If you are planning to explore the best places in the city, check out these offbeat places near Kolkata that you should visit! These are places to relax, unwind and take in the sights and sounds of the city. We recommend that you plan your trip around these spots so that they don’t get wasted in the hustle and bustle of your weekend getaway to Kolkata.
Table of Contents
- 1. St. Paul’s Cathedral
- 2. Royal Bengal Tiger Reserve
- 3. Bow Barracks – Pilkhana
- 4. James Prinsep Ghat – Near Destination From City
- 5. Belur Math – Best For Weekend
- 6. Dakshineswar Kali Temple – Offbeat Weekend Destinations
- 7. Buxa National Park – Offbeat Places In North Bengal
- 8. Namkhana Bird Sanctuary
- 9. Digha Beach – Places Near Kolkata
- 10. Radha Nagar Beach – North Bengal Offbeat Places
- 11. Bethuadhari Wildlife Sanctuary – Offbeat weekend destinations
- 12. Taki – Picnic Spot near Kolkata with friends
- 13. Mayapur – ISKCON Temple
- 14. Sonajhuri Forest – Winter Time To Visit
- 15. Hazarduari Murshidabad – Places To Visit
- Best Entertaining Places to Visit Digha
- List of beautiful villages near Kolkata
- Offbeat Destinations in Kolkata
- Best Offbeat Places Near Kolkata
1. St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Cathedral is a Protestant church established in 1839. It houses some of India’s most famous monuments. The main attractions of St. Paul’s Cathedral are its stained glass windows, medieval sculptures, and plaques.
This is one of the best offbeat destinations near Kolkata. The fresco paintings depict stories from both the Old and New Testaments. This is one of the best offbeat weekend gateways from Kolkata.
The most popular attraction of St. Paul’s Cathedral is its elegant pulpit, which is a wooden structure supported by carved angels that were built in England and shipped to Kolkata in 1860.
Address – Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Open hours – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Google Review – I had a good experience visiting St Paul cathedral with my family. The place maintains the sanctity of the cathedral at the same time open for Everyone to come and witness the beautiful building structures and the architecture. Outside the church, there is a small stall where you can buy some souvenirs and take them.
There are also small children’s parks and a place to burn candles and offer prayers. The entrance fee was only 10rs per person which I feel was good because it’s a place of worship. Overall my experience was 9/10.
2. Royal Bengal Tiger Reserve
Located in West Bengal, is an 80-square-kilometer reserve that covers a forest along India’s border with Bangladesh. Within these forests, you’ll find a sizable population of Royal Bengal tigers as well as rare swamp deer, elephants, and storks.
The region is also home to tribal groups like Mundas and Oraons who live within designated villages and raise cattle. You can reach Naharkatiya by train from Kolkata; there are no roads into or through Naharkatiya National Park.
3. Bow Barracks – Pilkhana
Bow Barracks, in Kolkata, is one of India’s most famous colonial buildings. Originally built as a British barrack during Robert Clive’s conquest of Bengal, it later became an Indian military outpost. This is among the best offbeat places near Kolkata within 100 Kms.
It is located in central Kolkata located and opposite the Bowbazar police station. Bow Barracks are within easy reach of the Kolkata metro rail. It is just 2 minutes of walking distance from Chandni chalk and Central Avenue metro station.
The place is famous for Christmas celebrations in Kolkata. The impressive building is located in North Kolkata and has been converted into an army museum that preserves its history. So, this is the place where you can make for a wonderful offbeat weekend gateway in Kolkata.
Address – Bow Street, Kapalitala Ln, Pilkhana, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012
4. James Prinsep Ghat – Near Destination From City
Located in Kolkata and reached by a set of steep steps, James Prinsep Ghat is an offbeat place near Kolkata that’s ideal for spending your weekend away from city life. The ghat was constructed in memory of Major-General James Thomas Prinsep, who served as assistant to Lord Hastings during his tenure as Governor-General of India.
Set amidst greenery and evergreen trees on the banks of the Ganges River, it’s a favorite picnic spot among locals. Here you can just sit and relax or take part in some sports like football or cricket.
This is a must-visit place in Kolkata, especially in the evening time. There you can do boating on the river, watch the beautiful sunset and experience the best street foods in Kolkata from the local stalls.
I recommend going there with friends as it would be easier to communicate with them due to the low level of noise pollution and complete serenity. This is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata with friends (Offbeat places near Kolkata within 50 km).
Address – Strand Rd, Maidan, Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021
Google Review – I loved the view. There are no entry fees for this ghat. It’s open from 5-11 pm. The best time to visit would be in the evening. You can feel the soft breeze as well as get the advantage of witnessing the sunset which is to die for. Mostly, couples hang around here, but ya, it is a lovely place to visit with your near ones.
