Are you looking for perfect weekend getaways from Kolkata during monsoons? The city is surrounded by numerous exciting tourist spots that will give you a rejuvenating break from your hectic life.
I have compiled a list of places you can save in your weekend getaway bucket list for this monsoon. This list covers all the exotic tourist spots that will let you appreciate the impeccable natural beauty and spend some alone time with your near and dear ones.
So, sit tight and enjoy the ride as I take you on a tour of these tourist attractions.
Ravangla
It is a little town located on the ridge at 7000ft between Tendong hills and Maenam. The natural tourist resort attracts people from all corners due to its magical snow view and tranquility.
It is one of the most recently discovered tourist destinations in South Sikkim that serve as the ideal weekend destination near Kolkata.
The town is well-connected to NJP. It takes around 4 hours from there to reach Ravangla via road transport.
I suggest you visit the place anytime from February to May or October to November. So, what are the places to visit in Ravangla?
You can go to Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint, Borong Hot Spring, and Ralang Monasteries. When in Ravangla, give short treks and bird watching a shot. What’s more? The journey through the winding road via Dentham will attract you the most!
Bakkhali
This Indian beach should be at the top of your weekend getaway list. Located on the south-western point of the enchanting Sunderbans, Bakkhali is a mystical white beach snuggled against the forest delta and offers a unique tropical blend.
So what gives it the name? Bakkhali derives its name from the word ‘bak’ or red-beaked seagulls found plentiful here.
It takes around four and a half hours to 5 hours to travel to Bakkhali by road and train. The most suitable time to visit the beach is from July to March.
You must visit Henry’s Island and Jambu Dwip in Bakkhali. Do not spend your day in fancy resorts. Instead, explore the makeshift tea stalls. Sipping fresh coconut water or hot tea from earthen pots will be a specialty you will never forget.
Shantiniketan
This place is an ideal spot for all history lovers. The history of Rabindranath Tagore’s birthland dates back to the ancient 1862 when Debendranath Tagore purchased the land and established a guest house.
Later his son, Sri Rabindranath Tagore, started a school with only 5 students. Gradually, this school flourished to become the first University in India.
It takes four to five hours from Kolkata via road and rail. You can go to Kankalitala, which happens to be one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, and Nanur, the birthplace of the 14th-century poet, Chandidas.
Do not forget to explore Tagore Museum and the art galleries during your weekend trip to Shantiniketan. If you are lucky, you might witness the vibrant Basanta Utsav and the colorful Poush Mela. However, do not visit Shantiniketan during the dry summers.
Kurseong
This land of the beautiful white orchids is situated atop the hills along a forested ridge. Its tranquil beauty serves as the perfect weekend escape retreat from Kolkata. Moreover, Kurseong happens to be a great romantic weekend getaway from Kolkata.
The shortest route to Kurseong from Kolkata is by air which takes nearly 2 hours to reach the place. Its prominent areas of attraction include Castle Tea Estate, Sitong, and Eagle’s Crag.
If you want fun, you can opt for the famous toy-train ride from Siliguri to Darjeeling via Kurseong. Nature walks and bird-watching will also delight you.
Mandarmani
This spot is a relatively new addition to the list of weekend getaways and serves as an immensely relaxing place. Its unique feature is the clean and unspoiled glistening white beach. You must pass ponds and paddy fields on the route to reach the beach.
It won’t take more than 3 hours to reach this spot via train. The best time to visit is anytime between July to March.
While staying in Mandarmani, you can also explore the nearby beaches of Talsari, Tajpur, Digha, and Sankarpur, along with their distinct flavors.
Go for a full-moon night with your partner. You may also opt for water sports and paragliding. In addition, you can go for a leisure walk along the beach to Mohana.
Roopark Village
Situated in Panchalingeshwar, Roopark village is a unique tribal village resort offering an ideal pastoral experience. Since it lies far away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, it provides the perfect spirit of nature with exceptional tribal craftsmanship and a way of living.
You can see this place at any time of the year. However, I recommend that you avoid hot summers. The scenic spots to visit in Roopark include the Shiva Temple in Panchalingeshwar and the beautiful Deokund Falls at Simplipal Reserve Forest.
Rishyap
This spot offers a beautifully serene weekend retreat from Kolkata. Its exclusivity lies in the fact that there is a lot of space between the tiny hamlet and the Kanchendzonga range standing on the horizon. Rishyap is spread across a narrow ridge with valleys on either side.
It takes approximately 10 hours to reach NJP. From NJP, you have to travel for 3 hours by road. Since winters can be extremely chilly with snowfall, February to May and October to November is the best time to visit Rishyap.
While you vacay here, ensure that you see Lava, Lolegaon, Kalimpong, and other famous hill stations within 3 hours of driving. Bird watching and nature walks are its unique delights. You can go for a 45-minute walk from Rishyap to lava, past a colony of forest huts.
What must be kept in mind is that you check the best time to visit and the weather forecasts before planning your escapes to these places.
Here’s hoping that you follow all the mandates and have a safe and enjoyable weekend getaway with your near and dear one(s).
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