Top 10 New Offbeat Places to Travel in and around Kolkata

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in India. It has a rich cultural heritage and is also known for its unique architecture.

But when it comes to tourist destinations, most people limit themselves to the popular spots. From the iconic Victoria Memorial to the bustling markets of New Market and the historic Howrah Bridge, Kolkata has a lot of attractions for tourists.

However, if you’re looking for something a bit off-beat and less-known places to travel, there are plenty of places to explore in and around Kolkata. From nature parks to ancient temples and heritage sites, the city has plenty of experiences to offer.

Baranti

Baranti is a small village located in the Purulia district of West Bengal. It is known for its picturesque landscape, lush green hills and tranquil lake. You can take a walk around the lake or go for a boat ride on it. The nearby Baranti Pahar is also a great spot for trekking.

Distance from Kolkata: 235 km

Driving Time: 5 hours

Things to Do: Nature walks, interacting with tribal people, wildlife spotting

Best Time to Visit: July to February

Mukutmanipur

Located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, it is a great place for a weekend getaway. It is one of the largest dams in India, and the reservoir offers some amazing views. The place is surrounded by lush greenery and is perfect for a picnic or a quiet stroll.

Distance from Kolkata: 230 km

Driving Time: 5 hours 50 minutes

Things to Do: Relaxing, hiking, picnic, camping, boating, nature walks

Best Time to Visit: July to February

Junput

Junput is a quaint fishing village located in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal. It is a small coastal village with a beautiful beach, which makes it a perfect spot to spend a peaceful weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Apart from the beach, you can also explore the local market and buy fresh seafood, visit the local temples and watch the traditional fishing practices of the villagers.

Distance from Kolkata: 140 km

Driving Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Things to Do: Relaxing, beach fun, visiting fish farm and duck farm, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, zorbing,

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Purbasthali

Another offbeat place to visit near Kolkata is Purbasthali, a small village located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal. The village is famous for its terracotta temples and other structures, which date back to the 12th century. The temples here are popular for their intricate designs and carvings and are a must-visit for all art and architecture lovers.

Apart from this, you can also explore the local markets, visit the mango orchards and enjoy a boat ride in the river.

Location: Kalna, Purba Bardhaman

Distance from Kolkata: Around 140 Km by road

Things to Do: Bird Watching, Boating on Lake

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Mayapur

Located in the district of Nadia, Mayapur is a holy pilgrimage center for devotees of ISKCON and also one of the best offbeat places near Kolkata. It is the headquarters of ISKCON, and every year devotees from around the world travel to this holy place to seek blessings from Lord Krishna and to attend the annual festival of Rath Yatra. If you are looking for an offbeat and spiritual experience, then Mayapur is the perfect place.

Distance from Kolkata: 139 km

Driving Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Things to Do: Visit the ISKCON temple, take a boat ride on the Ganges, explore the local markets, visit the Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, check out the Mayapur Wildlife Sanctuary, take a stroll around the Mayapur Kirtan Mela.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

 Diamond Harbour

Located on the banks of the Hooghly river, Diamond Harbour is an offbeat tourist destination near Kolkata. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the river, and there are plenty of activities to do here like boating, fishing and exploring the nearby islands. There is also a lighthouse and various temples to explore.

Distance from Kolkata: 144 km

Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes

Things to Do: Boating, Horse–riding, Bird–watching, Nature–trails, Fishing, Picnicking, Photography

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Bakkhali

It is a coastal village located in the district of South 24 Parganas. This is a great destination for those looking for a tranquil and serene experience. You can enjoy the beauty of the beach here and also spot some migratory birds. There are also a few islands close to Bakkhali that you can explore.

Distance from Kolkata:140 km

Driving Time: 3 hours

Things to Do: Take a stroll on the beach, explore nature, visit the local attractions, enjoy the seafood, take a boat ride, etc.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Deulti

Deulti, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, is a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere with lush greenery and plenty of opportunities for bird watching. Tourists can also visit the nearby Jhargram Palace, which is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture.

Distance from Kolkata: 77 km

Driving Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Things to Do: Visit the temples, enjoy the local cuisine, visit the local markets, watch the sunset at the riverfront, take a boat ride, explore the old palace ruins.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Khirai

Khirai, another picturesque village on the outskirts of Kolkata, is home to several traditional houses and a few temples. A visit to Khirai can be an enriching experience, as one gets to witness the culture and lifestyle of the locals. Tourists can also take a boat ride on the nearby river, which is a great way to explore the area.

Distance from Kolkata: 270 km

Driving Time: 4 hours

Things to Do: Visit the Sundari Temple, enjoy the beach activities, go bird watching, trekking to the hills, and explore the local culture.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Chandraketugarh

It is located around 60 km from Kolkata, is another interesting destination near the city. This ancient city dates back to the Maurya-Sunga period and is home to some incredible ruins from that era. It is believed that the city was once the capital of the powerful ancient kingdom of Gangaridai. The ruins of the palaces, temples and other structures found here are a testament to the rich history of the city.

Distance from Kolkata: 60 km

Driving Time: Approx. 1 hour

Things to Do: Explore the ancient remains, visit the temples, museums, and monuments, and enjoy the local cuisine

Best Time to Visit: October to March

So, pack your bags and make a plan to visit these offbeat places in Kolkata.

Also, while visiting these hidden gems, if you are looking forward to trying different authentic sweets from some of the above mentioned places, then don’t forget to check out the blog “Top Five Sweets of West Bengal.“