Kolkata is arranged around the east bank of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. Some call it the City of Joy and think of it as the seat of the country’s culture. Kolkata is India’s oldest port, from the days of the East India Company and the precursor to New Delhi. For tourists, Kolkata doesn’t disappoint – with its local traditions and famous destinations. Kolkata is surrounded by many beautiful locations worth visiting. If from Kolkata or visiting, this list forms the best tourist places near Kolkata within 300 kilometers to see while on a short trip.
Tourist places near Kolkata within 300 kilometer
1. Tarakeswar
At a distance from Kolkata and connected by a train, Tarakeswar is a municipality of Hooghly District. Popular for the Taraknath Temple, which is often the destination of pilgrimage, Tarakeshwar is always teeming with pilgrims, especially on Mondays. Thousands, however, arrive here in July-August, for the Shravani Mela. The Temple is an example of Bengal temple architecture. Do visit if planning a short trip away from the city.
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2. Chandan Nagar
Also known as Chandernagore, this was a former French colony near Kolkata which has a distinctly different identity and characteristics. When it was taken over by Col. Robert Clive in 1757, it lost its position of importance to Kolkata, but remained as a small pocket of land under French rule under Pondicherry and merged with India only in June 1948.
Distance from Kolkata: 61 kilometres
3. Kamarpukur
A love for history includes yearning for the past, and this holds true for Kamarpukur. The village contains the remains of previous glory. A part of Kamarpukur history and its allure for tourists is that it was the birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the teacher of Swami Vivekananda. The village contains a temple dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Visit the Vishalakshi Temple in Anur 2 kilometers away, making it perfect for a day’s short trip.
Distance from Kolkata: 97 kilometres
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4. Sundarbans
The Sunderbans in Kolkata are one of the world’s natural wonders and a major part of its tourist revenue. One of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, with the world’s largest delta (Brahmaputra, Ganges, Meghna) and a national park that contains a Tiger Reserve. The undisturbed stretch of forest spreads on towards Bangladesh. Despite spending nothing longer than a short trip there, the memory of the visit will remain with you for a very long time.
Distance from Kolkata: 114 kilometres
5. Haldia
Famous for its monuments and for the undisturbed nature in the region, Haldia is a river port beside Kolkata. However, Haldia is not teeming with tourists and visitors at present. The Gopaljee Temple in Haldia was built by Rani Janki Devi, and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Temple contains idols of Lord Shiva as well. The Mahishadal Rajbari, a palace in Haldia, has a division with examples of taxidermy that can be seen if permission is granted.
Distance from Kolkata: 119 Kilometres
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6. Henry’s island
Henry is said to have been a European from the 19th century, but now Henry’s Island belongs to Fisheries Department of West Bengal. They have a few hotels there, and work for the development of prawns and fishes. The island is said to be beautiful, with pale sand and the sway of the ocean. Visit, for the sky and the waves, for a day spent in pure enjoyment by the beach on the island.
Distance from Kolkata: 127 kilometres
7. Santiniketan
A small town with history from the days of the Indian Renaissance and Debendranath Tagore, Santiniketan is where the ashram of the Brahmo Samaj was first founded and Rabindranath Tagore founded his Patha Bhavana, a school that eventually grew into a university in 1921. Many students of the university grew to contribute to society. If fond of India’s history, and its gradual progress over the years, plan a trip to Santiniketan.
Distance from Kolkata: 162 kilometres
8. Shankarpur
Shankarpur Beach is peaceful and isolated, and is famous for its scenery and beauty. Located in the East Medinipur district, Shankarpur is known by a select few, and will not feature on a tourist brochure. Visit, with family or friends, to enjoy the sea and the beach in relative peace and quiet.
Distance from Kolkata: 176 kilometres
9. Bishnupur
Bishnupur is famous for a number of temples constructed from local laterite and terracotta. This list includes the Rasmancha, which is shaped like a pyramid and was constructed around 1600. Carved by the artisans of Bengal’s history, these temples are known to be absolutely beautiful and intricate in their design. Find the stories from the Mahabharath carved into the walls here.
Distance from Kolkata: 180 kilometres
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10. Digha
A busy seaport in West Bengal, Digha is famous for the part it played during the British Raj and its beaches. It was called the Brighton of the East by Englishmen, and is mentioned in Warren Hastings’ letters. Leave the city and head for the beaches, with all the necessary picnic stuff and swimsuits.
Distance from Kolkata: 184 kilometres
11. Asansol
Asansol is the second largest city in West Bengal after Kolkata, with a history dating back to times when its residents were Dravidian and Australoid. A part of the kingdom of the Malla dynasty which ruled from Bishnupur, this city has a Jain temple devoted to Vasupujya, the twelfth Tirthankara of Jains. Visit the beautiful parks that Asansol is home to or go trekking in the Biharinath hills and enjoy nature at its best.
Distance from Kolkata: 213 kilometres
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12. Baripada
A visit to Baripada will not be complete without seeing the beauty of the Mayur Bhanj Palace. You may also want to visit the Jwalamukhi temple and the Jagannath temple here. The Rath Yatra of Jagannath at Baripada is second only to the Yatra at Puri in Odisha. Visit India’s famous national park, the Simlipal National park, is a great experience with its ancient temples, lush valleys and its rich forest lands full of flora and fauna.
Distance from Kolkata: 223 kilometres
13. Chandipur
Located on the sea in Odisha, this small resort is very popular among tourists. The waters at the beach recede a full 5 kilometres when in ebb, encouraging a lot of biodiversity. The tiger reserve near here boasts an area of 2750 sq. kilometres and is home to a variety of fauna, including leopards, elephants, deer, crocodiles and reptiles. There’s a shrine to Shiva as Panchalingeshwara worth visiting.
Distance from Kolkata: 258 kilometres
14. Jamshedpur
A planned industrial city, Jamshedpur is home to Tata Steel, the pride of India as the World’s tenth largest steel manufacturing company. The vision of Jamsetji Tata and the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj combined to make this temple of modern India possible, making it a choice destination for visitors from all over the country.
Highly well-planned, the city functions beautifully under the management of the Tata Steel Company, and has no municipality to manage it. Do visit the many parks and religious places at this beautiful city and the water lilies at Jayanti Sarovar.
Distance from Kolkata: 284 kilometres
There are many tourist places near Kolkata within 300 kms. You can take your pick from the 14 we’ve listed above. You can decide whether you wish to see industrial centres, religious places, natural habitats and beautiful beaches; because all these options are open to you within 300 kilometres of Kolkata.
Book pleasant stays with hotels in Kolkata.