If you wish to take a short break from Kolkata or are done with sightseeing in the city, then, Kolkata has some amazing tourist places to visit nearby, from the culturally rich Shanti Niketan to serene beaches and national parks. These places near Kolkata attract tourists with their natural beauty, history, art and culture. Here are the top tourist places to visit near Kolkata for a short vacation.
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Places to visit near Kolkata #1: Sundarbans
One of the best tourist places near Kolkata is Sundarbans. Around 109 kms from Kolkata, this is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Sundarbans is known for the royal Bengal tigers, waterways and aquatic species. A large part of the mangrove has been turned into a national park. Sundarbans National Park is accessible only via boat to Sajnekhali Island, the entrance to the national park. You can take a wildlife boat safari in Sundarbans National Park since the tiger reserve has islands, waterways, creeks and canals. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ideal place to enjoy wildlife. This national park has other enclosures too such as crocodile and turtle farms along with wildlife museums and watchtowers. The flora of the forest includes Sundari trees that give the forest its name. The forest has approximately 30,000 spotted deer and around 400 royal Bengal tigers. You can also see Olive Ridley turtles, king crabs and Batagur baska, an endangered turtle species. Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, near the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, is the best place for birdwatching and another one of the places near Kolkata worth visiting. Here you can spot exotic birds such as Caspian tern, osprey herring gull, spotted bill pelican, paradise flycatcher and Asian dowitchers, a rare winter bird.
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Places to visit near Kolkata #2: Bishnupur
One of the closest tourist places near Kolkata is Bishnupur, in the Bankura District of West Bengal. About 135 kms from Kolkata, Bishnupur has a glorious past that is reflected in its rich architecture and handicrafts such as pottery and weaving. It has beautiful terracotta temples and terracotta pottery, which are the main attractions. The terracotta temples were built during the 17th and 18th centuries by the Malla dynasty rulers. The temples are designed with detailed carvings of scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and Hindu epics. Some of the renowned temples include the Jorbangla Temple, Rasmancha Temple and Shyamrai Temple. Rasmancha Temple is the oldest brick temple, dating back to the 1600s and has an elongated pyramidal tower surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. The Pancha Ratna Temple has an octagonal-shaped middle shikhara, whereas the other four are square and the walls are designed with carvings depicting Lord Krishna’s life. Also worth visiting is the Jorbangla Temple built in 1655 AD from laterite bricks. It has the appearance of two thatched huts joined together with a single tower.
Places to visit near Kolkata #3: Santiniketan
Santiniketan is another one of the nearby tourist places, situated almost 164 kms from Kolkata. It is famous for the Vishwa Bharati University founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Santiniketan has developed into a town and has become a well-known tourist place near Kolkata. The university has the concept of open-air education. The university has many beautiful paintings, murals, frescos and sculptures by Binod Bihari Mukhopadhyay, Nandalal Bose and Rabindranath Tagore. The Uttarayan complex has five buildings, which are heritage buildings. This is the complex where Tagore lived. It now has a museum and an art gallery. The Upasana Griha (prayer hall) is designed with picturesque coloured glass windows. Kala Bhavan is considered to be one of the best visual arts colleges in the world. It has wall paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and murals of famous artists. Here, a tourist can visit the Deer Park in Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, 3 kms from the university. The best time to visit Santiniketan is during festivals and fairs like Basant Utsav in March, Joydev Mela in January and Poush Mela in December. During these events, the famous Baul singers would enchant you with their performance. Santiniketan is also a centre for traditional handicrafts such as batik, pottery, weaving and embroidery, making it one of the best tourist places near Kolkata for those interested in learning about the region’s rich culture and heritage.
