Hey, bored with the weekly visits to the malls and eating joints. Why not just pack your bag and leave the city limits far behind you. Here are the 5 Best Drive Outings from Kolkata which can be achieved without much planning.
Raiganj, 390 kmIf you are looking for a different kind of holiday, Raiganj is the right place for you. Although a bit far away from the city, once you go to the place you will agree that everything is worth it. The Raiganj Bird Sanctuary, also called the Kulik Sanctuary, has more than 160 bird species. With the Kulik River flowing next to the shrine, you will enjoy the peaceful surroundings here. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
Bishnupur, 140 kmA picturesque city rich in heritage is the best way to describe Bishnupur, a quick 3-hour drive from Kolkata. Even as you drive to Bishnupur among endless paddy fields, the city greets you with the sight of temples in bright brick red color. This group of temples are perfect examples of excellent craftsmanship and intricate carvings. After a long and satisfying visit to the temple, you can also keep your mood alive with some quick shopping. Bishnupur is also where the famous Baluchari saris depicting scenes from the Mahabharata are woven by local artisans.
Shankarpur, 140km Very close to Digha, Shankarpur is the still pristine beach of Bengal. With a long pristine beach and all the trappings of a beach destination, you are sure to love Shankarpur. Watching the fishermen return in the early morning with a happy catch is a joy to watch. Local kiosk sells mouth watering fish and curry, which is a must-try. Visit nearby Mandarmani with its longest motor beach.
Sunderbans, 110kmClose to the city yet so enchantingly different, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sunderbans delta is a major tourist attraction. This largest estuarine rainforest in the world offers Sunderbans a completely unique experience with boat trips, mangrove forests and rustic local life in all its beauty. Sunderbans is also synonymous with the Royal Bengal tiger, so keep your binoculars handy. Numerous bird species, crocodiles and small animals will certainly keep you company.
Shantiniketan, 165 kmAs the name suggests, Shantiniketan is an abode of peace and tranquility. A 4-hour drive away, Visva Bharati University is a great place to spend a day surrounded by great works of art. The university campus is full of murals and sculptures and you can also find students painting under the trees. Music is a way of life here, and musicians are often seen performing to entertain guests. The end of the year is a great time to visit Shantiniketan for its ever-popular Posh mela.
Raichak, 55 kmAre you lazy to take a long ride? Well Raichak less than 2 hours away is your best bet. Fort Raichak, a luxurious resort on the banks of the Ganges, will spoil you with all its amenities. The choices here are plenty; whether you want to enjoy a spa session, play golf or tennis or simply relax with a book. Raichak is an oasis of luxury and a great place to relax and leave your worries behind.