5. Belur Math – Best For Weekend
Belur Math is one of the most popular places in Kolkata founded by Swami Vivekananda. It is also known as Ramkrishna Math. The Belur Math is located in Belur, beside the Hooghly river which is almost 80 kilometers away from Kolkata.
Explore its beautiful surroundings and learn about how it was made to look like a lotus bud. It is a famous breathtaking piece of architecture that gives tourists an incredible view of Hindu architecture.
The ancient serenity and peacefulness will soothe your mind and clear your thoughts. It’s one of India’s offbeat places but is still fairly popular amongst locals; so go explore! You won’t regret it. This is one of the popular destinations near Kolkata.
Address – Belur, Howrah, West Bengal 711202
Google Review – Peaceful ambiance. The place looked magnificent. you can purchase books that are related to Swami Vivekananda’s history in all languages. Worthy to purchase these books. Back side nice view of river Ganga. Do visit this place when you are in Kolkata. It is more relaxing & calming in the evening or early morning. Must visit museum within a campus. I love this place.
6. Dakshineswar Kali Temple – Offbeat Weekend Destinations
It is one of the most visited and oldest Kali temples in Kolkata, located by the bank of the Hooghly River at Dakshineswar. It was built by Rani Rashmoni, who was mahisya by caste and well known for her philanthropic activities & It’s not so the distance from Kolkata.
It is also home to legendary works by artists like Radha Krishna Sharma, one of India’s earliest photographers. On special occasions such as Mahashivratri and other auspicious days, Hindus from nearby villages come to offer puja and prayers here.
Address – Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076
Google Review – Wonderful arrangement for puja and meditation. There are counters outside to deposit your shoes and bags. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the main premises and these too have to be deposited. Car parking facility available. Neat and clean temple compound.
7. Buxa National Park – Offbeat Places In North Bengal
No other place in West Bengal, or even near Kolkata, comes close to what Buxa National Park has to offer. Buxa National park is situated in the Alipurduar district which is the border of Bhutan and Assam.
It is a famous tourist place in North Bengal, which is established in the year of 1983. This is one of the best places to go for adventure lovers in India. This is also one of the best offbeat places in North Bengal.
If you want to explore the sightseeing at Buxa national park then you must visit the Jayanti river which is located beside the Bhutan hills, Buxa Fort is well known as the oldest fort in Eastern India, and Mahakal Cave.
It’s best known for its successful breeding program of one of India’s most endangered species – The Red Panda. Most tourists come here just to see these bears but they tend to miss out on some other spectacular sights.
The national park is divided into two parts –the North Range and South Range, and both are known for different things. To experience an adventure, one must visit both ranges; so that you can try your hand at jungle safaris in one range and enjoy nature walks in another.
8. Namkhana Bird Sanctuary
Explore Namkhana Bird Sanctuary and immerse yourself in nature. Locals say that at least 100 species of birds can be spotted there, including cormorants, redshanks, white ibis, herons, and egrets (Around 102 km distance from Kolkata).
For those with bird-watching aspirations, Namkhana is one of Kolkata’s best-kept secrets for travelers who enjoy a slower pace. While you’re here, keep an eye out for water monitors—the largest lizards in India can be found near Namkhana too. This is one of the best offbeat places near Kolkata within 200 Kms.
9. Digha Beach – Places Near Kolkata
This city is located in the East Medinipur district. It has beautiful scenery with the beach, river-front and mysterious rocks. This place is not so far from Kolkata city, it is just four to five hours of journey by train or bus.
The city has been designed beautifully and it is most popular for the beaches, hotels, restaurants, bars and many more. It is almost 183 Kilometers distance from Kolkata. This is one of the best offbeat places near Kharagpur.
10. Radha Nagar Beach – North Bengal Offbeat Places
If you are a beach lover then you must visit Radha Nagar beach because this is one of the most popular places to visit in North Bengal. The visitors are used to saying this is the longest and no 1 beach in India. The beach is located on Swaraj Dweep Island in South Andaman District.
This beautiful stretch of pristine sandy white coastline is a natural beauty and tourist haven, but it remains relatively unknown because of its remote location. The specialty of Radha Nagar beach is that visitors will find no resorts or hotels here— only locals who are as warm and hospitable as you’ll ever find.
A visit to Radha Nagar is an unforgettable experience; there are no facilities like toilets on this stretch, so pack your bags with some snacks, water bottles, and other essentials before you plan a trip here. What’s most surprising about Radha Nagar Beach is how few people know about it. It is one of the best offbeat places near Kolkata for a day trip.