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Places to visit near Kolkata #4: Barrackpore
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Barrackpore, 30 kms from Kolkata, was at the heart of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. There are many places to visit in this historic town such as Shivshakti Annapurna Temple, a replica of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. This 700-year-old Kali temple was the meeting place for freedom fighters. Shaheed Mangal Pandey Udyan, a garden named after freedom fighter Mangal Pandey, is located in Barrackpore. Some of the most popular activities here include having a picnic and going on a boat ride on the Ganges River. Besides the garden, the Vijayanta Memorial is also popular among tourists. The Bartholomew Church is a charming gothic-style structure that is worth a visit. The Gandhi Museum or the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay is one of the research centres in India. This museum has five galleries, a study centre and a massive library. Gandhi Museum has a huge collection of photographs and personal items of the Mahatma. Jawaharkunja Garden is popular amongst tourists for its serenity and calmness, making it an ideal picnic spot. So, if you are a history buff, Barrackpore is one of the best nearby places to visit for you.
Places to visit near Kolkata #5: Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour, located in the southern suburbs of Kolkata, is one of the most popular places to visit near Kolkata for a weekend trip or a fun day out. Diamond Harbour is a tranquil getaway as it has a serene atmosphere, far away from the crowded city. This charming destination near Kolkata (50 kms) is ideal for a leisure trip. Formerly known as Hajipur, Diamond Harbour is located at a point where River Ganges takes a southward turn to converge with the sea. Besides natural beauty, tourists can explore the remains of a Portuguese fort and a lighthouse here. One can also take a ferry ride to Haldi in the vicinity of Diamond Harbour.
Places to visit near Kolkata #6: Bakkhali
Bakkhali is a small beach town located on the West Bengal coast, about 125 kms south of Kolkata and is one of the best tourist places near Kolkata. Bakkhali is one of the several deltaic islands in the southern part of West Bengal. This crescent-shaped beach is 8 kms long and extends from Bakkhali to Frasergunj. Bakkhali beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in India. It is secluded and relatively unexplored, thus, an ideal spot for relaxation. This beach is famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset. Do visit the crocodile breeding centre and see crocodiles in their natural habitat. This farm has the greatest number of estuarine crocodiles in the country. Henry Island is another place to visit, about half an hour from Bakkhali. The surrounding greeneries look soothing from the watchtower. You can also walk to Henry Island through the sections of forests. JambuDwip is located near a Reserve Forest and is home to many water birds. Frasergunj, barely 2 kms from Bakkhali, has sky-high windmills. These windmills are a landmark that run in a straight-line setting and are a sight to enjoy. All in all, if you are a nature lover, Bakkhali will definitely serve as one of the best places to visit around Kolkata.
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Places to visit near Kolkata #7: Mayapur
Mayapur is a religious and cultural destination on the banks of the Ganges River. Around130 kms north of Kolkata, Mayapur is a pilgrim city with special significance for followers of Lord Krishna. Mayapur has the global headquarters of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). The beautiful ISKCON premises has temples, educational institutions and common spaces for collective prayer and meditation. It’s regarded as the birthplace of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 15th-century spiritual leader. A memorial dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, the Pushpa Samadhi Mandir is one of the most visited places. It is at the confluence of the river Ganges where people come for a holy dip. For some peaceful moments, you can sit by the river and watch the mesmerizing sunset or enjoy the boat rides in the Ganges and the divine aarti in the evening. Whether you want to satisfy your religious appetite or want to enjoy a serene cultural experience, Mayapur is one of the most incredible places near Kolkata you can choose to visit.
Places to visit near Kolkata #8: Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is located in Narendrapur. This tourist place is situated about 9 miles from Kolkata’s city centre, in the district of South 24-Parganas. This bird sanctuary is one of the top bird sanctuaries in India, making it one of the greatest nearby tourist places for birdwatchers. It has a wide variety of butterflies, birds, ferns and orchids. Spreading over a lush terrain of about 17 acres, Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, such as the Indian pond heron, the scaly breasted munia, white-throated kingfisher, common hawk, cuckoo, the emerald dove and the bronzed drongo. This sanctuary is also home to many butterflies such as red base jezebel, the peacock pansy and the striped tiger. Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is an orchard covered with local fruit trees; many over a hundred years old.
