We all love our weekend getaways to get rid of the burden of our 9-to-5 jobs. And, a long weekend is like the icing on the cake. If you are thinking of planning a long weekend trip from Kolkata this August then I have some destinations for you in my mind. From Kolkata, within a few km, you can find mountains, sea beaches, jungle safaris, or some amazing road trips. And, my list of the Top 10 long weekend getaways from Kolkata will certainly help you plan better.
Long weekends in August 2022
- 13th, 14th, 15th August– Independence Day weekend( Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
- 11th,12th, 13th, 14th, 15th August- 11th Aug (Rakhi), 15th Aug(Independence Day), 12th Aug leave for a 5-day long weekend.
- 19th, 20th, 21st August- Janmashtami weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Top long weekend getaways from Kolkata
Kolkata is a land of joy. It is the city that knows how to eat and how to travel. In this city, in the eastern part of India people can vouch for their food, culture, and festivals. For centuries the fun-loving people from Bengal love traveling.
I am from Kolkata, and between a tight schedule of work, I do love my weekends. And, what’s better than a long weekend? A little more time to breathe, a little more chance to rejuvenate ourselves before we get back to our daily routine.
I have curated this perfect list of travel destinations keeping a 3-day or an extended 5-day weekend in my mind. Most of them are planned according to a 3-day weekend. So, some of the trips might require you to travel on Friday night and come back on Monday night or Thursday night- Sunday night. I would try to keep your itinerary as relaxed as possible.
Garpanchkot- Perfect long weekend getaway from Kolkata
Garpanchkot is located in the foothills of Panchet hill in the Purulia district. The small hilly area of Garpanchkot is a symbol of the history of Bengal. The ruins of the Panchkot fort stand tall as a testimony of the ‘Bargi’ attack by the Maratha men who looted and destroyed the palace during the 1740s.
But, this place is not just about the ruins or mandirs of the history of Bengal. Garpanchkot has the beautiful Panchet hill on its back. On the trails of the hill, you will find lush green jungles, lakes, and waterfalls.
In August the weather becomes cooler, the nature shows its true colors after being washed by the rains of monsoon. A long drive on a long weekend with friends and family to this place can be an amazing vacation idea to rejuvenate yourselves.
| Distance from Kolkata | 250 km | |
| How to visit Garhpanchkot from Kolkata | By Train- From Howrah Station to Kumardubi Station you can go by train which would take around 3-4 hours. From there you can take an auto/ cab to reach Garpanchkot. By Road– 5-6 hours by car via NH19 | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit near Garpanchkot | Garh Panchkot palace, Jaychandi Pahar, Baranti Lake, Panchet Dam, Maithon Dam, Kalyaneshwari Temple |
Murshidabad- Historical outing near Kolkata
Murshidabad, India’s historical heritage is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. This place has had the most significant effects on the history of India and the beginning of British rule in India. Murshidabad was once the richest city in Bengal.
This is one of the best places we can visit for a long weekend getaway from Kolkata. You won’t have to travel a lot of distance in Murshidabad. On the first day, you can visit the places on the other side of the river. And on the second day of your stay try to check out the notable places like Hazarduari palace, Katra Masjid, Moti Jheel, etc.
This is a great place to visit with your family. There are some good hotels and restaurants as well in Berhampore where you can enjoy a comfortable stay.
| Distance from Kolkata | 210 km | |
| How to visit Murshidabad from Kolkata | By Train– You can take a train from Kolkata Station to Berhampore Court / Murshidabad station which would take around 4 hours. From there you can take an auto/ toto( electric rickshaw) to reach Murshidabad. By Road– 5-6 hours by bus, buses are available from Esplanade Bus stand, Kolkata | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Murshidabad | Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid, Moti jheel, Khosh Bagh, Kathgola garden, Nasirpur Palace, Jagat Seth’s house, Nizmat Imambara, Jafarganj Cemetry |
Takdah- An offbeat weekend getaway near Kolkata
Takdah is a small village nestled in the mountains. in the district of Darjeeling in the northern part of West Bengal. This place is quickly becoming famous among mountain lovers who seek offbeat travel destinations.
During British rule, Takdah was a cantonment area. In the pressure of civilization and the growth of tourism in Darjeeling, the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling has become a concrete jungle. And, travelers are looking for a place calmer than Darjeeling. And, for them, Takdah has become a go-to place.
