Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

Kolkata, the original ‘British era’ capital of India is of the most interesting cities to travel. It has an eclectic blend of history, architecture, culture, food and people. Kolkata is one of the popular tourist destination due to its old heritage and culture. However, there are plenty of destinations situated close to Kolkata which can be accessed for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Shantiniketan

One such place would be Shantiniketan. Also known as the Land of Tagore, this place is generally famous due to its relation to Rabindranath Tagore. Previously known as Bhubandanga after a dacoit who was notorious in the region. It is owned by the Tagore family and Rabindrnath’s father renamed it to Shantiniketan due to it’s calm and serene environment. It means the abode of peace in English. This town is a hub for learning and education. There are several poets from this region who lived in buildings such as konark, Udayana et all.

Shantiniketan

Kala Bhavan is also a college of art and crafts, Sangit bhavan depicts music and dance and many more such universities who teach some part of literature and art. This town has a liking towards music art and culture and these three things depict the nature of the town itself.

kalabhavan

Sunderbans

Sunderbans is one of the most beautiful forests you can come across. Situtated in both Bangladesh as well as India it is the go to place for adventure travellers as well as photographers. Known for the largest mangrove enclosure in the world as well as its rich biodiversity it is no wonder that it has been announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The section under India is known as the Sunderbans National park and covers a huge area of abour 38500 square kilometres. There are over 400 Royal Bengal tigers, the kind it is famous for and more than 30000 deer in the park. The land is covered by water and marsh mostly. It’s name is mostly originated from the sundari trees that it is home to. It gives the best wild life experience anyone can get.

Sunderban

Apart from the Royal Bengal tiger and herds of deer it also has fowls, giant lizards, wild boars and crocodiles that would be a wildlife enthusiasts delight. For the calmer serene type of people the huge group of Siberian ducks are always a treat to watch. 

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Royal-Bengal-Tiger

The point where you can catch most of the wildlife action is the Hiron Point. For bird watching one may head to Katka which also has trekking upto a point called kachikali. For wild tiger sightings there is no better place than tin kona island and the fishermen are seen flocking around to the Dublar char island. It is ideal for tourists to refresh their minds and soak in the natural beauty this place has to offer.

Deer-at-Sundarban

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is popular since the Britishers set foot into it and its location is towards the northern side of West Bengal and towards the south of Sikkim. The scenery and the beauty of the destination never ceases to amaze visitors and lures them into a daze of natural beauty. The word arises from Dorje which means thunderbolt or precious stone in the Tibetan dialect. It is believed that the thunderbolt in question is either a symbol of the Lord Indra or a part of the Lamaist religion. All north eastern tours make sure to consider Darjeeling as one of their stops due to its beautiful and important nature. It has an evergreen charm and with its various attractions and monuments it adds to the experience of the journey.

View-of-Kanchenchonga-in-Darjeeling

This city was earlier under the regime of the Sikkim king but later the Gorkhas lost it to the British Empire. The British used the area to great importance and also used it as a getaway to escape the harsh summer in other states. They facilitated tea growing as well as created it as a hill station destination for the people. This made the city famous for its sprawling tea gardens and industries as well as its popular trend of eco-tourism. Their economy is facilitated by the growth and development of timber, tea as well as their tourism.

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Darjeeling-Views

Along with tea gardens, they grow oranges and cardamom locally as well. Famous for these as well as the local and traditional handicrafts of Tibetan and Sikkimese nature, these factors make it a well known spot for shopping for traditional art. You are provided with an opportunity to buy shawls, handmade paper, carpets etc that give you an insight into their culture. Also, their food has flavours of Tibetan and Sikkimese infused alongwith the other Indian cuisines as well. The weather is quite pleasant with rainfall that occurs regularly and unexpectedly. Their main visiting seasons are Summer as well as Spring where the rest of the States have a hot and humid climate. With their perfect combination of hills and the amazing view alongwith the fresh and pollution free climate and smiling local friendly faces, this place has been rightfully crowned as the queen of hill stations.