Places to visit near Kolkata #9: Chandannagar
Chandannanagar (formerly called Chandernagore) is a corporation city and former French colony, located 35 kms north of Kolkata. Worth visiting are places like the City Museum, The Sacred Heart Church and the French Cemetery that are testimony to the architectural skill of the French. The Chandernagore Strand and Chandernagore Museum are popular tourist attractions. The Chandannagar Museum has a variety of pre-independence French and British antiquities and archaeological riches from the Gupta period. It has an impressive collection of French artifacts and firearms used in the Anglo-French battle and 18th-century wooden furniture. The Chandannagar strand is the most popular walkway built along the Ganges River with trees and lights. It is said to be the most brilliantly decorated stretch of the Ganges. Another tourist attraction, the Patal Bari, is the ‘underground house that has its lowest floor submerged in the river Ganga’. With its French style, Chandannagar’s 200-year-old Sacred Heart cathedral is a sight to behold. Other attractions include Nandadulal Temple and Bisalokshmi Temple. If you like delving deep into the history Chandannagar should certainly be on your list of nearby places to visit.
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Places to visit near Kolkata #10: Digha
Digha is a popular tourist place known for untouched beaches and natural beauty. It is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for families looking to spend a delightful weekend together. This tourist place has great beaches, high-tech research centres, museums, temples and scenic views. A tourist must visit the New Digha Beach, Mandarmani Beach, Shankarpur Beach, Amarabati Parand and the Marine Aquarium of the Zoological Survey of India. Only 2 kms from the Old Digha beach, the New Digha beach is one of the most sought-after tourist places in the town. The sea is at least a mile away from the shore, which has many casuarina trees. The New Digha beach is popular for its glorious sunrise and sunset. Talsari Beach is another serene beach that has palm trees and is an ideal spot to spend some peaceful moments with loved ones. Children will love to visit the largest in-house aquarium in the country, the Marine Aquarium and Research Centre. Here you can see sea anemones, rays, lobsters, crabs and sharks. Near Digha, merely 8 kms on the West Bengal-Odisha Border, Chandaneswar Temple is believed to be hundreds of years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is worth visiting.
Places to visit near Kolkata #11: Piyali Island
Piyali Island is widely considered to be one of the best places to visit near Kolkata, particularly for those seeking an amazing weekend getaway. Surrounded by the Matla and Piyali rivers, it lies near the marvellous Sunderbans and features dense forests, pristine beaches, and rich wildlife. Situated not more than 70 km away from Kolkata, this gorgeous island offers a lot to see and do. You can enjoy activities like picnicking and boating at Piyali Dam. Tourists have a lot of fun visiting the fishermen’s villages and indulging in the mouth watering local food. Also, you can take relaxing strolls across the lush mangrove forests and expansive paddy fields.
Places to visit near Kolkata #12: Kamarpukur
Another one of the remarkable tourist places near Kolkata is Kamarpukur, which is renowned for being the birthplace of Ramakrishna, an eminent personality who spearheaded the Indian education system. The small village has a spectacular landscape featuring beautiful riverbeds, thick forests, and far-reaching meadows. It is dotted with ancient temples, dargahs, shrines, and lovely lakes. Some of the most popular temples to visit here include Mukundapur Temple, Yogi Shiva Temple, Gopeshwar Temple, and Jairambati Temple. For some tranquillity, you should also head to the banks of Damodar River and Talpukur Tank. Moreover, don’t miss out on shopping for local handicrafts and attending amazing meditation and yoga sessions at Ramakrishna Math. If you are a birdwatcher or wildlife enthusiast, pay a visit to Deer Park.
Places to visit near Kolkata #13: Navadvipa
Consisting of 9 islands separated by Ganges River’s tributaries, Navdvipa is counted among the most beautiful places to visit around Kolkata. This place holds immense religious significance as it is closely associated with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the incarnation of Lord Krishna. With stunning landscapes, it is home to fertile riverbeds and dense forests. These lush forests of pomegranate, jackfruits, and mangoes house several species of wildflowers and exotic birds. When in Navadvipa, don’t forget to visit its iconic temples like Radha Rani Temple, ISKCON Temple, Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, and Sri Mahaprabhu Math. Also, don’t forget to visit Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary for witnessing hundreds of bird species and its wetlands.
