Synonymous with culture, and high on life, Kolkata is a city which celebrates its people every single day. From its artistic grandeur to its rustic street food, and from its rich history to its inspiring culture, Kolkata is not just a place but an experience in itself.
Likewise, there are few hidden gems near the city of joy which make for amazing road trips from Kolkata. Be it for a day-trip or a weekend getaway, embark on an enchanting road trip that takes you to the unseen wonders near Kolkata.
17 Best Road Trips From Kolkata Under 500 km
Here are a few road trips from Kolkata that you can take under 500 km. You can start from Kolkata and with plenty of opportunities to take halts in between, it would be a great ride if you follow the correct path as suggested below:
- Falta – A River Town
- Raichak – For A Short Tour
- Chinsurah – The City With A Colonial Past
- Deulti – A Calm And Mystical Village
- Piyali Island – The Gateway To Sundarbans
- Sunderbans – With A Shimmering Coastline
- Bakkhali – Located Between Islands
- Bishnupur – A Town With Breathtaking Architecture
- Mandarmani – A Pristine Gem
- Digha – A Coastal Resort Town
- Mukutmanipur – A Natural Resort
- Jamshedpur – Visit The Myriad Of Attractions
1. Falta – A River Town
Also popular as a river town, Falta is one of the ideal weekend getaways from Kolkata. With a bunch of picnic destinations, with the confluence of river Damodar and Hoogly, the place has been nurtured as a rivertown resort. If you are looking for the best bike trip from Kolkata, then visit Falta. There are some farmhouses, temples and ferries that give a riverside tour.
Route: Bankura – Beliator – Sonamukhi – Khandaghosh – Nischintapur – Diamond Harbour
Distance: 52 km
Time Taken: 2 hours
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Famous For: Hoogly river
Must Read: Durga Puja In Kolkata: A Guide To Feel The Joy Of This Festival
2. Raichak – For A Short Tour
Located in the town of Diamond Harbour, Raichak happens to be a great choice for those who’re looking forward to go on a short tour from Kolkata. Considered to be one of the best and famous picnic spots near Kolkata, it is a serene destination perched on the banks of River Hooghly. Be it the popular lighthouse at Diamond Harbour or the ancient Raichak Fort, unravel the treasures of Raichak on a memorable road trip. This is also one of the most popular long drive destinations near Kolkata.
Route: Bankura – Beliator – Sonamukhi – Khandaghosh – Nischintapur Road
Distance: 53 km away
Time Taken: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Best Time To Visit: September to April
Famous For: Historic architecture
Suggested Read: 60 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata That Reflect Its True Art
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
3. Chinsurah – The City With A Colonial Past
Image Credits: Biswarup Ganguly for Wikimedia
Chinsurah is a city in the Hooghly district and was once a part of the Dutch settlement in India. A short bike trip from Kolkata is very much recommended to visit Chinsurah and tour around this historic place. The old military barracks, Hooghly Imambara, Bandel Church, Aqua Marina water park and Sobuj Deep are some of the best attractions to visit in the city.
Route: Via Delhi Road
Distance: 53 km
Time Taken: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Famous For: European settlements along Hooghly
Suggested Read: Shopping In Kolkata: A Guide To Help You Spend Money On The Right Item!
4. Deulti – A Calm And Mystical Village
Image Credits: Tarun Samanta for Wikimedia
Deulti is a village nestled on the Rupnarayan river and one of the most popular weekend getaways from Kolkata by road. If you like the calm mysticism of a village, then this little wonder will shine on your tour. Enjoy the quietness of this little retreat. You will be astonished by the panoramic views, charming landscape and an immense range of flora and fauna. Picnic at the Leisure Park or visit Kolaghat, a fish town nearby or just simply stroll through the many paths of the village, we are sure it will be a wonder for you.
Route: Via Makardah Road and NH 16
Distance: 67 km
Time Taken: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Best Time To Visit: November to January
Famous For: Author late Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Suggested Read: Visit These 11 Haunted Places In Kolkata And Discover Their Real Ghost Stories
5. Piyali Island – The Gateway To Sundarbans
Another great opportunity for a bike trip from Kolkata is in the form of Piyali Island. It is one of the main entry points to Sunderbans and located in an area away from hustle and bustle, making it the perfect place for weekend getaway. Connected to the islands of Sudhanyakhali and Netidhopani by waterways, the island meets at the confluence of the Piyali and Malta rivers. Enjoying a boat ride and birdwatching is a great pastime at the island.