Darjeeling-Tea-Garden

The tourists feel friendly and right at place with the welcoming smiles all around them. The popular sights are accompanied with a toy train that was built in the 19th century. Also marked as a World Heritage, The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway astounds visitors that hop on to it. It stretches over 70 kms and over and passes through an altitude of over 7500 ft. The toy train gives tourists a chance to capture all the beautiful scenery they pass through as well as breathe in the mountain fresh and crisp air. The famous ropeway or the Cable car which is situated in the north point of the city is one of the oldest ropeways carrying passengers. It has connectivity to the bottom of Darjeeling towards the city’s bazaar area.Famous for its picturesque scenery many movies ranging from Bollywood to Bengali film shootings take place here.

Darjeeling-Ropeway

The natural attractions present in this city have no other justifiable substitute and the beauty is incomparable. The mode of transportation in the destination is preferably a four wheeled drive such as Land rovers as they can navigate through the path easily. The trained drivers can skill their way through narrow and steep areas of the hill. This place has an abundance of local festivals all around the year. The festivals are rich and vibrant and colourful and add to the overall experience gained whilst in the city. The tourist can experience and celebrate the festivals himself or herself

Tibetans-in-Darjeeling-cultural-festival

Digha

Digha is also situated in the East Midnapore district with the bay of Bengal on its north. It is only about 200 kilometres away from the city of Kolkata. Due to its close proximity it is one of the most popular sea resorts of Kolkata. It was initially known as Beerkul. It was first set foot upon by the Britishers and was described as Brighton of the east by them. The shallow nature of the sea makes it easy to carry out activities such as swimming, scuba diving, jet skiing and surfing. It is also known  for its various plantations growing around the place. It also has two other beaches in close proximity known as the Udaipur beach and the Shankarpur beach.

Digha-sea-beach-Old

Also for cleanliness purposes and to reduce the ill effects of erosion a new Digha beach has been formed around 2 kilometres away from the old one. The connectivity options are plenty with it having its own railway station and also direct bus facilities. The Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata is the nearest airport.Apart from the beach it also has the largest aquarium in India as well as its own Science centre.

Sunset-in-Digha-Beach

Mandarmani

The next place is Mandarmani. It is a seaside village with a resort facility that is located next to Kolkata. It is quite up and coming and is developing as the next tourist spot. Located in East Midnapore with the Bay of Bengal next to it, it can be accessed through a highway from Kolkata or Howrah. Some statistics claim that it is the longest beach that one can drive upon in India. With comparatively low waves and formations of dunes all around this place is quite calm and serene. If you wish to travel by train getting down at Contai station would be adviced. The sunrise and the sunsets are a specialty and this place is perfect to relax and rejuvenate.

Mandarmoni-sea-beach

Diamond Harbour

Diamond Harbour is in the southern suburbs of Kolkata and is only around 50 kilometres away from the main city. It was initially known as hajipur and has the Ganges flowing next to it. With the industries cropping up in Haldia and the river on the other side this place is an unusual destination to go to for the weekend. It was said to be inhabited by the Portuguese pirates earlier who left behind the ruins of the Chingrikhali Fort. Apart from the fort the Sarisha Ramakrishna mission ashram is also a must see. It also has an ancient light house which compliments the day spent watching the river and passing boats. All these qualities make it the perfect spot to go on a picnic for. It has a pollution free environment and also offers boat tours to the visitors as well as a ferry ride towards Haldia. Diamond Harbour can be accessed through private cabs or buses from Kolkata. Trains also pass through this place.

Diamond-Harbour

Bengal Tourism: Things to do in Kolkata

Kolkata, the original ‘British era’ capital of India is of the most interesting cities to travel. It has an eclectic blend of history, architecture, culture, food and people.

Things-to-do-in-Kolkata

Whether you are in Kolkata on leisure trip or on business trip, here are the 10 must do things to do, when you are in the City of Joy:-

Visit Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is an iconic monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, during the British rule. It is built over an area of 64 acres and stands as the proud symbol of British colonial architecture in India. This iconic monument is now a museum and popular tourist destination in Kolkata. It is a must visit for its grand architecture and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Victoria-Memorial-Kolkata

Watch Bengali Film at Nandan

Kolkata is known for its vibrant arts & music scene and one of the best places to catch the action is at Nandan complex. It is a government sponsored film screening complex and screens some of the best Bengali films.