Takdah offers beautiful views of the mountains full of greenery. You will often find yourself covered in white clouds moving along the slope of the mountains.
Alongside the roads tall pine and oak trees grow densely. Dense cloud cover on top of the large trees creates a foggy and misty atmosphere. It is truly an amazing experience to walk through the foggy roads in Takdah on a monsoon morning.
Takdah is yet to be commercialized and that’s why it could still hold onto its serenity and rawness. To truly enjoy the charm of Takdah you should try to stay in homestays or the forest bungalows. A long weekend stay in Takdah is truly going to rejuvenate you for the coming week.
| Distance from Kolkata | 648 km | |
| How to visit Takdah from Kolkata | By Train– Trains are available from Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri. It takes around 10-11 hours. It would take around 2-3 hours to reach Takdah from NJP station by cab. Available trains are- Darjeeling Mail, Shatabdi Express, Kanchan Kanya, Kanchanjunga, Teesta Torsha, Saraighat Express, etc. By Road– 12-13 hours by bus, buses are available from Esplanade Bus stand, Kolkata up to Siliguri, Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand. From Siliguri take a cab to Takdah. That would take around 2-3 hours. By Air– Nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri. From CCU it takes around 45-50 minutes by flight. From Bagdogra Airport you would have to rent a cab to reach Takdah. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Takdah | Takdah Orchid Centre, Gumbadara viewpoint, Lamahatta Eco Park, Takdah Monastery, Teesta Valley Tea Estate, Rungli Rungliot Tea Estate, Takdah old heritage bungalows, magnificent pine forests |
Tinchuley- A perfect long weekend alternative to Darjeeling
Tinchuley is also another offbeat tourist destination near Darjeeling. Tinchuley is located within 10 kilometers of Takdah. This rustic remote area in Darjeeling offers a serene that would calm your mind and soul.
From Tinchuley you can enjoy breathtaking views of lush green mountains with Sunrise and Sunset. Around Tinchuley many tea estates are located. You can spend some amazing time playing in the tea gardens.
If you are lucky enough then on a bright morning you can get amazing views of Kanchenjunga peak from the Gumbadara viewpoint in Tinchuley.
In Lamahatta Eco Park you can do a small trek of 1 km to reach the unique lake on the mountain top. If you are fit enough you must try this and enjoy the amazing atmosphere on the top.
In 2 days you can cover all the amazing places in Takdah and Tinchuley together. You can choose to stay either in Takdah or Tinchuley. These two places should be on your bucket list before planning for a long weekend.
| Distance from Kolkata | 640 km | |
| How to visit Tinchuley from Kolkata | By Train– Trains are available from Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri. It takes around 10-11 hours. It would take around 2-3 hours to reach Tinchuley from NJP station by cab. Available trains are- Darjeeling Mail, Shatabdi Express, Kanchan Kanya, Kanchanjunga, Teesta Torsha, Saraighat Express, etc. By Road– 12-13 hours by bus, buses are available from Esplanade Bus stand, Kolkata up to Siliguri, Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand. From Siliguri take a cab to Tinchuley. That would take around 2-3 hours. By Air– Nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri. From CCU it takes around 45-50 minutes by flight. From Bagdogra Airport you would have to rent a cab to reach Tinchuley. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Tinchuley | Tinchuley Monastery, Chhota Mungwa, Bara Mungwa, Takdah, Lamahatta Eco Park, Tinchuley view point, Peshok Tea Garden |
Darjeeling- The queen of the hills
Darjeeling, the queen of the hills needs no introduction. Any list of destinations from Kolkata is incomplete without mentioning Darjeeling on it. Darjeeling hill station was built during the British era.
Every year thousands of tourists come to Darjeeling. Monsoon is considered to be an off-season. Though the real beauty of the hills in Darjeeling is enjoyed during this time. Getting lost in the cool and comfortable weather inside the clouds is an amazing experience. Lush green mountains are soothing to the eyes.
A walk down the Darjeeling mall road, enjoying views of Kanchenjunga, traveling through the roads in a toy train, or having breakfast at Glenary’s and Keventers are going to make your day special.
There are many notable places to visit in Darjeeling. Cabs are frequently available as well. Share taxis are available @ 15 Rs/person. You can book a cab for a day and visit places like Takdah, Tinchuley, and Lamahatta.