Places to visit near Kolkata #14: Bardhaman
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Located at the banks of Damodar River, this Mughal-era town is a grand symbol of the glorious times of the Raj. Bardhaman, one of the best places to visit near Kolkata, is an important landmark of the Independence struggle, art, and culture. It is popular for the vast and scenic paddy fields that give it the name of the ‘rice bowl of Bengal’, wildlife sanctuaries, historic temples, and gardens. Some of the must-visit attractions in Bardhaman include Deer Park, Tomb of Sher Afghan, the 19-century Curzon gate and Krishnasar Lake.
Places to visit near Kolkata #15: Henry’s Island
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Named after a European traveller, this stunning island is perfect for people looking to escape the chaos of the city. The azure waters and pristine white sands at the island’s beaches offer a tranquil break. Due to its proximity to the Sunderbans, the island houses crocodiles, snakes, and deer and thick mangroves and marshlands. Henry’s Beach is one of the best places to visit for its secluded charm, watersports, and thousands of crabs. During your visit to this island, don’t miss out on enjoying traditional Bengali food and seafood at the local shacks. Definitely visit the Henry’s Island watchtower at the Sundari Tourist Complex to savour panoramic views of the lush surroundings.
Places to visit near Kolkata #16: Tajpur
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Situated in Medinipur along the Bay of Bengal, this coastal town near Kolkata is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. It serves as a significant center for pisciculture and aquaculture, boasting numerous fish farms. The area is adorned with miles of pristine, unexplored beaches, accompanied by enchanting eucalyptus forests, charming resort villages, and delightful seafood shacks. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating fishing villages and indulge in thrilling water sports like kayaking, parasailing, and water zorbing. Ensure you explore the secluded Tajpur Beach and the Mandarmani Beach, known for their vibrant population of red crabs. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to visit Shankarpur, a picturesque fishing harbor with serene beaches shaded by casuarina trees.
Places to visit near Kolkata #17: Mandarmani
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Located on the outskirts of Kolkata, Mandarmani is a charming resort town known for its stunning natural beauty and sandy coastlines. Offering luxurious accommodations and excellent amenities, it serves as an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings of Mandarmani. Notably, this beach holds the distinction of being the longest motorable beach in India, providing an exhilarating experience with high-speed rides along the coastline. Indulge in the ultimate thrill while enjoying the serene ambiance of this wonderful destination.
Places to visit near Kolkata #18: Jhargram
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Nestled in a picturesque landscape adorned with rolling hills and lush forests, Jhargram beckons as the perfect offbeat vacation destination. Enriched by a significant tribal population, the district boasts a culturally diverse tapestry, complemented by captivating palaces and temples. Steeped in history, Jhargram witnessed the capture by Akbar’s army in the 15th century, adding historical significance to its allure. Immerse yourself in the vibrant folk dances and rituals of aboriginal tribes like Santals, Bhumijs, and Sabars, featuring performances such as Bhuang, Chang, and Jhumur. Explore the regal charm of the Jhargram Royal Palace, once a strategic seat for Akbar’s army and now elegantly transformed into a heritage hotel.
Places to visit near Kolkata #19: Murshidabad
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Formerly the seat of the Nawab of Bengal, Murshidabad, nestled along the banks of the Hooghly River, stands as one of West Bengal’s premier destinations. Once the capital of Bengal before the rise of Calcutta, this town has been a cradle for various arts and crafts, contributing to its historical significance. Renowned for its sericulture, Murshidabad has been a hub for producing world-class silk, adding to its cultural tapestry. The town’s allure lies in its unparalleled beauty, featuring quaint ‘jheels’ or lakes that transform into winter hotspots with the arrival of migratory birds. Witness the enchanting spectacle of pristine blue lakes adorned by colorful, exotic birds at their edges. Murshidabad is also adorned with vibrant gardens, where rows of fragrant flowers meet meticulously sculpted statues and fountains, creating a serene haven.
