Road Trip from Kolkata – Weekend Gateway near Kolkata
Kolkata, the “City of Joy” in West Bengal, was the former capital of India. It was known for its vibrant culture with a significant history, civics belonging to the colonial era and grand architecture among other attractions. Calcutta is the land of thinkers and visionaries like Great Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and is home to a range of cultural and art-related events. Kolkata is an essential hub for traveling to northeastern states and exploring neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burma. While there are a lot of top places to visit in Kolkata, the city is surrounded by artificial and natural wonders and is the ideal starting point for many memorable long road trips around Kolkata. Within a few hours from the city, one can immerse in the lap of nature or marvel at fascinating mesmerizing landscapes or structures.
Why is Kolkata best known for outstation road trips?
Kolkata is situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and offers the easiest access to major cities in central and northeastern parts of India. West Bengal shares its borders with the Indian states of Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and Sikkim, and other countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Roads and highways, in and around Kolkata, have been maintained by the government authorities offering a smooth driving experience to all consumers.
You can explore a region best with an experienced BroomBoom Pilot (Driver) and a well-maintained, fully sanitized Top Model Prime cabs. While you can ride in these Top Prime Cabs and explore destinations near Kolkata by yourself, BroomBoom Cabs offers you highly affordable and efficient best car rental service in Kolkata to help you enjoy the journey without having to worry about driving.
Places to visit near Kolkata
1. Santiniketan (Shantiniketan): The Land of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
Santiniketan, also known as Shantiniketan, was founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 as a neighbourhood that comprises peace and tranquility. Being situated in the green environment, a trip to this world-famous neighbourhood will take you back in past times to left you wonder at the revolutionary thought process of Rabindranath Tagore.
Why should you Visit Santiniketan?
Santiniketan, the place to visit near Kolkata, is a marvel of the modern times. It’s a home of education in nature and works as the best area for local artists and artisans encouraging local handicrafts. It is one of the perfect places to visit for a one-day trip near Kolkata.
Why should you travel to Santiniketan by road?
Santiniketan is situated in the Birbhum District of West Bengal. If you are in the mood for a four-hour long drive with your friends or families that takes you back in time and offers insights into the passion and vision of the visionary Rabindranath Tagore, then a trip to Santiniketan is highly recommended for your tourist spirit.
You need to head towards north from Kolkata and take the NH 19 and NH 114 to Rabindra Bithi Bypass Road in Bolpur. The road trip from Kolkata to Santiniketan will take you through the mesmerizing countryside views of Bengal.
2. Sunderbans: The Largest Mangrove Forest in the World
Sunderban is the Largest Mangrove Forest in the World. Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mangrove forestation which is spread across an area of around 10,000 square kilometers making it the largest in the world. Moreover, around 60% of the Sunderbans fall in the Bangladesh region and only 40% fall in India. Being home to the largest number of tigers in India along with a range of plants and species native to the region, It has turned out to be the most attractive tourist spot near Kolkata.
Why should one visit Sunderbans?
There are many weekend getaway like dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries in India. Apart from being the largest deltaic mangrove forest in the world, Sunderban is also the world’s largest estuarine forest with hundreds of creeks and tributaries crisscrossing through the forest in the route of Kolkata to Sunderban. Sunderbans is still considered to be an undiscovered paradise and is now attracting millions of visitors every year from Kolkata.
Why should one travel to Sunderbans via road?
There are many ways to reach Sunderbans from Kolkata, but the most convenient option is by road. Also, it is important to remember that you will have to leave your vehicle at a parking area and take a boat to reach the Sunderbans. Hence, a car rental is the best option for your journey. You can catch a ferry from the Godkhali Ferry Ghat to the National park.
You need to head to towards South from Kolkata and take the Baruipur – Canning Road and SH 3 to reach the Godkhali Ferry Ghat in South 24 Parganas. As you start riding comfortably from Kolkata to Sunderbans in BroomBoom car rental, the urban landscape will gradually give way to a calmer rural setting, vast open fields, and culminate at the estuary-rich region of South 24 Parganas. If you are looking for places to visit near Kolkata for the weekend, then Book a cab from Kolkata to Sunderbans, which is a good option.