Nandan-Film-Center

Nightlife at Park Street

Park Street is the hippest nightlife destination when in Kolkata. It has the best and most talked about nightclubs, restaurants, tea houses and pubs in the city. It comes alive, every night but especially during Christmas time , with the whole street lit up and patrons strolling the streets and the various hangouts in droves.

Night-Life-in-Park-Street

Visit Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden, formally known as ‘Acharaya Jagdish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden’ is almost as old as Kolkata; around 250 years old. It is a marvellous garden which conserves and

Botanical-Garden

Watch a show at Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Asia and makes for an interesting experience.Catch a boat ride across river Hoogli – The River Hoogli defines the character of Kolkata and a boat ride along it is a memorable experience. There are traditional boat rides as well as luxury ferry rides available across river and makes for an interesting experience, especially at the time of sunset.

Birla-Planetarium-In-Kolkata

Visit Belur Math and Dakshineshwar Temple

The world famous Belur Math was established by Swami Vivekananda and is situated along the bank of river Hoogli. It is the seat of Ramakrishna Mission and is visited by thousands of devotees and travellers. The Dakshineshwar Temple is one of the most important temples in Kolkata; dedicated to goddess KaLi, it is visited by hundreds of devotees every day.

Dakshineshwar-Temple–Kolkata

Belur-Math–Kolkata

Try Puchkas or Gol Gappa or Pani Puri

If you are in Kolkata and don’t try puckhas, then your visit is incomplete!!! The Kolkata version of the street food gol gappa/puchkas/pani puri available all over India, puchkas are much tangier spicier and out of this world!

Puchkas–Kolkata

Shopping at Gariahat

Gariahat is the shopping hub of south Kolkata. It is a shopaholic’s paradise, being the retail hub of Saris (from West Bengal and all over India), cosmetics, electronics, etc.

Science City

The largest science centre in the country, Science City is one of the most notable post-independence development of the city. It has a number of interesting segments such as Space Odyssey, Science Exploration Hall, Butterfly Park, Convention Centres, etc. A day spent in Science city is full of scientific fun, literally!!

Science-City-in-Kolkata

We have given you all the interesting things to do when in Kolkata, so next time you are there, be sure to experience all the fun!!

Bengal Tourism: Things to do in Kolkata

There are plenty of things to do in Kolkata and almost all travellers will be planning a visit to the famous ancient Kalighat temple and Tagore house, a shrine-like museum to India’s greatest modern poet. We look beyond the guidebooks to find out what else you should do in this vibrant city.

Take part in a night-long celebration in one of the biggest Indian festivals, go tiger spotting in the world’s largest mangrove swamp, spend a day at the race course. October’s great time to travel to Kolkata.

Durga Puja

This is the most important event in Kolkata’s festival calendar. It celebrates Mother goddess Durga. Life comes to a standstill in the city for four days. The atmosphere is like a carnival with all-night crowds, live music sessions, open-air theatre, literary fairs, poetry readings, and lots of food.

Kolkata-durga-puja

Elaborate structures called pandals are constructed all over Kolkata and the idol of the goddess is kept inside these. Go pandal hopping and check out the different styles of Durga idols.

Eid ul Zuha (Bakri Eid)

Celebrate Eid ul Zuha which falls in October with delicious haleem (meat cooked with lentils) at New Aliya restaurant in central Kolkata or with biryani from Arsalan, located at the Park Circus crossing.

Enjoy a city walk

The mild October weather is conducive to long walks around Kolkata. A good place to hang out is Park Street. You can spend the whole day here. Start with the old auction houses that sell old curios. Browse the books at Oxford Book Store. Have cakes and tea at the famous Flury’s cafe. Pick up delicately embroidered bed linen at Good Companions on adjacent Russell Street.

Fun-in-the-streets-of-Kolkata

Play some games

Good weather also means Kolkata’s ardent street chess and carrom players will begin coming out of the woodwork.

Kolkata-chess

Join in and play a game by the roadside, with strangers. Head to Gariahat flyover after sunset for a game of chess.

Mangroves and tigers

Take a trip to the Sundarbans mangrove, home of a number of endangered species including the Royal Bengal Tiger. The mangroves are open to visitors from October, after the monsoon is truly over.