Google Review – Radhanagar beach is one of the best beaches in India as well as in Asia. It is very well maintained. The coastline is very big & it offers you a lot of privacy even in a public place. The Forest track runs alongside the beach coastline. Hawkers and salesmen are not allowed inside the beach. The beach is neat & clean. The waters are turquoise blue with white sand and watching the sunset is highly recommended. It is a bit far from the city and please plan your return accordingly.
11. Bethuadhari Wildlife Sanctuary – Offbeat weekend destinations
If you are looking for the best places to visit near Kolkata for weekend, Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is a great option to choose from. It is just 2.5 hours away from one of West Bengal’s best-kept secrets. It is located in the Nakashipara area, Bethuadahari town, Nadia District.
It might not be as well-known as other destinations in West Bengal, but it’s still a perfect weekend gateway for tourists looking to experience something unique and offbeat. It is almost 134 Km distance from Kolkata.
In case you didn’t know already, Bethuadhari Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide range of spotted deer, jackal, Bengal fox, porcupine, Asian Palm, and Jungle Cat. And if you’re thinking about exploring Bethuadahari with a group of friends then just go for it.
Address – Nakashipara area, Bethuadahari town, Nadia District, West Bengal, India.
12. Taki – Picnic Spot near Kolkata with friends
Taki is located on the bank of the Ichamati river, and it is almost 70 kilometers distance from Kolkata city. It attracts many tourists from across India as well as foreigners who visit Taki during their holidays. This is one of the best holiday destinations near Kolkata.
It was owned by General Shankar Roychowdhury’s Zamindar bari. After that, it has become the most visited offbeat place near Kolkata. While visiting here, you can explore many interesting things like – Picnic Spot near Kolkata – Hotels in Taki – Resorts in Taki – Restaurants in Taki – Weekend Getaways from Kolkata to Taki.
From River Cruises to fishing trips and boat rides, there are a lot of options available at Taki for people looking for a weekend gateway from Kolkata. The best time to visit these places is May to October. Because in winter it becomes too cold. This is one of the best weekend destinations near Kolkata by car.
Address – HWMP+256, Taki, West Bengal 743429
Google Review – Great place nearby Kolkata for weekend gateways and even for day trips. There are some site-seeing options which include the river boat ride, Raj bari, bungalow, mandir, and mini Sundarbans forest. We had a good time.
13. Mayapur – ISKCON Temple
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is one of India’s biggest spiritual organizations & best place to visit. Mayapur, about 50 kilometers away from Kolkata, is home to a popular ISKCON temple.
A little further away is Allahabad Fort, built-in 1612 by Emperor Jahangir and later occupied by Lord Clive. Today it has been converted into a heritage hotel with a massive banquet hall and catering facilities. One of the best weekend destinations near Kolkata within 50 kms.
In all of these places, you get a spiritual experience as well as enjoy the luxury stay and fine dining services at affordable prices. It is almost 130 Kilometers distance from Kolkata. this is one of the best offbeat weekend destinations for sure. This is one of the best offbeat places in West Bengal.
Address – LBG Rd, Mayapur, West Bengal 741313
Google Review – This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in west Bengal.
There are many rooms, lodges, and hotels where you and your family can stay for a couple of nights. many tourists and foreigners come here to see the beautiful hare Krishna temple of MAYAPUR.
14. Sonajhuri Forest – Winter Time To Visit
If you are looking for the best places to visit or picnic spots near Kolkata then this is place that can be a suitable choice for you. Sonajhuri the name comes from Sonar Jor (Golden Island) which was built by Maharaja Manindra Chandra Nandy during the 17th century.
It is located in the Khoai region of Shantiniketan in Bolpur. The nearby place has a famous Shiva temple which is dedicated to the God Shiva.
The Winter season is the best time to visit, at this time you will see beautiful nature with lush green trees and blooming flowers. There are many beautiful spots that you can visit here. There are also you can find some resorts near Kolkata for weekend trip.
Some tourists prefer to stay here for a few days so that they can experience an unforgettable weekend getaway from bustling Kolkata. This is one of the best weekend destinations near Kolkata by car.
Address – MMRG+Q49, Birbhum, West Bengal 731204
Google Review – If you want to truly experience the beauty of the Sonajhuri forest, choose a day when the Sonajhuri Haat is closed. With the absence of the insanely large crowd, you could walk along a few trails inside the forest. Or, simply sit in an open space, sing a song, and enjoy a cup of hot tea.
15. Hazarduari Murshidabad – Places To Visit
Established by Nawab Nazim Humayun Jha in the 19th century when Murshidabad was the capital of Bangla, Bihar, and Odisha. Earlier it was called Bara Kuthi after that the name Hazarduari comes from the 1000 doors of that place.