3. Digha: Brighton of the East
Digha, Brighton of the East. Digha is one of the most popular seaside or beach destinations in West Bengal. It has a shallow sand beach and gentle waves making it an ideal sea resort and tourist spot. It offers mesmerizing views of the sunrise and sunset.
Why should one visit Digha?
Digha is the best beach places to visit near Kolkata. Digha offers one of the most picturesque views of the sunset in West Bengal. It is a flat beach and is considered to be one of the widest in the world. Old Digha beach and New Digha Beach are one of the beautiful and peaceful beach places to visit near Kolkata via road.
Why should you travel to Digha by road?
Digha is situated in the Purba Medinipur District of West Bengal. It is a scenic four-hour long road trip and passes through some plush green surroundings with a range of eateries. Well-maintained roads ensure a smooth and memorable ride. Digha Beach being located at the border of Orissa and West Bengal. You take the NH 16 and turn on the NH 116B at Kolaghat. It is an amazing drive, especially during the bright summer months.
4. Gangasagar: Tirtha Place to take a Holy Dip
The Top Tirtha Place to take a Holy Dip in Gangasagar, which is also known as Sagardweep, an island in the Ganges Delta and at the confluence of the Ganga into the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular and important pilgrimage site in West Bengal.
Why should one visit Gangasagar?
Gangasagar road trip from Kolkata. In the old days, people traveled from all across Bengal to take a holy dip in the Gangasagar. This dip is believed to purify people of their sins and help achieve Moksha – freedom from the cycle of life and death. The most auspicious time to visit Gangasagar is during Makar Sankranti.
Why should you travel to Gangasagar by road?
Situated in South 24 Parganas. As you start approaching the location, you will be amazed by the sight of beautiful dotting little ponds at the side of the road. With a rental car, you can sit back and soak in the views while enjoying the journey.
5. Kalna: A home of peace lovers
Why do one should Ambika Kalna?
Ambika Kalna is the perfect place to visit near Kolkata by car. Ambika Kalna is an ancient town with history at every turn. A simple walk around the narrow lanes can leave you pleasantly enriched by the history this town holds. The Rajabari Complex is home to most of the famous temples of Ambika Kalna.
Why should you travel to Ambika Kalna by road?
Ambika Kalna is located in the Purba Bardhaman District of West Bengal. You can take the SH 6 from Kolkata and drive through the picturesque rural landscapes of Bengal. Ambika Kalna is a heritage town and is ideal for a one-day trip from Kolkata.
6. Mousuni Island: The Virgin Beaches and Fisherfolk Fables
It is the Virgin beaches and fisherfolk fables. Mousuni is a small island near Namkhana at the confluence of a sea and river. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and an ideal destination to laze on hammocks, take a short swim, and build sand castles.
Why do one visit Mousuni?
Kolkata to Mousuni is a scenic shoreline road trip. Mousuni is a fisherman’s wharf and a birdwatcher’s paradise. With a clear sandy beach, coconut trees, serene waters, and hammocks – Mousuni has everything one needs from a beach location minus the excessive crowds and commercial establishments.
Why should you travel to Mousuni by road?
Mousuni is on an island near Namkhana in West Bengal. You can take the NH12 from Kolkata and cut through some beautiful houses and landscapes of Bengal. A trip to Mousuni is ideal for an island beach location that is ideal for a one-day trip as well as a weekend.
7. Murshidabad: For the love of history
Murshidabad is an offbeat weekend destination for history lovers. This ancient capital of Bengal was once as prosperous as London but started losing its glory after the British annexed it in 1757. However, structures and relics from the past whisper stories of its glory across the city.
Why do one visit Murshidabad?
Murshidabad offers a range of experiences to travelers. It is a town steeped in history with structures dating back hundreds of years.
Why should you travel to Murshidabad by road?