Places to visit near Kolkata #20: Cuttack
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Cuttack stands as a vibrant cosmopolitan city, offering a myriad of fascinating attractions for tourists seeking a delightful escape from Kolkata. Renowned on the global stage, Cuttack is celebrated for its exceptional local handicrafts, intricate silverwork, cultural vibrancy, lively festivals, and delectable street food. The city comes alive with a kaleidoscope of festivities, and among the most famous are Baliyatra, the exhilarating kite festival, and the grandeur of Durga Puja. These festivals provide a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Cuttack. To truly savor the authentic flavors of this land, plan your visit during these festive occasions, when the city is adorned with vibrant celebrations, making it an enchanting destination for cultural exploration and immersion.
Nearest hill station to visit from Kolkata: Siliguri
Located on the banks of the Mahananda River, Siliguri is the closest hill station from Kolkata (around 580 kms). It is also known as the Gateway to Northeast India. Here a tourist can enjoy the view of the snow-capped Himalayas. Siliguri has various places of interest and importance such as The ISKCON Temple, Sepoy Dhura Tea Garden, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Science City, Coronation Bridge, Salugara Monastery and Madhuban Park. The Salugara Monastery was built by Tibetan Buddhist Monks, following the teachings and example of the Dalai Lamas, and is known for its 100 feet tall stupa. The huge Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, between the banks of Teesta and Mahananda, has leopards, tigers, elephants and birds and provides opportunities for trekking and bird watching. Jeep and elephant safaris are available for tourists to venture into the forests. One of the nearest visiting places to Siliguri is the Coronation Bridge in the town of Sevoke, about 25 km from Siliguri. It was built to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the few mountain railways that are operational. It is 200 years old and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site a few years back. The train ride between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling passes through the beautiful landscape. For adventure seekers, the trek to Sandakphu is a must as it is the highest point in West Bengal.
FAQs
Is Bardhhaman a tourist place near Kolkata worth visiting?
Bardhhaman is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata. It is popular for the paddy fields that give it the name of the ‘rice bowl of Bengal’. It also has wildlife sanctuaries, historic temples and gardens. Places worth visiting are Deer Park and Krishnasayar Park and Lake. Places like 108 Shiva Temple, Tomb of Sher Afghan, Konkaleshwari Temple, Christ Church, Curzon Gate and Burnpur Nehru Park are other popular tourist attractions.
Which are the romantic places in Kolkata for a couple to visit?
Millennium Park, the lovely landscaped garden along the Hooghly River, is one of the most romantic places in Kolkata. Rabindra Sarobar (Dhakuria Lake), an artificial lake in south Kolkata is also a favourite of the couples. Princep Ghat is one of the oldest recreational spots in Kolkata and this romantic place has Greek and Gothic-style architecture. Eco Park covers a huge area of 480 acres, the biggest park in India, surrounded by a huge water body that has an island in the middle. Elliot Park is also a romantic place in Kolkata.
Which is the best time to visit Kolkata and nearby tourist places?
The winter months between October and February are the best to visit Kolkata and its nearby tourist places. The weather is ideal for visiting and the city comes alive with festivals and celebrations at this time of the year.
Which hill station is near Kolkata?
Some of the best hill stations to explore near Kolkata include Siliguri, Ajodhya Hills, Simultala, Netarhat and Darjeeling.
Which beach is near Kolkata?
Digha undoubtedly claims its spot as the most frequented beach near Kolkata. Positioned approximately 183 km away, Digha is renowned for its vast waves and resounding thunders. The natural allure of this locale, adorned with swaying casuarinas and palm trees, offers truly breathtaking vistas.
Which is the nearest snowfall place from Kolkata?
Gangtok emerges as one of the premier hill stations in close proximity to Kolkata, embodying a sense of divinity and pristine beauty. The awe-inspiring sight of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga is bound to fill your heart with pure joy in Gangtok. Additionally, Pedong stands out as another enchanting hill station, graced with splendid views of nature's grandeur.
Has it ever snowed in Kolkata?
No, Kolkata has never witnessed snowfall.
Which is the coldest place near West Bengal?
Some of the coldest places near Kolkata include Kurseong, Lava, Kalimpong, Lolegaon, Sittong, Darjeeling and Takdah.