If you’re looking for the best places to visit for a day from Kolkata look no further than this list. There are a number of spots close to city that offer calm, peaceful beaches, bustling towns or rural villages. These stunning areas will have you spoilt for choice. And there are also some good options for those who love nature thanks to the national parks and gardens. If you’re looking for the best day trips, take your pick from the options below.
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Places to visit near Kolkata for 1 day: Under 100 kilometres
1. Salt Lake City
If you’re looking for a quick day trip close to the city of Kolkata then put Salt Lake City on your list. This area is famous for its clean air and greenery and offers some beautiful parks – the Nicco Park is one such park to visit. And it has rides too so that you can have a fun day out.
Distance from Kolkata: 10 kilometres
Suggested to Read : Places to Visit near Kolkata for 2 days
2. Shibpur
Located on the banks of the peaceful Hooghly River, this port is one of the trade routes established as far back as the Mughal Era. Apart from its history there is a lot of nature to be enjoyed here thanks to the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden which is home to plants from across the world including countries such as Nepal, Malaysia, and Brazil.
Distance from Kolkata: 11 kilometres
3. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple
This temple was built back in 1850 and if you love architecture, you’re going to enjoy visiting this historical spot. Here you will find the idol of Lord Shiva that is located in the middle of a lotus that’s been hand-carved. There are other temples worth visiting in the area including the ones devoted to Krishna and Radha.
Distance from Kolkata: 13 kilometres
Also Read : Temples in Kolkata
4. Santragachi Jheel
If you’re looking for a little adventure with relaxation, then this is the place for you. The “jheel” or lake is a resting place for several migratory birds and winter is the best time to visit to catch the magnificent flight of these birds. Some of the species you can see include whistling ducks, sarus crane, Northern pintail, gadwall and knob-billed ducks.
Distance from Kolkata: 14 kilometres
5. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
If you love nature you will simply adore this bird sanctuary. Here you will be able to see a range of birds including cormorants, woodpeckers, kingfishers, orioles and bulbuls. Besides the birds, there are also a number of trees and exotic flowers. Entry fee is Rs 50 per head and the sanctuary is open from 7 am to 5 pm.
Distance from Kolkata: 22 kilometres
6. Kolkata Snake Park
This Snake Park started in 1977 and is one of the best places close to Kolkata to visit for a day. This stunning park is spread over 2 acres of beautiful and lush greenery. As expected, there are a number of snakes in the area and you will get to see terrariums of the king cobra and pythons, as well as marsh crocodiles.
Distance from Kolkata: 26 kilometres
7. Barrackpore
This is a place of great historical significance. Here, many courageous Indian freedom fighters lost their lives, fighting for our country. Shaheed Mangal Pandey Udyan, which is named after the famous Mangal Pande, is located in Barrackpore. Another place worth seeing is the Bartholomew, which is a beautiful gothic-styled structure.
Distance from Kolkata: 28 kilometres
Must Read : Places to Visit in Kolkata
8. Achipur
This is the place of one of the oldest and biggest Chinese settlements in the country and is worth visiting for its food and culture. Apart from this, there are a number of stunning temples to visit, too. The best time to come here is during the Chinese new year, to see the place in all its vibrant glory. Another must see is the Budge Ferry Ghat.
Distance from Kolkata: 32 kilometres
9. Chandannagar
This town is famous for its European influence thanks to the French colony that settled here around 130 years ago. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, you will find many French constructions, including the stunning Sacred Heart Church that is over a 100 years old. The Patal Bari, Heritage Museum, the French Cemetery, and the Mango Garden are other places tourists will enjoy.
Distance from Kolkata: 45 kilometres
10. Chandraketugarh
in Chandraketugarh
This archaeological site is home to the kingdom of the Chandraketu Dynasty, which is estimated to be around 2500 years old. There are many points of interest and history here including the Khana Mihirer Ship, named after the mathematician Khana. Don’t miss the museums where you can check out terracotta statues, coins, seals and copper statues.