Route: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass
Distance: 69 km
Time Taken: 3 hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For: Paddy fields
Suggested Read: 9 Best Beaches Near Kolkata Which Are The Ideal Getaway For A Relaxing Vacation
6. Sunderbans – With A Shimmering Coastline
Nestled on the shimmering coastline of Bay of Bengal, the enthralling wonder of Sunderbans make for one of the most engaging road trips from Kolkata. A World Heritage Site of Bangladesh, the dense Sunderbans are spread across a land that measures about 10,000 square kilometres. From the delta region in India to three different districts in Bangladesh, embarking on a road trip to Sunderbans is once-in-a-lifetime.
Route: Kolkata – Canning – Godkhali Ferry Ghat
Distance: 114 km away
Time Taken: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Famous For: White tigers
Suggested Read: 33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata: Know What Makes It The City Of Joy
7. Bakkhali – Located Between Islands
Bakkhali is considered another of the great weekend getaways from Kolkata by road. With plenty of places to visit, you will never get bored of your vacation to Bakkhali. It is part of the Sundarbans islands that are located between islands. Some of the top destinations in the island include Henry Island, Bakkhali beach, Jambudwip, Mangrove Resort Garden, the Watchtower and more.
Route: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and NH 12
Distance: 125 km
Time Taken: 4 hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For: Coastline villages
Suggested Read: 6 Luxurious Villas In Kolkata Which One Must Visit And Enjoy A Relaxing Stay!
8. Bishnupur – A Town With Breathtaking Architecture
In search of a great escape for a short road trip from Kolkata but not too far from the city? Head towards the fascinating town of Bishnupur. Home to numerous Hindu temples, the town is known for the breathtaking architecture of its temples that are made from locally produced terracotta. Set in the Bankura district, the town is also famed as Vishnupur and serves as a beautiful escape for a day.
Route: Bankura – Beliator – Sonamukhi – Khandaghosh – Nischintapur Road – SH 2
Distance: 140 km away
Time Taken: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For: Medieval terracotta temples
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9. Mandarmani – A Pristine Gem
Set along the shoreline of Bay of Bengal in the northern region, travelers can make the most of a day trip from Kolkata by heading towards the seaside town of Mandarmani. Although chances are high that you might not have heard the name before, Mandarmani is a gem of East Midnapore district in West Bengal which is famous for being a home to the red crabs.
Route: NH 16 – NH 116B
Distance: 171 km away
Time Taken: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Famous For: Seaside resort village
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10. Digha – A Coastal Resort Town
Located in the district of Purba Medinipur, Digha is one of the most popular seaside towns in the whole of West Bengal. Famous for its low gradient beach, Digha also happens to be one of the top places to visit near Kolkata that qualifies for an amazing road trip from Kolkata.
Route: NH 16 – NH 116B
Distance: 183 km away
Time Taken: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For: Sharks, rays and sea snakes
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11. Mukutmanipur – A Natural Resort
Mukutmanipur is a quaint and small village in the Bankura district of West Bengal. One of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata by road, Mukutmanipur has recently gained recognition as a picnic outing and weekend getaway for people living in the city. The village is essentially located near water bodies and boating has been favored by many tourists. The green forests and hillocks comprise a picturesque beauty that you cannot resist to capture in your camera. This is also one of the most travelled to long drive destinations near Kolkata.
Route: Via Raja Ram Mohan Sarani and NH 16
Distance: 228 km
Time Taken: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For: Kangsabati and Kumari rivers
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12. Jamshedpur – Visit The Myriad Of Attractions
Set on one of the best road trips from Kolkata to Jamshedpur that happens to be the first ever planned industrial city of India. Considered to be the heart of Jharkhand, Jamshedpur offers a myriad of attractions that ranges from wildlife sanctuaries to refreshing gardens like that of Jubilee Park. Apart from that, the city is also famous for being home to the tenth largest steel plant in the world of Tata Steel.
Route: NH 16
Distance: 283 km away
Time Taken: 6 hours and 40 minutes
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For: Tata Steel Zoological Park
Suggested Read: 33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata: Know What Makes It The City Of Joy
5 Road Trips From Kolkata Above 500 km
Here are 4 amazing road trips from Kolkata which take a little more distance to travel yet worth it. Above 500 km, what motivates you to drive are the serene natural abodes that lie ahead:
- Darjeeling – A Summer Paradise
- Kalimpong – The Offbeat Vibes
- Dooars Region – Mother Nature’s Resting Place
- Gangtok – The Most Picturesque Town
- Lachung – An Ideal Winter Paradise
13. Darjeeling – A Summer Paradise
Be it a car ride or a bike trip, a journey to the summer paradise of Darjeeling has to be one of the favorite road trips from Kolkata for all the travelers alike. Reckoned to be one of the popular hill stations near Kolkata, Darjeeling is set at a height of 6,700 feet that lets the travelers unwind in the refreshing environs of unspoilt nature. Also, don’t forget to try some of the best adventure sports in Darjeeling during your trip here!
