengali cuisine, or relax by the swimming pool. Anyone looking for a luxurious and cultural experience within a day’s trip from Kolkata should make the trip to Bawali, which offers the ideal fusion of modern conveniences and old-world charm.
14. Haldia
Haldia, located about 130 km from Kolkata, is an emerging industrial town that offers several attractions for a one-day trip from Kolkata. The town has a scenic waterfront, and visitors can enjoy a stroll or take a boat ride along the river. Haldia is home to a number of temples and historic locations, including the Mahishadal Rajbari, a 300-year-old palace that provides a window into the area’s illustrious past.
Visitors can browse the local markets and experience the delectable fresh products in this town, which is also renowned for its abundant agricultural output. With its unique blend of industrial and cultural attractions, Haldia is undoubtedly one of the best places for a day trip from Kolkata.
15. Kamarpukur
Kamarpukur is a small village located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, about 100 km from Kolkata. The village is known for its association with Sri Ramakrishna, a famous saint, and mystic who was born here in 1836.
The community is also renowned for its quiet surroundings, which are made up of lush vegetation and agricultural fields. Visitors can explore the village and visit Sri Ramakrishna’s birthplace and the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, which his disciples founded on their one-day trip from Kolkata.
16. Mayapur
About 130 kilometers from Kolkata, in the West Bengali district of Nadia, lies the holy town of Mayapur, which is situated on the banks of the Ganges River. It is considered a sacred place by followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism and is home to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, which is one of the largest Hare Krishna temples in the world. Visitors can explore the temple and participate in various spiritual and cultural activities such as kirtan, bhajan, and yoga classes on a day trip from Kolkata.
17. Joypur Forest
Joypur Forest, also known as the Buxa-Jayanti area, is a dense forest located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, about 190 km from Kolkata. Numerous rare species of flora and fauna, including the clouded leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear, can be found in the forest.
The forest is also home to many ancient temples and historic landmarks, such as the Mahakal Cave and the Buxa Fort. Visitors can explore the forest and take part in various activities such as trekking, camping, and wildlife safaris at this place on one day trips from Kolkata.
Conclusion
Hoping this guide on the best places for one-day trips from Kolkata has been helpful in inspiring you to explore the city’s beautiful surroundings. From the tranquil forests of Sundarbans to the ancient temples of Bishnupur, one day trips from Kolkata to these places won’t disappoint you.
One-day trips are a great way to break away from the routine and experience something new, and Kolkata’s close proximity to a variety of destinations makes it an ideal starting point for a quick trip from Kolkata. Remember to always plan your trip in advance, carry adequate supplies, and respect the local customs and culture. Above all, have fun and make the most of your time away from the city on one day trips from Kolkata!