Distance from Kolkata: 45 kilometres
Also Read : Places to Visit near Kolkata within 100 kms
11. Babur Haat
This is one of the lesser known places near Kolkata and hence still retains its natural charm and beauty. One of the best things to check out here is the “theris” – these are natural fishing lakes used to farm Bengali fishes. If you’re up for it, you can even fish here. Apart from this a day trip here lets you enjoy weaving, boating and rice farming.
Distance from Kolkata: 48 kilometres
Places to visit near Kolkata for 1 day: Over 50 kilometers
1. Chinsurah
This is fondly referred to as Europe on the Ganges and this town is frequented by many tourists thanks to its stunning natural beauty. This town is a port on the Hooghly River and some of the attractions here include the Dutch Gardens and Dutch Cemetery along with the Octagonal Tomb of Susanna Anna Marina – the inspiration behind Ruskin Bond’s story Susanna’s Seven Husbands.
Distance from Kolkata: 50 kilometres
2. Raichak
This little town located on the edges of the Hooghly River is the perfect way to spend a day if you’re in Kolkata. The journey here is enjoyable and the best thing to do here is enjoy a trek through the Portuguese Fort. If you have time, the Diamond harbour and port are other points of interest.
Distance from Kolkata: 53 kilometres
Places to Stay: Hotels in Raichak Kolkata
Must Read : Places to Visit in Kolkata at Night
3. Santiniketan
Santiniketan is well known because it was the home of Rabindranath Tagore and over the years has become a major tourist hub with those looking for a break from the noise of the city. This area is university oriented and this town has a young buzz to it. You can just relax, read or visit some sites such as Rabindra Bhavana Museum, Upasana Ghar, Tagore’s Ashram and Khoai Mela during your day here.
Distance from Kolkata: 62 kilometers
4. Taki
If you’re interested in history and culture, the visit this spot that lets you see the true Bengal roots. This small village is located on the banks of the river Ichamati and boasts of natural beauty and cool weather. Taki can be reached by either road or train and takes under two hours, making it the perfect spot for a quick but memorable trip.
Distance from Kolkata: 67 kilometres
5. Piyali Islands
This is the perfect little getaway for a day. Getting here involves a short drive from Kolkata and once you arrive you will enjoy the beauty, landscape and clean air, this area has to offer. There are a number of trekking and boating options too for those who seek a little adventure. The best way to get here is by car.
Distance from Kolkata: 70 kilometres
Suggested to Read : Haunted Places in Kolkata
6. Golpatar Jungle
If you are looking for day out that combines nature and adventure then you cannot miss out on the Golpatar Jungle. Located on the edges of the Bangladeshi border, this place lets you indulge in boat rides on the peaceful river nearby. However, ensure that you carry some ID as you may need to show it to enter the some parts of the forest. The best and quickest way to get here is to take a local train from Sealdah till Taki Railway station.
Distance from Kolkata: 80 kilometres
7. Haldia
This popular and well known river port is a favourite of those who live close to the city of Kolkata. Here you will find a number of temples to check out including the Mahishadal Rajbari and Gopalajew Temple. The marine drive is a good place to watch the sun set over the port.
Distance from Kolkata: 91 kilometres
Also Read : Monuments in Kolkata
Places to Stay: Hotels in Haldia Kolkata
8. Sundarbans
If you’re looking for a great way to spend the day, then the Sundarbans should be on your list. It is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site and houses the largest mangrove forests, sprawled over 14,000 hectares acres of land. No construction is allowed here so you can truly experience nature at its finest. Here you will find 300 species of plants and over 30,000 deer.
Distance from Kolkata: 98 kilometres
9. Sagar Island
Caption: Sagar Island is a nice place to have a day picnic
This beach one of the best ways to spend a day out with your family or friends. This is where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. Sagar Island is said to hold the second largest festival in the world, the Gangasagar Fair, held annually in January. Some of the attractions you can visit here include the Sagar Lighthouse, Onkarnath and Kamil Muni temples.
Distance from Kolkata: 107 kilometres
There are a many places you can go once you touch down in Kolkata as our list shows. So no matter what you prefer, everything is just a short drive away from this bustling city. Let us know which day trips you decided to do in the comments section below.
Places to Stay: Hotels in Sagar Island Kolkata
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