Staying at Darjeeling is not a problem. As there are many heritage luxury hotels to cheap hotels. Also, the homestay business is catching up in Darjeeling, and many of them are providing work-from-home facilities as well for the people who love workation.
| Distance from Kolkata | 640 km | |
| How to reach Darjeeling from Kolkata | By Train– Trains are available from Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri. It takes around 10-11 hours. It would take around 3 hours to reach Darjeeling from NJP station by cab. Trains that go to NJP from Kolkata- Darjeeling Mail, Shatabdi Express, Kanchan Kanya, Kanchanjunga, Teesta Torsha, Saraighat Express, etc. By Road– 12-13 hours by bus, buses are available from Esplanade Bus stand, Kolkata up to Siliguri, Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand. From Siliguri take a cab to Darjeeling. That would take around 2-3 hours. By Air– Reach Bagdogra Airport from CCU by flight. From Bagdogra, you can rent a cab/ shared taxi to Darjeeling. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days or 4 Nights | 5 Days | |
| Places to visit in Darjeeling | Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Mall Road, Kanchenjunga View Point, Batasia Loop, Rock Garden, Darjeeling Railway Station, Dali Monastery, Peace Pagoda, Lamahatta Park, Tea Gardens, Darjeeling Zoo, etc. |
Mandarmani-Tajpur- Best beach destination near Kolkata
Within 200 km of Kolkata, there are quite a few beaches. But none of them are as clean and pristine as Mandarmani sea beach. Over the years Digha has been the go-to destination for beach lovers. But it often gets flak for being dirty and overcrowded. In the last few years, Mandarmani has evolved into a beach destination near Kolkata that everyone wanted.
Mandarmani is a very popular destination for a weekend trip because of its cleaner beach, relaxing atmosphere, and, couple-friendly environment. Hotels are very close to the beach and hospitable. On Mandarmani beaches you won’t find many fishing boats that add to the cleanliness of the beach. Also, not being very crowded you can have a relaxing walk around the beach.
Tajpur beach is within a few km of Mandarmani sea beach. Tajpur is not as developed as Mandarmani. But the beach is clean and less crowded. On the beachside shacks, delicious fish and seafood items are available.
It is better if you stay at the hotels in Mandarmani and visit nearby places though there is not much to see. But if you are looking to relax on the sea shore then it is the best nearby place to be at.
Note: Please be cautious while trying seafood from seaside stalls.
| Distance from Kolkata | 170 km | |
| How to visit Mandarmani from Kolkata | By Train– Trains are available up to Kanthi or Contai station. From there you can board a bus or take a cab. By Road– 4-5 hours. From the Esplanade bus stand buses are available to the Chawlkhola Bus stand. From Chawlkhola to Mandarmani you can go by auto rickshaw which would take around 15-20 minutes. You can also drive to Mandarmani from Kolkata in 4-5 hours. The roads are excellent up to Nandakumar. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Mandarmani | Mandarmani Sea Beach, Tajpur sea beach, Sankarpur, Mohana. |
Kalimpong- The scenic beauty
Kalimpong is a small hill town near Darjeeling. Earlier it was part of the Darjeeling district. In 2017 Kalimpong was divided from Darjeeling as a separate town. Kalimpong is known for its buildings of colonial-era, Buddhist monasteries, lush green mountains, and old churches.
A two-day weekend getaway to Kalimpong can be the perfect solution to kill boredom and enjoy the beauty of the monsoon.
Mesmerizing Teesta river flows by the town of Kalimpong. Visit the popular morgan house. Walk around Deolo Park. Heal your soul at the Durpin Dara monastery.
Kalimpong also has some old heritage hotels where you can have an amazing and relaxing stay.
| Distance from Kolkata | 650 km | |
| How to reach Kalimpong from Kolkata | By Train– Trains are available from Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri. It takes around 10-11 hours. It would take around 3 hours to reach Kalimpong from NJP station by cab. By Road– 12-13 hours by bus, buses are available from Esplanade Bus stand, Kolkata up to Siliguri, Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand. From Siliguri to Kalimpong you can reach by cab within 3-4 hours. By Air– Reach Bagdogra Airport from CCU by flight. From Bagdogra, you can rent a cab/ shared taxi to Kalimpong. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Kalimpong | Durpin Dara Hill, Deolo Hill, Morgan House, Golf Course, Teesta Bazar, Lepcha Museum, 7th Mile View Point, Dong Palriffo Brang Gompa, or Durpin Monastery |
Mukutmanipur- A perfect road trip from Kolkata
Mukutmanipur is a small village in the district of Bankura famous for its world’s second largest earthen dam on the confluence of the Kumari and Kangsavati rivers. The dam forms a necklace around the village. The views of the sunset with their large water reservoir in the background are surreal.