Over time, it has been used as an administrative office for government officers and even served as a prison for some British soldiers. Hazarduari is a fantastic example of European architecture that perfectly blends with Indian design elements.
At present Hazarduari serve primarily as a tourist destination that showcases a stunning mix of European and Mughal architecture. The important exhibit you can see here like Mughal weapons, lavish paintings, marble statues, and Siraj-Ud-Daula’s swords.
In addition to its captivating beauty, Hazarduari is located in the Murshidabad district on the bank of the Bhagirathi river, which has several noteworthy sites worth visiting while you’re there. This is the best short trip near Kolkata for 1 day.
The district is home to another UNESCO World Heritage Site called Lalbagh Fort, Motijhil Park, Katra Mosque, Nasipur Palace, Imambara, House of Jagat Seth, and many more. The place is around 195 kilometers distance from Kolkata.
Address – Lalbagh, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India.
Best Entertaining Places to Visit Digha
- Udaipur Beach Digha – Udaipur beach is the right place to visit in Digha. It is an official tourist destination of India and the main attraction point on both sides of the Ganges River in West Bengal. This is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in India, but not many people know about it. It offers amazing views of the mighty river and sunset sights to welcome tourists from all over India to enjoy the natural beauty here.
- Amaravati Park Digha – Visiting any city or a place is not fun only because of the destination, but also many other aspects like how was the journey, did you find any good places to visit near Amaravati park Digha, how the hospitality and many more things which matter if you want to have a good time.
- Digha Science Centre – Digha Science Centre is one of the most amazing attractions in Digha. The Digha Science Centre was established inside the Digha Industrial Park in 1999. This Science Centre is more than just about Science – it’s a fun place to visit with your friends and family.
- Shankarpur Beach – If you are wondering to travel, India is a marvelous country to travel to. there is no other country like India. India has the Worlds Largest tourism sector. There are a lot of tourist sights in India. There are lots of beautiful beaches in India. Digha beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in West Bengal.
- Digha Mohana and Fish Market – Digha, a small town near Kolkata, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal. It is well known for its stunning beaches and one particular beach named Digha Mohana is the most popular among tourists.
List of beautiful villages near Kolkata
Here is the list of the top 10 beautiful villages near Kolkata –
| 1 | Joy pool, North 24 Pgns – 36 km from Kolkata |
| 2 | Chowdhury Zamindar Bari, Nimo – 95 km from Kolkata |
| 3 | Somrabazar, Hooghly – 82 km from Kolkata |
| 4 | Rajendrapur, South 24 Pgs – 42 km from Kolkata |
| 5 | Singee, Bardhaman – 135 km from Kolkata |
| 6 | Babur Haat, North 24 Pgs – 48 km from Kolkata |
| 7 | Malipara, Hooghly – 59 km. from Kolkata |
| 8 | Baluka Baganbari, Kalyani – 40 kms from Kolkata |
| 9 | Baburvani, Jangalmahal – 165 kms from Kolkata |
| 10 | Shikarpur, North 24 Pgs. – 22 km from Kolkata |
Offbeat Destinations in Kolkata
It’s always great to learn about different places around the world. We hope you enjoyed today’s post about the best offbeat places near Kolkata. If you have questions about places around the world, contact us anytime at contact@asruptravels. Thank you for reading.
Which National Park is known for Royal Bengal Tiger?
Bandhavgarh National Park is well known for its Royal Bengal Tiger.
What is the distance from Kolkata to Buxa National Park?
It is almost 18 hours Distance from Kolkata to Buxa National Park.
Where should I go for a one-day trip to Kolkata?
Here is the list for the trip to Kolkata for one day –
1. Shantiniketan
2. Sonajhuri
3. Mayapur
4. Tejpur
5. Taki
6. Babughat
7. Prinsep Ghat
8. Hazarduari, Murshidabad
9. Henry Island
10. Bishnupur
Which district is most beautiful in West Bengal?
Purulia is the most beautiful district in West Bengal. Which is blessed with Natural Beauty but if you want to see a historical place In West Bengal then you must visit Murshidabad.
Which is the nearest hill station from Kolkata?
Siliguri is the nearest hill station to Kolkata.
Which is the famous spot in Kolkata?
Victoria Memorial is one of the most famous spots in Kolkata.
Best Offbeat Places Near Kolkata
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you have found the best Best Offbeat Places Near Kolkata to visit. If you have any queries then please contact me with this mail id – contact@asruptravels.com. I will be so happy to see your message in my inbox. Thanks in advance.