Route: Badshahi Road – NH 12
Distance: 616 km away
Time Taken: 15 hours and 45 minutes
Best Time To Visit: March to mid-June and October to December
Famous For: Tea plantations
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14. Kalimpong – The Offbeat Vibes
Kalimpong is all about good vibes and chilled out feels which makes it a fascinating escape on the list of best road trips from Kolkata. The journey could be a bit tiring but the experience will be worth your money and efforts. Away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan, experience pure bliss with plenty of things to do in Kalimpong. They include paragliding, visiting haunted places, exploring wildlife and attaining peace at the monasteries. Perfect for a bike trip from Kolkata, this destination calls for a long-stay getaway.
Route: Badshahi Road – NH 12
Distance: 624 km away
Time Taken: 15 hours and 55 minutes
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to December
Famous For: Colonial-era buildings
Suggested Read: 9 Best Guest Houses In Kolkata Which Offers A Relaxing Stay In The Vibrant City!
15. Dooars Region – Mother Nature’s Resting Place
Image Credits: Rajib Nandi for Wikimedia
Dooars or Dooars region is one of the most naturally rich places to visit in West Bengal. Although, it is located a little farther away from Kolkata, visiting here would be worth it with the multitude of attractions. You will get to feel the chills on your way as the path is pretty scenic and the moment you realize you are in a different world, you get a nice clean peek of the Himalayas. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Fort, Teesta Barrage, Bhutanghat and Jayanti river are some of the best places to visit.
Route: Gajoldoba, Sevoke and Chalsa road (it is a vast region and multiple options are there to travel from)
Distance: 650 km
Time Taken: 10 hours
Best Time To Visit: April to June; October to December
Famous For: Alluvial floodplains
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16. Gangtok – The Most Picturesque Town
The capital city of Sikkim happens to be the most picturesque town in the Northeast India to enjoy one of the most thrilling road trips from Kolkata. Perched at a height of 5,410 feet, Gangtok houses people of multiple ethnicity that makes it a living testimony of unity in diversity. From the attractions to people, from natural wonders to rich history, and from the monasteries to the breathtaking views, there is no dearth of surprises in Gangtok. Also don’t forget to experience paragliding in Gangtok when you travel around for a thrilling experience.
Route: Badshahi Road – NH 12
Distance: 672 km away
Time Taken: 17 hours and 15 minutes
Best Time To Visit: September to June
Famous For: Buddhist pilgrimage sites
Suggested Read: 11 Lavish Resorts In Kolkata For A Comfortable Yet Memorable Stay
17. Lachung – An Ideal Winter Paradise
Located in the heart of Sikkim, Lachung is one of the popular mountain villages perched amidst the snowbound peaks on all sides. Overlooking the pristine Lachung River, this incredible winter paradise makes for an unforgettable escape on one of the most interesting and longest road trips from Kolkata. Of pine forests, hot springs, and waterfalls, Lachung Valley is an overall stunner to be honest!
Route: NH 12
Distance: 743 km away
Time Taken: 20 hours
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Famous For: Buddhist Lachung Monastery
Further Read: Kolkata Cuisine: From Traditional Curries To Sweet Specialities, Here’s All You Need To Try
So, here were a few awesome road trips from Kolkata that speak for itself as as to why you should visit here while planning for your trip to Kolkata. From historical cities to islands and small villages, there is a lot of variety to tour around. Make sure to research about the weather before visiting as driving conditions might be challenging!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Road Trips From Kolkata
Which is the best time to visit Kolkata?
October to March happens to be the best time to visit Kolkata though the city of Joy enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year.
Which are some of the nearest destinations for amazing road trips from Kolkata?
Raichak, Sunderbans, Bishnupur, Mandarmani, and Digha are some of the best and nearest places to enjoy amazing road trips from Kolkata.
What is the distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling road trip?
Darjeeling is set at a distance of about 616 km from the city of Kolkata.
What are some weekend destinations near Kolkata in monsoon?
Jamunadighi, Tajpur and Bagriposi are among the best pick if you are looking for a quick monsoon escape from Kolkata. The weather in the mentioned places stays pleasant and favorable during this time of the year, with landscape getting greener with every rainfall.
How far is Kolkata from Shantiniketan?
Shantiniketan is situated at a distance of approximately 162 km from Kolkata. There are numerous trains running between both the destinations. You can also hire a cab or taxi from Kolkata to reach Shantiniketan.
What are the top places to visit in Jamshedpur?
Jubilee Park Dimma Lake Here a few amazing places to visit in Kamshedpur: Tata Steel Zoological Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Hudco Lake, Russi Modi and Centre for Excellence.
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