Mukutmanipur is also a very famous picnic spot in winter. But during monsoon, the nearby jungle trails and villages flourish with the beauty of raw nature. And that is the best part of this place. You can enjoy the serenity and rawness of this rustic place while relaxing with your family.
There are quite a few things to do in Mukutmanipur. Also, within a few kilometers, some amazing cultural heritages of west Bengal are there. That’s why if you are looking for someplace else other than the beach or mountains this time then Mukutmanipur is one of the best long weekend getaways from Kolkata.
| Distance from Kolkata | 231 km | |
| How to reach Mukutmanipur from Kolkata | By Train– No direct trains are available to Mukutmanipur from Kolkata. The nearest railway station is Bankura Railway Station. From there you can take a taxi or public bus to reach Mukutmanipur. By Road– Buses are available from Esplanade/ Karunamoyee Bus Stand to Bankura Bus Stand. From there separate local buses are available. Buses are not frequent so it could get troublesome. The best way to reach Mukutmanipur is by car. Which would take around 5-6 hours. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Mukutmanipur | Kangsabati Dam, Pareshnath Shiv mandir, Musafirana View point, Bonpukuria Deer Park | |
| Nearby Places to visit from Mukutmanipur | Bishnupur, Sonajhuri village, Jhilimili forest |
Kurseong- Top long weekend getaway from Kolkata in August
Kurseong or ‘Land of White Orchids’ is a popular tourist spot near Darjeeling in north Bengal. Kurseong is located at a distance of 50 km from Siliguri and 30 km from Darjeeling. Kurseong is famous for its lush green tea gardens on the foothills, Buddist monasteries, awesome viewpoints, and Unesco-accredited heritage the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.
Kurseong has some of the best tea estates in Darjeeling. You should check out some of them and taste their special tea. Margeret’s Deck has also become a must-visit place in Kurseong for its amazing food, tea, and exceptional views from the deck.
If you are looking for a very secluded place for your stay in Kurseong then you should stay at Beltar Resort. In between the hills, it is a luxurious resort with a giant pool. You would enjoy spending some good time with your loved ones watching the clouds rolling down the foothills of Kurseong.
If you are planning to visit Darjeeling for 4N/5D then do stop by Kurseong for two days.
| Distance from Kolkata | 611 km | |
| How to reach Kurseong from Kolkata | Please refer to the route of Kolkata-Darjeeling. Kurseong comes on the way to Darjeeling. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Kurseong | Hanuman Tok, Dow Hill, Eagle’s Crag, Margaret’s Deck, Giddapahar Viewpoint, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, Makaibari Tea Estate, Giddapahar Sitala Mata Mandir, Kurseong-Darjeeling Railways. |
Bakkhali- A unique beach with a mangrove forest
Bakkhali is a small village in South 24 Parganas very close to the Sundarban region. Due to that, Bakkhali sea beach is covered with a mangrove forest nearby. That adds to the rawness in the backdrop of the beach. Bakkhali sea beach is quite barren and has rawness in its attire.
Jambu Dweep( island) and Henry’s island is the popular attraction here. You can visit these places in the daytime and enjoy the serenity of an isolated island. During you will enjoy the fresh fish in the sea stalls. And you would enjoy sitting on the beaches at night. Though the hotels are not as close to the beach, unlike Mandarmani.
| Distance from Kolkata | 130 km | |
| How to reach Bakkhali from Kolkata | By Train– No direct trains are available to Bakkhali from Kolkata. The nearest railway station to Bakkhali is Namkhana Railway Station. From Namkhana you can board a ferry to cross the small river. From there onwards you will get a van rickshaw or toto( electric rickshaw) to Bakkhali. By Road– Buses are available from Esplanade Bus Stand to Bakkhali. Buses are available frequently. By car, it takes around 3-4 hours via Kakdwip and crosses the river via Hatania-Doania bridge or Namkhana bridge. The roads are good for travel by car. | |
| Duration of Stay | 2 Nights | 3 Days | |
| Places to visit in Bakkhali | Bakkhali beach, Henry’s island, Jambu Deep |