Kolkata-mangroves

The creeks are home to the estuarine crocodile, salvator lizard, water monitor, dolphin and a host of birds like kingfishers, herons, egrets, sandpipers, whimbrels and plover. Foreign nationals have to get a permit in Kolkata from the Wildlife Department or the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC) office.There are a number of cruise options for sightseeing on the mangroves.

Other 10 Things to do in Kolkata

1. Cruise down the Hooghly

It is said that great rivers spawn great civilizations. The Hooghly is a perfect example and a cruide down this tributary of the Ganga is great way to see the many influences Bengal has had down the ages. You will come across several pilgrimage spots like Dakhineshwar and Belur (set up in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, it is the headquarters of Ramkrishna Math and Mission); as well as European colonial towns like Bandel, Plassey and Chandannagore. So get to Millenium Park, buy a ticket for one the many water taxis and embark on a cruise down the river. You can take your pick from long and short cruises.

2. Art matters

Check out an art show at the Centre for International Modern Art (CIMA). They have a shop selling some interesting stuff from prints, art on t-shirts and coasters, as well as some clothing, jewellery and accessories.

3. Idol walks

Spend an afternoon walking around the narrow lanes of potters townships – Kumartuli and Potuapara. Here the potua (potters) community can be seen making idols of various gods and goddesses throughout the year. The lanes come alive in August-September, the months before Durga Puja, Kolkata’s biggest festival. Hundreds of idols in different sizes, and stages with half finished heads and arms and bodies present a rather surreal picture. A lot of the idols are exported to countries abroad.

Kolkata-potters-village

4. High tea at Flurys

Flurys is a Kolkata institution that is a must-do. If you are in the Park Street area between four and five in the evening, head down to Flurys for a cup of Darjeeling tea. Have it with their excellent and iconic Baba pastry, a concoction made of almonds, cashews and cherries that dates back to the days when butter was Re 1 a kilo. It belongs to the ‘heritage category’ of the menu at Flurys. Or ask for their dessert platter. Also recommended are their excellent Englsih tea sandwiches.

5. Take a ride on a tram

Boarding at the Esplanade, crawl through the green canopies of the Maidan, head north on Bidhan Sarani. You’ll have enough time to take in sights as the tram literally crawls through traffic and stops frequently.

Kolkata-tram

6. Take a bibliophile’s tour of Kolkata

When in Bengal, do as Bengalis do – hang out with a book at one of the bookstores and stalls in the city. Visit the excellent Seagull Book Store in Bhowanipore; the old College Street book lanes (though they have somewhat lost their sheen with most selling only adcademic books); and Oxford Book Store on Part Street which also has a cha bar serving great tea.

7. Sample chimney soup at Chinatown

Kolkata used to have a sizeable Chinese community at one time. It has dwindled somewhat but the city still has the only Chinatown in India at Tangra where, for the past 50 years, restaurants owned by mostly Hakka people (a Chinese community tracing its origins to the Han ethnic group) have served up delicious Chinese food. At the shops here, you can also pick up momo steamers, jasmine tea, shiitake mushrooms and Chinese sauces from shops in the area. If you are an early riser, try the morning breakfast fare of dumplings, noodles, and soups on weekends.

8. Get a taste of decadent Kolkata

Marble Palace, the home of the Mullick family, houses a strange and kitschy mish-mash of sculpture, Victorian furniture, and paintings by European and Indian artists, large chandeliers, clocks, and busts of kings and queens. The collection is supposed to have two paintings by Rubens and works by John Opie. In his book Calcutta, Geoffrey Moorhouse says it looks “as if they had been scavenged from job lots on the Portobello Road on a series of damp Saturday afternoons.”

Kolkata-marble-palace

9. Try a sambusa at Nahoum’s

Take a side trip to this Jewish bakery in New Market. The Nahoum family came to Kolkata from Baghdad bringing the cheese-filled delight to the shores of Kolkata.

Sambusa-in-Kolkata

10. Watch the sunset at Princep Ghat

Your images from Kolkata will be incomplete without an iconic shot of the sunset and Howrah Bridge from Princep Ghat on Strand Road. It was built in 1841 as a memorial is a memorial to James Princep, a scholar who was the secretary of The Asiatic Society.

Kolkata-howrah-bridge