To reach Murshidabad, you can take NH 12 from Kolkata and drive through refreshing rural Bengal leaving the urban Kolkata stress behind. A trip to Murshidabad is ideal as a historical town and an ideal weekend destination from Kolkata. Since you have to drive for around 6-7 hours to get there, you should plan a trip for 2-3 days to explore the place.
8. Taki: The Peek into Bangladesh
It is the Peek into Bangladesh. Taki is growing in popularity as a weekend getaway from Kolkata. Situated on the banks of the Ichamati River, it traditionally used to be a seat of rich zamindars in the region. It still has many palatial buildings along with the oldest Ramkrishna Mission, a 250-year-old Government School, and a 300-year-old Jora Shiva Temple among other attractions.
Why do one visit Taki?
Taki is an extremely green location with numerous Sundari and Golpata trees. The Ichamati River has India on one side and Bangladesh on the other. You can stand on the banks of the river and peek into another country. You might need to carry a valid government identification document since this is a border area.
Why should you travel to Taki by road?
To reach Taki, you can take Basanti Highway from Kolkata. The road cuts through some interesting villages and locations. Make sure that you leave early so that you can halt at these villages for a memorable journey. While Taki is at a short distance from Kolkata, you need at least two days to explore the area and places around it ideal for families and large groups as they can enjoy picnics, jungle walks, and ferry rides
8. Mandarmani: The ultimate beach getaway
Mandarmani is one of Bengal’s most fashionable beach resorts. It is a calm seaside destination where you can feel the full splendour of the Bay of Bengal, making it ideal for a romantic break by the sea. Its glittering waters and thick palm groves make it an ideal escape from the city for couples, families, and tourists from all walks of life. This beach also happens to be India’s longest motorable beach, and the high-speed trip on the beach will provide you with an unforgettable sensation.
Why do one visit Mandarmani?
The place to visit near Kolkata is Mandarmani. It is Located on the sparkling western coast of India, Mandarmani is a laid-back and close proximity to other coastal towns of Bengal, which makes it a great place to base yourself for a relaxing beach holiday. It also offers a variety of sports such as jet skis, rough rides, banana boats, and ATV cycles. Crab, fish, and lobster fans will find an abundance of mouthwatering delicacies. It is an ideal weekend getaway location near Kolkata.
Why should you travel to Mandarmani by road?
The road from Kolkata to Mandarmani passes through many of the smaller towns and villages of the southern districts of Bengal. By driving from Kolkata to Mandarmani, you can enjoy the ride through the old industrial towns along the Hooghly River. Along the way, you will pass major cities like Howrah as well as trading towns like Nandakumar, Bagnan, and Contai.
9. Bardhaman: A haven for history lovers
A haven for history lovers. Bardhaman in West Bengal, with its magnificent old-charm, transports visitors back to the 6th century BC. Its history dates back to the 6th century BC, to the days of Mahavir and the roots of Jainism. Bardhaman also, for a large part of history, served as the headquarters of the British Empire in India. When visiting Bardhaman, tourists will notice Mughal and Bengali-style architecture as well as delicious native desserts.
Why do one visit Bardhaman?
Spritual getaway from Kolkata, Bardhaman which is 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.
Why should you travel to Bardhaman by road?
When you take a road trip from Kolkata to Bardhaman, you are definitely waiting to spend a magnificent time in this amazing city. By driving from Kolkata to Bardhaman, you can enjoy the ride through the towns like Singur, Gurap and Rasulpur. A day is usually sufficient to explore Bardhaman from Kolkata if you are willing to leave early in the morning. If you are fascinated by the place, then there are several hotels in the neighborhood that can be considered for your overnight stay.
The list of destinations around Kolkata mentioned above can help you craft memorable trips. However, remember, Bengal and the regions surrounding Kolkata have a lot more to offer. Book a chauffeur-driven comfortable car rental from BroomBoom Cabs to your selected destination now! Take a back seat & enjoy being driven to your nearest favorite destination near Kolkata in BroomBoom Cabs.
