8 Destinations Near Kolkata For A Quick Festive Escape This Durga Puja

Durga Puja in Kolkata is not just a festival; it’s an experience that takes over the entire city. With their creativity, pandals bring the streets to life, and the sound of dhaak and the aroma of bhog fill the air. But if you’re visiting the city during this festive season, why not make the most of it by exploring beyond Kolkata too? When visiting Durga Puja, you should visit these places near Kolkata.

Best Places Near Kolkata To Explore

1. Digha

If you ask anyone in Bengal about a quick seaside getaway, chances are the first name they’ll say is Digha. This charming beach town has been a favourite for generations, and it’s easy to see why. With soft sand, shallow waters, and waves that are suitable for both children and adults, this beach is nearly 7 km long. Without actually diving in, the Marine Aquarium and Research Centre is a great way to observe the underwater world. For those with a spiritual side, the Jagannath Temple adds a touch of sacred calm to the coastal air. If you’re up for a short drive, the Chandaneswar Shiva Temple, just 8 km away, is another important spiritual spot.

2. Shankarpur

If Digha feels too crowded during festive days, drive a little further to Shankarpur. It’s often called Digha’s twin, but in reality, it’s quieter, calmer, and almost untouched. The casuarina trees that surround the beach and sway gently in the breeze give the place a sense of seclusion. Shankarpur is also a fishing harbour, so you often see fishermen bringing in their catch for the day. The area keeps a calm and relaxed atmosphere because there aren’t many lavish hotels or restaurants. This is the perfect place near Kolkata for those who want to spend a lot of time by the water, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

3. Tajpur

The beach of Tajpur seems to be a well-kept secret. Being relatively unknown, it is one of the most serene beach locations close to Kolkata. With its unique inverted crescent shape, this beach offers a broad, unobstructed view of the ocean. Tajpur’s tiny red crabs, however, are what really make the place magical. You will notice thousands of crabs scuttling around the sand as you walk on it, giving it a glowing red hue. It’s definitely a sight to behold. You might even see groups of seagulls soaring low over the waves if you visit early in the morning. Tajpur is the perfect place near Kolkata to escape the crowds and take in the beauty of nature.

4. Sundarbans

Kolkata is just a few hours away from the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and one of the most unique places on the planet. Not only is it a forest, but it’s a vast network of rivers, creeks, islands, and mudflats that are home to amazing wildlife. The main attraction is, of course, the Royal Bengal Tiger, which prowls the mangroves in peace. It’s an adventure to take a boat ride here. Here, you may spot colourful birds soaring overhead, deer grazing close to the mangroves, or crocodiles lounging on the banks.

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5. Bakkhali

If your idea of a holiday is walking on a quiet beach without bumping into too many people, then Bakkhali is perfect. This small seaside hamlet has an 8 km-long white sand beach that stretches all the way to Fraserganj. Because the beach is so level and firm, you can even drive or ride a bike on parts of it. The sunsets are spectacular, and the evenings are windy and cool. Beyond the beach, you can explore the Bakkhali Watch Tower for sweeping views or go to the nearby Sundarbans to see the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project. Since it’s not very crowded, this place near Kolkata makes for a soothing escape where you can reconnect with nature.

6. Shantiniketan

Far from the beaches but rich in culture is Shantiniketan, the town built on the vision of Rabindranath Tagore. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, it continues to uphold the values of peace, learning, and creativity. To serve as a centre for literature, art, and culture, Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in the town. Shantiniketan is also a festival town; during the winter Poush Mela and the spring Basanta Utsav (Holi), the town is transformed into a riot of colour, dance, and music. If you want to step into Bengal’s artistic soul, this place near Kolkata is the place to be.

7. Bishnupur

When you enter Bishnupur, it’s like entering a terracotta-bound history book. Known for its distinctive terracotta temples constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, this town was once ruled by the Malla kings. The elaborate carvings that adorn these temples depict scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Both the Rasmancha, with its odd pyramidal shape, and the Jorbangla Temple, with its twin hut-like structure, are must-see sites. But Bishnupur is also well-known for its Baluchari sarees, which are woven with mythological patterns, and its classical music tradition, known as the Bishnupur Gharana. 

8. Sagar Island

Finally, Sagar Island, also known as Gangasagar, is a place that blends spirituality with nature. Every January, Makar Sankranti draws millions of pilgrims who come to bathe in the sacred water at the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Ganga. After the dip, they visit one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Kapil Muni Temple. But even outside the festival, Sagar Island has its own charm. For a peaceful weekend, the silver-toned, quiet beaches are ideal. The Bharat Sevashram Sangha and the Onkarnath Temple are two temples that contribute to the spiritual ambience.

Whether you’re in Kolkata for Durga Puja or just visiting, these places are perfect for a short vacation.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Touhid Parvez and Canva/Subhasish Mitra